Work to refurbish the former Kingsland Primary School in Rosetta Road in Peebles, to create a new home for Halyrude RC Primary School, officially got underway recently.

Primary seven pupil Keir McDermott handed over the keys to Project Manager Gareth Dale from McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd – the contractors appointed to carry out the £2.1m project.

Due for completion by the end of March 2011, the Grade B listed building will be completely refurbished to provide a modern, flexible and spacious facility. The school will boast six classrooms, general purpose/learning support rooms, new heating/electrical systems, double glazing and disabled access. It will also include the creation of an atrium which will result in a bright, airy and attractive learning environment for staff and pupils.

Headteacher of Halyrude RC Primary School, Jim FitzGerald, said: “We are gathered here today outside this truly magnificent building to mark a very important moment in our school’s history; a history we have researched, captured and presented in the exhibition currently on display in the town’s museum. The building itself has been in practical hibernation since February although we disturbed the stillness when we came along for a look inside just after the start of the session in August as part of our whole school topic. At that time, we toured the empty rooms trying to imagine what it might look like when all the work has finished. We were amazed at all the rooms and space.

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“The children went back to school and thought about the many things our new school was going to have. They are looking forward to having lots and lots of space inside and outside; to clean, bright classrooms; to a proper gym hall; to interactive smartboards in every classroom; to a very large playground; to an upstairs and downstairs and a lift.

“We are all very excited by the wonderful opportunity we have to look forward to and the promise of a new school that is soon to become a reality. This building stands in testament to the skills of architects and builders from an earlier century. Today, we hand over the keys to the builders of this century, secure in the belief that, in the short space of 17 weeks, they will transform the interior of this magnificent building into a facility that is truly a school for the 21st Century.”

Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Education, Councillor George Turnbull, explained: “This is a very special day for the staff, pupils and parents of Halyrude who are finally seeing work get underway on their new school. The plans for this building are very exciting and will provide an inspirational environment which is fit for the delivery of a 21st Century education.

“The building holds a lot of memories for many – and as we move forward, I am sure many more memories will be made among these young people and for many more youngsters into the future.”

He added: “We are very proud of all our new schools and major refurbishments that are either complete or underway. We are truly setting a strong platform for our young people in the Borders to receive the best possible learning experiences. I am very excited by this project, especially as it is due for completion in the not so distant future. I wish the project well and can’t wait to come back again to see its progression.”

(GK/KMcA)