New Scottish Academy Building Officially Opens

The new Queen Margaret Academy, Ayr was officially opened by John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills and Bishop William Nolan on Thursday 27th February. The milestone marks the secondary school’s move into a new £25m building in October 2019.

BDP provided architecture and landscape architecture for the project, as part of the design team which worked with the school’s users during the consultation process, delivering a building that can accommodate 800 students. It offers a naturally lit central atrium, learning spaces, a gym plus fitness suite, games hall and two pitches.

Glasgow studio architect director Lindsey Mitchell said “This building is a product of the collaborative approach we take at BDP, to deliver educational spaces that help the school achieve its educational and societal aspirations. By consulting with parents, students and teachers, we were able to create inspirational spaces that promote a range of teaching and learning styles. We are very proud to have assisted South Ayrshire Council to develop this fantastic new school.”