The transformation of the Dunoon Primary School has received a commendation in the prestigious Scottish Design Awards.

Argyll and Bute Council's £10.7 million investment in the school, including £5.08 million from the Scottish Government, involved refurbishing, partially demolishing and extending the building to transform it into a school fit for the 21st century, while carefully preserving its Victorian B listed building status.

Additional benefits included the creation of a new family centre, gym hall, library, early learning and childcare centre and staff accommodation. A new feature staircase was also installed linking the refurbished west wing to the new east wing of the building

The school now has capacity for up to 300 pupils and 30 early learning and childcare places.


Welcoming the news of the project's commendation, the Council's Policy Lead for Education, Councillor Yvonne McNeilly said: "As with so many things that achieve success, this fantastic refurbishment programme was a partnership effort. Our teachers, pupils, services across the council, partner organisations – this commendation is a 'well done' for everyone.

"We want the best start for our young people, and we are investing millions of pounds to deliver this.

"Dunoon Primary School is a fantastic state-of-the-art facility. Learning in such a high quality environment will, I am sure, help staff and pupils achieve great things together.

Congratulations to everyone involved."

The design for the school's transformation was produced by Ryder Architecture. Chris Malcolm, Partner at Ryder Architecture, said: "Dunoon Primary School has been a great example of genuine client and team collaboration. It has resulted in the successful reinvigoration of a much loved heritage asset, to provide a unique and exciting learning environment fit for 21st century learning."

Stewart Small, the project director for hub North Scotland, who were the council's development partner for the project, said the commendation was a worthy recognition of the excellent design:

"From the very start of this project there was superb collaboration between the council, hub North Scotland, Ryder Architecture and our main contractor Morrison Construction, and produced a stunning school building which Dunoon can be proud of for years to come."