Dundee, Angus and Perth and Kinross councils have been awarded an extra £2.1 million between them, while Fife Council is to receive an additional £2 million in funding.

The Scottish Executive says the cash should be spent improving school canteens, enhancing sports facilities and playgrounds and upgrading energy efficiency.

Dundee City Council’s education convener, Councillor Kevin Keenan, said the new money would be put to good use.

Mr Keenan said, “I welcome this extra cash for investment in our schools. It will help us to carry out more energy efficiency work as well as general improvements to the fabric of our schools.”

Mr Peacock said, “Pupils and teachers deserve to learn and teach in 21st-century schools.

“The new generation of PPP-funded schools is transforming crumbling classrooms into modern 21st-century schools and offering some of the most advanced learning environments in the world. This extra money will help upgrade and modernise facilities in our other schools.

“Today’s money comes with a clear focus on sustainable development and health improvement — two of this Government's biggest priorities, alongside education.

“Energy efficient schools can play their part in helping our environment.

“And there is a knock-on benefit. Recent hikes in energy prices mean an additional squeeze on the extra resources being ploughed into education.

“By giving councils more money towards helping to tackle the most energy-inefficient school buildings, our schools will be able to concentrate their devolved spending better on books and equipment.

“The extra cash will also encourage healthier lifestyles among pupils.

“Our Hungry for Success programme has revol-utionised school meals and by improving sports facilities and playgrounds, we can get more pupils to do more physical activity and develop healthy habits.””