South Lanarkshire Council

The addition of these three schools takes the total to 74 new or improved primary schools to be completed as part of the Council's £812million Schools Modernisation Programme.

Stonehouse Primary School, which was built by Lendlease at a cost of £7.5m, has eight mainstream classrooms, three Additional Support Needs classrooms, an Assembly/Gym with stage, Dining Room, General Purpose Area, Library Area, ICT Suite and a nursery for up to 30 pupils at any one time.

Head Teacher Mrs Libby Colquhoun said: "We are very happy with our new school building and can't wait to show it off to parents and the wider school community. Parents will have a chance to have a look round at parent's night and we hope to have an open evening on 7th November for friends of the school.

"The classes are bright and airy and the facilities we have throughout the school for every group of pupils are second to none. We really are delighted with the new primary and nursery.”

Quarter Primary's 80 pupils are also delighted with their new school, built by SLC Building Services.

Head Teacher Faye McNaughton said: "The children are delighted to be back in Quarter and are over the moon with their new school. It really is fantastic. We're happy that some of the sandstone bricks from the old building have been used as it keeps the history of Quarter Primary School at the heart of the new school and reminds us of the support we have received from the community over many years.

"As an Eco school we really wanted to bring the outside in to our new school and I feel the architects have done this fantastically well by using natural wood and glass to make the most of the spectacular views.”

"We will be having an open day and evening so that everyone who wants to will have the opportunity to see our fantastic new school."

Blackwood Primary School opened with a fantastic reception from its 236 pupils.

The building was constructed by Morgan Sindall and combines educational accommodation and community hall/ fitness suite and library for the local community of Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill.

Head teacher Christine McMillan said: "The accommodation in our new school is fabulous. It is bright and colourful which is ideal for a primary school and because the pupils were involved in some of the key decisions about interior design they have already taken ownership of their building. It is a very exciting time for all of us.

"We are hosting an open evening on Thursday 8th November from 3:30pm till 8pm to let parents and friends of the school see for themselves what a wonderful school it is."

And Councillor Jean McKeown, the chair of the council's Education Resources Committee, said: "It was a pleasure to visit these new schools and it is good to see the excitement that has been generated amongst pupils and staff.

"I have no doubt that the modern buildings will inspire children and give them the educational facilities that will help raise their attainment.

"A total of 74 new primary schools have now been built which is a great milestone to have reached. But it doesn't stop there - we are committed to replacing each and every one of the Council's Primary Schools over the next few years which is excellent news for children, young people and families in South Lanarkshire."