Education secretary Michael Russell has signalled a dramatic U-turn by saying a full merger between Abertay and Dundee universities is not inevitable.
Although the two institutions were both sent letters by the Scottish Funding Council last week telling them to begin urgent discussions over a possible merger, the Scottish Government has now back-pedalled and suggested Abertay could yet remain independent.
The order to begin merger talks prompted a massive public outcry, with many people believing Abertay’s identity would be subsumed by the larger university.
In a letter sent to city MSPs seen by The Courier Mr Russell says there is a need for Abertay to consider ”its future actions and plans” but that does not mean a full merger with Dundee University is the only possible outcome.
Dundee City East MSP Shona Robison said Abertay could retain its independence by developing more shared services, particularly backroom operations, with Dundee and eliminating duplicated courses.
”Joe FitzPatrick and I have been working very hard behind the scenes to reach this outcome for Abertay, which will mean it can remain a thriving, independent and autonomous university by seizing the momentum and looking at how, by working collaboratively with Dundee University, they can look at sharing some services,” Ms Robison said on Monday.
In their letter, the MSPs also suggest the two universities explore creating a city campus they could share with Dundee College to reduce costs.
Although he insists he wants to see Abertay develop a closer working relationship with Dundee and has not completely ruled out a merger, Mr Russell’s response will offer campaigners hope that Abertay will not lose its independence.
Mr Russell states: ”Abertay has gone through a very difficult period recently, during which there has been a considerable expenditure of public money by the court on resolving unfortunate personnel disputes. That process also led to the resignation from the court of some key individuals.
”Clearly, therefore there is a need for Abertay to consider its actions and plans very carefully. The decision by the Scottish Funding Council to suggest that a review was undertaken before the appointment of a new principal was a sensible one.
”It was also appropriate to seek the views of Dundee University on the matter, fully recognising that universities are autonomous institutions, albeit ones that receive significant government funding.
”However, for the record, can I say that I do not believe that merger is the only possible outcome of the review process.”
He says an increase in shared services will have to be part of Abertay’s future.
Mr Russell adds: ”These proposals need to be seen in the context of the regionalisation of educational delivery … A focus on serving the surrounding region in a joined up and coordinated way and better use of the duplication in estates provision which exists within the city would be valuable platforms for any future changes.”
Mr Russell said he is willing to visit Dundee to meet various parties on the subject.
The education secretary concluded that he believes discussions should take place as soon as possible but that no strict deadline will be enforced.