CUMNOCK and Doon Valley primary schools are to undergo a major revamp.

Scottish Government funding will see five schools in the area being replaced.

The proposed joining of Greenmill, Barshare and Hillside schools on a shared campus was first mooted at the beginning of this year. A location for the so-called 'super school’ has yet to be finalised.

Now Muirkirk and Bellsbank Primaries are also to see new premises built.

The plans are subject to any necessary statutory consultation and are not likely to be in place until 2017.

Council Leader Douglas Reid, said: “This is fabulous news for East Ayrshire and in particular the communities to be served by the new schools.

“In recent years East Ayrshire Council has built or completely refurbished ten schools and early childhood centres, through our capital investment programme, to ensure our children and young people continue to access to a modern learning environment that is fit for purpose.

“Our strategic priority is to raise educational attainment and equip our young people for the world of work and today’s announcement will help us to continue our commitment to invest in lifelong learning in East Ayrshire.” The Muirkirk and Bellsbank projects will include replacement community facilities and the Cumnock project will allow the council to accommodate views expressed during the recent consultation process. They will be talking to the schools, parents and communities involved to agree how the projects can be progressed as quickly as possible.

The move comes as part of the Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme announced by Learning Minister Dr Alasdair Allan.

A further £330 million of funding, confirmed last week by Finance Secretary John Swinney, brings the total investment for the programme between the Scottish Government and local authorities to £1.8 billion.

Dr Allan said: “The Scottish Government places a huge emphasis on high quality learning and is committed to delivering high quality, well designed, sustainable schools through the Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme. The additional funding is testament to this aim.

“The new facilities being built are fantastic environments for our young people to learn in and often provide amenities for the wider community that will be enjoyed by generations to come.

“The projects are also a welcome boost to the local economy, creating apprenticeship opportunities for young people and construction jobs across the country.” Gemma Boggs, schools programme director at Scottish Futures Trust, said: “We are delighted with the opportunity this announcement brings as it allows us to build on the huge progress we’ve made in managing the Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme.” “We are very much looking forward to working collaboratively with local authorities to achieve the very best value for the investment in their school estate. Thousands of pupils across Scotland will benefit, as will hundreds of local SMEs when construction starts.” As yet, no site has been earmarked for the Cumnock campus which could take until 2017 before it becomes a reality.