Mid-Scotland and Fife MSPs, Murdo Fraser and Liz Smith, have met with Perth College Principal Dr Thomas Moore during a tour of college facilities.
During the visit Murdo and Liz enjoyed lunch at the award-winning student run restaurant and met some of the budding young chefs who are involved. The MSP’s also watched a presentation on college successes and held a private meeting with Dr Thomas Moore and other college officials.
With SNP cuts and regionalisation biting, the future of Scotland’s Colleges has been subject to several high profile Scottish Parliament debates.
Conservative education Spokeswoman, Liz Smith, has been a vocal critic of the SNP’s flagship ‘Post-16 Education Bill’, believing that any removal of college and university autonomy will damage the international reputation of Scottish higher education.
Commenting on the visit, Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“First of all I’d like to thank Perth College and Dr Moore for hosting both myself and Liz. I’d also like to thank the students who prepared lunch, I wholeheartedly agree with the praise and acclaim they are currently receiving.
“I have always been a vocal champion of Perth College and the benefits it brings to the city, therefore it was a pleasure to meet the staff who are helping deliver first class education.
“Many of those working within the college sector have expressed concern at the nature and pace of change in Scottish higher education. Colleges have the power to equip our youngsters with the skills to succeed and as such should be fully supported.”
Scottish Conservative Education Spokeswoman, Liz Smith MSP said:
“As someone who regularly engages with those in the college sector this visit was the perfect opportunity to meet with staff who are dealing with centrally imposed changes to funding and set up.
“The combination of passionate staff members and diverse courses has helped Perth College forge an enviable reputation for excellence.
“I believe that the ‘Post-16 Education Bill’ threatens the autonomy of our first class institutions and it runs totally counter to the moves in successful competitor nations where governments are becoming less, not more, responsible for further and higher education.”