A NEWLY appointed Peeblesshire headteacher spoken of her new role at two primary schools in the area.

Catriona McKinnon became headteacher of Broughton and Newlands Primary Schools in the summer, and has told the Peeblesshire News of how she's passionate about enhancing the children's education and getting involved with the community.

Having been involved in education for 15 years, Catriona worked in a number of rural and larger schools before moving to the Borders this year.

Catriona told us: "When the opportunity arose to come to the Borders for a shared headteacher position, I was very interested. I love the communities, and when I visited the two schools they were great. I knew straight away that these were the schools for me.

"Since starting here on the first day of term in August, its been wonderful and I'm absolutely loving the new job and my new home here with my partner and two-year-old, having moved here from the Midlothian area.

"The first few weeks have enabled me to build up new relationships with staff, parents and pupils, all of whom are great. They've welcomed me with open arms and it feels lovely to not only be a part of the schools, but of the wider community too."

As part of Catriona's plans, she wants to continue the strong relationship with the parent councils, and build on the schools being a part of the wider community.

She added: "We have two strong relationships with both parent councils and are fortunate for these links and I hope to continue them and keep them involved.

"We've just had a very successful fundraising event at Newlands School, which has allowed me to meet the parents and formally introduce myself and let them get to know me a bit better."

Another key aim in Catriona's plans is to continue the strong interest in reading for the pupils, with money from the Newlands fundraiser going towards new books and improvements to the schools library.

"It's a very exciting time for us as we look ahead to the next few months. Both Schools have a several events in the diary, from Halloween to Children in Need, and the festive Christmas nativities."