Scottish Catholic Observer

Inverclyde Council have praised Catholic schools as ‘good for the whole community’ as they announced that the new St Ninian’s Primary School in Gourock will open on the 100th anniversary of state-funded Catholic schools.

Bishop John Keenan of Paisley Diocese will formerly open the new £9.2 million school on November 21—100 years to the day since The Education (Scotland) Act 1918 received Royal Assent.

“The 1918 Act brought together the Church and State in what has been a unique and successful partnership that continues to serve the people of Scotland well,” Bishop Keenan said. “I am delighted we will have the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of pupils who have attended Catholic schools over the past 100 years while also celebrating the bright future of pupils at St Ninian’s in their new home.”

The council said the new St Ninian’s is being built on the blaes gravel pitches at the current school site and the existing building will be demolished once the work is complete.

Inverclyde Council’s education and communities convener councillor Jim Clocherty said: “Catholic schools are not just good for Catholics but for the whole community and over the years they have made an extremely positive and much appreciated contribution.

“Although already a frequent visitor to our parishes I am looking forward to welcoming Bishop John to Inverclyde in November where we can join together to publicly mark both an historic date for Catholic education in Scotland and an historic date for Catholic education in Inverclyde.”

The new school has 13 classrooms, a gym, dining hall, music room and a library over its two stories. Children will be dropped off at a dedicated lay-by with space for three buses and pedestrian access will be from Staffa Street, Drumshantie Road and Kirn Drive.