There is no confirmed date.  However, today there was another indicator that after much delay we are getting close to starting work on the new building.  This morning I received an email with examples of programmes for turf cutting ceremonies at other schools.  With members of the senior pupils’ events team back from their prelims on Monday, we can now get on with some serious planning as to how we will celebrate the start of the construction work.  There are lots of ideas on how to make it a special occasion!

The silence of the last few weeks can now be broken.  Since the announcements in November there has been a lot of hard work by Moray Council staff, Balfour Beatty, Hubco and Scottish Futures Trust – as well, no doubt, by others.  There is a sense of optimism that we are now heading towards financial close on 19th February.  The target date for hand over and entry to the new build is now October 2017.  This optimism has even allowed us to meet with a colleague from Hubco to start thinking about a date for the turf cutting ceremony!  Some senior pupils who are part of school “Events Management Team” were present.  They are going to assist with the arrangements and already have lots of ideas as to how to make it a memorable day.  They were the group that helped plan our world record attempt for the largest number of people dancing the Agadoo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2x7Q0CQhfk).  So it should be a good day (and they have promised that we will not be pushing any pineapples, although some coffee might be ground).  For updates, you can also follow me on Twitter: @AndySimpsonHT