PEEBLES High has been revealed as the first school in the Borders to be awarded the Silver LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) Charter Mark.

The LGBT Charter of Rights is a list of rights based on the United Nations Convention on the rights of the child (UNCR) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), that some LGBT people feel they are denied due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Created by a group of LGBT young people and wider stakeholders, the LGBT Charter describes basic rights such as the right to be yourself, the right to privacy, be kept safe from harm and the right to an education.

The High School collected the award based on its values of diversity and promoting good practice in terms of LGBT equality.

Young people and staff worked hard to raise awareness of issues LGBT young people face and to send out positive messages to LGBT young people in the school community in order to challenge discrimination and promote a more inclusive school.

Presenting the award, Ann Marriot from LGBT Youth Scotland said: "I am delighted to congratulate Peebles High School for successfully completing the LGBT Charter of Rights at Silver level.

"LGBT Youth Scotland and Peebles High School have worked closely together and we have always been impressed with the support and engagement you have offered to LGBT young people.

"As a school you have engaged with our national work, and have been ambassadors for taking numerous initiatives forward."

Young people have been at the heart of the work done to challenge discrimination and welcome diversity, firstly by setting up the SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Acceptance) peer support group and then by working alongside staff champions to gather evidence of best practice.

Helen Whalley and Mhairi Sinclair were instrumental in setting up the SAGA group and accepted the Silver Mark on behalf of the school.

Helen said: "For us, gaining this award is more than just a trophy or plaque to put on display. By running SAGA and spreading awareness, we have been able to make a genuine difference around the school."

Forty guests attended the award ceremony at the school, including young people, school staff (past and present) and representatives from the PHS Parent Council, SBC Children and Young Families service, LGBT Youth Scotland, Peeblesshire Youth Trust and elected members from SBC.

Leader of the Council, Shona Haslam (Cons) added: “Congratulations to PHS on being the first school in the region to gain this award. It sets a fantastic example for other schools working towards it."