Jack McConnell (centre) was joined by Protestant and Catholic churchmen

Controversy has surrounded St David's Roman Catholic High School and Dalkeith High in Midlothian since last October when pupils were initially segregated.

Education leaders defended the move, which lasted a few weeks, and said it was to ensure a smooth transition.

The shared campus was officially opened on Monday by the first minister.

A number of primary schools operate shared campuses but the Dalkeith secondary schools are the first in Scotland to do so.

Around 1,700 pupils study on the campus, which also includes Saltersgate special school.

'Celebrating difference'

As well as their buildings the schools share a number of resources including office accommodation, a library, dining facilities and sports facilities.

Jack McConnell was joined by Cardinal Keith O'Brien and the Very Reverend Dr John Cairns, former moderator of the Church of Scotland for the official opening ceremony.

Mr McConnell said: "This campus is not about eroding differences it is about celebrating difference and working together to get the best results for every pupil.

"Whether youngsters are learning in the two great educational traditions of Scotland miles apart, or just in separate buildings on the same campus, we need to make sure that Scotland in the 21st century puts some of those bad old attitudes behind us."

Educational diversity

Speaking after the ceremony, Cardinal O'Brien said: "The Catholic Church believes that our Catholic schools offer a distinctive form of education, which uniquely integrates learning and human formation in all its activities.

"It is the Church's view that this distinctiveness should be acknowledged and promoted as an important form of diverse educational provision reflecting the diversity of our nation today."