HELP is at hand for all students following the opening of exam results.

Thousands of senior pupils from across the Borders found out this week if they had succeeded in their Highers and Nationals.

Skills Development Scotland opened their exam results helpline to coincide with results being made available.

Expert careers advisers will be on hand to discuss next steps with pupils and to provide more information to parents and carers who are keen to understand the choices available.

The helpline is available from 8am to 8pm on both Tuesday and Wednesday, and then from 9am to 5pm from Thursday until next Wednesday.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney met some of the advisers who will be standing by to provide dedicated support.

He said: “This is an extremely significant time but it is important to remember that this is the start of a journey, not the end.

"If your results are what you hoped for that is great news but if you miss out on the grades you were looking for, or do even better than expected, there is a huge variety of options available to you that the SDS careers advisers are on hand to talk through.”

The helpline - 0808 100 8000 - is free to call.

Results information and advice is also available on Scotland’s careers website My World of Work.

James Russell, Skills Development Scotland’s director of career information, said: “If your results aren’t what you expected don’t panic, you have lots of options.

“Skills Development Scotland is Scotland’s career service and our experienced advisers are here to help you and your parents and carers with information on all the options and opportunities available to you.”