North-east's pupils and school leavers receiving their exam results

The north-east's pupils and school leavers are getting their exam results today, despite exams having been cancelled for the second year in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic.

An SQA certificate is expected to have arrived in the post for nearly 137,000 learners at some point today, with some being e-mailed or sent a text.

This year's grades for National 5's, Highers and Advanced Highers is based on the judgement of teachers of evidence of attainment.

But despite grades having been estimated, today's results will bring confirmation for people who will be looking to go to university, college or into employment.

According to the Scottish Government, pass rates are "significantly higher" than the historic picture, down slightly for Highers on last year, but up 12.6% compared to 2019.

The poverty-related attainment gap has slightly widened since last year, although it is narrower than two years ago. 

But the percentage of A's awarded at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher is at a record high.

Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, who is Scotland's Education Secretary, is telling Original 106 that youngsters have had a challenging time amid the Covid-19 crisis:

Skills Development Scotland has information for those needing help after receiving their results on their My World of Work website, including details about its results helpline.

Lorraine McGarry from the organisation is saying despite students already being aware of their provisional grades, today will still have been a day of anticipation: