Development of a £23million school in Aberdeenshire is back on track after delays earlier this year.
The building in Laurencekirk, which is set to replace Mearns Academy, was delayed by seven weeks in May. It will open to teachers on August 18 and pupils on August 21, at the beginning of the new term.
Mearns councillor George Carr said: “I thing things are on schedule now despite a small delay earlier in the year.
“It’s a fantastic resource for Mearns, and it’s due to open in time for the start of the new term in August. I think there will be celebrations across the Mearns when the facility is ready.”
The new school will have places for 640 pupils and has the option to accommodate a further 200 if an extension is built.
The plans were approved by Aberdeenshire Council last year as part of a £400 million investment on key infrastructure upgrades.
A four-court games hall, gym, fitness suite, library and assembly hall will all be included in the new facility, and will be open for the public to use.
The playing fields at the current Mearns Academy will also be kept for pupils to use.
Councillor Ron McKail, vice chairman of the council’s education, learning and leisure committee, said: “I think it’s tremendous for Laurencekirk and the Mearns area. It will provide better facilities and a better educational experience for the pupils, and will be very beneficial for the community.
“I drove past a couple of nights ago and it’s looking excellent. It’s a massive building and is quite different from the old Mearns Academy. It will be very much appreciated and welcomed by the pupils, the teachers, and the wider community.”