Letters: Students' frustration is understandable

The student protests that ended in violence (11 November) cannot be condoned; however, you can understand the students' frustration. Their generation is being asked to bear the brunt of the economic crisis. They are being hit by tuition fees, welfare cuts, higher mortgage rates, a longer working life, increased pension contributions, and a derisory pension when they retire.

The government should not be making the younger citizens suffer because of the previous government's economic mismanagement.

It was good to hear education secretary Mike Russell say the Scottish Government will look for a Scottish solution to university funding.

Our taxes should be used to provide the youth with free education and the chance of prosperous career. Otherwise we are in danger of losing a generation.

ROBIN HALL

Great Western Road

Aberdeen

The principal argument used to justify students paying for further education is their enhanced working life income in comparison to all non-graduates. The relative figures are indicated in John Birkett's article "Our universities need to adapt to the 21st century" (11 November).

It would be interesting to see how their income would compare with others who achieved sufficient school qualifications to go to university but chose not to.

It is likely that those latter would also tend to have higher average earnings than the general population. This may give a more accurate indicator as to what extent this enhanced income is actually dependent on a university education.

As a graduate of a considerable time ago I believe it is unfair that current and future students should be burdened with large debts requiring them to pay back loans and interest.

While these loans will enhance bank profits they will have a detrimental effect for some considerable time on the graduates' future lives, which will in turn be to the detriment of the nation.

It has long been a principle in Scotland that education should not be dependent upon the ability to pay.

I agree with John Birkett that "a progressive income tax is the correct way forward" so higher earners pay more, which will of course also include earlier generations of graduates.

JIM STAMPER

Burnside Road

Rutherglen

I WAS disgusted and appalled by the behaviour of our students at the protest march in London on Wednesday. What do they spend their time learning when they are actually in university?

I was at the Poll Tax riot in 1990 and we broke more than a few windows, I can tell you. I guess this is another area that we are content to let the French beat us in!

IAN BROOKS

High Street

Cupar