Work is due to begin on a new £22.5 million high school in the Scottish Borders.

A ground-breaking ceremony for the new Kelso High School was held today, 11 March.

Construction is due to begin next week on Monday, 14 March.

The facility is being delivered by Hub South East Scotland with main contractor Morrison Construction.

The building will be able to accommodate 780 pupils with a range of educational and sports facilities.

A new library and gym will also be part of the new school project.

Galliford Try's Facilities Management business will provide ongoing hard facilities maintenance and lifecycle management to the school over the 25-year concession period.

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The project is being funded by the Scottish Government through the Scottish Futures Trust.

Paul McGirk, Chief Executive of Hub South East Scotland, said: "It's fantastic to mark the start of construction at the new Kelso High School, allowing us to realise opportunities during the build for people in the Borders – from school and further education visits, to training and work placements.

"Continuing our successful partnership with Scottish Borders Council, we look forward to delivering a first-class, modern facility, designed to meet the needs of pupils, staff and the local community."

Derek Scotland, Project Director at Morrison Construction, added: "This is an exciting new development for Kelso and the local communities and we're delighted to be an integral part of it in partnership with Scottish Borders Council and Hub South East.

"The new school will provide a fantastic, modern environment for the community to enjoy and a stimulating learning environment for both staff and pupils."

The project is scheduled to be completed by autumn 2017.

(LM/MH)