The local authority has been working alongside development partner hub South East Scotland to progress the project, which includes relocating the primary school and creating a new Berwickshire Locality Support Centre within the former Berwickshire High School building.

The project is part funded by Scottish Futures Trust (SFT), while GRAHAM Construction has been appointed as the contractor.

Paul McGirk of hub South East Scotland, said: “It’s exciting to reach this major milestone and know that work will soon be able to start on construction, making these plans for Duns Primary a reality.

“We look forward to working with Scottish Borders Council, and our contractor GRAHAM Construction to ensure that pupils and staff will benefit from modern, fit for purpose facilities and the community will benefit from investment in the local area.”

David MacDonald, hub programme director at SFT, added: “The hub programme is an innovative approach to develop and deliver best-value community facilities which provides public bodies with a quick and efficient way of getting their projects into construction and helps protect local jobs.

“I very much look forward to seeing Duns Primary School open and seeing pupils being taught in modern, first-class facilities.”

The scheme is scheduled to be completed in early 2017.