For years, there has been a problem in South Edinburgh with rising school rolls. That is why I started a campaign for a new primary school in South Morningside.

The existing schools in the area are some of the largest in Scotland, with almost 1,700 pupils between the three schools. South Morningside, with 645, is the 10th largest in Scotland, with Bruntsfield 20th, and James Gillespie’s 40th.

I was delighted when the Council agreed an extra £18m for a new school back in 2017.

Update on planning application:

The planning application for the proposed new primary school on Canaan Lane will be considered by the Development Management Sub-Committee on Wednesday 6 November. Planning Officers have recommended that planning permission is granted. You can access the Committee report here:

https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=148&MId=279

If planning permission is granted, work on-site would begin early in December. The new school is expected to open in August 2021.

A construction and logistics plan is being prepared for when the works begin which will allow Deanbank House to continue to operate as part of South Morningside Primary School during the construction works with minimum disruption. Once this is finalised, we will share it with parents / carers of pupils at South Morningside Primary School and St Peter’s RC Primary School. We will also inform The Royal Blind School. Local residents will be notified of arrangements before any work begin.

The transition arrangements for South Morningside Primary School and the new primary school to allow works to Deanbank House will be finalised once construction work has commenced.