LEARNING a second language could be instrumental in helping pupils reach for the skies when it comes to choosing a career.

They won’t need a head for heights, though, as was explained by RAF Intelligence Officers who visited local secondary schools including St. Joseph’s and Cumnock Academies.

The crew were promoting the need for linguists in the service - and highlighting career opportunities for pupils fluent in a language other than English.

One such role is as an intelligence analyst, collecting, collating and evaluating intelligence from multiple sources during war and peacetime.

Councillor Fiona Campbell, cabinet member for skills and learning, said: “The visits were highly informative and a number of the pupils have already indicated an interest in developing their languages.”