Russell enjoys surprise meeting in China

EDUCATION Secretary Michael Russell discovered the world really is a small place during his visit to China this week after bumping into a group of pupils from Midlothian.

Mr Russell was visiting the country to boost lasting educational links between Scotland and China.

During a trip to the Shanghai Expo, the Education Secretary met eight pupils from Lasswade High School who were visiting China for one week and staying with host families.

The school trip had been arranged as part of Lasswade's links with Tianlin No 3 Middle School in Shanghai, a friendship which has been established for the past five years.

Mr Russell's week-long trip to China saw him undertake a series of visits and events to promote educational links between the two countries, particularly in the higher education sector.