Final bell sounds for village school pupils after 176 years

Roberton Primary near Hawick, Roxburghshire, has been left with no pupils after the remaining three decided to transfer to partner school Drumlanrig for the new term beginning in August.

Scottish Borders Council is currently consulting with the local community on whether to mothball the site or close it permanently.

Education has been provided from the single storey building since 1834 — three years before Queen Victoria came to the throne.

At its peak Roberton Primary boasted 22 pupils, but over the years that number has dwindled sharply.

And a few tears were shed as the school handbell rang out across the valley to mark the end of the current term with the realisation that it is unlikely to re-open.

Head teacher Jeanette Gordon said: "We had a garden party to mark the final day of term at Roberton and it was quite an emotional occasion.

"The school will not be opening in August and the council and the community are currently discussing the long term future.

"It is quite sad when there is the prospect of losing something which means so much to people. We had a teacher at the garden party who worked here for 22 years.

"But there were a lot of memories shared with pictures and memorabilia dating back to the 1930s.

"It is the oldest school building in the Borders and quite rightly it is regarded as a very special place."

Scottish Borders Council is currently evaluating the results of its month-long consultation period with the local community on the long-term future of the school.

Director of education Glenn Rodger said a range of factors needed to be balanced in deciding school provision.

He said: "There is excellent work happening in our small schools across the Borders and they often play a vital role in providing intra-community links in rural areas.

"We must also consider a variety of other factors including how it meets best value, the ability to deliver curriculum for excellence and what benefits it can offer.

"It is disappointing that Roberton faces closure, but I am confident that through this consultation we can ensure the best decision is made for the Roberton community."

Last night Councillor George Turnbull, Scottish Borders Council's education convener, lamented the closure of Roberton primary.

He said: "It has been a fantastic school and I am sure there are a lot of stories that could be told about it from the more elderly members of the community.

"One hundred and seventy six years is an incredible innings.

"In fact, I was at the prize-giving presentation night at the partner school Drumlanrig last night and the head teacher was describing how she was clearing things out and came across a lovely trophy.

"It is going to be used for a competition among Drumlanrig pupils and called The Roberton Trophy to keep the name alive."