Graduates in Scotland have been given the opportunity to gain a unique qualification - in the art of storytelling.

Midlothian's Newton Abbey College, specialising in adult learning, teaches the 10-month course with the Scottish Storytelling Centre. Graduates have the chance to join the ranks of professional storytellers at work in Scotland.

Students receive a weekend's tuition in September and another in the following May. In the intervening months they are asked to develop a project to present so that they can receive their SQA-accredited qualification.

Firms can hire out storytellers for either an "Interactive Workshop" or just an old-fashioned storytelling performance, paying up to £1,000.

Donald Smith, director of the Scottish Storytelling Centre, also teaches storytelling at the college.

He explained: "Scotland has a rich ancient tradition of oral storytelling and today, more than ever, many professions are using aspects of storytelling in daily work. This course has been a breakthrough for contemporary storytelling.

"The students have gained the confidence to be creative, and leaned how the art of storytelling can make a real difference in many areas of society today. I am immensely proud of our graduates, and hope they will be the first of many."