Fire-hit school's £61m replacement opens its doors

The new school was built at a cost of £61m

The replacement for a Borders secondary school which was badly damaged by fire has opened its doors.

The new Peebles High School cost £61m and includes an extension of the existing sports block and new multi-purpose 3G pitch.

The old building was damaged by fire in 2019.

Head teacher Kevin Ryalls said the opening of the new school marked the "start of a new chapter for education in Peebles".

The school opened its doors for the first time on Tuesday

Councillors were given a guided tour of the building on Tuesday ahead of an official opening event planned in the new year.

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) chief executive David Roberston said: "We are delighted to open the doors of the new Peebles High School and welcome pupils and staff into this fantastic new building.

"It's been a long time coming and it is really exciting to see everyone in the school and exploring the new facilities."

Julie Pirone, SBC's executive member for education, said it was an "incredibly proud day for the whole community".