The existing Galashiels Academy. Photo: Helen Barrington FUNDING for two new schools in the Borders has been announced by the Scottish Government. Scottish education secretary John Swinney confirmed today (December 18) that Galashiels Academy and Peebles High School will receive the money to be rebuilt. Scottish Borders Council member Stuart Bell, an SNP representative for Tweeddale East, described the announcement as a “Christmas present for the Borders”. In a written statement, Mr Bell said: “It is amazing that the Scottish Government has just announced that it is prepared to fund BOTH new schools in their allocation of capital. “We did not get any new school funding in the last round; to now get funding for two is an unprecedented Christmas present for the Borders.”