The campus had been progressing on schedule but lockdown meant that all construction work had to stop in March. Now back on-site and back on track, the company has reprogrammed the remaining works and confirmed its new target date of October 9.

Alex McPhee, East Ayrshire Council’s depute chief executive & chief financial officer, said: “This has been a challenging time for many sectors, including the construction industry and Morrison has worked closely with the council to make sure the new campus can be completed as early as possible. Confirmation that the official handover date will be Friday 9 October is very welcome news and reflects our shared ambitions for the project.”

Linda McAulay-Griffiths, head of education, said: “I am delighted that Morrison Construction has confirmed the new handover date for the Barony Campus. Our ambitious school building programme over the last few years means we have a wealth of experience of moving children and young people into new schools. For Barony this will mean a phased approach with the Robert Burns Academy pupils moving in first followed a few weeks later by Lochnorris Primary School, Hillside School and Cherry Trees Early Childhood Centre.

“All of the arrangements we are putting in place will reflect the most up to date guidance from the Scottish Government on the return of children and young people to school.”