Ground broken on site of Monifieth's new £66.5m learning campus

To mark the occasion, Angus Council chief executive Margo Williamson welcomed guests before council leader Coucnillor Beth Whiteside, Doug Keillor of Robertson Construction, head teacher Andy Dingwall and three high school pupils left their footprints on a special concrete panel which will be incorporated into the construction. The ceremony marked the start of the two-year construction, with the school planned to open in August 2025 and the project completed in August 2026 with the demolition of the current building.

The council has funded the capital investment for the project, part of Phase Two of the national Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP), and will benefit from Scottish Government revenue funding once the project is complete. The final design has been developed to deliver an energy-efficient building with a high level of user comfort. It will also be available for community use through education lets, in line with arrangement at other schools.

Ms Whiteside said: “This is undoubtedly a huge financial and resource commitment to make in extremely challenging financial conditions. However, it’s right that Angus should prioritise the future of our young people, and our communities who will also benefit. I would like to thank all my fellow councillors for sharing this vision for Angus.”

Cllr Lynne Devine, children and learning convener, added: “This will have a hugely positive impact on the education of young people. Monifieth High School has high aspirations for all of its young people, and now it will soon have a building to match this ambition.”

Lloyd Melville, Monifieth and Sidlaw SNP councillor, and youth engagement and opportunities spokesperson, said: “As a former pupil of Monifieth High, today feels almost surreal. Just a few years ago, I was sitting doing my final exams in the current high school – and today, we have broken ground on the landmark replacement building.

"I’m so pleased to be part of the administration that is delivering this fantastic new school.”

Doug Keillor, executive managing director, Robertson Construction, said the company has enjoyed a strong working relationship with the council over the last decade.

He said: “Monifieth Community Campus not only illustrates Angus Council’s commitment to education, wellbeing and social value, but also its forward-thinking approach to the community and the environment.”

Mr Stephen Long, who leads the Learning Estate team at the Scottish Futures Trust, said: “In managing the ‘outcomes-based’ Learning Estate Investment Programme, our focus is on working with partners to deliver high quality, well maintained, digitally enabled buildings that achieve ambitious energy saving targets.

“This outcomes-based approach has been fully embraced by Angus Council with the Monifieth High School designed to minimise energy consumption meaning that when it opens carbon emissions are anticipated to be much lower than in previous similar buildings.”