BORDERS College has loaned laptops to 75 students who did not have regular access to a suitable device at home.

With face-to-face classes cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions, learning has been taking place remotely.

Student who did not have adequate laptops of their own have been allowed to borrow from the Galashiels campus.

Sport and exercise student Harrison Dixon, from Earlston, said he was "delighted" with the scheme.

He said: “My personal computer is old and struggling to work with some of the new applications and online resources that we are now using, so I spoke with my course tutor who made me aware of the loan scheme, and I was delighted when it was delivered last week.

"Having the laptop will allow me to continue with my studies remotely.”

The college says it has loaned a total of 415 laptops, including those allocated through its bursary programme.

Head of IT Scott Moncrieff said: “Before the college closed, we were able to prepare and distribute 60 laptops to students for use.

"Since lockdown, we have had an additional 15 requests, which we have been able to fulfil.

“Any students who find themselves in the situation that continuing their education is not possible, because they don’t have an appropriate device, should contact their course tutor or achievement coach, and they will make the appropriate arrangements.”