TWO former Borders College students have started their own joinery business, based in Hawick.

Marc Scott (26) set up MJS Joinery in April this year, and brother Jack Scott, (24) followed suit, joining the new company in June.

Since its conception, the business has gone from strength to strength, providing an exceptional service in both domestic and commercial sectors.

And the pair put down a lot of their expertise to studying at Borders College.

Both studied full-time on the NPA Joinery programme before progressing to City and Guilds Carpentry and Joinery.

Keen to develop their skills in bespoke woodwork, they joined the Advanced Craft programme, something Jack says was hugely beneficial in relation to the work they now carry out.

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He said: “Studying on the full-time NPA course was a great start for us both, as it meant we were learning on a daily basis, while still getting a taste for the trade through work experience two days a week.

“The bench work on the full-time programme, and the Advanced Craft course in particular, gave us a great foundation in skilled carpentry and we wouldn’t be doing the work we do today if it hadn’t been for the skills we learned at Borders College.”

Their passion for woodwork runs in the family, with Marc and Jack both a third generation of joiners. Their grandfather, uncle and cousin have all been or are currently on the tools and there’s no better trade according to Marc.

He added: “It’s definitely a family affair when it comes to carpentry and this is something that gave us the drive to set up the business and work together.

“Jack and I are delighted to have had as much support since setting up and we hope to grow the business in the coming years. It would be great to one day take on an apprentice and give them the chance that we once had.”

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Before setting up MJS Joinery, both brothers served their apprenticeships with James Swinton & Co Ltd, Hawick, and were grateful for the opportunity, describing the experience as a steppingstone to their new venture.

MJS are able to carry out all manner of works including but not limited to; property renovation, kitchen fitting, stud wall framing, timber buildings and general carpentry.

More details are available on their website. or they can be contacted by email at info@mjs-joinery.co.uk?