Official opening for Scotland's newest school
A special ceremony has been held to mark the official opening of the Sinclair Academy in Winchburgh.
The school became West Lothian's 13th secondary school when it opened its doors to pupils in August, as the third and final school built as part of the Winchburgh Schools Campus project, the council's largest ever investment in education.
Over £60 million was invested to build Sinclair Academy, Winchburgh Academy, Holy Family Primary and shared sports block to accommodate the demand for school places in the growing core development are of Winchburgh.
The school is named after The Venerable Margaret Sinclair, who is revered for her work helping people through both trade unions and as a Sister of the Order of St. Clare.
The Most Reverend Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh Diocese, which includes West Lothian, was invited to officially open the school and led a special Holy Mass to celebrate the occasion.
Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh, said: "I am delighted that there is a new Catholic school in West Lothian to serve the surrounding community.
"Sinclair Academy is a splendid building, and it was an honour to be asked to bless it and to open it officially. It was a great pleasure to meet with staff and pupils, as well as Councillors and Executives of West Lothian Council.
"Congratulations also to the head teacher Dr Burns, and to his staff and pupils: may they be excellent learners, good citizens, and faithful disciples."
Invited guests were also treated to a moving performance of Dona Nobis Pacem by the Sinclair Academy School Choir as part of the ceremony.
Sinclair Academy Headteacher Dr Gerry Burns said: "We were delighted to welcome Archbishop Cushley to officially open Sinclair Academy.
"Our fantastic new school building will help us build a real community of learning and faith, and we're delighted to share it with all our special guests today."
Sinclair Academy currently provides denominational education to 80 first year pupils, which will grow considerably each year until it provides a full S1 to S6 education by 2028/29.
Closing the event, Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: "It's so important we provide our young people with right environment for education, such as the fantastic facilities found at Sinclair Academy and throughout the Winchburgh Schools campus.
"Sinclair Academy will allow us to meet the demand for denominational education from local residents in communities in the east of West Lothian, such as Winchburgh, Broxburn and Linlithgow."
The construction of the Winchburgh Schools Project was delivered on behalf of West Lothian Council by development partner Hub South East, with Morrison Construction as the primary contractor.
