Pupils, staff and invited guests enjoyed music from talented St Kentigern's students during the moving event, which saw the Most Reverend Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh diocese which includes West Lothian, carry out a dedication and blessing of the new facility.
Former St Kentigern's pupil Gerry Bann was invited back to the school to carry out the official opening. Gerry has been a leading criminal defence lawyer for many years and is a founding partner of successful West Lothian-based legal firm, Adams Whyte.
Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick, who delivered the introductory remarks at the ceremony, said: "This superb new extension to St Kentigern's Academy will make a huge positive difference to the learning experience of St Kentigern's pupils for many years to come.
"It's been a remarkable job by all those involved to deliver such a major project in such a short space of time, so special thanks to everyone who has worked tirelessly on this project, as well as the St Kentigern's community for their understanding and support during this process.
"West Lothian Council has already paid £20 million towards the £35 million cost of this essential project, and we are still awaiting confirmation from the Scottish Government over their promise to pay the remaining £15 million."
Headteacher Dr. Gerry Burns added: "It was a privilege to welcome all our invited guests into our school to share our amazing replacement wing.
"It's already delivering real educational benefits for our pupils, as we were able to host all our Qualification Scotland exams here for the first time in three years and we can now deliver the whole curriculum from within the school once more."
Over 60% of St Kentigern's had to be demolished due to issues with Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). St. Kentigern's serves pupils from across the west of West Lothian, including towns such as Armadale, Bathgate and Whitburn.
The new building has been funded by West Lothian Council, and features a reception area, spacious canteen and dining area, a four-court Games Hall, Dance Studio, Fitness Suite and a changing village.
It also includes a performance area, a range of learning spaces, a café and nurture rooms, all designed to enhance the learning environment for the young people who attend the school.
The extension was completed on time and within budget by development partner Hub South East and lead contractor Heron Bros. on behalf of the council, with BDP as architects.
