The works were highlighted in a visit to the school on Friday 22 November, together with Perthshire South and Kinross-shire MSP Jim Fairlie, senior Perth and Kinross councillors and council officials, and representatives from construction partners Robertson and hub East Central Scotland (hubco).

The Perth High School project is being delivered for the council by Robertson Construction Tayside on behalf of hubco and is being built to exacting Passivhaus building design standards, where energy saving measures and providing a comfortable environment are an integral part of the process.

Up to 1,600 pupils and 140 staff will be accommodated in the new three-storey building, which is being constructed at the existing High School site, with the current school building set to be demolished and the ground transformed to provide a 3G sports pitch and multi-use games area (MUGA) when the new building is completed in 2025.   

Mr Swinney said: “I was pleased to see first-hand the progress being made on the new Perth High School building, which represents a significant investment in the future of our young people.

“This state-of-the-art facility will provide an outstanding learning environment for pupils and staff while demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and tackling the climate emergency. I commend Perth and Kinross Council and all partners involved in this transformative project, which will undoubtedly have a lasting positive impact on the community.”

Councillor John Rebbeck, Perth and Kinross Council’s convener of Families and Learning, added: “As we get closer to Perth High School opening the doors of its brand new facilities to young people and staff, I am very pleased that Mr Swinney is able to join us and see first-hand how works are progressing on site, and I welcome the positive way that the Council has worked in partnership with the Scottish Government.

“This £80m project is a key element of the council’s programme to improve the learning estate in Perth and Kinross by investing in the provision of modern, fit-for-purpose facilities, and additionally by building to Passivhaus standards, one of the first schools of its kind in Scotland alongside Riverside Primary, we aim to reduce our environmental impact.”

Kevin Dickson, regional managing director, Robertson Construction Tayside, commented: “Hosting the First Minister and Perth and Kinross Council at the new Perth High School has been a great opportunity to show the progress of the build, and highlight our commitment to quality and sustainability. Once complete, the school will be an integral part of the community, helping young people reach their full potential while supporting our collective journey to net zero. 

“Building to Passivhaus standards once again with the Council demonstrates the importance placed on delivering cutting-edge projects in a sustainable, forward-thinking way.”  

Robertson is the contractor of choice for a number of low energy projects across the UK, having delivered the first Passivhaus school in Scotland for Perth & Kinross Council, Riverside Primary School. 

Gary Bushnell, chief executive, hub East Central Scotland, said: “It’s great to see the new school taking shape and we look forward to handing over a first class facility next year that will serve the community for generations to come.”