A BORDERS timber firm has been named as the final Skills Development Scotland’s Youth Employer of the Month for 2017.

Earlston-based BSW Timber is the largest fully integrated forestry company in the UK.

And bosses believe much of their success comes from employing apprentices as a core part of planning.

BSW's learning and development manager Tony Lockey said: “Receiving this award is a great end to what has been a fantastic year for us.

"It is real recognition for the work of all of our teams."

Mr Lockey believes BSW Timber Group’s 30 apprentices, including Scotland’s first female saw doctor, bring an eagerness and motivation to its workplaces while gaining skills and learning from colleagues.

He added: “We are also offering good jobs in rural areas, which sometimes can be challenging to find and it is a good way of putting something back into local communities.”

BSW Timber was also a finalist in this year’ Scottish Apprenticeship Awards.

The company was nominated for the Youth Employer of the Month Award by Skills Development Scotland relationship accounts executive Vicki Maclean.

She said: “This company is committed to growing their own talent, it wants to invest in its people and offer opportunities to progress to everyone who wants them and building a talent pool for the future.

“It also has tremendous links with schools and the Developing the Young Workforce groups in all its locations across Scotland. It is very worthy winner.”