Alex Salmond has described the new Crichton Campus development at Dumfries as going "from strength to strength."

The First Minister was visiting the site and met with college and university staff, as well as representatives of some of the other on-site organisations.

The development is part of the list of 30 Scottish schools which are to be built under the government's 'Scotland's Schools For The Future' scheme, announced two weeks ago by Education Secretary Michael Russell.


The school is being built for young people aged 15 and over.

Mr Salmond said: "One of the first decisions taken by this government in 2007 was to intervene to save the Crichton Campus from closure, and I have always had a special affection for this site.

"Since then it's gone from strength to strength and is now proposed as the site for the new Crichton school for young people aged 15 and over. This would be a new type of school offering exciting possibilities for young people, linking them to further and higher education and job opportunities."

He added: "Having met some of the outstanding students already learning here and having listened to some of the educators inspiring them day in, day out, I can see what an important role this campus fulfils for the community and for future jobs here in Dumfries and the wider region.

"I hope it continues to be a place of learning and enterprise for many more years to come."

(IT/GK)