Work has started on an innovative £17million school for children with additional support needs in Aberdeen.
A turf-cutting ceremony marked the launch of the centre of excellence, which will cater for 150 youngsters aged between three and 18.
The first of its kind in Aberdeen, the building on Howes Road will be more than a complex needs school, with centres for outreach services such as speech and launch and teaching and training facilities.
There will also be a meeting point for families and charities, and a multi-agency facility for health, education, social work and family support.
A special assistant support needs (ASN) playground and garden for the whole ASN community to access is also planned.
When completed, the building will replace Woodlands School and Hazelwood School. A pre-school additional support service, currently provided in Seaton School, will also be relocated to the new campus.
Aberdeen City Council worked with hub North Scotland and JM Architects on the plans for the project and Ogilvie Construction will carry out the work, which is due to finish in April 2017.
Angela Taylor, convener of the council’s education committee, said the school would be a boost for youngsters with ASN in the city.
She said: “This is such an exciting opportunity to provide the best for our learners with additional support needs here in the city.
“The centre of excellence is another example of this council’s determination to build the finest school accommodation to allow our young people to unlock their potential.
“It also highlights our continuing commitment to work in partnership with other agencies such as NHS Grampian to deliver a holistic service, which fully meets the needs to children with complex additional support needs.
“We will continue to work with the young people, their parents and staff in the months ahead to ensure a smooth transition to the new school.”
Hub North Scotland’s chief executive Angus Macfarlane also welcomed the beginning of the project.
He said: “Today’s event signals the start of construction as we create a first class facility that will enhance the care and education provision for children with additional support needs here in Aberdeen.”