With the Strathmore and Whitehills Primary schools now complete, and with Langlands pupils now decanted to Chapelpark, work has begun at the site for the new Langlands school.

Last Friday headteacher Kim Walker and children from the pupil council joined Sean O'Callaghan from contractor Robertson Eastern to mark the beginning of the second phase of the local authority's £50million re-building programme.

The first phase of the project has already delivered four new and improved primary schools in Forfar and Carnoustie.

The second phase, which is expected to be completed by spring next year, will see the development of a further two primary schools and an extension to Carnoustie High School.

Robertson involvement in the project comprises Robertson Capital Projects as overall project manager and investor, Robertson Eastern which will deliver the design and build contract and Robertson Facilities Management which will provide a range of hard and soft facilities management services throughout the 30–year project duration.

The Angus Partnership underpins Robertson's position in the Scottish schools PPP marketplace, where it has delivered phases one and two of the £72million Aberdeenshire Schools PPP project and is currently in the construction phase of the £100million Dundee Schools PPP project.

Robertson executive chairman Bill Robertson said: "It is very pleasing to begin work on Langlands Primary which will bring much-needed modern educational facilities to the local community.

"Throughout the Forfar and Carnoustie schools project we have remained focused on creating purpose-built premises which contribute positively to the learning outcomes of local children.

"We now look forward to strengthening our relationship with Angus Council throughout 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."

Angus Education Convener Peter Nield said: "I am delighted to see the second phase of our school building project in Forfar get underway.

"Langlands pupils have settled well into their temporary home at Chapelpark, while their new school is built and I would like to thank the whole school community for their patience during this project. I look forward to seeing the new Langlands take shape and the pupils move into their new purpose built, modern school next spring."