It is proposed that the new £24 million non-denominational school will be constructed on the site of Riverside Primary School, with pupils and staff from Riverside and Letham moving into the newly constructed school for the start of the academic term in August 2027.

The project will provide the opportunity to bring together two existing schools in a well-established community and act as a catalyst for regeneration of the Craigshill community, providing a central, focal point for children and families. Secondly, the delivery of a state-of-the-art school will aim to support the educational priorities and inspire the young people who attend.

West Lothian Council is funding 50% of the project, with the Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP), a joint scheme between Scottish and local government, providing the remaining 50%. The project will also provide a focal point for families and young people in the area.

A formal consultation is required for any proposal to establish a new school, the catchment area for a new school or closure of a school, and also gives the local community a chance to voice their opinions on the proposed development.

Next week, the Education Executive will be presented with the findings of the consultation, which was extremely positive, and be asked to approve the school’s name; Craigshill Primary School. The Executive will also be asked to agree the catchment area for the school, which would cover the current catchment areas for Letham and Riverside primaries. The proposed new school would have a capacity of 462, with 80 nursery places, to ensure there is sufficient capacity for the area.

The current Riverside Primary School building was closed in July 2023 due to issues with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), with pupils relocated to the nearby former Beatlie School building. The new school is subject to planning permission being obtained and final designs being agreed. These are artist impressions at this stage.