Education Secretary Michael Russell has called for calm as speculation persists over a possible merger between Dundee’s universities.
He insisted there was not a ”Machiavellian plot” to amalgamate Abertay and Dundee University despite a recently published pre-legislative paper proposing ministers be given powers to ”implement” mergers suggested by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).
He made the comment after the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference in the Fairmont St Andrews.
In an interview with The Courier Mr Russell continued: ”As far as I am concerned I see no such pressure (being put on universities to merge).
”Education is not about buildings, it’s not boards of management, it’s about young people. Now I want a constructive dialogue to take place on the matter, let’s have that.”
After mounting calls and a high-profile campaign led by The Courier, the First Minister Alex Salmond last week finally told MSPs there would be no forced merger.
This came days after both universities received letters from the SFC telling them to begin urgent discussions over a merger.
Mr Russell said he was in frequent communication with the SFC over a variety of issues with the aim of delivering ”efficient and effective” education across Scotland.
However he did not go as far as to say that he has held any specific talks over combining the Dundee universities.
”What has been going on is a legitimate conversation about how institutions can work together, and I think that is a positive step.”
Mr Russell’s remarks were welcomed by the Labour MSP Jenny Marra, who previously voiced fears that Abertay’s identity would be lost by the much larger institution should a merger take place.
She said that, following Mr Salmond’s recent assurances, both institutions are now in a stronger position to defend their independence.