Classrooms now have outdoor extension at Cumbernauld School -thanks to Sanctuary

The two new cabins have been installed at St Mary’s Primary, in Seafar, and will offer pupils more opportunities to enjoy outdoor learning and connect with the natural environment in the inspirational treasure-laded wooded area that surrounds the school.

The project has been delivered through Sanctuary’s MORE programme, which supports local need and aspiration in places where it is building new homes -and is seen as a means of giving something back.

Sanctuary Scotland has been working in partnership with North Lanarkshire Council and the Scottish Government over the last decade to deliver a £75 million regeneration of much of Cumbernauld’s social housing.

Now in its final stages, the project has seen 12 tower blocks demolished to make way for 598 much-needed new homes for social rent, which lie nearby to the school itself.

The outdoor classrooms were fitted by energy and regeneration specialist ENGIE, which was appointed by Sanctuary to deliver redevelopment work in the nearby Berryhill Road and Hume Road areas.

Sanctuary’s project manager, Andrea Campbell, said: “We’re committed to delivering community benefits wherever we are developing new homes.

"So we are delighted to have provided these new classrooms for St Mary’s Primary.

“We hope they prove to be a valuable resource and that pupils enjoy using them for years to come.”

Paula Brazill, headteacher at St Mary’s Primary said that the potential offered by this new approach to learning would present some very interesting chances for the youngsters to explore – while reinforcing a crucial environmental message.

She said: “We’re very excited about the opportunities this outdoor space will provide.

"We’ll be able to access the woods, examine mini beasts in their habitats and do some den building, and it will provide a context for our work on sustainability.We are tremendously grateful to Sanctuary and Engie for bringing this project to life and we will make great use of it.”