Lady Cathcart refurbishment under way

WORK has begun on the refurbishment of Lady Cathcart in Buckie to provide a new nursery for local youngsters.

Moray-based contractors Darroch & Allan will transform the building over a six-month period, including installation of new changing facilities, development of a family room and specialist provision for children with additional support needs.

An outdoor learning area, space for messy play and modern garden will also be created as part of the £672,000 investment being delivered by Moray Council. The project is the first phase of the fully-funded commitment by the Scottish Government to offer 1,140 hours of Early Learning & Childcare for three and four year-olds, and eligible two year-olds, by 2020.

Moray Council’s Director of Education and Social Care, Laurence Findlay said the refurbishment would bring a “new lease of life” to the former school.

“Lady Cathcart has been a feature of education in Buckie for nearly 150 years so to see it have a new lease of life will be wonderful for locals and of great benefit to the children who’ll receive their nursery education here.

“This is an exciting time for early learning and childcare in Moray – we have the opportunity to modernise our approach to the service delivery and that means being able to provide new nursery facilities like the one we’ll see in Buckie.”

Managing Director of Darroch & Allan, Andrew Fordyce said the local firm was ‘delighted’ to be a part of the refurbishment programme.

“It’s always rewarding for us to see a building come back into full use and to have played a part in that.

“We’re proud to be undertaking this work in Buckie and look forward to seeing Lady Cathcart once again bustling with the children who’ll attend the nursery here from August.”

MSP Maree Todd, Minister for Childcare and Early Years, said: “The work being undertaken in Moray to deliver this expansion is extremely exciting; it will not only provide up to date facilities and a new outdoor play area, it will also bring a building back to life to benefit the children in the area for years to come. I look forward to seeing the final result.”

Further refurbishments and building programmes for nurseries in Moray will be announced alongside the publication of the Early Learning & Childcare delivery plan later this year.