HALCRO JOHNSTON CALLS FOR GREATER FOCUS ON SUPPORT FOR HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS STUDENTS
Jamie Halcro Johnston, Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands, has highlighted the impact student loans are having on young people at the beginning of their careers, and the importance of adequate support while they are studying.
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament in a debate on Student Support, Jamie outlined the much lower earning threshold for Scottish graduates, when they have to begin paying back their student loans, which is £18,000 in Scotland, compared to £25,000 in other parts of the UK.
Speaking after the debate, Jamie, drawing on his experience as a former Student Union leader, said: “Students from the Highlands and Islands often face significantly higher costs than other students because of travel and also by being much further away from families and friends and the support they provide.
“It can also be difficult, or expensive, to head home for a weekend when things are tough as other students studying closer to home might be able to.
“The importance of support for these students while they are away from home, particularly early on, cannot be overstated, and may help to reduce drop-out rates.
“And, after meeting those challenges, they may find themselves having to repay a student loan while on a very modest income which is often the fate of young graduates.
“I would like to see a much greater focus on the real-life experiences of our young people while away from home for the first time, and then as they make the often challenging transition from school, through university and college, and into their careers.”
