Council leaders say it is a major investment in education

The deal will deliver four new high schools, a community campus and a refurbished fifth high school.

The project was set up by Stirling Council and Stirling Gateway, a consortium of local companies.

Work is now under way to ensure the schools are opened on time by late 2007 and during 2008.

The four new schools to be built under the public private partnership (PPP) will replace Dunblane, St Modan's, Stirling and Wallace high schools.

The community campus, located in Raploch, includes two primary schools, a special needs school, a nursery and a range of community facilities.

Future generations

McLaren High School, in Callander, will also be fully refurbished and extended as part of the project.

Stirling Council economy convener John Hendry said the local authority was making an unprecedented investment in the future generations of the area.

"We are showing the lead in Scotland in providing modern, stimulating and innovative learning and teaching facilities for children and young people," he said.

"As well as this the community will also be able to use these new facilities, providing them with a first class community resource as well as an inspiring environment for education."