THE Minister for Further Education, Higher Education & Science pulled up a chair at Borders College in Galashiels last week as part of her summer tour.

Shirley-Ann Somerville spoke with staff and student representatives during her day at the Scottish Borders Campus.

On the agenda was a number of topics, including Workforce for the Future, the College’s role in innovation and the work of the Students’ Association.

Ms Somerville told us: “I very much enjoyed my visit to Borders College, which is one of the most successful colleges in Scotland when it comes to performance and student success.

“It was a pleasure to hear from the Principal about the important work being undertaken to ensure both young people and adult learners have the right skills to meet the needs of local employers.

"The focus of the College on driving innovation and economic opportunities in the region was also very impressive and something which the College and all its staff should be rightly proud of.”

Senior staff at Borders College are heavily involved with the new South of Scotland Enterprise area as well as the recently announced South East City Region.

Principal Angela Cox said: “It was great to meet with the Minister and share with her the contribution we make to our region and our aspirations for Borders College in the future.

"It is an exciting time for the Scottish Borders, with the South East City Region Deal and South of Scotland Enterprise confirmed, with the College having a significant role in both.”