The new schools are being constructed at Blindwells and Craighall as a result of planned new housing in the area. East Lothian Council’s development partner Hub South East was appointed to deliver the schools with Balfour Beatty working as the principal contractor.

Construction began at both sites in 2024 for completion in late Spring 2025. Project costs for both schools combined are estimated at £49.6 million and are predominately funded through Section 75 developer contributions.

Drainage works are now well advanced with foundations completed across both sites. The structural steel frame is also well advanced showing the shape of the buildings and the distinctive ‘saw tooth’ roof design with openings which will eventually be sky lights flooding the spaces with natural light. Work will continue on the frame and drainage installations in the weeks ahead while roof works are due to begin in early summer.

Cabinet member for education and children’s and family services, Councillor Fiona Dugdale visited the sites to meet with the project teams.

She said: “We are investing significant sums in two brand new schools at Craighall and Blindwells and it’s exciting to see them begin to take shape. The buildings will be focal points within their new communities and, together with our partners at Hub South East and contractors Balfour Beatty, we want to make sure they are spaces that they can be proud of. I look forward to seeing the buildings progress and establishing two new high-quality schools to join our education offering in East Lothian.”

Andrew Thornton, Hub South East’s project director, added: “It’s fantastic to see the progress being made on both builds, taking us closer to the exciting plans for Craighall and Blindwells becoming reality. The designs for these new schools have been developed using Passivhaus principles, so pupils and staff will not only benefit from modern new learning spaces, the buildings themselves will be energy efficient and will assist our Client in meeting progressive Scottish Government environmental targets.”

Atholl McKay, operations director at Balfour Beatty, commented: “We are pleased to see the progress being made at Blindwells and Craighall primary schools, with the steel frames now in situ.

“Once complete next year, these new high-quality, energy-efficient schools will serve as key community hubs, supporting the educational needs of the growing local population.”