Edinburgh primary school to be modernised after £10m project given go-ahead

A primary school is set to be transformed following a multi-million-pound investment.

Edinburgh’s Brunstane Primary School is set to become one of the greenest schools in the capital after a £10m investment.

The campus currently contains a three-storey tower with 12 classrooms and a single storey southern block with eight classrooms, an administration office, amenity space and infant block.

The school has a current roll of 263 and provides early learning and childcare for up to 96 children.

The proposed improvements include repair works, new cladding on the external walls and roof, replacement of existing windows and curtain walling, and floor finishes and redecoration across the full building.

The removal of existing steps and the introduction of new ramps to certain areas around the school will also improve accessibility to the building.

An air source heat pump and electric heating system will replace the existing gas network, and photovoltaic panels installed on the roof of the tower block will boost the school’s sustainability credentials.

The multi-million-pound project also aligns with the City of Edinburgh Council’s goal to become a net zero city by 2030.

Work started in October 2024 and is due to be completed in winter. The campus will remain operational throughout the construction period, with temporary classrooms installed on site.

Gary Holmes, regional managing director at GRAHAM Building North, said: “The significant investment made by City of Edinburgh Council to modernise Brunstane Primary School will create a vibrant and inspiring education centre.

“GRAHAM has a proven track record of delivering best-in-class education facilities across Scotland and we’re proud to play a role in helping shape Edinburgh’s next generation of school environments which prioritise accessibility and sustainability.”

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, added: “We have over 100 schools supporting thousands of pupils and we’re making every effort to make sure they are as welcoming, accessible, and sustainable as possible.

“Our £10m investment in Brunstane Primary is a perfect example of this work, with energy efficiency improvements and repairs planned for the whole building. We have ambitious net zero aims as a city and this extends to upgrades to our schools, many of which are aging. I’m excited to see the difference this retrofitting roll out will make.”