Rachael Hamilton MSP has praised the growth of the Open University in Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire.

In the Borders, given the rurality of the region, the Open University is a great way of allowing those unable to attend university an opportunity to obtain a degree.

The Open University allows for flexible learning from home, which benefits those who have childcare issues or cannot leave their home.

With 63% of Borders’ students being female, the Open University is also helping promote equality.  This means a greater number of women are now being able to improve their employability and achieve greater independence through work.

Science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects are being promoted through the Open University, and the uptake is high, with a third of students (34%) studying these subjects.

Ms Hamilton believes the flexible approach of the Open University means that there is a real opportunity for Borderers to learn new skills or retrain for seeking new job opportunities or promotion in their current work.

Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP, Rachael Hamilton said:

“The Open University is doing a great job helping to improve lives in Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire with 66% of students in employment.

“It is great to see the Open University encouraging equality by helping more women to upskill or improve employability with 63% of the OU Borders student body being female.

“Thank you to all the local companies sponsoring staff to study including Ahlstrom Chirnside, Scottish Borders Council, and Waverley Housing. Investment their workforces delivers good results.