Ground breaking occasion for the new Waid

Although work at the new building is already underway, the symbolic ceremony was a chance for all those involved to get together to welcome the start of the work.

Fife Council leader David Ross was helped by pupils both present and future to mark the occasion.

Councillor Ross said: “I’m so pleased to be here to see how work is progressing and to meet some of the young people who are going to benefit from this outstanding new building.

“The Waid will be so much more than a school – it will be an asset the whole community can benefit from.

“The community hub concept is a new way of making the most of our assets to the greatest benefit of all.

“The building will incorporate a range of facilities and organisations under one roof which will include local services, a library and – for the first time in any of our buildings – police services.”

Minister for Learning Alasdair Allan also attended the ceremony.

He said: “I’m delighted I could be part of the ground breaking ceremony for Waid Academy which marked an exciting milestone for the new school and community hub.

“The Scottish Government has worked closely with Fife Council to help improve its school estate and I’m pleased we could provide around £11 million in funding towards this project through our Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme.

“This is an ambitious project which will provide a modern environment for pupils to learn in and fantastic new facilities for the whole community to enjoy.

“I look forward to seeing the school when it’s finished next year.”

Waid is one of six secondary schools and two primaries which will be, or have been, built as part of Fife Council’s £250m Building Fife’s Future Programme.

It is one of a new concept of community buildings, bringing a number of services under one roof.

The project is being delivered for Fife Council by Hub East Central Scotland in partnership with BAM Construction.

Iain Hughes, Waid headteacher, said: “We are all so excited to see the progress made on our new learning facility for the East Neuk. The Waid Academy has always played a central role in community life in the East Neuk.

“We pride ourselves on providing our young people with an excellent education, and helping them to become valuable members of the community. This new building will be an exciting environment for both daytime and lifelong learning for the school and for the whole community.”

The new Waid will open in 2017.