The minister was impressed by the new Berwickshire High plans

Robert Brown was visiting the current school which is due to be replaced by a new facility under the public private partnership plans.

The minister praised the work currently being done by staff and students at the Borders secondary.

He added that PPP could allow greater and quicker investment in the development of school buildings.

"It's all very well saying that PPP has got this or that or the other issue about it," he said.

However, Mr Brown said it could be the only way to deliver quality facilities for this generation of pupils.

'Very impressive'

He added that he thought the Berwickshire proposals looked very well thought out.

"The plans look very impressive," he said.

"I think they were making the point they had been able to learn lessons from other projects that have gone before.

"It did seem to me there was a lot of good features about.

"I think with any luck it will prove to be a very impressive and interesting project.

"The existing school facilities need to be improved - they have served their time if you like."