Published: Monday, 4th June 2018
Duns Primary School has been officially opened with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by Paralympian and double world champion, Samantha Kinghorn.
The celebrations took place at the school on Monday 4 June when invited guests, pupils and staff gathered to watch Miss Kinghorn and two student sport representatives, Maddie Rosher and Jesse Adeosun, reveal a plaque which will go on display at the entrance to the school.
Maddie (P6) and Jesse (P5) are both keen sportsmen and were delighted to be asked to represent their school by taking a leading role in the proceedings. Maddie participates in many different sports including swimming, netball and cross country and at the moment is concentrating on preparing for the gymnastic national semi-finals in Birmingham. Jesse is a keen runner and swimmer and is currently participating in football trials for the Borders Development Team.
Tapestry created to honour the occasion
Guests were also given the chance to view a tapestry that has been specially created in honour of the occasion.
The idea for a wall hanging for the school foyer came from a group of parents who were inspired by the successful Global Café event held by the school in 2016.
Various designs were developed with the pupil council choosing their favourite which features the world map at its centre. Over 20 parents, grandparents and friends took part in the project with pupils also invited to help by making child and teacher figures or continents for the map itself.
Community sewing groups helped out too with contributions from the Duns ‘Needles and Natters’ group and craftswomen from Greenlaw, Cranshaws, Preston and Chirnside.
Maddie Rosher (P6) and Jesse Adeosun (P5)
“It was such an honour to have Sammi come and open our school and to get the chance to meet her in person. She has achieved so much and is a real inspiration to us all. We hope she enjoyed her time with us and is welcome to come back and visit any time.”
Councillor Carol Hamilton, Executive Member for Children and Young People
“What a tremendous occasion the formal opening of Duns Primary School has turned out to be.
“I know how delighted pupils, staff and parents were when they moved in last year and they have certainly spent the past 10 months making this building their own.
“Today has been a chance to celebrate everything they have achieved since then, along with all the hopes and ambitions that everyone connected with this wonderful school has for the future.
“A special thanks must go to Sammi for taking the time from her busy schedule to be with us - her presence has been hugely appreciated.
“Thanks must also go to Maddie and Jesse for representing their school in such style, and also to all the pupils, staff, parents, relatives and friends who are involved with Duns Primary.
“Along with my fellow councillors, we would like to wish you every success as you continue to settle into your new home.”
Project delivered in partnership with Hub South East Scotland and GRAHAM Construction
The £8.6million Duns Primary and Berwickshire Locality Support Centre project saw the relocation of the school into the former high school building in August 2017. The project was delivered alongside development partner Hub South East Scotland and GRAHAM Construction.
The construction of the school provided a series of community benefits, including six new jobs, 96 work placement days, 550 pupil/student visits and six new and existing apprenticeships.
Paul McGirk, Hub South East’s Chief Executive
“We’re delighted to be invited back to Duns Primary for the official opening after successfully delivering this project last year, with our contractor GRAHAM Construction.
“It’s great to see how both pupils and staff have settled in and the feedback on the new facilities has been excellent. We look forward to working in partnership with Scottish Borders Council on future projects.”
More information
Images from the opening ceremony are available on Flickr