THE long wait was over today for more than 35,000 Glasgow youngsters as they received their exam results.

Dismayed students told not to panic STUDENTS who missed out on their first choice university or college place have been told not to panic. Careers Scotland launched a hotline this morning to help pupils in need of advice after receiving their results. Around 30,000 secure a higher or further education place each year through UCAS' clearing system. Reader Poll With thousands of Scots schoochildren getting their Standard Grade and Higher results today, are exams easier than they used to be? Yes 55.2% No 32.2% Don't know 12.6% The process matches students with available vacancies across Scotland. Advisers manning the free helpline provide school leavers with up to date information and contact details for the courses. Last year, more than 3000 callers contacted the service and Careers Scotland staff are bracing themselves for another busy summer. Danny Logue, director of Careers and Skills Development, said: "This can be an anxious time for students and their friends and family. "However, it's important not to panic when the results arrive. "It doesn't cost a penny to call the helpline and talk to one of our careers advisers. "There is often a positive outcome even if the results that students receive are very different to what they were expecting." Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "For those who have not received the grades they were aiming for today, there is comprehensive advice and support out there to guide them through the many options that can help them realise their goals." Figures from 2007 show seven percent of accepted applicants deferred their university place for a year to travel or work. Tourism Australia has launched a drive to boost the number of youngsters applying for working holiday visas Down Under. Rodney Harrex, tourism general manager, UK and Europe, said: "The Australian Working Holiday Visa allows travellers to stay in Australia for up to 12 months and work in a job in any field. "Provided you've got a return airfare and some savings to prove you can support yourself when you arrive in Australia, anyone between the ages of 18-30 can apply to come over."

A record 158,627 certificates for Higher and Standard Grades were landing on doormats all over Scotland.

Royal Mail was delivering results to 35,000 homes in Glasgow this morning, as up to 20,000 teenagers received the news via text message and e-mail.

Glasgow's education boss said it was the city's best exam results.

Figures show the proportion of pupils achieving five or more Highers by sixth year rose from 12% to 13%.

Around 15% of fifth years gained three or more Highers, again marginally up on 2007.

Attainment level for Standard Grade English and maths, at level 3 or better, in fourth year, also increased slightly to 87%.

Gordon Matheson, city council executive member for education, said: "Overall, these are the best national exam results Glasgow schools have ever achieved.

"The results confirm the hard work, commitment and dedication of our young people and their teachers have been rewarded again this year, particularly the improved performance in Highers, which has seen a steady increase over the last three years."

National pass for Standard Grades, Access, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2, Higher and Advanced Higher exams, were up slightly on last year.

Figures show the number of candidates sitting Standard Grades dipped 17,781 nationally to 386,857, but pass rates increased from 97.6% to 98%.

A total of 162,502 sat Highers, up 1514 on last year, with 18,854 taking Advanced Highers, an increase of 1029.

The overall Higher pass rate rose 1.7% to 73.4% while the pass rate for the Advanced exams was 75.8%.

A total of 68.3% of candidates passed Higher English, up from 64.9%, and 71.6% gained Higher Maths, compared with 70% in 2007.

Dr Janet Brown, chief executive of the Scottish Qualifications Agency and Scotland's chief examining officer, said: "I am delighted to see the increase in numbers of learners achieving our qualifications, and the steady growth in pass rates.

"These results show continuing strong achievements in what is a robust education system."

Scottish Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "Today's results represent months of dedication and hard work by the pupils and their teachers, combined with support of their parents and friends.

"The continuing healthy uptake and attainment in science and modern languages by our young people demonstrates the continued drive to make the country a more competitive place to do business."

Calum gets the 'write' results

The 16-year-old pupil at Springburn Academy picked up top grades in German, French, English, History and Religious and Moral Philosophy.

He's hoping they will help him towards his future goal of a career in journalism.

He said: "I'm happy and relieved.

"I was hoping for at least 3 As."