THE skirl of bagpipes announced the opening of Glasgow's newest nursery.

Officially unveiled in a special ceremony yesterday, the £2.7million Rowena Nursery is the first new-build nursery from the council’s 4Rs estate strategy.

It will provide state-of-the-art facilities for 85 children in Knightswood with Gaelic education.

Liz Cameron, executive member for children, young people and lifelong learning, said: “What a beautiful day we have had at the official opening of the nursery.

"What a lovely building, so colourful and we’ve been treated to beautiful singing in English and Gaelic.

“The children and staff are so happy in their new nursery but it is all about what goes on inside the building that’s important and makes the nursery breathe.”

The project is part of the fifth stage of Glasgow City Council's plan to replace or refurbish all poor condition primary and nursery schools.

Plans for a new nursery next door to Knightswood Primary School on a brownfield site were first put forward in March 2013.

The scheme was also aimed at expanding the primary school, which was at pupil capacity.

The former nursery building has been taken over by Knightswood Primary to provide two classrooms, an IT suite and a larger nurture class.

Local councillor Jonathan Findlay said he was particularly impressed by the outdoor space for the new nursery.

Mr Findlay said: "The thing I'm most delighted about is the amount of outdoor space, giving the children an appreciation of learning outside.

"This is a great new facility and has a great area of grass they can run up and down on for play as well as getting all the benefits of outdoor learning."

Rowena Nursery has nursery and toddler classrooms with a dining area, kitchen and pantry as well as staff, parent and administration space.

Classrooms all open out on to a garden area, which has covered play decks so children can still be outdoors in poor weather.

The Gaelic Medium Class at Rowena is staffed by two Gaelic Child Development Officers.

Children are taught through the immersion method, used elsewhere in the city, which sees all instructions, stories and songs spoken or sung in Gaelic.

Scottish festivals are celebrated while traditional songs and stories are heard.

Children who attend the Gaelic Medium Class are expected to continue in Gaelic Medium education.

Parent Leselyanne Duffy spoke at the opening. She said: “You just have to walk through the front doors to see how lovely the nursery is and also feel the energy of the new building.

"The children and the parents are supported so well by an amazing staff.”