Investment boost for Peterhead schools welcomed by Buchan Area Committee
Councillors have warmly welcomed significant recent investment in schools across Peterhead, alongside further improvements planned for the current financial year.
Aberdeenshire Council’s Buchan Area Committee today (Tues) noted a range of upgrades already completed at Peterhead Academy, Dales Park School, Meethill School and Anna Ritchie School, all aimed at enhancing learning environments and ensuring facilities remain safe, modern and fit-for-purpose.
The investment of around £1.6 million follows the council’s decision in February 2025 to refocus the Peterhead Community Campus project on an academy-only site. As a result, Dales Park School, Meethill School and Anna Ritchie School will continue to operate within their existing buildings, supported by targeted capital investment informed by updated condition surveys.
Pupils and staff at Dales Park School have already benefitted from £300,000 of investment during 2025/26, delivering upgraded toilet facilities and extensive replacement of flooring throughout the building.
Meethill School has seen substantial upgrades totalling £560,000 including a complete replacement of roof coverings with improved insulation, alongside essential electrical improvements such as the relocation and upgrade of the kitchen distribution board to safeguard continued operations. Looking ahead, a major electrical upgrade is scheduled from July through to Spring next year. This will include modernisation of fire alarms and emergency lighting, ensuring enhanced safety across the school.
At Anna Ritchie School, £192,000 has been invested in upgraded toilet facilities delivered in phases last year. Further improvements are also planned including a full roof coverings replacement with increased insulation, beginning during the summer break. Work is also progressing to address issues identified within the school’s swimming pool. Following specialist assessments, repairs to pipework have been completed and plans are advancing for essential structural upgrades, with works expected to conclude by March next year.
While the new £110 million new academy is planned as part of the Community Campus development, ongoing investment is ensuring the existing building remains safe and operational in the meantime.
Recent works include £148,000 of essential upgrades in 2024/25 to key systems such as heating, chillers and biomass boilers, followed by a further £550,000 of improvements undertaken in the past 12 months. These works have included roof and structural repairs, upgrades to doors and fire safety features, improved ventilation, internal refurbishments and enhancements to key learning and community spaces.
Councillors said the programme of completed and planned works reflected Aberdeenshire Council’s continued proactive approach to maintaining and improving school facilities across Peterhead.
By combining immediate upgrades with longer-term investment plans, the council remains committed to ensuring pupils, staff and the wider community benefit from safe, high-quality learning environments while future developments, including the new Academy, are progressed.
The Buchan Area Committee will continue to monitor progress as projects advance throughout 2026/27 and beyond.