91Èȱ¬

Kelso High School has been announced as the host of 91Èȱ¬ Scotland's next SoundTown project, after being selected from a shortlist of three Borders schools.

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Peebles High School and Earlston High School were also announced last week as having made it to the final stage of selection, after all schools in the area were given the chance to apply.

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91Èȱ¬ Radio Scotland's SoundTown studio will be based in Kelso High School, which will open up a world of broadcasting opportunities for pupils, teachers and parents.

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The year-long project involves the installation of a fully-functioning 91Èȱ¬ radio studio in the school, which then becomes a focus for a range of activities involving all areas of the 91Èȱ¬.

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Radio shows including Fred MacAulay's morning programme MacAulay & Co will be broadcast from the school, the 91Èȱ¬ Scottish Symphony Orchestra will work with the music department, and there will be a variety of new media and television opportunities.

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The 91Èȱ¬ spent a day at each of the three short-listed schools before making a final decision.

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Senior Producer Gareth Hydes said: "We were very impressed with both Peebles High School and Earlston High School, but unfortunately there can be only one SoundTown.

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"We are all very much looking forward to beginning next year's project in Kelso, where hopefully we can add a bit extra to both the life of the school and the surrounding community."

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Kelso High School's Headmaster Charlie Robertson said: "I am absolutely delighted with the news that we have been chosen to be the 91Èȱ¬ Scotland SoundTown 2006/2007.

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"This project gives us the opportunity to showcase nationally not only Kelso High School but the whole Kelso community.

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"Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed the activities they took part in during the evaluation visit and are hoping for many more during our SoundTown year.

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"We believe that the experience gained during the year will bring lasting benefits to the school and the town, and are all greatly looking forward to an exciting, challenging and very educational year. Roll on August!"

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The SoundTown project was launched three years ago at Doon Academy in Dalmellinton, and then moved to Grangemouth High School.

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This year the project is based at Elgin High School in Moray. Pupils in these schools have learned media skills as well as being given the opportunity to broadcast regularly on Radio Scotland.

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Head of Radio at 91Èȱ¬ Scotland, Jeff Zycinski, says he is looking forward to welcoming Kelso High School for the next SoundTown, which will kick off at the start of the school year in August.

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"I have fond memories of The Borders, and I'm also excited about what 91Èȱ¬ Radio Scotland can do in the coming year.

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"We now have a great new facility in Selkirk and that, combined with SoundTown, will allow us to make many more programmes in the area this year and next."

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WM

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