Shadow Education Minister Jamie Halcro Johnston has sought assurances from the Scottish Government that it is ready to help Scotland’s universities face a looming financial “black hole”.
During today’s “virtual” Scottish Parliament Education Questions, the Highlands and Islands MSP quizzed Minister for Higher Education Richard Lochhead on his discussions with university representatives over reductions in income from commercial activities, fees from overseas students and research grants which some have warned could lead to a funding gap of £500 million across the sector.
Mr Halcro Johnston warned Scotland’s universities faced serious financial challenges in the weeks and months ahead.
He said: “Scotland’s higher education sector make an enormous contribution to the country in so many ways and in so many communities.
“But the sector faces huge financial challenges – estimated to be as high as £500 million - from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on key revenue streams. And while we will have a better understanding of the true scale of the financial black hole when the Scottish Funding Council releases updated figures next week, we cannot afford to see the sector contract permanently.
“In his answer, the Minister did say that a response group, including principals from the universities, is now meeting. But what I didn’t hear from him was a commitment, on behalf of the Scottish Government, to provide the required financial support the sector will so desperately need going forward.
“Our universities need assurances from the Scottish Government that ministers are ready and willing to help support them as they face serious financial challenges in the weeks and months ahead”.
