Term time under way at eco-school

Hibatullah and Amatullah Khane and Aamina and Zayna Saeed

One of Scotland's most environmentally-friendly schools has opened its doors to pupils in Glasgow.

Merrylee Primary, in the city's south side, was built using at least 10% recycled materials.

Council officials have also approved a 50ft wind turbine for the playground, which will be capable of generating 12% of the building's electricity.

The school will cater for 396 pupils and brings together Merrylee, Holmlea and Simshill primaries.

Holmlea nursery class and day nursery will also be housed at the new school, renamed as Lime Tree nursery.

Many of the building's green features will be used in the school curriculum.

Pupils will be able to learn about the power generated by the wind turbine and the CO2 emissions saved at an eco learning corner.

A weather station display will also show outside temperature and wind direction.

We are absolutely delighted that our children are moving into such a fantastic, light, airy and green building Ruth Doherty

Other features of the building include a timber frame wall and roof, with cavities filled by recycled newspaper.

This insulates the building to a level that is about 20% better than required by building regulations.

The school has also been designed in a way that allows it to be disassembled at the end of its lifetime. Constituent parts can then be used in other building projects.

A "natural play area" will also be built at the school to revolutionise playtime for pupils.

Trees, hills and boulders will be installed to provide more stimulus than is found in traditional school yards.

Merrylee parent Louisa Khane said: "The children have been so excited to move into the new school and are especially looking forward to the pioneering 'natural play' area.

"The hard work of the staff and the parents is a credit to the school".

Another parent, Ruth Doherty, said: "We are absolutely delighted that our children are moving into such a fantastic, light, airy and green building.

"The staff have worked incredibly hard to get everything ready on time, giving up their evenings and weekends, and many parents have helped to plant trees and containers to make it welcoming."