relocating to Melrose

[shellym]

Hello everyone, my husband and I are looking at moving to Melrose around June/July this year from north east england along with our son aged 9, and daughters aged 13 and 19 (away at uni).We have visited the Scottish borders a number of times and struggle to find the right balance for us as a family. Our number one priority is high school which we have been advised we MUST live in the catchment area to get into earlston high, along with activities and access to shops (galashields is local enough). If anyone could kindly provide any advice on the following:

Due to having children are there any estates you would recommend - we have seen houses in an estate called fairways? Its important to be in an area with lots of children for ours to socialize with.

Is there much to do for children eg scouts/dancing or does the school put a lot of out of school activities on?

What's your thought of the local primary schools?

Our main focus is providing the right environment and social balance for our children to grow up in.

Many thanks for all comments they'd be greatly appreciated, its very hard to make such a huge decision to move to a new area without having a feel for it.

We have visited one of the pubs/restaurants in Melrose and had a delicious meal. Unfortunately it was dark so didn't see the whole of Melrose area other than the centre. Planning on heading up in February for a good look around.

Michelle

[Galalass]

Fairways is the 'cheapest' private built area to live in Melrose and I know of some families who have had problems with other children around there.
If you want to live in the catchment area of Earlston High school don't discount Earlston or St Boswells (not Newtown St Boswells) as they are both in the catchment area.
If you are keen on Melrose which is a more expensive area it might be worth considering a bungalow in Melrose or Darnick. Which are in nice areas but are reasonably priced.