£62 million worth of investment in Argyll and Bute schools was completed this week with the opening of the new Oban High school and Campbeltown Grammer School.

With all works now finished, invited guests went along to the new schools for the official opening ceremony and to get a tour of the state of the art facility from pupils.

Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Education, Cllr Yvonne McNeilly, (Conservative, Cowal) said: “It has been a real honour to have  been invited to take part in these ceremonies. It’s wonderful to see that pupils have settled well into their new surroundings and are thriving from the facilities on offer.

“We want the very best start for our children and young people, and we want Argyll and Bute to be the best place for them to grow up. We want families to remain in this area, and be attracted to live here. We could not have better facilities and staff or greater commitment from our wider school communities .

“The demonstrations that the young people have put on for us have been marvellous. From gymnasts and dancers to musicians, bee-keepers and engineers - they have helped to show the variety of talent there is in our schools,  and are a real credit to themselves, their families and their communities.

I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in the official openings and I wish the pupils all the very best in their learning.”

Joining Cllr McNeilly in Oban were Cllr Jamie McGrigor (Conservative, Oban South & the Isles) and Cllr Andrew Vennard (Conservative, Oban North & Lorn)

Cllr Vennard said "I would like to congratulate head teacher Peter Bain, his staff, and the pupils at the school for their work over the last year in getting the new school building up and running."

Andrew Jack, Pre-construction Director for Morrison Construction, said: “It’s great to see the pupils and staff settling in so well to their new surroundings and how the new facilities are already having a beneficial impact on the educational experience.

“Morrison Construction places great importance in giving back to local communities. We are pleased that we could do this in Argyll and Bute by using local suppliers and helping to create new jobs and apprenticeship opportunities across the region.”