Aberdeen marks official opening of new £30.3m Riverbank School

Situated on Coningham Gardens in the heart of Tillydrone, the modern campus represents a significant investment in the future of local children and the wider community.

The new three-stream primary school replaces the former Riverbank School on Dill Road and offers capacity for up to 651 pupils, alongside Early Learning and Nursery provision for up to 60 children. 

Designed to enhance the educational experience, the contemporary facility includes a 3G sports pitch and a variety of outdoor play and learning spaces. 

Councillor Martin Greig, convener of Aberdeen City Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “It is a great pleasure to officially open the new Riverbank School. This building will be an excellent place of learning and care for young people in the area for generations to come.

“The major investment of £30.3 million that we made in this important project confirms our strong commitment to the local community. Every child deserves to have the best possible learning environment and it is great to improve the school estate for the benefit of learners.”

Councillor Jessica Mennie, vice-convener, said: “I have enjoyed meeting pupils and staff who have already been enjoying their new learning environment and making the most of the fantastic new resources and spaces.

“The enthusiasm and positivity from the children and teachers is inspiring, and I look forward to seeing all that will be achieved here in the years ahead.”

Cllr Alex McLellan, convener of the Finance and Resource Committee, said: “I am absolutely delighted Aberdeen City Council, in partnership with Robertson Construction, have delivered the new Riverbank School in Tillydrone.

“Education is a priority for the council and our significant investment in our school estate is providing high-quality learning environments for tomorrow’s generation.”

Head teacher Susan Ironside said: “It’s a real privilege to officially welcome our pupils and families into this incredible new building.  The enthusiasm and excitement from our school community has been wonderful to see.

“We’re proud to offer a modern, inclusive environment that supports every child to thrive, and we look forward to continuing our strong connections with the wider Tillydrone community.”

The new school was delivered on behalf of Aberdeen City Council by Robertson Construction Eastern, working alongside the council’s design team.

Robertson handed over the keys in April 2025, enabling pupils and staff to move in ahead of the summer recess and settle into their new surroundings before the official opening. 

Gordon Milne, regional managing director at Robertson Construction Eastern, said: “Delivered in partnership with Aberdeen City Council, the school provides a modern learning environment that brings together design quality, innovation and low-carbon construction.

“Its official opening marks a new chapter for education in the city and reflects the council’s commitment to pupils, staff and the wider community.”

The opening ceremony featured two specially composed musical pieces – New School, New Start Tillydrone Fanfare and Riverband Blues – performed by Riverband, a group of P5 to P7 pupils. The musical numbers were written by teacher Alex Dawson to mark the occasion. 

Guests also enjoyed excerpts from the award-winning book Summer, e Magic Scurry, written by Primary Five pupils with support from teacher Grace Farquharson while at the original Riverbank School.

The book, which tells the story of a herring gull and the Primary Five children, won the Scots Bairns Book o’ the Year at the Scots Language Awards 2024.

P5 pupils also performed popular hits Walking on Sunshine and I’m Still Standing, which they sang earlier this year as P4 pupils during Aberdeen Big Sing 2024.

A poem New Riverbank School, written and performed by P7 pupils, reflected on their journey from the old building to their new school.

To commemorate the occasion, a time capsule was buried in the school grounds.

Riverbank School has been built on the site of the former Tillydrone Infant School and part of the former St Machar Primary School site.