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McConnell to hear campus worries McConnell pledges campus support
(about 2 hours later)
Scottish executive support for the Crichton campus in Dumfries is being sought at first minister's questions. First Minister Jack McConnell has pledged his "full support" for efforts to secure the future of the Crichton campus in Dumfries.
Galloway and Upper Nithsdale Tory MSP Alex Fergusson is raising the issue in light of concerns the University of Glasgow might quit the town. Tory MSP Alex Fergusson raised the issue amid concerns that the University of Glasgow might quit the town.
It claims it faces £800,000-a-year losses in Dumfries - a sum questioned by the Scottish Funding Council. Mr McConnell said he hoped to see provision on the campus "at least maintained - if not improved".
Mr Fergusson said the Crichton needed to ensure political support "at the highest level". He said the Scottish Funding Council was working to ensure the widest range of courses was available.
He said he had tabled the question for Jack McConnell to measure the executive's support for the Dumfries campus. Mr Fergusson, the MSP for Galloway and Upper Nithsdale, raised his question after the University of Glasgow warned it might be forced out of Dumfries due to financial losses on the campus.
Position unclear I believe the overall level of provision at the Crichton campus should be at least maintained - if not improved Jack McConnell
"While the reasons for Glasgow University's threat to withdraw are many and varied, the Scottish government's position is unclear," he added. He said the Crichton needed to ensure political support "at the highest level".
Mr Fergusson said that that was "unfortunate" given former first minister Donald Dewar's support for the whole project. The first minister said he recognised the importance of the site.
He went on: "Whatever complexities lie behind Glasgow's proposal, we need to know that the project still enjoys political support at the highest level. "Crichton campus is important for Dumfries and south west Scotland as a whole," he said.
"My question will give the first minister the opportunity to reaffirm that level of support." "I believe the overall level of provision at the Crichton campus should be at least maintained - if not improved."
He said the SFC and Crichton partners were developing a strategy to guarantee a "secure future" for the campus involving a range of institutions and courses.
"They have my full support in doing so," he said.