THE new Langlee Primary School opened its doors for the first time this morning.

Crowds gathered as the new £10 million facility was opened by leader of Scottish Borders Council Shona Haslam; pupils Taylor Patterson (Langlee Lass), Danny Lindores (Langlee Lad), Corey Murray and Taylor Harkness; as well as Marion Romeril, the longest serving teacher at Langlee.

The school was built by contractors McLaughlin and Harvey and includes 14 classrooms, a sports hall, outdoor MUGA sports pitch, a centre for children with severe and complex additional needs and provision for early learning and childcare.

The new building replaces the old one, which has been in use since 1958 and is now being carefully demolished.

And at the same time, the ribbon was cut at the new primary school in Duns.

SBC’s executive member for children and young people, councillor Carol Hamilton, said: “It is fantastic to see both of these schools open.

“Langlee Primary has been an integral part of the local community for nearly 60 years and holds many fond memories for local people.

“However, we are sure the new school building with be a tremendous asset for generations of children, as well as the Langlee and Galashiels communities.

“We now look forward to Kelso High and Broomlands Primary opening their doors, while we continue to progress plans for a new intergenerational campus in Jedburgh.”

Michael Kieran, construction director at McLaughlin & Harvey Limited added: “The finished Langlee Primary building is a credit to the hard work, co-operation and vision of all those involved in the design and build process.

“We would like to thank the staff and pupils for their patience to date and wish them every success in their new school.”