Scottish Borders Council Leader, Councillor David Parker presented Denholm primary school head teacher Avril Gibson with the keys to the new school this week.

Staff, parents, pupils and members of the community enjoyed a tour of the new five-classroom school and nursery, which replaces the building largely destroyed by fire in April 2006.

Councillor Parker said: "The last few years have been understandably very difficult for the Denholm community, so I am delighted to be here to enjoy this very special day with them.

"I would like to thank the staff, pupils, parents and surrounding community who have stayed positive in light of the difficulties faced since the school was largely destroyed. They have contributed widely to the design process and have helped us to give them a school that is what they need and want."

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He also congratulated the architects and construction team on the quality of the design and the project management for delivering a "fantastic school within the budget".

The new school was designed by the Council's architects and is the first of a new generation of primary schools built to the Council's School of the Future standards.

The Council's Architectural Manager, Jeremy Snodgrass, is the project manager. He added: "During the design process, we consulted with staff, pupils and parents to meet the needs of the whole community. The school has been designed with interesting curved walls and an attractive blend of materials to complement the new school's setting in the heart of Denholm.

"It has outstanding architectural features, excellent facilities and many environmental aspects such as the use of carbon-free ground source heating, solar panels, rainwater harvesting and very high energy efficiency levels."

Head teacher, Avril Gibson said: "I am absolutely delighted with the new school and really looking forward to the year ahead."

(GK/JM)