School Opening to Mark Catholic Schools Centenary
The official opening of Inverclyde Council’s new £9.2million primary school is to take place on the centenary of the law allowing the state funding
of Catholic schools.
The Education (Scotland) Act 1918 received Royal Assent 100 years ago on 21 November.
Wednesday 21 November 2018 will see the official opening of the new St Ninian’s Primary in Gourock – the latest school to be completed as part of Inverclyde Council’s £270million investment in its school estate.
The Right Reverend John Keenan, Bishop of Paisley, will formerly open the new school. He said: “The 1918 Act brought together the Church and State in what has been a unique and successful partnership that continues to serve the people of Scotland well.
“I am delighted we will have the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of pupils who have attended Catholic schools over the past one hundred years while also celebrating the bright future of pupils at St Ninian’s in their new home.”
Inverclyde Council’s Education & Communities Convener Councillor Jim Clocherty said: “Catholic schools are not just good for Catholics but for the whole community and over the years they have made an extremely positive and much appreciated contribution.
“Although already a frequent visitor to our Parishes I am looking forward to welcoming Bishop John to Inverclyde in November where we can join together to publicly mark both an historic date for Catholic education in Scotland and an historic date for Catholic education in Inverclyde.
The new St Ninian’s is being built on the blaes gravel pitches at the current school site and the existing building will be demolished once the work is complete.
It has 13 classrooms, a gym, dining hall, music room and a library over its two stories. Children will be dropped off at a dedicated lay-by with space for three buses and pedestrian access will be from Staffa Street, Drumshantie Road and Kirn Drive.
It is the latest project in Inverclyde Council’s £270 million schools estate programme.
The £5million refurbishment of Moorfoot Primary in Gourock has recently completed. Lady Alice Primary’s £3.8million refurbishment is close to completion.