THE original school building at St Columba's School in Kilmacolm has been put up for sale as part of major redevelopment plans.

The junior school building and some of the surrounding grounds in Knockbuckle Road are on the market, with Sheperd Chartered Surveyors describing it as a 'unique potential development opportunity' subject to planning consents.

It is part of plans by the independent school to merge the junior and senior schools on one site, creating a modern and vibrant junior department and investing in upgraded senior school facilities.

Rector Vicky Reilly said "The sale of the land at Knockbuckle Road forms part of our strategic vision to provide an affordable independent education at the heart of Kilmacolm which offers excellent teaching and delivers outstanding pastoral care.”

One of Scotland’s highest achieving schools, St Columba’s is an independent, non-denominational day school for children aged three to 18.

The school's board of governors announced their ambitious plans to merge the junior and senior schools on a single site earlier this year.

The three adjoining buildings for sale are the B-listed original school, known as the ‘Shalott Building’, formed over two floors plus basement; a single storey 1970s building; and the ‘Graham Building’.

Accommodation provides typical school accommodation including classrooms, office space, meeting rooms, assembly halls in addition to WC and kitchen facilities and ancillary space.

The existing school site comprises land extending to 2.6 acres.

Steven Barnett, managing partner at Shepherd Chartered Surveyors, said: “On behalf of the board of governors of St Columba’s School, we are delighted to bring this prime development opportunity to the market for sale.

“The school has taken the decision to combine the junior and secondary schools into a single campus, thereby allowing the redevelopment of the Shalott building, Seventies Building, Graham Building and surrounding grounds.

“The Games Hall and the wooded area behind the hall, known as the ’Wild Woods‘, will be retained, and will not form a part of the development site.

"They will continue to serve the combined junior and senior school joint campus located on Duchal Road.

“This development represents one of the most significant land sales within the Kilmacolm area, centrally located with fantastic views over the village green.

“It will appeal to a number of local and national developers, for a variety of uses, and we look forward to working with the school and prospective purchasers and would invite interested parties to register their interest.”

The property has not been given a minimum asking price, though offers are being invited. Interested parties should contact the sole selling agent on 0141 331 2807.