Monday February 16th 2026
Further demolition earmarked for former Jedburgh Grammar School
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
UK Government funding will be used to demolish remaining eyesore parts of a former Borders school at which development of a new supermarket has been mooted.
Jedburgh Grammar School at Friarsgate school was left redundant once the £32m intergenerational Jedburgh Grammar Campus at Hartrigge Park opened in April 2020.
When a public consultation was launched over the future of the vacant site almost three years ago there were 636 responses.
The majority of respondents (490) suggested that a supermarket was the preferred option, with some others citing a care home and sports park.
Now demolition of the remaining former school buildings will move forward under the Community Regeneration Partnership.
However, demolition proposals exclude the historically significant 1880s C‑listed building.
The work will be supported by grant funding allocated to Jedburgh as part of the UK Government’s £20 million investment in the Borders.
Jeburgh Conservative councillor Scott Hamilton, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders, said: “I welcome this pragmatic decision to utilise available funding to further invest in Jedburgh.
“The UK Government Community Regeneration Partnership funding is bringing significant benefits to the Scottish Borders.
“In coming to this decision, other investment opportunities were explored but the funding criteria made this option the most viable proposition, the works will ultimately allow for the site to become invest-able and provide a long-term benefit to the community.”
SBC is currently conducting feasibility studies to explore options for potential future use of the site.
A council spokesperson said the latest step represents an “important milestone in the development of the site” and follows a series of regeneration projects already progressing in the town through the Community Regeneration Partnership.
These include restoration and upgrading of the historic Bakery building, purchase and refurbishment of 3–5 Exchange Street and feasibility work to support future town centre improvements on the High Street, including enhanced pedestrian facilities.
The UK Government’s Community Regeneration Partnership initiative aims to tackle regional inequalities by investing in economic development, infrastructure, and community-focused projects across Scotland.
Its objective is to strengthen local economies, create employment opportunities, and improve connectivity supporting initiatives such as high street regeneration, enhanced transport links, and the development of innovation hubs.
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