Holyrood message by Duncan McNeil MSP
Published 6 Feb 2012 15:00
IN Parliament this week, the cabinet secretary Mike Russell, in a typical bombastic display, insisted that his plans to cut the number of colleges and to create 12 regional centres will provide the best opportunities for our young people.
But we all know this is a mere cost-cutting measure.
It has little to do with improving the educational opportunities that are available.
He can be as defiant as he likes, but the cabinet secretary cannot pull the wool over our eyes.
His forced merger will take the 'local' out of James Watt College. This is not good news for our community.
I have a big concern that the influence of our college will diminish and that it will become a bit-part player in the decision-making process.
I am fearful for the teaching and administrative jobs at the college. Redundancies seem inevitable. I am also concerned about the impact on student access and travel - a concern recognised by Mike Russell.
James Watt College has a proud history of delivering opportunities for our community.
For over 100 years, it has helped provide the skills and knowledge necessary to get a leg up in life. It has played a crucial role in developing our local economy, giving many in Greenock and Inverclyde a pathway to their first job and a new career.
In the coming weeks and months we need answers from the education secretary on the impact that his forced merger will have on local accountability, teaching and administrative jobs, access for students and the quality of courses available.
We must do all we can to ensure that James Watt College remains at the heart of our community to protect life opportunities and our local economy.
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 06 Feb 12
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