Building work is underway on the new £32 million West Calder High School.

The new school will be home to 1,000 pupils and is set to open in 2018. It will include a floodlit 3G sports pitch, a swimming pool and sports facilities to be used by both the school and wider community.

Pupils joined Cathy Muldoon, the council deputy leader, along with education executive vice chairman David Dodds at the site to mark the occasion.

Representatives from Hub South East, West Lothian Council and builders Morrison Construction were also in attendance.

Cllr Muldoon commented: “It’s fantastic to see work start on the new West Calder High School, with a good deal of activity now taking place to get the site ready for construction.

“We are investing over £100 million in education infrastructure projects to ensure West Lothian children have the best possible learning environment. West Lothian already has one of the best school estates in the country and our ongoing investment will build on this.”

Plans for the £32 million school were officially approved in June, which is West Lothian Council’s largest ever single investment in education.

It was developed through Hub South East Scotland, with Morrison Construction appointed to build the new school.

Councillor Fitzpatrick said: “I’m delighted to see the project to deliver the new £32 million West Calder High School, the council’s largest ever investment in education, is progressing well.

“The modern, high-quality school will be a fantastic resource for local young people, providing an ideal learning environment for them to achieve their full potential.

“This investment will help ensure that West Lothian continues to have one of the best school estates in Scotland.

“The construction work phase will also provide valuable training and job opportunities for local residents.

“At its peak, 70-100 people will be employed on site, with up to an additional 10 full-time positions being created.”