SCOTTISH Borders Council has rubber stamped the closure of three primary schools.

At a meeting of the council on Thursday August 29, councillors voted to close Eccles Leithom, Ettrick, and Hobkirk primary schools.

Councillors heard that each school would require significant capital investment in order to re-open, as the buildings are currently not suitable for use. 

A report, presented to the council by interim director for children and young people Stuart Easingwood, advised that the re-opening of Hobkirk, Eccles Leithom and Ettrick would cost around £229,000, £107,000 and £38,000, respectively. 

The report reads: “reads: “Hobkirk Primary School [Bonchester Bridge] was mothballed in 2015 following a sustained fall in its roll after a substantial increase in placement requests. 

“The catchment area was temporarily re-zoned to Denholm Primary School at the time of mothballing. 

“There have been no enquiries received about the school since mothballing and 88% of the Hobkirk catchment children are currently attending Denholm Primary School.

“Eccles Leitholm Primary School was mothballed in 2016 following a sustained fall in its roll, after a substantial increase in placement requests. 

“The catchment area was temporarily re-zoned to Coldstream Primary School at the time of mothballing. Since mothballing the council has not received any enquiries regarding the school.

“Ettrick Primary School was mothballed in July 2012 following a sustained fall in its roll. Since mothballing all primary aged pupils have been transported to Kirkhope Primary School. 

“The number of primary aged children has remained consistently low since mothballing and the council has not received any enquiries regarding the school in that period.”

East Berwickshire councillor Carol Hamilton, who acts as the executive member for children and young people, said: “I’d like to make it clear that this is not a decision that is undertaken lightly and I’d like to thank officers for their diligence and understanding in this process.

“The council officers have taken note of the pupils and parents’ views, and have listened to the communities. 

“Looking at the declining school rolls, the council has a duty to look at providing the best education possible for people in rural areas.”