Aberdeen’s newest school is receiving the finishing touches to make sure it gets top marks from pupils, staff and parents when it opens next week.
Lochside Academy will serve the Torry, Kincorth, Cove and Nigg areas, replacing the recently-closed Torry and Kincorth academies.
The £47million school is the largest in the city, and with capacity for 1,350 pupils. Facilities include a six-lane swimming pool, dance studio, 3G pitch, games hall and a garden, all of which will be open to the wider community.
Head teacher Neil Hendry, who previously head of Northfield Academy for five years, yesterday gave the city council’s co-leaders Douglas Lumsden and Jenny Laing and education convener John Wheeler a tour of the three-storey building ahead of its grand opening next week.
Mr Hendry said: “I’m very excited, this has been a number of years in the making, and I can’t wait to welcome all the young people here on August 23.
“This is a purpose-built school fit for the 21st century – the ICT facilities are second to none, as are the music, science, sport facilities, and everything else.
“We invited pupils for a tour at the end of last term, and the young people I spoke to were really looking forward to the opportunities that Lochside will bring to them.”
He added: “We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to make sure that staff, pupils are parents feel welcome here from day one and ensure that we can live up to Lochside’s ambitions to inspire individuals and be outstanding together.”
Mr Wheeler said: “Only last month pupils and staff were bidding an emotional farewell to their old academies in Kincorth and Torry.
“I am sure, however, that everyone who is moving to Lochside will be full of excitement at the thought of moving to their fabulous new home.”
