I WAS astonished that Scottish Labour now has one of the great success stories of Glasgow and Scotland in its sights - Glasgow Caledonian University – over the establishment of its New York College (“Two years in NY … and not one degree student”, The Herald, October 29).

Founded only 20 years ago, the “Caley” has rapidly established itself as one of the UK’s most successful modern universities. One of the largest in Scotland, it contributes hundreds of millions of pounds a year to the Scottish economy, scores highly in a variety of rankings – not least student satisfaction – and its bright contemporary campus is a vibrant central focus for the city, helping to maintain Glasgow as one of the UK’s student hubs.

It was pathetic to hear Jackie Baillie (my local MSP) almost gloating over the alleged “white elephant” in New York. Ms Baillie, who numbers a private girls boarding school in the leafy Lake District and a Russell Group university among the educational establishments she has been fortunate enough to attend – is presumably hoping that her criticism will rub off on the SNP Government, which has enthusiastically backed Glasgow Caledonian. If she cannot help this enterprising university, she could at least refrain from harming its reputation, which is the only thing that will result from her ill-considered intervention.

Thomas Logue,

Villa Marina, Shore Road, Kilcreggan.