Work on the £11 million project to replace the schools will now start in March.

The replacement school for Warddykes Primary School will contain 11 classrooms, games hall, dining hall, nursery and ancillary accommodation.

The new school will be constructed on an operational school site which will be demolished upon completion of the new school.

Timmergreens Primary School’s new build replacement school will provide 222 primary pupils spaces and a 30/30 nursery. In addition to this the school will also provide 2 GP rooms, a multi-purpose hall, kitchens and community food prep room.

The work is the first phase of Angus Council’s major investment programme to upgrade the primary school estate in Arbroath.

Council education spokesperson Councillor Sheena Welsh said: “The delay is very disappointing but it is out with our control we don’t appoint the contractor. A portion of the funding for the project is provided by the Scottish Future Trust and their procurement agent, hub East Central Scotland Limited (hubco), appoints the contractor.

“Hubco was unable to resolve a contractual issue with the original contractor and is now appointing another one. They anticipate that work will start on both sites in March - we will share the details of the new works schedule as soon as it is available.”

The new schools will open in 2016.