All three principals were former pupils of the old Kelso High School and were very interested to see around the £7.3 million renovation comprising 36 extra care apartments for older people, with a range of communal facilities available for use by tenants and their family, and the wider community.

Eildon’s care services manager Andries Fourie, and Debbie Hardcastle the new extra care manager for Poynder Apartments were delighted to give a guided tour of the building including a look around some of the new flats, and the old gym hall which has been converted into a community hub/dining space where meals will be served daily, and a range of social gatherings will take place - as well as a hairdresser suite.

Andrew Thomson said it was a fantastic opportunity to see around this impressive building before the tenants move in, but he is looking forward to next year even more, when he can come back to meet all the new tenants who will be in residence.

Andries Fourie explained: “From 1 August we will have thirty new staff members starting on site, led by new our Extra Care Manager, Debbie Hardcastle, with new tenants moving into their flats by mid-August which is incredibly exciting.”

Poynder Apartments is a mix of one and two-bedroom flats, providing onsite care and support services to people aged 60 years and above. A range of communal facilities is available for use by tenants and the wider community, including a community hub where meals will be prepared and served, a hairdresser suite, and a place for social activities.

The design team included employers agent and principal designer Langmuir and Hay, architect Aitken Turnbull, structural and civil engineer Wardell Armstrong and building contractor M&J Ballantyne Ltd.