BORDERS College has been selected as the lead organisation of a regional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Hub as part of a national STEM Hub steering group.

Created by the Scottish Government, the hub groups will aim to raise awareness of STEM opportunities for young people, families and communities.

As part of the STEM Hub, Borders College will deliver a range of activities and and programmes to engage people in STEM topics in the region and will increase the collaboration between schools and businesses.

At a recent regional meeting.the College launched the Borders Regional STEM Strategy, with its partners,including, Edinburgh Napier University, Live Borders and the Scottish Science Education Research Council.

STEM is a vital area for Scotland and provides vital, transferable skills.

And as STEM sectors grow in Scotland, a need for further training grows too.

Borders College Vice Principal, Heather Anderson, said: "Creating the Regional STEM Strategy and associated Action Plan has enabled the group to focus on the four key themes: Excellence, Equity, Inspiration and Connectivity.

"All the partners involved in the STEM Hub are committed to increasing access to STEM related activities and developing the future pipeline for learners of all ages.

"STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths but the knowledge and skills relating to STEM are vitally important across every subject area.

"Members of the STEM Hub will monitor our progress against the action plan and will instigate new collaborations to maximise the opportunities available."