Proposals for a third primary school in Portlethen were approved today. Now steps will be taken to source funding for a £12.9 million primary school at Hillside, which could be completed by June 2016.

North Kincardine Liberal Democrat councillor Ian Mollison welcomed the decision. “This is great news. The case for a third primary school makes sense. With the new curriculum and the changing needs of today’s youngsters it became plain that the existing schools would not be able to cope.

“Everyone – council staff, councillors, and the community – pulled together for the benefit of our young people.”

The future of educational provision in Portlethen was considered by Aberdeenshire Council’s key policy & resources committee today (Thursday, June 13).

The councillors heard how on Tuesday Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee had unimously backed the proposals.

A report from council officers recommended proceeding with a primary school at Hillside.

A recent school estate review predicts that the school roll at Fishermoss Primary will fall to 214 (currently 261) in 2018, while the school roll at Portlethen Primary will rise to 646 (currently 309) in the same period.

Also taken in account was the issue of extensive housing development at Hillside, which lies to the west of the A90. 

The new 355-pupil capacity school will have the core facilities to accommodate 540 pupils in the future. It is estimated to cost £12.9million and has a target completion date of June 2016. 

With £1.8million of the project cost identifiable from planning gain, councillors also instructed the Capital Plan Group to identify the remaining £11.1million funding in the Capital Plan and report back to the committee.

There has already been wide consultation with the community on the proposals. The community of Portlethen favour a three-school solution.

In the meantime two temporary classrooms will be brought back into use at Portlethen and a further two temporary classrooms provided.