Varsity changes

I was saddened that Iain Gray suggested, in his usual funereal manner, that the First Minister was going to close Abertay University (your report, 23 September). Given the recent election, there are now, for the first time in Scotland’s history, certain fixed parameters in place, namely a democratically-elected Scottish Government with a working majority and a five-year, fixed-term in office.

If ever there was a time for a radical change in the Scottish university system it is now, as the status quo is no longer a viable option. The change should be spearheaded by the universities. A prolonged internecine trench war between the various universities would be expensive, damaging and undermine public confidence.

Perhaps the four universities in the west of Scotland should lead the way by discussing the best way forward and delivering to the education secretary a business plan that would harness the expertise of their staff and resources.

Collectively, these universities have staff with internationally-acclaimed expertise in business management, so there should be no problems, only challenges, involved in creating a new business model.

If the universities fail to take the lead then they may find changes are imposed on them and an exciting opportunity to move forward squandered.

Thomas L Inglis

Menzies Avenue

Fintry