A new primary school is on the cards for Bellsbank after councillors agreed to a £6.3m investment.

Plans to build a new school – which will incorporate an early childhood centre and community facilities – were already in place but only £4.65m was set aside by East Ayrshire Council.

However, an additional £1.65m from the Scottish Government Early Learning and Childcare capital funding programme, means the work can progress and the new school will be set to open in 2020.

Council Leader Douglas Reid said: “We have always planned to replace the school at Bellsbank, and we are now in a position to do this.

“Using the government funding means we can incorporate enhanced early years provision within the existing plans and widen the scope of the school to include facilities for local residents.

“The development also gives us an opportunity to look again at plans to increase our investment in Doon Valley, with our largest ever investment in the area, creating a new campus for Doon Academy and Dalmellington Primary School, ensuring all learners have access to an education that prepares them to succeed in school, work and life.

Councillor Fiona Campbell, Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning added: “The council’s Capital Investment Programme puts education at the heart of our plans and the new facilities in Bellsbank will deliver a stunning new environment for our youngest citizens to learn, develop and grow.”