The ‘topping out’ ceremony was a very special occasion for two local families, the Trotters and Wilsons, who won a competition to have their names engraved on bricks of the new facility.

Two bricks were laid in a wall on-site by North Ayrshire Provost Ian Clarkson during the ceremony.

The ‘topping out’ milestone celebrates the building being wind and water tight and is another exciting step toward the officially opening next year.

The £44 million project will create a modern, fit-for-purpose facility for a relocated Largs Academy, along with a relocated St Mary’s RC school, an amalgamated Brisbane and Kelburn Primary school, and new Early Learning Centre.

Work started last October and construction is on schedule and due to be completed by March 2018.

The Largs Campus project has been developed and delivered in partnership with hub South West Scotland.

Morrison Construction operations director, Allan Cunningham, said: “We are delighted to welcome members of the council and the local community to the campus to see how much progress we have made so far on this fantastic new school. We will be working hard with all stakeholders involved to make sure we continue our excellent progress and deliver a first-class facility for the children of the local area.”

Michael McBrearty, chief executive of hub South West Scotland, added: “It’s fantastic to be able to invite the local community and pupils from the schools involved in this project onto the Largs Campus site, and give people the opportunity to see this innovative facility come together.

“This special event further reiterates this new development as a true community campus which will have a positive effect in the area for generations to come.”