A ROW has erupted over plans to build new schools in the Borders, it has emerged.

Earlier this month it was reported that the Scottish Government was expected to pick up the tab for the new Kelso High School.

That has freed up some extra cash at Scottish Borders Council who were previously expecting to have to pay £4.9million towards the cost of the £15 million project.

Speculation is mounting that money could be spent on a replacement for Broomlands Primary School in Kelso.

But Jedburgh Commuity Council this week claimed the town’s Parkside Primary School should be first to be upgraded as a makeshift classroom built on the site was classed as “temporary” before Broomlands was even built.

And, with a comprehensive review of school provision in Galashiels due to be carried out, community councillors warned the town’s three representatives on Scottish Borders Council they must act quickly to ensure they don’t miss out.

Speaking at this month’s meeting of Jedburgh Community Council, Jedburgh Provost Richard Gordon said: “The community council request that it be looked at as a matter of urgency.

“At some point they are going to address the issues of schools in Galashiels and that’s going to tie up the budget for a long time, so we’ve got to get in their quick.” But community councillor Hugh Wight added: “Jedburgh seems to be at the bottom of the list when it comes to priorities for everything.

“Other towns get together to former alliances, Gala and Selkirk for example, but I think think our three councillors have enough clout. They must try to make alliances with other councillors to get more clout.” Earlier this year it was reported a schools review planned for Galashiels could see a major shake-up in provision by the end of the decade.

Primary schools are likely to be amalgamated - and a new academy built - on a “super-campus” around the secondary’s current site.

The investment was promised as part of Scottish Borders Council’s administration’s budget plans In a statement to the Border Telegraph, a spokesperson for Scottish Borders Council said: “We are at an early stage in terms of any potential transfer of funds from the Kelso High School project. It would be premature to say anything further at this stage.

“Plans to make improvements to Broomlands Primary School in Kelso were identified in our capital budget plan approved by Council on February 6. This also contains provision for improvements to Langlee Primary School and Galashiels schools provision.”