02 December
Visitors, staff and students at the opening of the new Holy Family Primary School

Staff, pupils and invited guests took part in a special celebration to mark the new home for the school, which previously shared a campus with Winchburgh Primary.

Guest of honour was former history teacher and custodian of the nearby historic House of the Binns Kathleen Dalyell OBE. Kathleen was honoured by the late Queen Elizabeth II for her services to the environment for her role as chair of the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments in Scotland, and is the widow of the late Tam Dalyell MP.

Other highlights of the ceremony included songs from the school's pupils and a dedication and blessing by Archbishop Leo Cushley, whose Archdiocese of St. Andrews & Edinburgh includes West Lothian.

Holy Family Primary and Early Learning Centre Headteacher Colette Murray said: "It was fantastic to welcome everyone to Holy Family's beautiful new home to celebrate our official opening.

"Our amazing new school building is already making a huge difference to the learning experience for our children, as we continue to grow our school and build strong links with the local community.

"This is the fourth building that Holy Family has occupied since it was founded, and it's great that we now have a superb new home that will serve our community for many years to come."

The new Holy Family is part of the £62 million development to build three new schools and shared sports facilities for the growing Winchburgh community. 

This is West Lothian's largest investment in education facilities, and the school was delivered on time and on budget on behalf of the council by development partner Hub South East and main contractor Morrison Construction.

Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick, who delivered the closing remarks at the event, said: "I was delighted to join with the Holy Family community to celebrate the opening of the new Holy Family Primary.

"Special thanks to Kathleen Dalyell OBE and Archbishop Cushley for joining us for the event, along with representatives from everyone who helped deliver this excellent new school on time and on budget.

"West Lothian has one for the best school estates in the country, and our continued investment demonstrates the council's commitment to improving education and learning facilities for local residents."