Work at the new building is already underway which will, innovatively, incorporate community services within the ground floor of the building and the school will be located within the upper two floors.

Council leader David Ross was helped by pupils both present and future to mark the occasion.

Commenting on the work so far, he said: “I’m so pleased to be here, to see how work is progressing and to meet some of the young people who are going to benefit from this outstanding new building.

“The Waid will be so much more than a school – it will be an asset the whole community can benefit from.

“The community hub concept is a new way of making the most of our assets to the greatest benefit of all. The building will incorporate a range of facilities and organisations under one roof which will include local services, a library and - for the first time in any of our buildings - police services.”

Erection of the steel framework is in progress and Martin Cooper, construction director Scotland, BAM, who attended the event, added, “We’ve undertaken fairly extensive ground works and are working on laying a new rugby pitch. However, it’s good to now see the shape of the building coming together and the pupils can get a better idea of the size and the scale of the school.”

Minister for learning, Alasdair Allan, said: “I’m delighted I could be part of the ground breaking ceremony for Waid Academy which marked an exciting milestone for the new school and community hub.

“The Scottish Government has worked closely with Fife Council to help improve its school estate and I’m pleased we could provide around £11 million in funding towards this project through our Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme. This is an ambitious project which will provide a modern environment for pupils to learn in and fantastic new facilities for the whole community to enjoy.

“I look forward to seeing the school when it’s finished next year.”

Waid will be one of six secondary schools and two primaries which make up Fife Council’s £250m+ Building Fife’s Future Programme. It is one of a new breed of community buildings which bring a number of services under one roof - with the new Waid taking the concept one step further. The project is being delivered for Fife Council by hub East Central Scotland in partnership with BAM Construction.

The new Waid will open in 2017.