Rural skills course set up

NEWBATTLE Abbey College is set to launch a new full-time rural skills course.

The National Certificate in Rural Skills will be introduced at the college in the autumn, with opportunities for applicants to receive bursary funding.

Recruitment for the practical course is now under way. Course units include tree and shrub planting and rural estate maintenance.

Work experience, supported by the Forestry Commission Scotland, is a key feature of the course.