Scots Tories seek change in funding of universities

Party education spokeswoman Liz Smith spoke out as leading Scottish Tory MSPs held a number of meetings in Aberdeen.

UK Business Secretary Vince Cable has already announced that sweeping changes to university funding are being considered south of the Border, setting out a more "progressive" system that includes proposals for a so-called "graduate tax".

Yesterday, Ms Smith said that while it was a "very difficult time for universities" there was "scope within Scotland to develop a more focused regional approach to the use of research facilities so as to develop more economies of scale".

She added: "This must, however, be in the context of ensuring autonomy for the universities to decide how best to spend their money."

The Conservative MSP continued: "In the meantime, I repeat our call for a comprehensive and independent review into university and student funding. Scotland cannot and must not be left behind the rest of the UK."

And she stressed the "vital" importance of research for the university sector.

Ms Smith said: "Scottish Conservatives will do everything we can to promote private sector involvement in university research to ensure that our world-class institutions continue at the cutting edge of research and development."

Ms Smith and other members of the party's front-bench team at Holyrood visited the biomedical research facilities at Aberdeen University.

Tory leader Annabel Goldie and her team also held a lunchtime meeting at the Townhouse, the home of Aberdeen City Council.