St Andrews University would be “open to discussions” on joint working with a Fife regional college should a campus open in St Andrews.
The willingness to talk was pledged as Scottish Lib Dem leader and MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Willie Rennie called for a Fife Regional College campus to open in St Andrews.
In a submission to a consultation on the future of college provision across Fife, Mr Rennie expressed concerns over the impact potential college merger could have upon local access to courses.
He said plans to merge Adam Smith, Carnegie and part of Cupar’s Elmwood College could result in the closure of some courses in some campuses.
He was due to raise the issue today during general questions at the Scottish Parliament.
Mr Rennie said: “With thousands out of work across Fife, the last thing the Government should be doing is restricting access to further education.
“To show that the merging of Fife’s colleges won’t result in a reduction in courses for local communities the new regional college should open up in St Andrews.
“Current plans to merge Fife’s three colleges could see a drastic reduction in course provision.”
He continued: “I’m concerned that this could put would-be students off applying for further education at a time when we should be doing what we can to enable more people to get on in life.
“A college base in St Andrews wouldn’t just benefit our young people it would allow mature students and those who have been out of work for long periods to have local access to education, equipping them with skills and enabling more to return to work.”
Last night a St Andrews University spokesman said: “We agree very much with Mr Rennie about the importance of opportunity and the key role of higher education in the economy.
“As a university, St Andrews contributes over £480 million a year to the Scottish economy and supports over 8,000 jobs.
“We would of course be open to discussions on joint working with a Fife regional college in St Andrews, as we have had joint working arrangements with the three colleges in Fife in the past.”