Alfie Millar and Faye Kennedy cut the first sods for the new school, which will be built by McLaughlin and Harvey and is expected to open in summer 2017.

The new facility will be a three storey school with 14 classrooms, a centre for children with severe and complex additional support needs, provision for early learning and childcare, a sports hall and outdoor MUGA pitch.

Councillor Sandy Aitchison, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for education, said: “Langlee’s current school has served generations of children in Galashiels since being built in 1958.

“However, a new building is now clearly needed and I am delighted to see work start on-site.

“The school is important not just to the Langlee community but the whole of Galashiels. I hope it will be a major asset which is well used by pupils as well as local organisations and groups.”

McLaughlin and Harvey have previously worked with Scottish Borders Council, including the refurbishment of the former Kingsland Primary School in Peebles that is now occupied by Halyrude Primary.

The firm also completed the extension to Newlands Primary School in 2011 as well as the extensive work at Heriot-Watt University’s Scottish Borders Campus in Galashiels and Glentress Peel Visitor Centre.

Michael Kieran, construction director with McLaughlin and Harvey, said: “We are delighted to have secured this contract and look forward to working closely with Scottish Borders Council, the design team and staff of Langlee Primary School to deliver this superb new facility in Galashiels.”