IT is game on in the Borders after the launch of a pioneering Esports studio.

The Borders College facility is billed as a 'first of its kind in the region'.

Staff, guests, and students were in attendance as the studio – based at the college's Scottish Borders Campus in Galashiels – was officially opened by principal Pete Smith and CEO for Esports Scotland James Hood.

Mr Hood said: “It was an honour to be invited to officially open the college’s Esports studio. The facility shows their commitment to not only providing students with the best hands-on learning experience in a unique environment but an exceptional venue that can accommodate a wide range of Esports, games and creative technology organisations.”

The facility features 18 cutting edge top spec gaming PCs, gaming consoles, including an Xbox and PlayStation, top tech gaming furniture and equipment, and a dedicated room designed for Esports. Large screens and a tracking webcam will also provide remote learning opportunities.

As part of the launch event, attendees had the opportunity to network and tour the facility, and witness live demonstrations from the first cohort of Esports students.

The college hopes to give students a hands-on learning experience with the studio and provide a venue to accommodate Esports, gaming and creative technology organisations.

Mr Smith said: “I am thrilled to be able to unveil our new state-of-the-art Esports facility at our Galashiels campus. This launch marks an exciting milestone for our college and the Esports and gaming industry in Scotland.

“We’re excited to see the incredible opportunities this space will offer our students, partners, and the gaming community.”

As well as running the new course, the college is also in talks with several schools about running Esports sessions on campus and remotely.