Following the launch of the Building A Smarter Scotland – Towards A Sustainable Scottish Solution for the Future of Higher Education at the Scottish Parliament on the 16th December 2010 there will be a series of five discussion events taking place across Scotland. 

The first of these discussions is to be held today at Heriot-Watt University and will focus on on funding and structures. It will be hosted by Education Secretary Michael Russell and round 100 representatives from the higher education sector, including academics, university staff, unions and students, are expected to attend the event.

 Mr Russell said:

This is an important staging post in the debate on the long term funding of universities in Scotland. The sector is home to some of Scotland’s brightest minds. Unions, business, parents and students are fundamental to ensure we find a robust and sustainable solution. It is only right, therefore, that they all continue to be a key part of these discussions in response to the Green Paper.

 The Scottish Government has made clear through the Green Paper and its ongoing engagement on the issue that they want those in the sector, parents, students and unions to be a key part of the decision procession.

Forthcoming HE public discussion events: 

25th January, University of West of Scotland, Paisley, building (TBC) Putting Learners At the Centre – Learning, Access & Student Support  
Registration will take place between 09.30 and 10.00 the event will start at approximately 10.15.  The estimated finishing time is 14.00.

1st February at Aberdeen University ‘Maintaining Excellence – Research and International Contribution’
Registration will take place between 13.00 and 13.25 and the event will start at 13.30.  The estimated finishing time is 17.00

22nd February at City of Glasgow College ‘Future of Higher Education – Students and Potential Students.’

Please note: This information has been issued in order to allow as much time as possible for the public to arrange to attend these events, however dates, times and venues are provisional. For more information or to book a place at these free events contact Michael Doherty on 0300 244 6757 or Christine Hamilton Rice on 0300 244 1357. 

Find out more in our upcoming Building a Smarter Future blogs and workshops. 

Read the ‘Building a Smarter Future’ Green Paper (web version) and find out statistics on student numbers in scotland. Contact the consultation on ScottishSolution@scotland.gsi.gov.uk