GLASGOW Academy is on its way to achieving a target of raising over £1 million to help fund a new science and technology building.

The private school has already received £875,000 in donations for the £15m development, due to be completed next summer.

The largest donation for the new building, located in Glasgow's west end, was £125,000 from former pupil and ex-governor John Watson OBE, the former boss of Glasgow printers John Watson and Company.

Graham Scott, chairman of the board of governors, said the gift was a "wonderful gesture" from a loyal former pupil and parent.

Mark Taylor, director of development at Glasgow Academy, where pupils pay annual fees of up to £11,085, added: "This gift is huge for the appeal and is the biggest lifetime cash donation in the school's history."

Rector Peter Brodie described the facility, which has been designed in conjunction with pupils, as an opportunity to provide inspiring facilities for future generations of pupils.

He said: "We are very proud of the fact that many of our leavers go into science and engineering and we are really pushing that because they lead on to fantastic careers with all sorts of exciting possibilities.

"This new building will transform the way we can teach these subjects and provide a wonderful facility that will benefit our pupils, but also the wider world."

Mr Brodie also said he was pleased because the decision to go ahead with the new building had been taken at a time when the country was in recession.

The new facility, which is next to the academy's existing campus in Colebrooke Street, Kelvinbridge, covers 37,000 square feet over four floors and will include a 178-seat auditorium, hospitality facilities and a food technology department.