Students received mini masterclasses in stonemasonry, roof slating, painting, decorating and surveying as part of the Build Your Future programme. The event gave the students opportunities to try different trades and introduced them to potential careers in the construction industry.

The event marks the end of Jedburgh CARS, a partnership project developed with the local community and funded by Historic Environment Scotland and Scottish Borders Council. It has delivered a range of heritage and conservation-based regeneration activities within the town centre over a five-year period.

Plans are being finalised for a final exhibition and weekend of activities to highlight all that the scheme has achieved.

Jessica Malone, Jedburgh CARS project assistant, said: “We are delighted to have organised this event to highlight the variety of careers available in the traditional building sector, all of which have been involved in Jedburgh CARS projects in some way.”

Nicola Shaw, Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Scottish Borders, added: “Working with partners in education and the construction sector, the Build Your Future programme has been developed nationally to maximise the impact of construction activities in schools for the benefit of young people.

“The feedback from teachers and the young people who participated was extremely positive, and we look forward to continuing to roll out Build Your Future to all high schools in the Scottish Borders.”

Susan Oliver, head teacher at Jedburgh Grammar Campus, said: “We are grateful for the range of opportunities working with the CARS team has offered our young people over the last few years and were delighted to be involved in this final event, which raised the profile of potential careers within the traditional building sector.

“This event has given the young people a fantastic insight into the construction industry, with the hands-on nature of the experience being of particular value.”