Colleges get extra £16m to cope with big demand for places

 © The Herald
Originally published: 05.06.2009

Colleges are to get just in excess of £16m to help them cope with increased demand for places in the wake of the recession, Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop has announced.

The money is part of £28.1m in new funding for the sector, using cash automatically coming to Scotland as a result of spending decisions in the UK budget.

A total of £16.1m will be used to provide thousands of extra places on courses over the next two years.

A further £12m will go towards improving college buildings and facilities.

Ms Hyslop said: "Scotland's colleges have a key role in helping people and businesses deal with the impact of the economic downturn and ensuring individuals have the skills they need to contribute to our economic success when the recovery comes."

The Scottish Funding Council has already announced an "above-inflation allocation" of £572m for colleges for the next financial year, she said.

"A further increase in college funding of £16.1m over the next two years equates to more than 3100 extra full-time places, although in reality the numbers will be significantly higher given that most college courses are part-time."

Ms Hyslop unveiled the funding on a visit to Stevenson College in Edinburgh, where she met Jon Lord, of rock band Deep Purple. He is leading a joint project between the College and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama which will culminate in a performance at the Usher Hall on October 5.

Linda McTavish, convener of Scotland's Colleges Principal's Convention, said the funding was "great news".

Labour's Claire Baker said: "While this funding is very helpful, there are still major challenges ahead that the SNP must not duck."