In quotes: Crichton reaction

South of Scotland politicians and educational institutions react to the news that Glasgow University will reopen admissions to undergraduates in 2008.

The funding package to allow the move is welcomed and the local campaign to have the decision reversed is hailed as a success.

RUSSELL BROWN, DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY MP

Obviously today's development will rightly be seen as a victory for everyone locally who campaigned so effectively against Glasgow's threats to pull out of the campus.

But there are still some questions that need to be answered - like is Glasgow University's commitment to the Crichton now long term, or will we find ourselves in a similar situation a few years down the line with the university threatening to pull out and undermining the whole campus again?

DAVID MUNDELL, DUMFRIESSHIRE MP

I congratulate the students and staff and everyone who campaigned to secure the future of Glasgow University at the Crichton.

I very much welcome this support of the Crichton campus by the Scottish Executive, but it's a pity that this could not have happened six months ago and then there would not have been a break in the Glasgow University student intake which has been disappointing.

ALASDAIR MORGAN, SOUTH OF SCOTLAND MSP

Today's announcement by Fiona Hyslop comes as a result of positive action by the Scottish government on behalf of the people of south west Scotland.

It represents a huge success for the MSPs, councillors, former graduates and ordinary citizens who have campaigned so hard over the past 18 months.

ELAINE MURRAY, DUMFRIES MSP

This is a victory for Dumfries and Galloway, and most of all for the staff and students, who just weren't going to take "no" for answer.

The University of Glasgow and the Funding Council totally underestimated the will of people here, we weren't going to roll over and allow our flagship university campus to be undermined.

MIKE RUSSELL, SOUTH OF SCOTLAND MSP

Six months ago it was reported in the media by a local MP it would take a miracle to save the Crichton. Fiona Hyslop has made that miracle happen.

The saving of the Crichton was a major drive forward for Dumfries and the south west of Scotland, the Crichton has a reputation world wide, it now has stability.

ALEX FERGUSSON, GALLOWAY AND UPPER NITHSDALE MSP

While it does beg the question as to why the previous executive could not show this level of commitment, it is wonderful news for the whole region, and particularly for my constituents in Galloway and Upper Nithsdale, that the unique further education potential of the Crichton Campus can now be fully realised.

DAVID WANN, SCOTTISH FUNDING COUNCIL

This will be excellent for the further development of Crichton and will allow a wider range of learning paths to be available for the people in Dumfries and Galloway.

PETER SYME, OPEN UNIVERSITY SCOTLAND

We are delighted to be able to continue to support the expansion of learning and skills development in the region.

UNIVERSITY OF PAISLEY STATEMENT

We already have plans to extend the range of courses we offer and are delighted to be taking the lead role in delivering university education in Dumfries and Galloway.