Primary school in rural Scotland one step closer to net zero thanks to government grant

Pupils and staff in Bankfoot-based Auchtergaven Primary School set to benefit from heating upgrades.

A small primary school that serves a rural Scotland village is set to benefit from a new zero direct emissions heating system thanks to a government grant.

Auchtergaven Primary School, located in the village of Bankfoot to the north of Perth, has more than 120 pupils on their roll aged between five and 12. 

The school, which is run by Perth and Kinross Council, was one of the first applicants to be awarded grant funding under Scotland’s Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund. Funding is delivered by Salix on behalf of the Scottish Government.

The £324,546 project at the school centres around the replacement of an old, oil-based heating system with two zero direct emission air source heat pumps. Accompanying energy efficiency measures include a building management system which will enable room-by-room temperature and heating control, roof insulation and draughtproofing.

Chris Anton, lead energy officer at Perth and Kinross Council, said: “Auchtergaven Primary School shall be a full site refurbishment with improvements to the fabric, mechanical and electrical infrastructure. 

“This site is one of Perth and Kinross Council’s many rural schools that will be upgraded in the path to net zero.”

The latest census estimates that the council supports more than 150,000 residents, with just shy of 16% aged 14 and below.   

The move away from traditional, fossil fuel-based heating systems is an important one for the council, who are keen to lead by example to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2045.

The council have a strong focus on encouraging their residents to take action to minimise their own environmental impact. To support this, they have set up a dedicated website as a resource for residents to keep up to date on climate action and to share experiences and ideas. This climate action website shares the council’s Climate Strategy and Action Plan alongside guidance on how individuals can make changes at home and work, mapping of climate projects, funding opportunities and more.

Brandon Dillon, client support officer at Salix, said: “Perth and Kinross Council are paving the way toward a net zero future through a combination of action and education.

“It is an incredibly important blend of efforts, especially to ensure that our smaller, rural communities don’t get left behind.”

You can read more about Scotland’s Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund, alongside other funding opportunities for Scotland-based organisations, through our website.