AN INFORMAL consultation on the five options for the new Gala Academy campus is set to be launched by Scottish Borders Council.

The consultation will start "during week commencing March 15", according to an SBC spokesperson.

The exercise will provide the public with an opportunity to give their thoughts on the five possible sites for the new school.

According to the council, a “dedicated website” is being developed for the consultation.

Carol Hamilton, SBC’s executive member for children and young people, said: “I am delighted that we are now at the stage with our plans for a new secondary school in Galashiels that means we can soon kick off the consultation process with school communities across the Galashiels cluster, local residents and wider stakeholders.

“The first step is this informal consultation to get feedback on all the options we have considered, but in particular on the council’s preferred option.

“Comments will be used to refine the detailed proposal which will be taken through the formal planning process later in the year.”

The council says its preferred option is to build the £55-million project on the western edge of Scott Park.

“We are committed to increasing the educational and learning opportunities for all generations within the community and this new facility will support that,” added Ms Hamilton.

“It will not only deliver a new school, including dedicated additional support needs facilities, but will provide new and improved community facilities, from a swimming pool to community meeting spaces as well as the extension and enhancement of Scott Park.

“When the consultation opens I would encourage pupils, parents and everyone within the Galashiels community to play their part and feed back their views and comments.”

The five options can be found in this council paper.

The council says it hopes to open the 1,000-pupil campus in 2025.