Swedish contractor named preferred bidder for 30-year contract to design, construct, finance and operate eight primary schools for Midlothian council.

Skanska has been made preferred bidder on a £70m PPP school programme in Scotland.

The Swedish contractor, in partnership with the PFI Infrastructure Company, has won a 30-year contract to design, construct, finance and operate eight new primary schools for Midlothian Council in Scotland.

The first two schools will be completed for the start of the academic year in August 2006, and all schools are expected to be completed by February 2007.

Financial close is expected in October this year, when work on site will begin.

Skanska and PFI Co will provide equity investment on a 50:50 basis.

Once the schools are finished Skanska will provide maintenance services for the new schools.