GRAHAM completes £10m Edinburgh primary school retrofit

Appointed by the City of Edinburgh Council, the contractor delivered the multi-phase project while the school remained fully operational, ensuring continuity of learning throughout the programme. Works began in October 2024 and have transformed the campus into one of the city’s most energy-efficient education facilities, supporting the council’s ambition to become net zero by 2030.

The handover marks the completion of all phases, including upgraded classrooms, new staff and pupil facilities, and extensive improvements to the building fabric and external areas. This includes new cladding, replacement windows, enhanced accessibility through new ramps, and the installation of photovoltaic panels to generate renewable energy.

A key element of the project has been the transition to low-carbon heating, with air source heat pumps and an electric heating system replacing the existing gas network, significantly reducing the school’s operational carbon emissions.

Chris MacLeod, regional managing director at GRAHAM Building, said: “The handover of Brunstane Primary School marks the successful completion of a complex retrofit project delivered within a live school environment. Pupils and staff can now benefit from a modern, energy-efficient space that supports both learning and wellbeing, while considered sustainability elements will significantly reduce the building’s carbon footprint.

“Throughout the programme, our focus has been on minimising disruption and working collaboratively with the school to ensure a smooth delivery.”

Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families convener, said: “We want all our schools and early years settings to offer the best possible learning environment for our children and young people. Central to this is ongoing investment in our school buildings to ensure that they meet the needs of our learners, offer a comfortable learning and teaching setting, and support our net zero goals.

“It is fantastic to see that the refurbishment works at Brunstane Primary School are complete, just in time for pupils and staff returning after the Easter break. The improvements to the building will make a huge difference to how the school building is used by teachers and pupils in the here and now, and for many future generations of young learners in Brunstane.”

The project has also delivered a range of community benefits throughout construction. Following engagement with Street League, a young participant completed a two-week work placement on site, with his strong performance leading to full-time employment with subcontractor Branniff.

In addition, GRAHAM has supported Brunstane Nursery through the donation and installation of fencing by Metal Works UK, and contributed equipment to In-Tandem Cycling East Lothian, an inclusive cycling initiative, with items delivered to Queen Margaret University.

Serving the communities of Brunstane and Portobello, the school provides education for more than 250 pupils as well as early learning and childcare provision.