Aileen Campbell Visits Motherwell College

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Friday, 10 February 2012

Clydesdale MSP, Aileen Campbell who recently met with local students at Motherwell College, has welcomed the announcement by Finance Secretary John Swinney in his budget of an additional £11.4 million for Scotland’s colleges to fund student support. 

During a tour of Motherwell College - where around 1,000 Clydesdale residents study - Aileen Campbell was told about the courses and shown around the facilities available to students at the college.  She also had the opportunity to meet with her student constituents to hear their views on college education and student support.

Commenting, Aileen Campbell said:

“Around 1,000 students from Clydesdale attend Motherwell College with some travelling from as far as Leadhills.  It was important to engage with this group of constituents to hear directly from them about their hopes for the future.  It was also timely because days later in his budget speech, Finance Secretary John Swinney announced new funding for student support demonstrating the strength of the SNP government’s commitment to Scotland’s college students.         

“Student support funds ensure people are not forced to abandon their studies because of financial hardship. This very significant allocation of over £11 million will allow our college students to continue their education and gain the skills that they, and Scotland’s economy, need.

“Moreover, an additional £8 million will go to support the SNP’s commitment to guarantee every 16-19 year old school leaver not otherwise in employment or education a suitable place in learning or training, helping to improve the life chances of our young people. We have also pledged to maintain the Educational Maintenance Allowance, which has been scrapped south of the border.

“My visit to Motherwell College was a useful opportunity for me to gain a better understanding of what staff there do to support students that come from my constituency and some of the opportunities and challenges facing students.  It was a pleasure to meet the students who I know will go on to contribute positively to Scotland.”