STUDENTS at James Watt College have been hit in the pocket by a cut to their bursary payments.

Bosses at James Watt told students the 'economic downturn' has put a 'considerable strain' on funds as they announced the cuts.

The college informed students they will receive only half of their final bursary payment, due on 18 June, when they finish their studies for the year.

Some students, who will receive hundreds of pounds less than they expected, say they rely on the payments and that they have not been given enough notice of the cuts.

James Watt assistant principal Alistair Shaw said: "In past years, students have received four weeks' of bursary money upon finishing their studies.

"Sadly, due to a national cut in bursary funding, coupled with higher student numbers than usual, we have had to change our bursary structure.

"Students will receive two weeks of bursary money once they finish their course.

"We believe this was the best decision to make in the face of an exhausted cash supply, as term will be over and students will no longer need to travel to college." Mr Shaw said while some other colleges had cut bursaries throughout the academic year, they felt this method has the 'least detrimental' effect on students.

Full-time college students can apply for bursary payments which are dependant on their financial circumstances.

The amount students receive in payouts varies.

Bursaries include payment of tuition fees and also an allowance for living expenses and travel.

Earlier this month, there was concern for 20 jobs at the college after a decision to axe a £500,000 project.

The Scottish Funding Council announced it will no longer fund the More Choices, More Chances scheme, which employs young people not in education, employment or training.