First Minister John Swinney, accompanied by Perthshire North MSP, visited the construction site of the new Perth High School last Friday. The new £80 million school building, set to open in summer 2025, was inspected by Mr. Swinney, along with Perthshire South and Kinross-shire MSP Jim Fairlie, Perth and Kinross councillors, officials, and representatives from Robertson and hub East Central Scotland. The school is being built to meet Passivhaus design standards, incorporating energy-saving features. The three-storey building will accommodate up to 1600 pupils and 140 staff, replacing the current school building at the Oakbank Road site.
The project, managed by Robertson Construction Tayside for hubco, includes plans to demolish the existing school and create sports facilities upon completion in 2026. Mr. Swinney expressed his satisfaction with the investment in young people’s future and the school’s commitment to sustainability. Council convener John Rebbeck commended the collaborative effort between the council and the Scottish Government to enhance the learning environment in Perth. Robertson’s regional managing director, Kevin Dickson, highlighted the progress and focus on quality and sustainability, reiterating the significance of building to Passivhaus standards.
Hub East Central Scotland’s CEO, Gary Bushnell, expressed excitement for the project’s completion next year and its long-term community impact. Perth and Kinross Council’s initiative to modernize educational facilities aligns with their goal of reducing environmental impact. The new Perth High School follows the success of Perth’s Riverside Primary School, also constructed to Passivhaus standards by Robertson. The commitment to innovative and sustainable projects demonstrates the efforts towards a forward-thinking approach in construction and education.
In summary, the visit by First Minister John Swinney to the new Perth High School construction site highlights the government’s investment in providing modern and sustainable learning environments for young people. The collaboration between various stakeholders signifies a collective effort to enhance educational facilities and address climate challenges. By embracing cutting-edge building standards, the project not only improves infrastructure but also sets a benchmark for future developments in the region.