New primary school takes shape
A key milestone has been reached at the £8.6m Letham Mains Primary School project in Haddington after Morrison Construction successfully installed the 260-tonne steel frame. 
Works began on the project in Haddington during April, with the installation of the steel frame beginning at the end of May.
The superstructure, including steel work, pre-cast concrete installation and a first-floor reinforced concrete slab, was completed during a 10-week schedule. More than 1,400 components were installed to complete the steel frame.
During the earlier stages of the steel installation, two cranes were used to help the project team fix the main sections of the frame.
Cabinet member for Education and Children’s Services, Councillor Shamin Akhtar, said: “It’s really exciting to see the progress that’s being made on our newest primary school. Having the steel frame in place gives a better idea of the size and scale of the building and the facilities that the school will offer for children and their families.”
Morrison Construction Project Director Jim Hanna, said: ‘‘It is wonderful to reach this important project milestone. The steel frame has created an outline of the building allowing the community to appreciate how the school will fit into the new development. Now the superstructure has been completed we will progress the ground floor slabs, roofing, cladding and glazing work.
‘‘Our team has enjoyed taking part in community benefit activities including donating to the local foodbank, hosting work experience students, site tours and visiting schools to educate pupils about the industry. We will continue to work closely with the community during construction.’’
Letham Mains Primary School, will have a capacity for 500 pupils, with 14 classrooms suitable for pre-school and primary teaching, a dining hall, social space and a two-court PE hall with retractable seating for performance and community use. The external areas will be designed for outdoor learning, PE and play.
The school is being funded entirely by contributions from developers with construction due to be completed in Summer 2020.