TWO hundred Inverclyde students might have to pull out of their college courses, it was claimed today.

They have been told they will no longer be able to attend West College Scotland (WCS) sports courses at sportscotland’s Inverclyde National Sports Centre in Largs after August this year.

This is 12 months earlier than originally planned under the amalgamation of James Watt, Reid Kerr and Clydebank colleges to form WCS, Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil , pictured, said today.

He said the HNC and HND students might have to travel instead to Kilwinning or Kilmarnock, and many may not be able to do so.

He said: “I’m concerned about the impact this decision will have on students who currently use the Largs campus.

“Many of them will find it more expensive and time consuming to travel farther into Ayrshire, which could impact adversely on their studies.

“It’s important in this transition period that the various agencies work together to ensure this issue is urgently addressed.

“I also have concerns for the future of sports studies in Inverclyde. I will be meeting with the Principal of West College Scotland to seek assurances that those in Inverclyde who wish to pursue a career in sport get access to the provision and support they need.” The MSP said he has been told that many staff and students are in the dark about developments.

WCS Vice Principal for Educational Leadership, Stephanie Graham, said moves are being made to try to address the situation.

She said: “West College Scotland are now working to make arrangements to provide additional sports provision in both Greenock and Paisley to enable any local students to continue with their sports courses in August.” A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said the change was not linked to the ‘regionalisation’ programme which brought the three colleges together, but was caused by refurbishment at the Largs centre.

Stewart Harris, chief executive of sportscotland, said the Largs centre is currently developing a strategy to secure the future success of the facility as “an inclusive venue encompassing a wide range of sports and physical activities”.

He added: “Options are being explored in collaboration with key sports organisations to potentially redevelop and improve key components of the centre, with the objective of enhancing Inverclyde’s contribution to the development of a world-class sporting system in Scotland.”