Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA) has sponsored the Family Book Festival event at the Borders Book Festival as part of its on-going commitment to support young people and families in the Borders.

SBHA ran a competition through Facebook and donated tickets to SBHA families. Wider community support was provided by donating tickets to local schools throughout the area.

The Association received a letter from Andrew Scott, aged 8, from Selkirk, which read: “Dear SBHA. I really enjoyed the Family Book Festival, especially the Magic of Maths because he was really funny and made us laugh a lot. We also thought the Knights were amazing because they taught us how to use a long bow and arrows. Thank you so so so much for the tickets it was an awesome day.”

Julia Mulloy, chief executive, SBHA, said: “SBHA is continuously investing in both its young Tenants and young employees. This includes providing Modern Apprenticeships, over 20 College and School placements per year and employing student interns to assist with our ongoing Tenant Scrutiny work.

“SBHA also operate an employability scheme for Tenants aged 18-24, providing support to get into work and/or further education, and work in partnership with Scottish Borders Council to deliver the Transitions Project, helping young people who are leaving care into their first independent tenancies.

“We were delighted to provide opportunities for our local schools and SBHA families to attend the Family Book Festival and the feedback has been really positive.

“Having achieved Investors in People we are working towards Investor in Young People this year and this portfolio of work supports our commitment to young people in the Borders.”