Facilities upgrade for Rural Skills provision

A new and exciting refurbishment of the @BordersCollege Newtown St Boswells campus is currently underway, which will allow the Rural Skills provision to be delivered more effectively.

A new modular building will replace three ageing portacabins and the facility will ensure the students have the best possible learning environment in which to study.

Funding was secured through the Scottish Funding Council for long-term maintenance to allow the project to go ahead.

The building will benefit many areas, including new and improved provision for Animal Care. A new practical teaching space will also be created, as well as a drying area, technician’s room and changing facilities for the students.

Mary Thomson, Curriculum Learning Manager for Rural Skills, said:

“Students and staff will benefit from more practical teaching space, including a dog grooming facility and new animal accommodation. Landbased students require specialised personal protective equipment, and the new changing and locker facilities will mean they can store their kit at the site.

“As our rural skills provision develops further and student numbers increase we need this space to deliver the practical teaching which is essential for rural skills courses.”

The impact on learning is being kept to a minimum, with students utilising other areas within the site and at partner sites to continue their studies. The work is expected to be completed by the middle of December this year.

The Newtown Campus has long been associated with the Rural Skills sector and the site is ideally situated for access to the countryside, with approximately ten acres of farmland for College use within a short walk of the campus.