Following the recent approval of Aberdeenshire Council's 15-year Capital Plan, moves to improve the school can now progress.

Areas identified as priorities include the rationalisation of school administration, management and staff facilities; the upgrading of pupil toilets, PE changing facilities and medical room; and the refurbishment of library facilities.

Detailed specification for these works and a timescale will be discussed and agreed at the start of the new school session in August.
The upgrading of the infant toilets (P1-3) was also identified as a priority.

Of the investment, £50,000 has been allocated to this work, which is planned to be undertaken in the October 2008 school holidays.

Infrastructure Services Committee vice-chairwoman and Banchory and Mid Deeside councillor, Jill Webster, welcomed the funding announcement.

"The school estate all over Aberdeenshire is in dire need of investment to bring it up to an acceptable standard and Aberdeenshire Council has, over the last year, been working on an asset improvement plan to address our urgent priorities in line with the council administration group's strategic priorities", she said. "I am, therefore, delighted that we have been able to allocate £450,000 to prioritise much- needed improvements at Banchory Primary.

"I do hope construction work can start quickly and it will be important to carry out the work with as little disruption to the children as possible".

Chairman of Banchory Primary School's parent council, Michael Wilson, said: "This is excellent news.

"The refurbishment of Banchory Primary School and the upgrading of the infant toilet facilities is something which the previous school board and the new parent council have been rigorously appealing for over the past two years.

"These improvements will make a tremendous difference, providing a much better working environment for the pupils and teaching staff in the school".