The works are part of Aberdeen City Council’s wider sustainability improvement initiative that aims to create an enhanced learning environment for nursery and primary school-aged children in the Ferryhill area.

Councillor Martin Greig, convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “This marks a significant step forward in creating an inspiring and adaptable learning space for our pupils and staff.

“I am delighted to see the project underway and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the entire community.”

Councillor Jessica Mennie, vice-convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “It’s wonderful to see the excitement of Ferryhill School pupils and staff as major works to improve their school begin and I hope that this creates a modern, welcoming environment that will benefit generations to come.”

The Ferryhill School improvement project aims to:

• Increase flexibility and provide a better use of space across the school site;
• A modern dining facility providing a much-improved experience for the pupils and staff, and facilitate any future free school meals expansion;
• A double-court PE hall, which conforms with Sport Scotland guidance, and;
• The improved nursery provision including direct access to the outdoors.

The construction work will be undertaken by Morrison Construction North, with support from local architects Mackie Ramsay Taylor.

Mike Bruce, managing director, Morrison Constructor North, said: “We are delighted to be starting this refurbishment of Ferryhill school after our successful completion of the nursery project earlier this year. We look forward to working with Aberdeen City Council and all the other stakeholders involved to deliver the high-quality facility Ferryhill’s students and staff deserve.”

Bruce Balance, director, Mackie Ramsay Taylor Architects, said: “Mackie Ramsay Taylor Architects are delighted to see the second phase of construction works get underway on the Ferryhill Primary School redevelopment.

“This stage focuses on a major extension and comprehensive refurbishment of the existing Victorian school building, delivering modern, inclusive facilities that meet the needs of a growing school community. Together with the new nursery and Multi-Use Games Area delivered in Phase 1, this project will transform Ferryhill Primary into a vibrant, future-ready campus with enhanced outdoor learning and play spaces. We look forward to seeing this next stage take shape and the positive impact it will have on pupils, staff, and the wider community.”

A new nursery facility at the school became fully operational in August 2025, which includes a large, open-plan, and well-lit playroom and covered external spaces, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor environments to offer year-round access to play and learning areas.

Ferryhill School pupils at the turf-cutting ceremony were excited to see work on their school begin.

House captains Billie, Joshua, Milana and Mia said: “We are excited to see how the building work will transform the school, which will be great for pupils when they come back.”

Whilst works have been going on, Ferryhill pupils have been attending classes from Walker Road School since August 2025. Pupils are expected to return to Ferryhill School in Autumn 2026.