COUNCILLORS are being asked to support plans to build a new Galashiels Academy at Scott Park.

On Thursday (December 17), elected members will discuss details for new campuses in Galashiels, Peebles and Eyemouth.

Scottish Borders Council says its "preferred option" for Galashiels is to locate a new 1,000-pupil facility on the western edge of Scott Park,

As previously reported, concerns have been raised over building on key green space in the town.

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However, the council insists the development would allow the current school to operate as normal, while the work is taking place.

Any lost green space will be replaced, the council says.

If the plans are approved, it is hoped that public consultations will start in January, with the campus opening to pupils in 2024.

Councillor Carol Hamilton, executive member for children and young people, said: "Behind the scenes there has been a lot of progress made on the plans for these three schools [Galashiels, Peebles and Eyemouth Primary].

"This is an opportunity to share the latest information and take forward discussions with the school communities and wider stakeholders ahead of any planning applications being submitted.

"This council has an exceptional track record of investment in new and improved education facilities and I am excited that despite the ongoing pandemic we are still making excellent progress with plans for significant investment in Peebles, Galashiels and Eyemouth."

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In Peebles, a feasibility study has taken place to consider the replacement of the parts of the building lost or damaged by last year's fire.

Now a further short study has begun to look at rebuilding the whole school.

This will assess the benefits, cost and timescales of the different options available.

In Eyemouth, a community consultation for the new primary school is expected to begin early in the new year.

The public will be invited to provide feedback on all the options, which are: replacing the school on land adjacent to the existing primary school; establishing a 3-18 campus within the existing high school; and a hybrid model of a new early years and primary facility for pupils up to and including P4 built on land at the high school, with P5-P7 year groups accommodated within the current high school building.