Borders gets funds for new schools in Galashiels and Peebles

Scottish education secretary John Swinney confirmed today (December 18) that Galashiels Academy and Peebles High School will receive the money to be rebuilt.

Scottish Borders Council member Stuart Bell, an SNP representative for Tweeddale East, described the announcement as a “Christmas present for the Borders”.

In a written statement, Mr Bell said: “It is amazing that the Scottish Government has just announced that it is prepared to fund BOTH new schools in their allocation of capital.

“We did not get any new school funding in the last round; to now get funding for two is an unprecedented Christmas present for the Borders.”

READ MORE: Coronavirus vaccinations begin in Borders care homes

The Scottish Government says its latest funding package will allow 25 schools or campuses to be built or refurbished across the country, providing “state of the art” facilities for around 21,000 children and young people.

The £800m funding comes through “Phase 2 of the Learning Estate Investment Programme”, which councils will also contribute towards.

SNP councillor Heather Anderson, a Tweeddale West member, said: “The government are to be congratulated for paying close attention to the education needs of our young people in the Borders; and for recognising that the fire at Peebles High School required the exceptional response of funding two new schools in the Borders.”

Yesterday (Thursday, December 17), councillors agreed to launch public consultations on the details of the Borders schools being built.

'A campus to be proud of'

Mr Bell said: “New high schools are expensive because they include so many facilities in a push to make them into Community Campuses, so the total funding for Galashiels and Peebles could amount to a whopping £97m.

“But it is because of the diligent work of council officers through the Covid-pandemic that the plans for Galashiels are so far advanced that we can now get a funding announcement.

“The detailed location on the large current site in that town is yet to be finalised, but including new sports facilities and potentially a replacement swimming pool, this will be a campus to be proud of.”

'I hope Peebles will be excited'

Ms Anderson added: “The devastating fire last year at Peebles put enormous pressure on students and staff.

“Aided by council officers and council partners they have been able to get back to teaching on one site at Springfield Road for nearly a year.”

“Because the site is large enough it is possible to build a completely new school, which is what we called for last year; but because current proposals are to build a brand new school there can be minimum disruption to teaching in the old or temporary buildings.

“We have had a sneak preview of the proposal and I think it is just great!

“I hope the Peebles public will be as excited as we are when the plans are finalised, drawn up, and put out to consultation.”

Statement from John Swinney

Mr Swinney said: “I am determined that our pupils have access to high-quality, up-to-date facilities that parents, staff and children can be proud of.

“This next phase builds on our commitment and proven track record in replacing schools in the poorest condition so that more children or young people can be educated in high quality buildings and ensure equity of provision.

“Scotland’s construction industry has worked incredibly hard to deal with the many challenges presented by the COVID pandemic.

"This funding will help the sector, sustaining many jobs and providing a welcome boost to communities across the country.

“Many of the projects will include wider community facilities and integration as part of the new school build or refurbishment.

"These facilities are so much more than just a school where children are educated, they are the centre piece of communities with links to the wider learning estate such as further education facilities and community libraries.”

Statement from Shona Haslam

Council leader Shona Haslam, a Tory member for Tweeddale East, said: “Today’s announcement by the Scottish Government is fantastic news for our young people and the wider communities in Galashiels and Peebles.

“This funding support will enable us to press ahead with our plans for both schools and maintain our fantastic record on delivering exceptional learning and community spaces across the Scottish Borders.”

Comment from Carol Hamilton

The council's executive member for children and young people, Carol Hamilton, said: “As highlighted at yesterday’s council meeting, significant progress continues to be made on both the Galashiels and Peebles plans.

“As we move towards engagement with both communities early in 2021 on these plans, this funding announcement provides a huge boost to these projects and also allows us to start to look towards future plans and the funding required for other new schools in the area.

“These project are all looking to build on the success of the recently completed and award-winning Jedburgh Grammar Campus and help to provide equality across the region and support wellbeing and attainment for all ages.”