Work on the £60.5 million project will begin on-site next month in Winchburgh, one of West Lothian’s three core development areas which will see a significant number of new homes being built over the next ten years.

The proposed schools project includes:

• A replacement Holy Family Primary School with initial capacity for two hundred and thirty-one pupils, including a 64-place nursery;
• A non-denominational secondary school - Winchburgh Academy - with initial capacity for six hundred and sixty pupils;
• A denominational secondary school - Sinclair Academy - with initial capacity for six hundred and sixty pupils;
• A shared physical education and community block with floodlit synthetic and grass sports pitches, and a 25m swimming pool.

All facilities will be open and in use in 2023.

Scott Brown, Hub South East’s projects director, said: “A great deal of work has gone into the development and design of this project in the background, so reaching Contract Close is a significant milestone in making the new schools for Winchburgh a reality.

“Having already successfully delivered the award-winning inspiring learning space at West Calder, we are proud to be entrusted to take forward West Lothian Council’s latest investment in education and we look forward to working with our partners and the local community as the project progresses.”

Eddie Robertson, managing director for Morrison Construction Central, said: “This is an ambitious project that will really transform the education provision for children in the area. We are delighted that West Lothian Council has trusted us with such an important scheme and look forward to working with them to provide high-quality facilities for the staff and pupils of the three schools.”

Councillor David Dodds, executive councillor for education in West Lothian Council, added: “This is a significant step forward in what is an enormous investment in education within West Lothian and the local economy, as a whole. We are delighted that significant progress is being made on this ambitious programme.

“The new schools and facilities will provide local people with fantastic facilities for generations to come and we’re very proud to delivering this project.”