A STIRLINGSHIRE school has re-opened last week following a major refurbishment.

Staff at the historic Aberfoyle Primary School building opened the doors once again on Monday, May 17, following the £1.3million facelift.

The upgrade saw the remodelling and renovation of the 151-year-old building and a vacant adjoining school house to provide additional learning space.

Headteacher Maxine Barwick welcomed the bright and colourful new spaces following a busy but productive first week.

She said: “It has been amazing to have all the children back in the school, working away and learning together.

“The building is bright and modern, but still feels like the primary school we all know and love so I’m delighted to get the first week under our belts and see all the children happy to be back home.

“Obviously there are still Covid restrictions in place so we’re looking forward to having the building fully re-opened to families and the community as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to have a proper welcome back for the people of Aberfoyle.”

Stirling Council explained it has worked closely with a conservation architect and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Planning Authority to ensure sympathetic restoration and refurbishment of the structure, which dates back 1870.

Councillor Susan McGill, convener of the council's Children and Young People Committee, added: “While the character of the building has been carefully preserved, the school has been transformed into a modern and fulfilling learning environment which will help children achieve their potential.

“I can’t wait to see the refurbished school at first hand, and I’m sure everyone at the school is looking forward to settling back into their new and improved surroundings during the rest of the summer term.

“We know it’s been a disruptive period for families and staff as the works were carried out, and I’d like to thank them for their patience and understanding.”