The win came at the end of the first day of the Education Buildings Scotland Conference in Edinburgh, bringing education built environment and policy professionals together from early years, schools, colleges and universities to celebrate the success of various projects and initiatives across the country, as well as discussing how a modern learning estate can play a vital part in ensuring young people reach their full potential.
The successful submission highlighted how the pioneering Newbattle Community High School, officially opened earlier this month by John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, is a Digital Centre of Excellence that focuses on equipping young people with 21st century digital skills.
Pupils and staff from the school were also involved in day two of the Conference, speaking about their experience during a session on new technologies and how they are transforming the approach to learning in the new building.
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Midlothian Council's Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Jim Muirhead said: "We're so proud and honoured the building is being recognised in this way, just weeks after its official opening. A Digital Centre of Excellence, the school building is an integral part of our vision to make sure all pupils, whatever their background, have the same learning opportunities.
"Young people from across Midlothian and beyond, therefore, will have the opportunity to study digital industries such as robotics, data science, informatics, digital marketing, graphic design, video and music production. And all in within an inspiring hub of innovation."
Eddie Robertson, Managing Director of Central Scotland, Morrison Construction, said: "This is a fantastic achievement for all those involved. The new campus, which opened earlier this year, is already helping to deliver a vital education experience and I know pupils, parents, staff and the wider community are delighted with the facilities.
"Excellent construction projects such as this are central to enabling communities to thrive and to make the most of their talents."
The Newbattle Community Campus was delivered for Midlothian Council with development partner, Hub South East.
Paul McGirk, Hub South East's Chief Executive, added: "We're delighted to have worked in partnership with Midlothian Council to deliver its first Digital Centre for Excellence and it's fantastic that this new facility has been recognised in the technologies category at this year's Education Building Scotland Awards.
"Over the course of the two day conference it's been clear that the role of digital technology is key in transforming the young people's learner journey moving forward and we're proud that the Hub programme is successfully contributing to this."
