HUNDREDS of Cumnock schoolkids are being urged to consider a career in the country side.

High school students have been given a taste of working in Scotland’s rural industries at Dumfries House.

The Prince’s Foundation’s inaugural Countryside Careers Day gave 300 secondary school pupils from Glasgow and Ayrshire an insight into work in farming, farriery, agricultural engineering, and forestry among other areas.

The event was delivered in partnership with the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) Ayrshire and Arran as well as more than 20 volunteers.

Arianne Knowles, food, farming and horticulture manager at Dumfries House, said: “We welcome thousands of pupils to our estate each year as part of school group visits to learn about aspects of rural life and industry.

“Our first-ever Countryside Careers Day intended to open the eyes of older pupils considering their career options to the vast array of stimulating and interesting jobs on offer within farm and countryside settings.

“The reaction and engagement of the pupils showed that the hands-on activities really helped bring to life and enhance their understanding of the variety of skills and jobs available.”

Activities took place on Valentin’s Education Farm on the East Ayrshire estate which delivers programmes used to help people engage in learning experiences that promote confidence and personal development, as well as offer training in real-life skills to open up future employment opportunities.