BORDERS students enjoyed an ‘e-visit’ from Deputy First Minister John Swinney this month.

During the virtual meeting with Borders College, Mr Swinney spoke to staff and students about their innovative courses.

Mr Swinney, the Scottish education secretary, said: “Borders College is able to play to the many strengths that its surrounding region has to offer in terms of mountain biking, rugby and horse riding, as well as the numerous other learning opportunities provided through the School/College Partnership Programme and its own comprehensive academic offering, in appealing to not only people from the Borders but further afield too.”

Students on the Scottish Racing Academy Programme were among those who spoke to Mr Swinney.

The programme’s curriculum learning manager, Darren Burns, explained to the Deputy First Minister how students have the chance to learn in racing stables as part of the industry-funded course.

Mr Swinney also met students on the Civil Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship allows students to gain work experience and provides them with an industry-recognised qualification upon completion.

The virtual meeting was organised by college principal Angela Cox.

She said: "The Scottish Racing Academy and the Foundation Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering are excellent examples of how Borders College is responding to our regional and national socio-economic priorities as a leading provider for skills development."

The e-visit also gave Ms Cox – and the vice-principal for curriculum, Heather Anderson – the opportunity to discuss the success of the bursary laptop loan scheme, which has seen more than 450 laptops handed out to students.

Ms Cox said: “I am extremely grateful to Mr Swinney for taking time to meet with our staff and students and hear, first-hand, about the innovative and collaborative way in which Borders College is developing skills for the future and empowering our learners to make positive choices about their careers.”