Plans on a £2million expansion of a prestigious Moray school have been unveiled.
Gordonstoun has revealed plans to create a new boarding house at its campus near Duffus, bringing an influx of extra pupils to the region.
The school has commissioned Elgin-based construction firm Robertson with refurbishing and extending a disused building so that it can host an extra 55 bedrooms.
Gordonstoun management say the renovation work is part of an ongoing project to enhance the estate’s buildings.
The school’s finance director, Hugh Brown, said: “This work is a key part of a plan to continuously improve the facilities at Gordonstoun.
“We are particularly pleased to award the contract to a locally based firm, as we have a policy of working with local suppliers whenever possible.”
The Ogstoun House building was previously used as the school’s dance and drama studio.
The renovation work is expected to complete this August.
Robertson’s regional managing director, Frank Reid, said the task of improving one of Scotland’s most famous schools carried “great responsibility”.
Mr Reid said: “As one of the most highly thought of schools in the country, any work at Gordonstoun carries with it great responsibility.
“We particularly want to ensure that the heritage of this institution is preserved.
“We are delighted to be working with the school to provide a boarding environment which it can be proud of for years to come.”
A third of Gordonstoun’s 600-strong student body is Scottish, while a third hail from other parts of the UK. The rest of its population come from across the globe.
Around 90% of those who attend lessons at the school also board there.
Chairman of Moray Council’s economic development and infrastructure services committee, John Cowe, said the school’s expansion would have a knock-on effect on the area’s finances.
Mr Cowe said: “Gordonstoun is important to Moray in many ways, beyond just being a prestigious school where royalty has been taught.
“The school takes great pride in using local suppliers as much as possible, and any improvements they make will boost the Moray economy.”
Last September, Gordonstoun was recognised for its efforts in boosting the region’s economy at the Moray Chamber of Commerce awards.
