Thornhill old school overhaul gives village new buzz

Funding was secured from a range of groups to buy it from Buccleuch Estates and also to redevelop it.

“We never wanted to recreate a Victorian primary school,” said fellow project manager Samuel Sparrow, “but to work with the elements we were left with.

“So we have exposed stonework, bricks and refurbished old doors, and we used concrete, stainless steel and plywood to tie all the rooms together, which is about creating a nice place to work but a practicality as it can be sanded back if it gets scuffed.”

Around the main hall with stage, lighting and giant screen, the five old classrooms and kitchens have new purposes.

The idea was to create a space which could be in “constant use” as perhaps a theatre, cinema, a workplace or meeting point for young people.

“This was a well-loved building in the village so we wanted it to be something the community would be proud of, and that they could feel they could come in and make it their own and do their own thing,” said David.