Pupils, staff, as well as guests, listened to music from St Kentigern’s students during the moving event, which saw the Most Reverend Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh diocese which includes West Lothian, deliver a dedication and blessing of the new facility. 

Ex-St Kentigern’s pupil Gerry Bann was invited to the school to deliver the formal opening. 

Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick, who gave the introductory comments at the ceremony, said: “This superb new extension to St Kentigern’s Academy will make a huge positive difference to the learning experience of St Kentigern’s pupils for many years to come.

“West Lothian Council has already paid £20 million towards the £35 million cost of this essential project, and we are still awaiting confirmation from the Scottish Government over their promise to pay the remaining £15 million.”

Headteacher Dr. Gerry Burns commented on the school’s replacement wing: “It’s already delivering real educational benefits for our pupils, as we were able to host all our Qualification Scotland exams here for the first time in three years and we can now deliver the whole curriculum from within the school once more.”

More than 60% of St Kentigern’s had to be knocked down amid problems with Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). 

The new building has received funding from West Lothian Council, and has a reception area, canteen and dining area, a four-court games hall, dance studio, fitness suite and a changing village.  

It also has a performance space, a variety of learning areas, a café and nurture rooms. 

The extension was delivered on time and within budget by development partner Hub South East and lead contractor Heron Bros. on behalf of the council. BDP served as the architects.