THE outgoing Peebles High School Head Team met the First Minister this week to celebrate the end of their year as the first all-female team at the school.

Previously Peebles High had chosen two head girls and two head boys, but the school moved to a merit-based selection in 2018 which saw Anna McGorum Begara and Darcy Hamilton chosen as head prefects, while Annabel Blackwood and Emily Wright were appointed deputes.

The young women were invited to meet the First Minister by local SNP MSP Christine Grahame.

Ms Grahame said: “These young women are a great example of women succeeding in leadership positions on merit and I was delighted to introduce them to the First Minister to share their experiences.

“I know from my own early days in politics how much of a difference it can make to have women in leadership who will encourage other women to have a go.

“From speaking to the Peebles Head Team it sounds like this has had a really positive effect at the school, particularly on younger pupils.

“The young women have all now completed their studies and will be off to University in September for a new challenge.

“I wish them all the best for this and having seen how they’ve excelled in their senior school year I’m sure they’ll do fantastically well.”