SENIOR students from Peebles and Galashiels met up last week in order to get to know each other before today's classes begin.

On Friday, December 6, students met at Galashiels Academy to familiarise themselves with their new schoolmates.

William Adams, a Head Prefect at Peebles High School, said: "Being taken from our normal environment so abruptly was a shock to the system so we're all grateful to get back into it. Everyone at Gala that I've seen has been incredibly understanding. This a fantastic way of meeting new people and regardless of how quickly we end up getting back to Peebles High School - we're going to have a great time here."

Galashiels Academy Head Girl, Rosie McLeman, added: "I've got friends from Peebles and I'm looking forward to seeing them here. It's definitely going to be different for us but it's a positive change and we're looking forward to it."

Eleven days after the Peebles High School fire, students return to formal teaching after completing home-based learning tasks last week.

Students will be taught until Thursday, December 19 when they will break up for Christmas.

Headteacher of Peebles High School, Campbell Wilson, said: "It's clear that everyone at Gala Academy has worked extremely hard to be ready for us and we really appreciate that. Our young people are very resilient and I'm immensely proud of the way they have risen to this challenge, continue to be positive and continue to focus on their learning."

Headteacher of Galashiels Academy, Kevin Ryalls, added: "We really want to help and are looking forward to welcoming the pupils and staff from Peebles. Our students empathise with them and we're going to maximise every opportunity we have and make it work for the young people at a critical time of year for them."

Transport details for senior students were confirmed over the weekend and were communicated to parents through a groupcall and Scottish Borders Council's social media channels.

Arrangements for students' travel on Friday, December 13 will be confirmed this week.

From today until Thursday, students should board their usual buses to be transferred to Galashiels from Kingsmeadows car park using the 363 Borders Buses service.

Students have been advised to board their morning buses ten minutes earlier than usual to arrive at Kingsmeadows in time for their onward transport.

Shuttles between Galashiels Academy and Langlee Complex are also available to senior students.

An event for parents and carers of S4-S6 students has been arranged for Wednesday, December 11 at the Macdonald Cardrona Hotel where senior council officers and the school management team will give presentations, followed by an opportunity for parents to ask teachers questions or raise concerns. Two sessions, one from 5.30pm to 7pm and the other from 7pm to 8.30pm, can be booked through a form under the S4-S6 FAQ section on the council's dedicated website.

Formal parents evenings for senior students will take place in the new year.

Scottish Borders Council has also announced that the recovery of belongings and materials is ongoing but so far has been a success, with a considerable amount of work surviving the fire, including notes, portfolios, exam work and artwork.

Details for the collection of these items will be announced as soon as possible.

Chief Executive of Scottish Borders Council, Tracey Logan, said: “The amount of work that has been undertaken to get us to this point has been considerable, and I would again like to thank everyone who has been involved for their invaluable contribution. As well as my staff teams who have worked tirelessly since last Thursday, the support we have had from across the Borders, and further afield, has been hugely encouraging and extremely welcome.

“I wish pupils, parents and staff all the very best for Monday. We have done our utmost to make the arrangements as effective as they can be, but it has been a complex operation and we would ask for everyone’s co-operation and understanding as we put everything into practise for 1,300 pupils.

"I know teaching staff are keen to be reunited with their pupils and resume face-to-face learning, albeit in settings that will initially seem unfamiliar. Hopefully together they are able to settle into their new spaces and routines quickly.”

The council and emergency services also wish to remind the public to stay away from Peebles High School for their own safety. CCTV and regular police patrols are active on site.

All updates on teaching, support and the collection of belongings can be found at https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/phsfire