More than 400 children marched with their parents and teachers to their new £8 million school in Dundee on Wednesday.
Ballumbie Primary, in Summerfield Avenue, has been created through the merger of Whitfield and Newfields primaries.
Both schools had been operating at less than 40% of capacity and the city council decided to bring them together in a new building, which includes 21 classrooms and an 80-place nursery to replace Whitfield Early Years Centre.
Newfields deputy head teacher Laura Fraser said: ”Lots of hard work has gone into ensuring that today goes smoothly for kids, staff and parents. We recognise the fact that the schools are becoming one. Everyone is very excited about the new school and we can’t wait to get in.”
The Mains of Fintry Pipe Band provided the music for the procession and the pupils also marked their arrival at their new home with a balloon launch.
Pupils were greeted by head teacher Kim Flynn in an assembly. She said: ”We are very privileged to have children who are motivated and talented and hard-working staff who put in a power of work to make this school a welcoming learning environment ready for our children.
”This school will be at the heart of the Whitfield community.”
Primary five teacher Gary Holder said there was excitement tinged with sadness at the closure of the old schools. But he added: ”We are going to pastures new and it will be bigger and better.”
Penny Balfour is mum to five-year-old Rossi. She said: ”It’s been a bit chaotic but once everything settles down it will be great.”
Suzi Lafferty, mum of Ben (5), said: ”It’s great for the community as the new school has modern facilities. Ben’s excited but also a bit apprehensive.”
Nine-year-old William Stewart couldn’t wait to get to Ballumbie.
”It will be cool,” he said.
Skye Mackie (9) added: ”I’m so excited. I met two new friends on a visit to this new school and I’m hoping to meet some more.”
Ballumbie Primary, like most of the city’s new schools, has been built by construction firm Robertson. Work began on site in late 2010 and has remained on schedule.