Labour MP Graeme Downie says he is listening to concerns among local farmers about changes to inheritance tax rules - but pointed to Treasury figures suggesting the vast majority will be unaffected.
Professor Iain Gillespie was scheduled to take part in a regular "Principal's Question Time" with staff on Monday but pulled out due to a personal commitment.
The SNP politician is the latest former MP to keep options open for a switch to Holyrood at the 2026 election.
Insiders said the decision to strike in one area led to a loss of public support.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray met campaigner Jules Rose on Friday, two months after The Courier revealed he would discuss possible extradition.
Just 83 incidents of violence against teachers were reported last year compared to thousands in neighbouring local authorities.
