COUNCILLORS are calling for ‘outdated’ Peebles High to be brought to the front of the queue for replacement.

On Tuesday members of the local authority’s ruling executive will plan for the future of its secondary school estate.

Eyemouth, Kelso, Berwickshire and Earlston have all received new high schools over the past decade, with Jedburgh under way.

Now elected members in Tweeddale are pushing the case for Peebles to be next.

The call comes as the executive committee prepares to consider a report which outlines a range of proposals to improve education in the Borders.

If approved, detailed assessments will be carried out at Peebles High, Galashiels Academy, Selkirk High and Hawick High, to prioritise where money will be spent over the next 10 to 15 years.

Tweeddale East councillor Stuart Bell (SNP) said: “It was clear to me over 10 years ago that decades of under-investment in our schools had left many in a deteriorated condition. 

“As regards to Peebles – of course it needs to be replaced. For decades there have been creative additions and alterations to make the best of what is at heart a very old school.

“The growth in Tweeddale population has outgrown this outdated school. We need our young people to be taught in modern inspiring buildings, and there is some evidence that being taught in a good environment produces better outcomes for our young people. 

“I have nothing but praise for our teachers who make the best out of a difficult building. There is space reserved on that site for the new High School which Peebles needs, and which our pupils and teachers deserve.”

Tweeddale West councillor Kris Chapman (Lib Dem) also welcomed the report which will be put to elected members on Tuesday.

He said: “I am delighted to see that Borders schools will be invested in, particularly Peebles. Peebles High has a large catchment area and is bursting at the seams.

“Whatever is decided, we need to ensure we create a positive learning environment for our pupils. I think the way to do that, is to engage with the public and speak to the children who go to the school.”

Leader of Scottish Borders Council, Shona Haslam (Con) described the review as “exciting”.

She told us: “I welcome the schools estate review and look forward to working with the community to ensure that all of our Schools in Tweeddale are fit for purpose and centres of educational excellence.

Schools are so much more these days – they are community hubs and it is exciting to take that vision forward in our part of the Borders.”