EXAM results are out today with more than 8,000 high school pupils in Fife waiting anxiously for certificates to drop through their letterbox.

They'll be opening the envelopes to discover the grades awarded by the Scottish Qualification Authority and see how they shape their future plans and aspirations.

Julie Pirone, of Royal Mail, said: "This is a massive day for every pupil in Scotland, waiting for their results.

"All of our postmen and women, many of whom have children themselves, understand just how important this day is for families.

"Our postmen and women up and down the country pull out all the stops to ensure the results are delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible.

“We have worked successfully with the SQA on exam result delivery for many years now and we are delighted to be playing our part in this special day once again.”

There will be free advice and information for pupils receiving SQA results with Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) Fife careers centres hosting drop-in sessions.

The centres in Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, Leven and Glenrothes will have qualified careers advisers on hand today and tomorrow.

From 2pm until 4pm on the two days, advisers will be available to speak with pupils about their options, from resits to college, UCAS clearing to apprenticeships.

Julie Kennedy, team leader at SDS, said: “Results day can be nerve-wracking for a number of reasons. Whether your results have been better or worse than expected, it can really help to talk to someone.

“Our advisers have all the information you need to plan your next steps. Drop by your local centre to find out more.”

As well as in-centre support, SDS will be running its annual exam results helpline on 0808 100 8000.

It will be open from 8am to 8pm today and tomorrow and from 9am to 5pm from 9 to August 15.

Advice and information is also available online at myworldofwork.co.uk/examresults.

The Dunfermline centre is at 29 East Port, telephone number is 01383 745610.

Fife College also has its clearing day tomorrow, from 10am to 3pm, at their campuses, including Halbeath in Dunfermline.

The event is ideal for those receiving results and who are not sure what to do next.

Staff will be available to offer advice and support as well as career advice.

Martin Kelly, director of student engagement and experience at Fife College, advises those receiving results to get in touch and gain as much advice as possible.

He said: “This can be a worrying time for young people and their parents or carers as they wait to receive their results to enable them to take that next step in life.

“Some may do better than expected while others may not have done as well as they had hoped and this might affect the plans they had previously made.

"My suggestion would to get as much advice as possible and to consider all options and opportunities open to you. However you don’t need to do that on your own.

“At Fife College we have a wealth of staff ready to help and to give advice and support. Our clearing event is perfect for those who want to speak to our staff in person and quickly secure their place at the college.”

Those unable to make it to the clearing event can call the helpline on 0344 248 0125, email clearing@fife.ac.uk or go to one of the campuses during opening hours to discuss their options