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Students and staff met with John Lamont MP today – at Heriot-Watt’s flagship Textiles and Design School in Galashiels.
The campus, which was set up in 1883 has high-profile fashion honorary graduates including Dame Vivienne Westwood and Patrick Grant.
During the visit, Mr Lamont, who is MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk was given a tour of the building, including the large knit, weave and print studios.
Mr Lamont met with Head of School Fiona Waldron and Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, Richard A. Williams, to discuss the positive effects the School has on the local economy and further education.
We were delighted to welcome Mr Lamont to our campus today and show him all the excellent projects and work which is going on.
The MP was also introduced to Masters students who are currently studying at the world renowned facility.
John Lamont MP, said: “The Borders has long had links to the textile industry and it is great to have Heriot-Watt here.
“While the industry is clearly going through an evolutionary phase, there will always be demand for the high quality textiles that we produce in the Borders. Judging by the facilities and students at Heriot-Watt, the industry has a really bright future.
“On my visit, I was really impressed with the coordination between Heriot-Watt and employers to ensure that students are given the skills they need to progress into the world of work.”
Fiona Waldron, Head of School, added: “We have many links with industry with our graduates working across the globe with a huge range of companies across all disciplines.
“The campus is a great asset to the local and community, Scotland and indeed the wider UK and it was great to discuss how our research has an enormous economic benefit.”