Scottish schools infrastructure investment tops £2.2bn

Scotland's school infrastructure investment has broken the £2.2bn barrier with four more councils receiving funds for PPP schemes.

The four councils - Falkirk, Moray, Scottish Borders and West Dunbartonshire - are joining the 24 local authorities which are already part of the Scottish Executive's school building programme.

Falkirk secured £70m in funds, Moray £50m, Scottish Borders £50m and West Dunbartonshire £100m.

Unveiling the figures education minister Peter Peacock said: " This investment - the biggest school buildings programme in Scotland's history - will help us meet our target to rebuild or refurbish 300 schools by 2009."

Peacock also announced that a further £1.5m will be allocated to councils to help them to continue developing their school estate management plans which were drawn up last year.

In addition, guidance is published today to help councils manage the PPP process.

This includes materials to improve project evaluation, learn from previous experience and consult with people who use the schools.