We were joined by Leader of the Council, Councillor Douglas Reid, Councillor Elaine Cowan, Councillor Maureen McKay, local member Councillor Stephen Canning, Linda McAulay-Griffiths, Chief Education Officer and Head of Education, representatives from Facilities and Property Management and the main contractor, Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd.

Our Chief Education Officer and Head of Schools, chatted with the children and they shared that they are very excited to have a new nursery.  They also shared with her, a list of toys they would like to have!

All the children from the ECC had been working hard preparing items to be included in the time capsule which includes drawings, a photograph of all the children and staff, and a letter to the ‘Future Finder’.  The letter shares with the finder a beautiful description of life in 2024 and the village of Dunlop, and how it is a privilege for us all to be part of Dunlop’s wonderful history.

The ECC, which is called The Bridge, is due for completion in June. The design will ensure that children have access to quality learning opportunities and experiences both indoors and outdoors.

This project is the Council’s first Passivhaus building. This means that the ECC is being built to a world-leading energy efficiency and thermal performance standard. Heat loss from the building will be minimised reducing energy usage and helping the Council move towards achieving sustainability targets while providing an environment with a high standard of internal comfort.

Councillor Cowan, Spokesperson for Education, and Children and Young People said: “It was wonderful to join Dunlop ECC at The Bridge for the time capsule ceremony and to view the progress on site. It was a glorious day and the view of Arran from the mezzanine floor was really lovely. I can’t wait to come back and visit the completed facility once the children have moved in.

“This development builds on our commitment to both tackling the climate emergency, by building to the Passivhaus standard, and ensuring that every young person in East Ayrshire benefits from the very best facilities possible.”