The completion of a sustainably-built primary school in South Lanarkshire has been marked with an official ‘handover’ ceremony.

Robbie McKillop, public sector director at multidisciplinary design consultancy Morgan Sindall Professional Services (MSPS), attended the official ‘handover’ of Biggar Primary School which is now ready for teachers and pupils to move in.

Jim Thom, framework manager and Edward Carr, area director from Morgan Sindall plc, also attended the event as framework partners to South Lanarkshire Council.

MSPS provided mechanical and electrical services to the project, working closely with AHR Architects. Key to successful delivery was energy efficiency, ensuring environmental sustainability and reduced operating costs for the school.

Robbie McKillop said that sustainability, a key focus for MSPS, is particularly important in public sector design: “Design needs to consider the lifecycle of a building in order that long term budgets are used efficiently. Our M&E design provides extensive natural ventilation, photovoltaic panels to provide the school with free electricity, LED lighting throughout and a high level of air tightness. This contributed to the school achieving the A-rated EPC (Energy Performance Certificate).”

Built over three floors, Biggar is one of the largest primary schools of the eight handed over in MSPS’ South Lanarkshire completed design portfolio. Other schools from the South Lanarkshire Council framework that MSPS are currently working on include Machanhill, Udston and Braidwood Primary schools.