BORDERS education director Donna Manson has announced her end of term this week.

The 51-year-old, who has been responsible for Borders schools over the past three years, was appointed as the new Chief Executive of Highland Council at the end of last week.

Mrs Manson, who is originally from Musselburgh, arrived in the Scottish Borders during the summer of 2015.

As well as helping attainment levels continually improve in the region she has also delivered a major new education campus for Jedburgh.

But, having started her early teaching career in areas of deprivation, her passion for reducing inequality has led to a major drive in the Borders for more support of the less privileged in the classroom.

On Friday the Moray House graduate was appointed as the replacement for retiring Highlands Council Chief Executive, Steve Barron.

Donna, whose husband is from Thurso, said: "It is a real honour and privilege to have the opportunity to serve the Highlands with the staff team of Highland Council.

"This really is a once in a lifetime job in the most amazing place that is the Highlands and so much part of my family.”

Plans to find a replacement Service Director Children and Young People have yet to be drawn up at Newtown St Boswells.

Tracey Logan, Chief Executive of Scottish Borders Council, said: “I would like to thank Donna for her significant efforts to maintain and improve the learning opportunities, environments and outcomes for all our young people and wish her all the very best in her new post.

“Transition arrangements will be confirmed in due course.”