PARENTS and children at Merkinch Primary School are delighted to hear that the New Opportunities Fund has awarded more than £327,000 to establish a local Healthy Living Centre within the disused janitor's house at Merkinch Primary School.
It is hoped that the refurbishment of the “The Janny’s Hoose” will be completed by spring of next year.

£100,000 is being earmarked for the facelift of the building which was built in 1896 and is situated within the grounds of the school.
The remaining funding will be used to cover the costs over the next five years of a part-time project co-ordinator and support staffing.

This new initiative will provide a one-stop shop for local families to access information, advice and support on all aspects of child and family health.
In the first year, priority will be given to oral health, nutrition, support for parents, and promoting well-being.

A local steering group, consisting of community representatives as well as professionals working in the area, submitted the application and a project management group will be established shortly.

Sheena Morrison, head teacher of Merkinch Primary School, said: “This new project provides an exciting opportunity for people to work together to improve child, family and community health.

“Parents, children, teachers, doctors, nurses, dentists and social work staff are all enthusiastic about co-operating to make Merkinch’s health top of the class!” Local councillor Peter Corb-ett said it was “fantastic news” that the project had been awarded such generous funding - it would be of great benefit to people in the area.