Crighton reprieve being watched

Crichton campus in Dumfries is being monitored for its success in attracting new students, after a £1.5m lifeline funding enabled the intake of first year student to resume next year. The campus is home to 1,000 students, nearly half being part-time, and is run by the Dumfries and Galloway College, Universities of Glasgow and the recently merged University of Paisley and Bell College.

In February Glasgow University said it had decided not to admit new undergraduates because of a £800,000 deficit. A pull-out would have meant 200 student places disappearing and doubt over the future of 20 lectureres and staff.

The new funding will allow the intake of liberal arts graduates to resume, the development of four year primary teacher training degree, and postgraduate provision in the area of climate change and environmental studies as part of the development of the carbon centre.  The Crichton Development Corporation will  also be working closely with the University of Paisley to improve facilities at the campus for students and staff.

Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop, the Education claimed the £1.5m plan was "a huge step forward" for the skills and economy of southern Scotland and that the executive support would provide an "important impetus" in getting a new academic strategy for the region off the ground.