Anger at technology plan

The Herald

Academics from a leading Scottish university have launched an outspoken attack on moves by the principal to turn it into an internationally renowned technological institution. Lecturers from Strathclyde University said the strategy adopted by Professor Jim McDonald threatened the future of the institution as a broad-based university. The Strathclyde branch of UCU Scotland also criticised recent plans to axe up to 100 jobs.

Protest at primary blow

Press and Journal

Angry parents in Easter Ross are protesting after their children were barred from moving up to the primary school in the same building as the nursery they have attended for the past two years. Historically, youngsters attending the nursery class at Bridgend Primary, Alness, have naturally progressed to the primary classes. But 16 youngsters have been refused permission to enrol there for August this year.

MSPs tested on pledges

The Scotsman

A Scottish student leader has promised to run a campaign against tuition fees that will target newly elected members of the Scottish Parliament. Liam Burns, president of NUS Scotland, said a large number of MSPs had pledged to oppose tuition fees in the run-up to the election, through the union’s “Reclaim Your Voice” campaign. He said students would put pressure on MSPs not to introduce tuition fees, to protect college places and to improve student support during the next parliamentary session.

Fears over military cuts

The Herald

Private schools have hit out over threats to a pound;180 million scheme which has helped the children of military personnel serving in Afghanistan and Iraq attending boarding school. Cuts to the UK-wide Ministry of Defence allowance could have an impact on Scottish families - many of whose relatives are stationed long-term in Afghanistan and Iraq - because there is no other state-funded provision, the Scottish Council of Independent Schools has warned.