The new campus is being constructed on the playing fields at the current Hayshead Primary School, an approach which allows both Hayshead and St Thomas primary schools to remain operational throughout the construction period.

Children and learning convener, Councillor Derek Wann, said: “I am delighted that this work is underway. The new-build sees a fantastic new shared campus and early years facility in Arbroath and will serve our community now and also for generations to come.

“The new campus features a range of modern fit-for-purpose learning spaces, it marks an important chapter in the Arbroath schools project as well as taking another step in our ambitions for a school estate which provides the best quality learning environments for all of our children and young people, and which makes the best use of the resources available.”

Designed by Holmes Miller, the multi-million pound project is being managed and delivered by hub East Central Scotland and constructed by main contractor Robertson Tayside.

The new shared campus will include:

Gary Bushnell, chief executive, hub East Central Scotland, said: “It is great to see work now starting on site and we look forward to delivering another two high quality schools for the community when the campus is complete. Our team has worked closely with Angus Council to deliver their vision for education and learning, successfully completing four new schools in recent years, and now with a further four currently under construction.”

Kevin Dickson, managing director, Robertson Tayside, said: “The shared campus will have a huge impact on children of both Hayshead and St Thomas primary schools, with a modern learning environment that will be among the very best in the country. With the build now commenced, we look forward to continued engagement with the local community as the construction programme progresses. We have built many schools across Tayside and are committed to delivering another facility of the highest quality that benefits children, staff and the wider community.”

Gemma Boggs, education delivery director at the Scottish Futures Trust, added: “Our management of the Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme is helping all of Scotland’s 32 councils succeed in delivering the very best teaching and learning environments within ever-tightening budgets. As well as supporting many thousands of construction jobs, the programme is creating and delivering world-class, award-winning learning environments that not only meet future educational needs but are vibrant community assets as well.

“When open, the shared campus for Hayshead and St Thomas RC Primary Schools and early years facility will play a vital part in the local community, with many facilities available for locals to use.”

Both schools are expected to occupy the new building in February 2020.