Borders College employe Sheila’s in a league of her gnome with Xmas delights

Borders College employee Sheila McColm (pictured right) has brought a smile to the faces of staff, students and visitors to the Scottish Borders Campus with her impressive display of handmade gnomes – all for sale in aid of local charities.

Sheila, who works as a PA to the Principal, Chair and Board Secretary, started making the gnomes to pass the time during lockdown. Such was her enthusiasm, she ended up with a box full in her spare room and decided to start selling them for good causes.

A small stall was set up at the College reception and, thanks to the sales skills of Receptionists Dawn Routledge (pictured left) and Lucy Couper, almost all the imps have been sold, raising over £300.

Sheila commented:

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed making the gnomes and love that they have been so popular. Thanks to everyone for their support.”

What started as a hobby has now helped make a difference to other people’s lives. Sheila has already donated £100 to both Fresh Start Borders and Scottish Borders Food Train, and has just raised another £100, which will go to Children 1st – all Borders-based charities. Additional money raised will go to Mission Xmas.