Ava McCue, five, and Eva Minty, six, cut the first sod on the site of their new school.

The £7.7 million building will replace the existing Lairdsland Primary in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire.

Council leader Rhondda Geekie joined the schoolchildren at yesterday's launch event on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal. Ms Geekie said: "The enthusiasm among the pupils is tangible and I am sure the finished school will meet their high expectations." Picture: Martin Shields