MSP Joan McAlpine put the Barony College firmly back on the agenda during Parliamentary questions today.
Ms McAlpine asked the new Higher Education Minister Shirley-Anne Somerville if the government will help ensure land based education in the region is not compromised by decisions made by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).
The Minister praised Ms McAlpine’s efforts on behalf of staff and students at the Barony and said she would be happy to discuss the issue along with SRUC representatives.
Ms McAlpine first raised the issue last year in response to community, student and staff concerns about the future of the Barony Campus following the merger with SRUC.
Ms McAlpine said:
“I’m pleased the Minister has agreed to meet with me on this issue.
“I will not allow un-costed, hasty plans by SRUC to compromised land based education in the region.
“I do not believe the learning experience provided at the Barony Campus can be duplicated at the Crichton Campus, where SRUC want to relocate it. Unless they prove me wrong I will do everything I can to make sure the move doesn’t go ahead.”
