PROPOSALS for gender neutral toilets in the new Galashiels Academy and Peebles High School buildings are set to be discussed next week.

Elected members will attend a full meeting of Scottish Borders Council on Thursday (November 25).

And according to the agenda, Galashiels councillor Harry Scott has put forward a motion to discuss the toilet plans.

Mr Scott says he wants the council to consult with pupils and staff in the Borders in order to “learn and implement lessons” from schools where gender neutral toilets are currently in use.

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Meanwhile, Tweeddale East councillor Shona Haslam, of the Conservatives, has also put forward a motion for consideration at the meeting.

Mrs Haslam – who recently announced that she is stepping down as leader of the council – says more must be done to support women who have been victims of violence.

“Three in five women in Scotland have suffered sexual harassment or assault in the past, with over two thirds saying that they don’t feel safe walking at night,” states Mrs Haslam’s motion.

“As a council we stand with these women and girls and call for more support, recognition and funding from all governments to prevent this violence, and support women who have been victims of violence.

“We recognise the work of Borders Rape Crisis Centre, and their new project launching this week, Sunrise - a support service for women 18+ who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives in the Scottish Borders.

“We must do more, we can do more.”