SCHOOLCHILDREN received “unnecessary and inappropriate personal criticism” for supporting proposals to build the new Galashiels Academy in part of Scott Park.

That is according to a report given to elected members at last Thursday’s full meeting of Scottish Borders Council.

In the document, officers at the local authority called on members of the public to remain “respectful” on social media.

The report reads: “There is a small but passionate group in the community who have opposed the council’s preferred option as set out in the community consultation. 

“This group has been vocal in its opposition to the project. The council is confident however that there is widespread support amongst the school community and the wider silent majority for the project. 

“There have unfortunately been cases where those who have publicly voiced support for ‘Option 3’ and contributors to the website (including schoolchildren) have been subject to unnecessary and inappropriate personal criticism. 

“This is deeply regretted and as we move forward with the statutory consultation phase of the project we would ask all people, both those in favour of the council’s proposals and those against, to remain respectful of others’ views and their right to express them in a free democratic society.

"To act otherwise is simply a form of unacceptable bullying on social media.”

At last week's meeting, council leader Shona Haslam said she “utterly condemned” the inappropriate social media posts.

Mrs Haslam, a Conservative member for Tweeddale East, said: “We have to raise the tone of this debate and I utterly condemn all of the negative comments that have been made against members of the community council and young people in this town.

“I would ask the community to view this as an opportunity for debate and to raise the tone of the debate.”

Galashiels councillor Sandy Aitchison, an independent member, added: “I would like to pay tribute to Dr [Stuart] Gordon who has led a long and clever debate and campaign against this [Option 3]and I pay respect to him for the fact he has removed much of the abuse.

“Well done Dr Gordon. We don’t agree on this, but I would just like to pay tribute to you for what you have done in that regard.”