Scotland’s deputy first minister visits CLT school
9 October 2019John Swinney, Scotland’s deputy first minister and cabinet secretary for education and skills, has visited Merkinch Primary School coinciding with the completion of a state-of-the-art cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure.
This is the first primary school in the Highlands and the largest school in Scotland to be built using a CLT frame.
The new campus – which is being delivered by Robertson – comprises an L-shaped modern primary and nursery block, with courtyard, astro-turf pitch and multi-use games area. The listed Victorian building, which has housed the school for almost 150 years will be retained and enhanced to accommodate the school dining room and family centre.
“It is fantastic to see the progress already made on the construction of Merkinch Primary School,” said Mr Swinney.
“The innovative construction preserves the current B-listed building while employing cutting edge techniques to create a modern campus the whole community can be proud of. I look forward to seeing it again when completed.”
Construction of the new school commenced in February and work on the CLT frame began in April.
