Pupils from Dalneigh primary school in Inverness yesterday celebrated the opening of their new dining hall and commercial kitchen extension.
The facilities have a capacity for 350 children over three sittings, two for primary and one for nursery.
Head teacher Rhona MacCormack said: “I’m delighted that work is complete.
“The additional space and inclusion of an onsite commercial kitchen is going to make such a difference to our lunchtime preparation and pupil experience as the number of children taking school meals is on the rise.
“Freeing up the hall will allow us to have lunchtime clubs and sports activities going on without affecting the serving of meals.”
Inverness West councillor Alex Graham added: “This is a great day for Dalneigh Primary. Previously food was prepared at a nearby school and taken to Dalneigh.
“Pupils will now benefit from the new commercial kitchen and enjoy meals which are freshly prepared onsite.
“The new dining hall is a real bonus, providing better facilities and enabling the existing hall space to be used for other activities all day.”
Morgan Sindall Construction was appointed under a design and build contract.
The works were managed and supervised by Highland Council’s property team within the development & infrastructure service.
Stuart Parker, managing director of MSC in Scotland said: “We’re very pleased to hand over this latest project for our longstanding and valued customer, the Highland Council.
“Delivering it on time is particularly gratifying and everyone involved can be proud of a job well done.”
Councillor John Finlayson, chairman of the care, learning and housing committee, said: “Delivering this much needed addition to Dalneigh Primary School is a fine example of our priorities programme, where we use innovative and flexible approaches when refurbishing and renovating our Highland schools in becoming more sustainable and making best use of the available budget.”
