MP calls for pledges over college’s future

Gregg McClymont MP - who opposes the move - has written a letter to education minister Mike Russell.

And he is demanding that the Scottish Nationalist visits the college himself.

The merger is part of a nationwide trend, but its opponents see it as a costcutting measure too far.

These include many staff and students at Cumbernauld College who want to make their views known to Mr Russell on campus.

The Labour man said: “I’m asking Mr Russell to guarantee that there will be no reduction in the breadth and quality of courses available in Cumbernauld .’’

A Scottish Government spokesman would not be drawn on whether Mr Russell would turn up in Cumbernauld but insisted that the move would be beneficial for all concerned.

She said:“College regionalisation will ensure students benefit from college courses that are more focused on employment opportunities, while protecting local access.

“We are supporting colleges as they progress their plans to maintain momentum in this important national development,’’ she added.