Renewed bid to halt Crichton exit

MSPs across the political spectrum condemned the university's move

A cross-party bid has been made at Holyrood to get Glasgow University to reverse its move halting admission of undergraduates at the Crichton campus.

SNP MSP Alasdair Morgan urged the institution to wait until the outcome of a higher education review.

He was supported by Conservative, Labour and Green counterparts who also condemned the university's action.

Deputy Education Minister Allan Wilson said he hoped Glasgow could retain some presence on the Dumfries site.

It was the second time in five weeks that MSPs had debated the Crichton situation.

Mr Morgan urged Glasgow University to reverse its move not to admit new students.

It may be possible to establish new post graduate provision in the region - a development which I fully support and welcome Allan Wilson Deputy education minister

He said that if an education strategy for the region was being developed then it was surely better for no "irrevocable decisions" to be taken.

Galloway and Upper Nithsdale Tory MSP Alex Fergusson said that other institutions could not provide the same service as Glasgow.

"Too many people involved in this debate have been hinting that the newly created University of the West of Scotland - brought about by the merger of Paisley and Bell College - will fill the gap that is going to be left," he said.

"While I very much applaud both that merger and its commitment to the Crichton, the fact remains that the Crichton needs Glasgow if it is to remain a truly credible project."

Full support

Dumfries Labour MSP Elaine Murray agreed it would harm the region.

She was part of a demonstration on Tuesday night when Glasgow University Principal Sir Muir Russell was delivering a talk on the future of higher education.

"What a cheek, considering what he is doing to damage higher education in Dumfries and Galloway," she said.

Green MSP Chris Ballance also condemned the "lack of successful action" over the university's plans.

Mr Wilson reiterated the executive's support for the Crichton development.

He also predicted that Glasgow University would have some continuing involvement on the campus.

"It may be possible to establish new post graduate provision in the region - a development which I fully support and welcome," he said.

"I will expect the funding council to do all in its powers to help take it forward."