Support for fees
THE SCOTSMAN- Almost two-thirds of Scots believe students in Scotland should pay for their university education, a YouGov poll revealed. The vast majority of the public took issue with SNP, Labour and Lib Dem plans to keep providing free higher education at taxpayers’ expense. Of 1,135 adults polled, 65 per cent supported the idea of a graduate contribution.
Free transport row
PRESS AND JOURNAL- A war of words has been sparked by a call to review the pound;260,000-a-year free transport for youngsters to the Gaelic school in Inverness. Black Isle councillor Billy Barclay has received complaints from Gaelic and non- Gaelic speakers that pupils receive free transport, regardless of the distance they travel. The complaints came after three Gaelic pupils living on the Black Isle were ferried to and from Inverness in two taxis.
Boarding school damage
THE TIMES- Children sent to boarding school can suffer psychological damage on the same scale as those who have been taken into care, according to a leading psychotherapist. The effect of being separated from parents at a young age can last into adulthood, leaving emotional scars and preventing the formation of intimate relationships, says Professor Joy Schaverien in next month’s British Journal of Psychotherapy.
CCTV debate continues
THE SCOTSMAN- CCTV cameras could be installed in school toilets throughout West Lothian to deter bullying, despite objections by parents and civil liberties groups. Councillors had considered ditching the cameras at Whitburn Academy and West Calder High that overlook the area around the sinks after parents expressed concern about the risk of footage being misused.
Visa licence suspended
THE HERALD- Glasgow Caledonian University has become the first in the UK to have its overseas student visa licence suspended, after claims that some nursing students were working “almost full-time”. The move came after UK Border Agency inspectors carried out a routine inspection of the institution in March. The university has a month to convince officials it is in line with regulations or it could have its licence revoked.
