Three primary schools set to permanently close in Scottish Borders

Three schools in the Scottish Borders have been recommended to be permanently closed.

Ettrick Primary near Selkirk, which was attended by poet James Hogg, is one of the schools on the list after no new students enrolled in 2012.

It has since been mothballed alongside Hobkirk Primary, which experienced the same problem in 2015.

Scottish Borders Council released a report which says Eccles Lietholm Primaryin Hawick is also recommended to be shut.

HM Inspectors says closing the sites will give the community a chance to explore other options for the buildings' use.

The council said it had been clear during the three consultations that the local community "regretted the loss" of the schools, but saw it was inevitable.

A report will be presented at a meeting on 29 August to approve the closures, which would come into effect on 20 December if agreed.