PUPILS have been urged not to panic when their SQA exam results come through.

Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) exam results helpline will open on Tuesday, August 8, as thousands of pupils across the area receive their National, Higher and Advanced Higher results.

This is the 25th year of the helpline which offers advice, information and support for young people and their parents, who make a third of all calls received.

Qualified careers advisers are on hand to help young people who may not have received the results they were hoping for and those who have done better than anticipated.

These professionals also have access to information on UCAS course vacancies at colleges and universities, confirmation and clearing, as well as advice about apprenticeships and employment.

It will be open from 8am until 8pm on August 8 and 9, and from 9am until 5pm from August 10 to 16. The number to call is 0808 100 8000.