Gala day marks opening of new community campus
Last updated 6th Jan 2026
A ribbon-cutting ceremony has taken place in Galashiels today (Tuesday) to mark the official opening of the town's new community campus.
The £64.5 million development, which has been built in the town's Scott Park, is described as a "no vehicle campus" and replaces the former Academy building next door.
As well as housing secondary school pupils, it also includes a 25-metre six-lane swimming pool and hydrotherapy pool.
And the public are being invited on a guided tour of the new sports facilities this weekend.
Meanwhile, the former Academy building is being demolished to pave the way for new multi-purpose 2G and 3G pitches and upgraded tennis courts, while the pool in nearby Livingstone Place is being flattened to create a new 130-space car park.
Head teacher Steven Raeburn said: "The new campus offers opportunities we are determined to seize - new learning spaces, better resources, modern technology, collaboration across departments, and stronger partnerships with the wider community."
Although the new building cost more than initially expected and was delayed, while campaigners from the Save Scott Park group had urged the local authority to consider alternative sites amid concerns over the loss of a key green space, Scottish Borders Council's Executive Member for Education, Julie Pirone, is welcoming the investment.
She told Greatest Hits Radio: "The delight on the children's faces this morning as they were coming to their new world-class education facility was just immense. The Live Borders facilities which are in that building are also state-of-the-art."
Galashiels councillor Neil Mackinnon is describing today's opening as "an exciting new chapter in the school’s history".
He added: "The facilities inside are second to none, and will give pupils and staff an amazing environment to learn and develop in."
Galashiels Town Band entertained pupils on their arrival, while head boy Hamish Seggie and head girl Aimee McAneny had the honour of cutting the ribbon.
David Robertson, chief executive of Scottish Borders Council, said: “The new Galashiels Academy community campus is a fantastic addition to the town, an inspiring, modern environment for our young people and a shared resource for the wider community.
“As we move into Phase Two, the demolition of the old school will unlock the exciting redevelopment of Scott Park, with expanded green-space, new play and sports facilities and improved links to Gala Policies and Gala Hill.
“Together, the campus and the park regeneration will create a vibrant, connected place to learn, play, and come together as a community.”
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