Mr Swinney will firstly visited Kinross Primary School before making a visit to Tulloch Primary School in Perth. The Deputy First Minister met with pupils and staff as well as members of the construction team. During his visit he also viewed the sites and the progress of the steel frames currently being installed.

The new primary schools are part of a £55 million programme jointly funded by the local authority and the Scottish Government in Perth and Kinross which also includes a new secondary school at Bertha Park in Perth.

Mr Swinney said: “I have seen first-hand the transformational effect of new school buildings. Modern, state of the art facilities can inspire students, staff and parents and make a positive difference to learning outcomes.

“That which is why this government remains committed to improving schools in Perth and Kinross and throughout the country. Our £1.8 billion Schools for the Future programme will see the construction or refurbishment of 112 schools with a new project delivered in every local authority area, benefitting over 60,000 pupils by March 2020.”

Perth & Kinross Council education & lifelong learning committee convener, Councillor Bob Band, said: “It’s fantastic to see works beginning on our two new Primary Schools in Kinross and Tulloch.

“The new primary schools at Kinross and Tulloch are part of an overall investment programme of £145m from the council to improve the school estate.

“This is an ongoing commitment and reflects the importance we place on learning in Perth and Kinross.”

Gary Bushnell, chief executive of hub East Central Scotland, a key partner in these projects, added: “We have worked closely with Perth & Kinross Council to reach this key milestone and look forward to delivering two new high quality primary schools that will meet the needs of the communities that they serve.

“It follows our recent successful completions of the new Oakbank and Crieff primary schools, as well as the current construction programme for the new Alyth Primary School.”

Kevin Dickson, regional managing director of contractors Robertson Tayside, said: “This marks the first stage of what will be a transformational project for the region.

“Once complete, over one thousand young people will reap the benefits of state of the art learning facilities at the new Kinross Primary School and Tulloch Primary School. Robertson has extensive experience in delivering projects of this type and we look forward to successfully delivering both schools to the council.”

Kinross Primary School will see an increase in capacity to 566 pupils with a dedicated nursery provision for 64 children. Along with 18 open-plan teaching zones, within the school there will also be a dedicated gym hall and separate dining facilities.

Tulloch Primary School will have 14 open plan teaching zones with capacity for 434 pupils along with an increase in nursery provision to 40 children. A new and improved Additional Support Needs (ASN) base and nurture provision are also part of the new build.

Both primary schools will also see their external play area transformed with a grass pitch, Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), outdoor teaching facilities and eco-features. There will also be an improved pupil drop-off facilities and enhanced parking.