A new nursery opened in Buckie yesterday after a £600,000 transformation project.
The Lady Cathcart Community Centre was completely refurbished and has been given a new lease of life as a childcare facility.
The project was funded completely by the Scottish Government as part of its commitment to increase childcare hours from 600 hours to 1,140 hours by 2020 for three and four-year-olds, as well as some two-year-olds and will be a welcome boost to parents in the town.
Children have already been enrolled at the nursery and have settled into their new premises, which offers up to 50 childcare places.
Scottish Government Minister for Young People Maree Todd opened the Lady Cathcart Nursery and unveiled a plaque for occasion.
She was also given the chance to meet the children enrolled there and received a guided tour from nursery staff where she was presented with flowers to thank her.
Mrs Todd was delighed to open the new facility.
She said: “We are committed to giving children growing up in Scotland the best start in life, and part of that is taking forward this work to deliver a transformational increase in early learning and childcare, providing around 750 new, extended or refurbished nurseries like this one.
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“I’m delighted to open this new and inspiring space for up to 50 children, who will receive a high quality experience within this fantastic indoor and outdoor space.”
The council-run facility underwent a £672,000 refurbishment to bring it up to a high standard which included the installation of new changing facilities, development of a family room and specialist provision for children with additional support needs.
Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson was pleased to see the Scottish Government investing in the region.
He said: “I am delighted to see the Scottish Government investing over £600,000 in Buckie and shows the commitment this Government has to the North-east and the children who live here.
“The nursery looks great and I hope the children have a lot of fun – and enjoy learning – in their new, refurbished facility.”