Whitehills Primary School in Forfar was built as part of the programme to provide a total of six new primary schools and one secondary school across the two burghs.

With the completion of the first phase of the project, hundreds of children are reaping the benefits of the most significant investment in the school estate by Angus Council in 40 years.

Whitehills Primary School replaced Wellbrae and Chapelpark schools and is designed to provide accommodation for 444 primary pupils with up to 80 pre-school places. It also incorporates dedicated areas for a Gaelic pre-school class and a Gaelic class for pupils in primaries one to seven.

The classrooms are all light and airy and equipped with brand new furniture and state of the art ICT provision through the latest computer technology, interactive whiteboards and plasma screens.

The official opening ceremony by Councillor Colin Brown featured music and songs from the pupils, a tour of the school and the presentation of a time capsule.

Councillor Brown said it was a great privilege to be asked to officially open the school, as he had attended Forfar North, which became Wellbrae after joining with the East.

"I then went to Chapelpark, which was then Forfar Academy, when I was a boy, so I have had a close link to both schools.

"Early indications are that the new building is extremely popular with staff, pupils, parents and guardians alike, and I am sure that will continue."

Welcoming the official opening, Angus Council's convener of education Peter Nield said: "Following a review of the whole school estate by Angus Council it became obvious that the schools in most need of improvement were in Carnoustie and Forfar, and I am delighted to see so many years of planning come to fruition as we see the official openings of the first phase of schools in this massive building programme.

"This programme is creating schools fit for the 21st century of which the whole community can be proud and which will contribute positively to education of our young people, while providing fantastic up to date facilities for staff and will contribute positively to the whole community."

Head teacher Brenda Davie said: "All pupils, staff and parents are delighted with the new building, which is equipped to a very high standard with interactive whiteboards in every classroom.

"Shared areas allow us to ensure social interaction between different age groups and set up an active learning environment. We have a digital signage system in reception and in the dining room for information and entertainment.

"This system can also be passed through the electronic whiteboards allowing everyone to share the information.

"Our gym hall is used extensively during the school day as well as hosting a number of after school and lunchtime clubs thus helping us to deliver a health promoting curriculum.

"We are very proud of our school and take every opportunity to share it with parents and the wider community through a variety of social activities.

"We are sure that our school will steadily build on its strong foundations and become a learning community which will support and enhance the education and opportunities available to all present and future pupils, staff and parents."

The extensive building project is being made possible due to the use of a public private partnership with Robertson which will finance, build and maintain the schools over 30 years with the council paying the annual lease charge.

Robertson executive chairman Bill Robertson, said: "It is very pleasing to see Whitehills Primary officially open its doors, bringing much-needed modern educational facilities to the local community.

"From the design stage through to construction, we have remained focused on creating purpose-built premises which contribute positively to the learning outcomes of local children.

"We look forward to strengthening our relationship with Angus Council as we enter the second phase of the project which will deliver a further two primary schools in the area together with the major redevelopment of Carnoustie High School.

"Robertson will continue to support the physical learning environment through the provision of locally based facilities management services during the 30 year partnership with the council."