New Isobel Mair school opens

It is the only educational support needs school in the area, and cost £12.1 million to build.

The school has a roll of 132 and comprises three teaching areas, a life skills centre set out as a house where young people can learn life skills incljuding looking after a home, ironing, cooking and making the bed.

It also boasts a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool and will cater for students aged between three and 18 years old.

The school is named after Dr Isobel Mair who worked as a local GP.

Speaking at the opening, one of her sons, Ranald Mair, said: “My brothers and I felt that we were the children of Isobel Mair.

“We’re delighted to see that we now have hundreds of brothers and sisters.

“The accolade for mum isn’t the name on the building, it’s the lives of the young people at this school.

“She believed in the importance of parents and family”.

Graham Campbell, chairman of the parent counci, has a son attending Isobel Mair.

He said: “The staff at Isobel Mair don’t understand can’t do.

“We are delighted that East Renfrewshire council has shown their support for our children”.

Head-man Fabio Ramaglioni (pictured below) welcomed guests to the opening pointing out how much the children love their new café, the garden and Corie House. He commented: “Our school is great fun”.

In addition to the school, Isobel Mair’s new family centre was officially opened.

Headteacher Mairi Wallace is pleased with how well the children had settled into the school.

Mrs Wallace said: “The children don’t have one favourite thing in their new school.

“They love everything — from the art room, to the house to the hydrotherapy suite. It has made a huge difference to their day to day school lives”.

The original school was based in Clarkston, however pupils were spread around eight miles apart in temporary campuses because of overcrowding.