Work starts on Bilston Primary extension

Kitted out with safety gear and spades, four enthusiastic pupils from Bilston Primary School look ready to lend a hand as contractor Morgan Sindall Construction Scotland begins work on a new four‑classroom extension for the school.

Taking shape

P7 pupil Ruben (11), P1 pupil Ellie (5), Anne (8) from P4, and Lewis (10) from P6 joined Councillor Ellen Scott, the Cabinet Member for Education, and Head Teacher Sheryl Wallace to hear more from the project team about the plans taking shape.

Flexible learning spaces

Designed with sustainability and modern teaching approaches at its core, the extension will provide flexible new learning spaces to support Bilston’s growing school roll.

Tight deadlines

With construction scheduled to last 26 weeks and fast‑tracked to ensure the classrooms are complete for the start of the 2026/27 school year, Cllr Scott joked the contractor might yet need to take up the pupils’ offer to pitch in if deadlines get tight.

Safe and inclusive space

She added: “Bilston is a growing area of Midlothian, and this extension will give our children the opportunity to learn, thrive and engage in a safe, inclusive and well‑organised space, which will be enjoyed well into the future.”

Minimal disruption

Stuart Parker, Managing Director at Morgan Sindall Construction Scotland, said: “We're thrilled to be working with Midlothian Council on this important project for Bilston Primary School. Our focus will be on delivering high‑quality facilities with minimal disruption to pupils and staff, whilst also engaging proactively with the local community to deliver meaningful added benefits throughout the project.”

Supporting growing communities

The extension is a key part of the council’s commitment to creating high‑quality learning environments that support growing communities.

Further updates

Updates on progress will be shared via the Midlothian Council website and school communication channels.

Looking forward

Ruben, Ellie, Anne and Lewis all said they were excited to watch the new classrooms take shape over the coming months.

In the photograph

Back row, left to right: Framework Manager with SCAPE Scotland Rachel Park (who helped with the procurement process); Morgan Sindall Site Manager Allan Macmillan; Midlothian Council’s Learning Estate Senior Project Manager Gary Anderson; and Morgan Sindall Project Manager Gregor Forsyth.
Centre row, left to right: Councillor Ellen Scott, Cabinet Member for Education, and Bilston Primary Head Teacher Sheryl Wallace.
Front row, left to right: Ruben (P7, age 11), Ellie (P1, age 5), Anne (P4, age 8) and Lewis (P6, age 10) — proudly holding their spades and prepared to pitch in if needed.