Holy Mass was celebrated recently to mark the official opening of a new Catholic High School in Winchburgh, West Lothian.

Sinclair Academy is named after The Venerable Margaret Sinclair, who is revered for her life of holiness.

Archbsihop Cushley said: “I am delighted that there is a new Catholic school in West Lothian to serve the surrounding community.

“Sinclair Academy is a splendid building, and it was an honour to be asked to bless it and to open it officially. It was a great pleasure to meet with staff and pupils, as well as Councillors and Executives of West Lothian Council.

“Congratulations also to the head teacher Dr Burns, and to his staff and pupils: may they be excellent learners, good citizens, and faithful disciples.”

Over £60 million was invested to build Sinclair Academy, Winchburgh Academy, Holy Family Primary and shared sports block to accommodate the demand for school places in the growing core development are of Winchburgh.

Sinclair Academy Headteacher Dr Gerry Burns said: “We were delighted to welcome Archbishop Cushley to officially open Sinclair Academy.

“Our fantastic new school building will help us build a real community of learning and faith, and we’re delighted to share it with all our special guests today.”

Sinclair Academy currently provides denominational education to 80 first year pupils, which will grow considerably each year until it provides a full S1 to S6 education by 2028/29.

Closing the event, Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “It’s so important we provide our young people with right environment for education, such as the fantastic facilities found at Sinclair Academy and throughout the Winchburgh Schools campus.

“Sinclair Academy will allow us to meet the demand for denominational education from local residents in communities in the east of West Lothian, such as Winchburgh, Broxburn and Linlithgow.”