Thursday October 22nd 2026
Wester Hailes HS pedestrian canal link
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Staff and pupils at Wester Hailes High School have returned from the October half-term break to a new school building, replacing four separate teaching blocks with a modern education facility.
The new building, delivered by contractor McLaughlin & Harvey on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, has capacity for 800 pupils and is designed around a bright, open central atrium connecting classrooms and departments.
Each floor features breakout areas and quieter spaces where pupils can study, socialise or take time out. Warm colours and light wood finishes have also been used throughout to create a welcoming environment for learning.
One of the existing buildings on the site, which houses catering, sports and swimming facilities, has been retained and refurbished. It will operate as a secure community hub, providing accessible services for local people while maintaining the safety of those using the facilities.
Edinburgh Leisure reopened its refurbished leisure facilities at the school earlier this month.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to explore the new school building at an open evening on Tuesday, October 27, from 5pm to 7pm.
The redevelopment is not yet complete, with the remaining former school buildings due to be demolished during the final phase of the project.
The cleared areas will be transformed into outdoor learning spaces, an urban woodland and a community allotment featuring growing beds, polytunnels and picnic benches. Additional landscaping will also improve secure access to the school site from the Union Canal towpath.
The new school has been built to Passivhaus standards, which aim to minimise energy consumption and reduce reliance on active heating and cooling systems.
Other sustainability measures have been incorporated to improve air quality and the building’s thermal performance, supporting the council’s wider environmental commitments.
The project follows the principles of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Strategy and forms part of the second phase of its Learning Estate Investment Programme. The recently opened Liberton Community Campus is also included in the programme.
Councillor James Dalgleish, the council’s children, education and families convener, said the opening was a significant milestone for the school and the wider community.
He said: “Opening this new school building is a major landmark moment for pupils, staff and the wider community in Wester Hailes. I’m really impressed with the quality of the spaces, and the building is all set to provide a modern, sustainable learning environment designed to support young people for generations to come.
“This investment is about more than just education. We’ve created a valuable community asset, bringing together learning, sport and support spaces in one accessible location. Through our Living Well Locally approach, we’re creating a hub that will help strengthen and serve the community for many years ahead.”
Dougie McCusker, construction director at McLaughlin & Harvey, said it was rewarding to see pupils and staff using the new facilities.
He said: “It’s fantastic to see pupils and staff enjoying the new building. Having been designed and constructed to Passivhaus standards, the facility futureproofs the school’s estate for generations to come.
“Operationally, we faced the challenge of building the new facility while the school was still open and in close proximity to the construction works, however, we were able to ensure disruption was kept to an absolute minimum. The hard work by the whole project team, the designers, consultants and the client was definitely worth it when you see the cutting-edge building in use today.”
Further information about the school’s design is available on the Future Schools Edinburgh website.
Tweet Share on Facebook
News
