Main contractor Robertson Construction began work at the new £16m replacement Milltimber School within the Oldfold Farm development last month.

The new building, which will replace the existing school at Monearn Gardens, is expected to take 70 weeks to complete.

The new school will offer an increased capacity of 434 pupils as compared with the current school’s capacity of 270 and will be much better equipped to accommodate the predicted increase in school rolls as well as offering increased Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) capacity.

The single storey-building will include 14 classrooms and activity area as well as an all-weather 3G synthetic sports pitch.

Councillor Marie Boulton, Aberdeen City Council’s capital programme committee convener, said: “I’m delighted that work has got underway at the new Milltimber School site despite the impact of COVID-19.

“The new school will be welcomed by the whole community I’m sure and with its increased size and modern facilities it will not only help meet the expected school roll increases but also better deliver on our ELC commitments.

“The new school builds across the city as well our new ELC settings reflect our determination to invest in children and young people in line with the Local Outcome Improvement Plan.”

Kevin Dickson, regional managing director, Robertson Construction Tayside, said: “Milltimber Primary School will be a welcome addition to Aberdeen City Council’s education estate.

“Robertson is proud to be delivering Milltimber and of our on-going relationship with the City Council. We have a wealth of experience within the education sector which complements the admirable commitment that is being shown by Aberdeen City to ensure the best education facilities for future generations.”

Aberdeen City Council’s capital programme should see four new schools – in Milltimber, Countesswells, Torry and Tillydrone delivered by summer 2022 with all four contributing to the city’s ELC expansion.