A new nursery is to be built next to the Orkney College campus of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) in Kirkwall.

Local company Orkney Builders (Contractors)Ltd has been awarded the contract. Their successful bid came in at £2.65million.

The total cost of the project is £3.12million. £1.683 million has come from the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme.

The work is due to start in the next few weeks.

In Scotland all three and four year olds, and eligible two year olds, are currently entitled 1140 hours of funded Early Learning and Childcare ( ELC )a year. This is free and funded by the Scottish Government and the Local Authority.

To find out more click on this link: Parent Club – Early Learning and Child Care

The expansion of early learning and child care is a crucial part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to children and families.

There are also a range of benefits to support parents and families, many of which are only available in Scotland like the Baby Box and The Scottish Child Payment. To find out about those click on this link: Children and Families