Plans to turn former school into residential learning centre

A former Aberdeenshire primary school could be given a new lease of life as a residential learning centre if plans are approved.

Kate and Derek Cowie have applied to Aberdeenshire Council seeking permission to convert the Old Fordyce Primary School building into an adult learning facility.

The former school was put up for sale in 2014 after being released by the local authority.

Its new owners intend to “repair, conserve, adapt and modernise” the facility and bring the building back to life as Fordyce Academy, restoring it as a place of learning once again.

It is anticipated that the academy will offer a “broad curriculum of learning programmes” to enable personal, group, organisation and leadership development.

It is hoped that some arts-based programmes may also be made available.

In a statement they said: “The curriculum will be taught by some of the world’s greatest educators in the social sciences and be priced to make it accessible to as many people as possible.

“It is so important that we find new uses for these substantial old buildings and employ them to inject vibrancy and purpose into our communities and boost the local economy.”

Proposed refurbishment work to the building includes the creation of one large classroom to be used as a teaching and performing space along with two smaller classrooms.

Nine residential rooms would also be constructed over two floors as well as a kitchen/dining area, office space and toilets.

Planning documents reveal that the couple aim to rehang the bell in the outer bell tower while the existing window and door structures would also be repaired and replaced.

The building would be fully insulated and solar panels installed to help generate power.

The couple are also aiming to retain and reuse many features inside the property including timber doors, panelling and floors, light fittings and coat-hooks.

By local democracy reporter Kirstie Topp.