Pupils joined the school’s head teacher Andy Sinclair to assist education convener Councillor Elaine Green to carry out the turf cutting at the site of the new school.

The new school is being built at the Johnny Kelly Pavilion and blaes pitch site adjacent to the existing school, which will remain open throughout construction with no disruption to pupil education.

Just under £8m of the cost is being met by East Renfrewshire Council with the remainder made up by the Scottish Futures Trust. The school is expected to open in time for the 2017 summer term.

The new school is being delivered in partnership with hub West Scotland, the council’s development partner.

The timetable for the build was most recently delayed following changes to European accounting rules. This technical accounting issue delayed a number of public sector finance projects in Scotland, including Barrhead High.

East Renfrewshire convener for Education councillor Elaine Green said: “I’m very pleased to see the building of this new school get officially underway.

“The plans for the school look absolutely fantastic – it will be an outstanding facility for the pupils, staff, parents and local community for many years to come.

“The new Barrhead High will transform the life and work of the whole school community and will give the town, not just a building that they can be proud of, but a focal point for learning to continue to take place in a wide variety of forms.”

Barrhead High head teacher Andy Sinclair said: “This is a significant day for all involved with our school. We are delighted that work on the new Barrhead High has now started and is moving ahead so quickly and smoothly. Once finished, the building will provide a well-equipped, exceptional learning environment for students and staff and be a valuable resource for the whole Barrhead community.”

Debbie McNamara, chief executive at hub West Scotland, added: “We are thrilled to see work begin at the new Barrhead High School. This is our second project to start on site with our partners East Renfrewshire Council, and is being delivered jointly with Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School in West Dunbartonshire to provide value for money whilst creating exemplary contemporary educational facilities.”