BELLSBANK Primary school pupils joined their headteacher and council leader to lay a ceremonial brick as a topping out ceremony for their new school took place.

The special event was held at the site of the new Bellsbank Primary and Early Childhood Centre as the building starts to take shape ahead of it’s scheduled opening next year.

As part of the proceedings, Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council, with primary pupils from Bellsbank PS & ECC and Headteacher Donald Currie visited the construction site.

The new facilities will replace the existing school and represent a £6.1 million investment, with £4.65 million coming from East Ayrshire Council and an additional £1.45 million from the Scottish Government Early Learning and Childcare capital-funding programme.

As well as provide an educational hub, they will also boast an exciting social and leisure spot in the heart of the village.

Councillor Douglas Reid said: “This is an exciting development for Bellsbank and, by next year, this area will be home to a stunning new building, offering something for everyone in the local community.

“The Bellsbank development builds on our unswerving commitment to make sure every young person in East Ayrshire benefits from the very best education we can possibly offer.”

The building work has also seen the contractors, Ashleigh Construction, offer a number of local pupils work experience, with additional apprentices also being employed on site.

Site visits and engagement events with the local community and schools have also taken place allowing the community to have an insight and up to date knowledge on the progress and eventual benefits.

Councillor Fiona Campbell, Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning said the new facility will deliver an “inspirational and exciting new environment in which our youngest learners can develop and grow.”