The old school building in St Abbs had been left unused since the school closed down a number of years ago and it was left as it was until St Abbs Community Council decided to do something about them.
Using money from their charity fund, the Community Council set about giving the school a new lease of life although they knew that the task wouldn't be easy.
Chair of the Community Council, Barbara Wood said that although at first the scale of the work was quite overwhelming everyone soon knuckled down and got the work done.
"Originally the Community Council were given leases for both the village hall and the school but then we had to make a decision on which one we wanted to keep. So once Scottish Borders Council offered us an extended lease for the school we decided to push ahead with the idea of turning it into a community centre.
"The first night we went in we were all a bit daunted by how much we had to do but we soon got down to it."
One of the most startling things about the whole project, which got underway in early June, was the fact that people who had never done any DIY before were throwing themselves into every task and learning new skills along the way. Barbara said that many people took themselves by surprise.
"On the first night alone we had at least 20 people on their hands and knees stripping the rubber off the back of a carpet- it was quite a sight. And then we had a woman polyfilling a hole in the wall- something she'd never even dreamt of doing before. We also had people picking up paintbrushes for the first time and having a go at sanding- it was unbelievable!"
"Helen Crowe, secretary for the Community Council deserves great credit for getting everyone on board and for her endless enthusiasm. We met between 6-8pm for 29 nights so it was quite a slog but as time went on people brought a few drinks along and it became more of a social gathering. People were getting to know each other while stripping walls! There were nearly 40 of us in total and we were all quite disappointed at the end when there was nothing left to do."
The outcome of the project is something to be proud of and the school building is now a shadow of its former self. The renovations have seen a new stained floor, carpets buffed up, a new kitchen and new toilet amongst other things. And despite the extensive alterations, Barbara said that only around £2,500 has been spent in total and this is mostly down to the generosity of the St Abbs residents.
"Everyone chipped in as best they could whether it be with a tin of paint or any idea on how something could be done. We are extremely grateful to the plumbers, electricians and other labourers who lent their services for free and for local businesses for their support.
"One of the best things to come out of the whole project is the strong sense of community spirit we have once again in St Abbs. It was a group effort and everyone pulled together. The village has a building to be proud of and when I took an elderly resident round recently they couldn't believe it, it brought a tear to their eye."
And Barbara said her greatest wish for the Community Hall is that it is marketed as a popular events venue which can be hired for all manner of functions including whist drives, afternoon teas and children's parties.
So far the Hall has been used for St Abbs Gala Day and in the coming weeks is playing host to a wedding, brass band concert and birthday amongst other events.