The main hall was packed with pupils, students, teachers and invited guests for the unveiling of the plaque by Scottish cabinet minister Fiona Hyslop.

Ms Hyslop is the first cabinet secretary to be responsible for education across all age groups and during her visit she spoke of her delight at being able to open a campus which represented the same ethos of cradle-to-the-grave education.

"I am delighted to officially open Rothesay Joint Campus and see the fantastic facilities now provided," she said as she did the honours.

"The schools have a great history, helping to deliver education for hundreds of years. It is great to see that tradition continuing with this new state-of-the-art campus.

"This is a real landmark for the future of education in Rothesay and Bute. The new campus offers a hugely improved learning and teaching environment in which both teachers and pupils will flourish, and facilities which will also benefit the local community," she added.

It was also a proud day for local councillor Isobel Strong, who once taught at the old school, and who was able to wear the Rothesay chain of office due to the absence of the council leader.

"I am delighted that Fiona Hyslop has been able to come and open this wonderful new campus," she said.

"The facilities really are amazing and benefit all ages from three to degree since we have pre-fives, primary, secondary and Argyll College all on the one site.

"The community also makes great use of the all weather pitches and indoor sports facilities. All subjects have the latest technology for learning and teaching which will help to achieve even better results than before. This is a very special day for the whole community," she added.

Joining Ms Strong at the ceremony were a number of local dignitaries, including fellow councillors Len Scoullar and Robert Macintyre, Argyll College staff and members of local groups and organisations.

They were entertained during the official opening ceremony by a wide selection of music, speeches and singing from the pupils and staff.

Included in the programme were remarks from the two head teachers, comments from councillor Strong, a short speech by P7/1 pupil Rosa Edwards, and performances by the Primary and the Primary7/S1 choirs.

One of the highlights of the day was a specially commissioned musical performance by the Concert Band and further music by the Academy Swing Band.

Speaking after the ceremony Argyll College board of directors chairwoman Wilma Campbell, who was among those in attendance, was delighted with the day's proceedings, and the possibilities the joint campus provides for the schools and college.

"I'm absolutely delighted. Argyll College has been working with Rothesay Academy providing skills for work courses and we look forward to as much interaction as possible in future," she said.

"The opportunity provided by an indigenous college is tremendous. Argyll College now has six centres on the mainland and six centres on islands because in an area of widely dispersed communities that is the only way in which we can widen access for all," she added.

Rothesay is one of Argyll and Bute Council's NPDO schools projects and is the first of its kind in the world. The NPDO works to bring private funding into the council's school estates.