HERMITAGE Academy has received plenty of praise in recent weeks for top performing students and a commitment to recruiting, retaining and developing their young workforce.

But back in March 2004, the plans for the new-look school had just been unveiled to replace the crumbling former site.

Here's how we reported the story 15 years ago...

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A MULTI-MILLION pound scheme to rebuild schools in Helensburgh and Lomond has been unveiled.

Under the plans the crumbling Hermitage Academy will be replaced by a brand new school - built on the site of the all-weather pitch.

Five primary schools - Cardross, Arrochar, Garelochhead, Kilcreggan and Rosneath - will have new buildings constructed on spare land beside the current facilities.

The proposals to replace the dilapidated Academy are sure to come under fire from many quarters, and at a public meeting last week the vast majority of those in attendance spoke out against such an idea.

But director of community services Douglas Hendry said the playing facilities, used by many sports clubs, would be restored.

Current board chair Graham Walker said: “From a school board perspective, what we’re concerned with is making sure the school will provide our children with schooling in a proper environment.

“That means it is important that the new school is built as quickly as possible.

“In the last year there have been a number of events in the school resulting in it being closed or education being disrupted. The school has come to the end of its functional life.

“We’ve been advised that the Academy is identified as number one priority.

“If there are any delays it could result in the Academy being pushed down that list, which we don’t want to happen.”

Former chair Alice Spouge added: “We desperately need this new school.”