Cash boost for colleges

Oct 16 2009

AYR College will get a share of £30m being pumped into further education in Scotland.

The news has been hailed a major boost for students desperate to improve their prospects for the future.

Principal Diane Rawlinson said: “The current climate is very demanding, particularly for students, and Ayr College welcomes the Scottish Government’s recognition of this with increased financial support.

“College students traditionally come from a wide range of backgrounds and often base their decision to return to education on financial grounds.

“Therefore, additional capital going towards grants, hardship funds and subsidising growing childcare costs will certainly have a positive impact, both for current and potential students.”

MSP Adam Ingram revealed that students at the Ayr campus of the University of the West of Scotland will also benefit.

He explained: “The announcement will see increased support for all students with funding for childcare, grants for many mature students, who may be retraining through the recession; increased support for poorer students on bursaries, and access to additional funding at low interest rates.

“As more and more students struggle to get part-time work it is essential we support them during the recession, just as we support those who want to learn a new skill.

“Under the last administration we saw the biggest drop in people going to university. Since then the SNP have removed the graduate endowment, taking over £2000 of the debt burden, and today’s proposals will help to cut that burden further – ensuring the best possible support for Scotland’s students.”