School pupils get a glimpse of farming life

More than 1,000 children have been given a glimpse of the world of farming at a special event in the Borders.

They spent time among animals, machinery and locally-produced food and drink at the 10th Schools Countryside Day at Springwood Park in Kelso.

Organisers hope it might encourage some of them to pursue a career in the industry later in life.

Tommy Clark, chairman of the Border Union Agricultural Society, said it was brilliant to see so many youngsters attend the event and "having fun".

"We're losing a connection between the rural economy and communities, so we're trying to re-engage that," he said.

"Hopefully, this will plant a wee seed in these young minds that will ultimately take some into careers within the area."

The event, supported by Scottish Borders Council, Kelso's Farmers' Market and rugby club among others, featured more than 40 stands.

They included a variety of farm animals and food grown locally, from cattle and pigs to potatoes and ice cream, alongside sheep shearing, beekeeping, cookery and weaving demonstrations.

One of the pupils attending, Moir, said: "We've been learning lots about animals, tractors and the hazards on farms, but also about the lack of food in the world, which is sad.

"It's a bit unfair how people have no food and we waste a lot of food, so I think being here is good for all of us, and hopefully it will help a lot of people."

His classmate Jessie added: "I live on a farm, and I think it's important people who don't know can learn about how you grow crops for food because we need more good food.

"I think my friends are getting a general sense of what farmers do."

Roddy Graham, deputy headteacher at Newtown St Boswells Primary School, is developing online learning programmes across the Borders.

"We work differently in classrooms now to what we did even 10 years ago," he said.

"So these children work with iPads and interactive classrooms which means they can develop what they learn today back at school with projects and interactive activities."

However, he said seeing things up close could inspire them which was made it a "fantastic event".

"And, obviously, we live in the Borders where agriculture plays such a big part in wider society," he added.

"So getting the youngsters involved and helping them learn at this age will inspire them to take more interest in different areas of work but also key elements of rural life."