I think I figured it out, the following does work, not sure if it is the most efficient way to do it.
Thanks
Code:
DataTable dt = new DataTable();
DataSet ds = new DataSet();
ds = Dts.Variables["SourceColumns"].Value as DataSet;
dt = ds.Tables[0];
List<string> sourceColumns = new List<string>();
foreach (DataRow dr in dt.Rows)
{
sourceColumns.Add(dr[0].ToString());
}