ALL high schools in the Borders will close on Thursday (December 8) due to strike action, the council has confirmed.

The local authority – which said it was a “difficult decision” – apologised to parents for the disruption.

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) said primary schools would open as normal, as well as early learning and childcare provisions.

An SBC spokesperson said: “The Trade unions which represent teachers have balloted their members nationally and having achieved a mandate in favour of industrial action in response to the national pay award offered for 2022/23, have provided notice of a planned day of strike action on Thursday (December 8).

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“As a result, Scottish Borders Council has taken the difficult decision to close all high schools for pupils across the region.

“SBC can confirm that all early learning and childcare provisions, and primary schools will be open as normal on this date.

“SBC appreciates that school closures are concerning to parents and apologises for the disruption this and any subsequent industrial action may cause.”

The strikes have been organised by the SSTA and NASUWT unions.

The action comes after the Scottish Government’s latest pay offer was deemed "wholly unacceptable" by The Teachers' Panel of the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers.