British timber manufacturer BSW has donated materials to Melrose Primary School to help build an outdoor shelter for the children. Outdoor spaces have become crucial due to COVID 19, with schools striving to create safe outdoor spaces where children can play, exercise and learn.

BSW supported the local community of Melrose – a small town located near the sawmiller’s head office in Earlston – by supplying some of their sustainably-sourced posts, boards and construction timber for the creation of an outdoor shelter.

Working to replace the existing worn shelter, the space was transformed with a more robust construction that has a roof and seating area to keep children dry in the temperamental Scottish Borders weather. A wind break surrounding the shelter had also previously been installed by Criminal Justice team.

Gilly Innes, the Head Teacher at Melrose Primary, and her faculty team wanted to provide the children of Melrose Primary with somewhere to enjoy spending their time outdoors, and BSW volunteered to supply some of the materials to make this possible.

Dawn Fernie, the Deputy Head Teacher at the school, said: “We are very grateful for all the help and support BSW gave us. It was invaluable during the restrictions we find ourselves under at present as it meant that the work could be completed quickly, and our children can now access the outdoors regularly and with a greater degree of comfort.”

Peter MacLeon, Chief Executive of Care Inspectorate, said: “We all know the benefits of outdoor learning, exercise and play for children. Playing, learning and having fun outdoors helps to improve wellbeing and resilience, as well as physical and mental health.

“It also provides children with the opportunity to develop a life-long appreciation of the natural world. A growing body of research also shows a positive impact on educational attainment.”