STUDENTS from a Borders school have enjoyed an introduction to traditional construction skills with a series of mini masterclasses.

Pupils from Hawick High School tried their hands at stone carving, roof slating, painting and decorating, and the use of drones for construction.

The Build Your Own Future sessions were arranged as part of the Hawick Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).

The skills demonstrations were delivered by partners and contractors including Borders College, Skills Development Scotland, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, and stone carving by artist Luke Batchelor.

David Lowe, assistant principal at Borders College, said: “This will help them in their future career choices and we look forward to seeing these young people take their interest and learning forward at Borders College in the years to come.”

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Stacey Grieve, vocational and curriculum partnerships officer at Hawick High School, added: “It’s so valuable doing events like Build Your Future because it allows our young people the opportunity to explore the potential careers within the building sector and have some hands-on, practical experience.”

The Hawick CARS is a partnership project funded by Historic Environment Scotland with Scottish Borders Council.

The £1.5million scheme, which will run until March 2025, is delivering a range of heritage and conservation-based regeneration activities within the town centre.

Councillor Simon Mountford, executive member for estate management and planning, said: “The Hawick CARS programme is delivering heritage-led regeneration to the town centre of Hawick, both through encouraging and financially supporting repairs to traditional properties and through education and training with local contractors and young people.

“Events like Build Your Future raise the profile of potential careers within the construction sector for young people and along with the enhancement of traditional construction skills locally is crucial to looking after the town’s historic environment for the future.”