A POTENTIAL £20million replacement school for rundown Doon Academy is still on the table despite a funding knock back.

East Ayrshire Council leader Douglas Reid has been in touch with Scottish Cabinet Secretary Derek Mackay to make the case for the new Dalmellington high school.

The campus proposal would also see the construction of a new primary school for the town.

SNP Councillor Reid said he has written and spoken to the finance minister and received a positive response.

He said: “The council have put quite a bit of money towards a new school. We are hoping the Scottish Government will assist with funding as well.”

It is hoped another wave of potential Holyrood funding would include cash for the new secondary.

Council officials now plan to submit a second bid since the first one was rejected.

Councillor Reid continued: “Fingers crossed for Doon Academy. This would ensure a secondary provision in the Doon Valley.”

There are hopes for a “definitive answer” in the new year, he added.

He described the secondary plans as the  final piece of the jigsaw for the area considering Patna’s new school and the construction of Bellsbank Primary getting underway.

Highlighting the importance of the high school, he stressed it shouldn’t miss out on facilities just because it is small.

Doon Valley Councillor Drew Wilson said it would be one of the largest investments in the area.

The independent politician said: “It will be a new modern facility that can only boost the attainment of our young people for the future.”

A paper presented to cabinet councillors recently said the Doon Academy “building continues to deteriorate.”

It said the “initial bid for Scottish Government funding (for the school) has been unsuccessful.”

It is understood refurbishment is not a feasible option because of asbestos.

The secondary’s main building has been rated as amber by the council – which means it needs work.

The race is now on to get the cash secured and the new school plan back on track.

The council’s property management plan report said: “progress to finalise a scheme will be  required within  2020 with a further  bid for funding to be submitted at the next stage of the New Learning Estate Investment Programme.”

The new school could cost between £15 million to £20 million.