Anger at axed pound;3m

The Herald

Scottish universities have attacked plans to axe pound;3 million from a fund that supports cutting-edge research. University principals said the 15 per cent cut would damage the country’s research at a time when it was needed to lead a revival of the ailing economy.

Gaelic school backed

The Scotsman

A cross-party group of MSPs has added its weight to a campaign for a dedicated Gaelic school in Edinburgh. A consultation organised by the city council, on whether a new Gaelic-medium school is opened in Bonnington or existing facilities at Tollcross are developed, ended on Monday.

Pension costs uproar

Daily Record

University staff walked out in protest at pension changes last week. Organisers said thousands of staff, including lecturers and tutors, went on strike - affecting 132,000 students. Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heriot-Watt, Strathclyde and St Andrews universities were hit by the industrial action.

Charity status rethink

The Times

Independent schools are exploring how to avoid regulatory requirements by giving up their charitable status. Dozens are interested in such a move, which would mean converting into a not-for-profit trust and an “asset- lock” on buildings, grounds and investments to prevent their sale for profit.

Heat over holidays

Daily Record

Teachers at a Scottish school have hit out after being asked to work unpaid during their holidays in a bid to save money. Staff at St Joseph’s Academy in Kilmarnock were invited to “volunteer” to give up their Easter break to supervise exam revision clubs for pupils. But headteacher Alan Ward told them the work would be unpaid because the school budget has been exceeded.