Double celebrations at St Andrews as all pupils return and witness turf cutting event

There was a double celebration at St Andrews Primary School on Monday this week (15 March) - with the reopening of the school in full meaning all pupils and staff were able to witness the turf cutting ceremony to mark the start of major extension and refurbishment works.

Orkney Islands Council awarded the £3.6 million contract to local company Casey Construction.

The two-year project comprises the construction of a new-build nursery and extension to the PE hall, along with improvements to the existing school, including drainage.

The extension will allow the school to accommodate up to eight classes. It is anticipated that the project will allow for an increasing pupil roll and thereby future-proof the school.

With all COVID-19 measures being adhered to, works began on site on Monday much to the excitement of all staff and pupils.

Head Teacher Mark Taylor said: “March 15, 2021 is a day to mark on our calendars for two reasons. Not only is this the first day back this year for all our pupils, a cause for celebration in itself, but it is also the day when work officially starts on the refurbishment and extension of our school.

“Twenty-five years ago, St Andrews School opened, bringing 140 children from the three East Mainland parishes together. Since then, it has grown from strength to strength, and very quickly outgrew the first addition to our school building which was completed in 2003. Today in 2021, we have 215 pupils and in much need of a new Nursery, Gym Hall and refresh to our existing building.

“We are very proud and privileged to be part of such a vibrant, growing community. The work starting here will ensure that St Andrews School will continue to play an integral role, serving this community for many years to come.”

OIC Chair of the Education, Housing and Leisure Committee, Councillor Gwenda Shearer, said: “This is such a welcome sight for all the staff and children at St Andrews Primary School. The school has an excellent reputation and is one of the reasons many families choose to settle in the East Mainland catchment area.

“These extension and improvement works have been much anticipated by the entire community and will result in a fantastic educational facility for learning for many years to come.

“I’m also delighted to see Casey Construction – a local company – being awarded the contract which can only be good news for the local economy in these challenging times.”

Commenting on the project, Casey Construction Ltd Director Patrick Casey said: “Casey Construction are delighted to have been awarded the contract to take forward the long-awaited extension and refurbishment at St Andrews Primary School.

“Casey Construction have an excellent and proven track record delivering school projects for Orkney Islands Council, most recently at the new Evie Primary School, and we look forward to further showcasing our skills on this multi-million project.

“It’s great that local contractors are successful in being awarded these projects, which benefit all within the community. As we are all more than aware, there have been some incredibly challenging times this past year but forging ahead with projects such as these can only be good news for the local economy and ensuring jobs are retained.”

(Photos: Orkney Photographic) - Liam Rosie, P5 Pupil Council member, was given the honour of cutting the turf to signal the start of work, and St Andrews Primary School Pupil Council members were part of the turf cutting celebrations.