BORDERS College is to remain open, despite a number of lecturing staff taking strike action over pay later this week.

EIS-FELA, the union which represents lecturers in colleges in Scotland, recently voted in favour of industrial action.

And the union has informed Borders College that its members will take part in the walkout.

The first dates the EIS has planned is April 27 and the May 3, with a possible further 10 days planned over the remainder of the summer term.

A spokesperson for Borders College said: "This is an extremely disappointing outcome for the college sector and for Borders College staff, but particularly for the students who depend on the college’s services.

"Borders College has taken the decision to remain open during EIS strike action. 

"A significant number of classes will run as normal and we encourage students to continue to attend college to undertake those classes or to take part in a range of other activities to support their learning. 

"Not all college lecturers are members of the EIS and not all EIS members will choose to go on strike. 

"However, it may be that some specific classes will not run as normal and these students will be informed where this is the case and provided with information, in advance wherever possible, about what they should do."