The three year scheme will involve:

- An Education Design Champion promoting and inspiring good design in schools;

- Tailored assistance for all councils to provide impartial advice on their school projects;

- Design evaluations of some projects, reviewing the design process at key stages.

Launching the programme, at The Lighthouse in Glasgow,Hyslop said:

"Many things have a positive impact on pupils' learning but one of these is, undoubtedly, being taught in the right environment - one that is high quality, user friendly and well equipped.

"That's why we're funding Architecture and Design Scotland to work with councils to help them get the best results from their building programmes. By championing great design and providing support, they will be able to help share good practice throughout Scotland."

The three-year £500,000 scheme will involve a Schools Design Champion promoting and inspiring good design in schools; tailored assistance for all councils to provide impartial advice on their school projects and design evaluations of some projects, reviewing the design process at key stages.