IT IS welcome news that staff and pupils are now back on one campus at Peebles High School after the devastating fire that caused extensive damage in late November.
Pupils continued their education elsewhere in other schools, sports halls and community centres as a massive clean-up of surviving buildings and demolition of burned out structures was completed.
Now, amazingly after such a short period, the site has been cleared up, temporary portable buildings are in place and all pupils and staff are reunited once more as plans for permanent replacement buildings are finalised.
I fully echo Scottish Borders Council leader Shona Haslam's tribute to pupils, parents and staff for their resilience during what was a difficult period and for the incredible work done by council officers, contractors and other agencies in achieving so much in such a short time.
Together, everyone associated with Peebles High School and the wider community, have shown Peebles at its best and I will continue to do my utmost to support everyone locally in helping ensure the school goes from strength to strength.