LEARNING a language is opening doors for pupils at St Columba’s High School.

They were given the chance to speak to former pupils and local people who use a second language to their advantage.

Guests at the ‘language talks’ event included a bi-lingual Port Glasgow policewoman who has learned how to speak Polish.

Policewoman Ashley Boyle studied languages at university and then decided to join the force. There were also Spanish teachers and a representative from SCILT, Scotland’s national language centre.

Principal teacher Emma Donnelly organised the event to help demonstrate the benefits modern language have to offer.

She said: “It is a great way to show them the opportunities languages can bring. You don’t have to go on to work as an interpretor, there are so many relevant jobs out there.”