‘Protect ourcollege’ call

MSP Jamie Hepburn has expressed concern over the prospect of Cumbernauld College becoming part of a federation of colleges in the Lanarkshire region.

Last week Cumbernauld College, Motherwell College and South Lanarkshire College released a joint statement detailing their collective support to form a federation of colleges.

However, the SNP’s MSP for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth has responded to the proposals and has called for safeguards to be put in place should the recent Scottish Government proposals to reform further education go ahead.

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He said: “Of utmost concern to me is ensuring that learners in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth area are able to access further education in a proper fashion.

“I have reservations about Cumbernauld becoming further entrenched in the Lanarkshire area.

“As it is, many people in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth feel as I do that our communities have not been best served as part of North Lanarkshire Council.

“Therefore, the regionalised model for colleges, and where Cumbernauld College is located in that structure, needs to be carefully thought through.”

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He added: “On a practical level, the poor transport links that exist between Cumbernauld and Kilsyth with the rest of North Lanarkshire is a cause for serious concern.

“Irrespective, it is essential that any move taken towards regionalisation is sufficiently sensitive to the needs of our students and our community. The quality of learning at Cumbernauld College, and its important place in the community, also have to be safeguarded.”