THE uncertainties facing universities following the Scottish Parliament's backing for a second independence referendum and Brexit have been highlighted by a leading principal.
Professor Sally Mapstone, principal of St Andrews University, said the institution was "materially affected" by the decision of the Scottish Government to demand a second independence referendum.
In a message to staff she said: "This opens up a further layer of complexity, from the constitutional arrangements and timing of any vote to its influence on Scotland’s membership of and future relations with the EU.
"Everybody at St Andrews will have a view individually on where they think we should be positioned in these debates, but there is also much still to be clarified on some essential matters within both the Brexit negotiations and the independence discussions.
"How the UK and Scottish Governments handle questions around present and future staff and student mobility and access to European and UK research funding are crucial to the future identity, well-being, and sustainability of our university."
Ms Mapstone and other principals also moved to reassure academics from across the EU by offering a range of services including subsidised legal advice.
Ms Mapstone said: "I have asked that we explore the opportunity to provide subsidised expert legal advice from Scottish solicitors’ firms with particular expertise in these matters, should there be demand from colleagues for this type of service.
"We will be strengthening the practical advice that we offer and I have asked that we put in place arrangements to cover the cost of application for permanent residence."
Professor Anton Muscatelli, principal of Glasgow University, echoed the concerns over staff.
He said: "In terms of our staff, one of the things we said we would do was hold some legal seminars to make sure they understand their rights because some of them have been concerned.
"Potentially, if there is demand, we will also look at the possibility of giving some one-to-one support and, if people have concerns about their residency rights or citizenship support, we will encourage them to go to human resources and seek that advice."
Professor Sir Timothy O'Shea, principal of Edinburgh University, added: "The importance of securing the rights of EU citizens already working in the UK is paramount and long term access to EU research funding programmes remains central to the overall success of our Universities.
"I know that for many people there will be further concern around whether staff and students, or members of their family, might be impacted by changes to residency rights.
"In order to support those members of staff who might be affected we are now offering loans for residency fees and a new set of targeted free legal information sessions, as well as providing further advice to our students."
Meanwhile, Shona Struthers, chief executive of Colleges Scotland, said there were also significant concerns in further education.
She said: "Scottish colleges could lose significant EU funding, partnership and exchange programme opportunities, which have benefitted students, business and communities across the country.
"Scotland’s colleges have received approximately £46m from EU funding strands over the past two academic years and it is important that the Scottish Government works with the sector to mitigate the impact that this will have on the sector’s finances and students."
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel