PUPILS at Broomlands Primary in Kelso have settled into their new school this week.

The new £9.7 million replacement school was officially opened on Tuesday.

Pupils and staff were led from the old school, which is due for demolition during the spring, to the new adjacent facility by primary seven pupil Mason Blackwood and former pupil Angus Hislop, who played the drums and pipes respectively.

Pupils Ryan Ritchie and Leo Tait along with teacher Alison Wilson, who all have birthdays this week, cut the ribbon to officially mark its opening.

Broomlands headteacher Michelle Matthews told us: “We are delighted to move into the new school, which is a wonderful facility that the children and staff have been looking forward to transferring to for some time.

“We are very grateful to Scottish Borders Council for investing in our school for the local community.”

Contractors McLaughlin and Harvey began work on the building in October 2016.

The new replacement school features 12 classrooms, an early years centre, games hall/dining room and upgraded playground.

During the construction of the school, a series of community benefits were achieved including six new jobs for local people, one modern apprenticeship and six activities with local schools, while McLaughlin and Harvey engaged with 14 local groups or projects.

Councillor Carol Hamilton, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Children and Young People, said: “I am delighted that the new Broomlands Primary is now open.

“We have to thank pupils, staff, parents and the local community for their patience during the construction of the new school, as well as the project team and the contractor McLaughlin and Harvey for delivering the facility on time.

"It is a striking building providing modern facilities which will aid the pupils’ learning.

“The new Broomlands Primary is one of a number of new school facilities being progressed in the Scottish Borders, all of which will benefit our young people.”

New primaries at Langlee and Duns and a new Kelso High have all opened within the last six months.

And there are currently works taking place to create a new support centre for pupils with complex needs at Galashiels Academy and a new nursery at St Boswells Primary School.