An Open Letter to Members of the Scottish Parliament 

Dear All,

As you are no doubt aware, the Finance Secretary John Swinney will be bringing the budget for
the year ahead before Parliament this week. I write to you as the democratically elected
representative of 25,000 students studying at the University of Glasgow, many of whom, in recent
weeks, have voiced their concern at the prospects of funding for higher education in Scotland.
Whilst the Browne Review of course only applies to England, the knock on effect of that will
undoubtedly be felt here in Scotland, as will the impact of the Comprehensive Spending Review
in reducing the block grant received by the Scottish Government, and the money that is then
available for our Universities.

I therefore am writing to you to urge you to remember the importance of Scotland's Universities.
Scotland has a proud tradition of University education dating back nearly 600 years, with
Scotland's Universities being one of the main reasons behind the Industrial Revolution and the
Enlightenment, putting Scotland at the forefront of developments. If Scotland is to forge a
successful future with a devolved Parliament, and to develop a successful economy, it is
necessary for the country to possess Universities which focus on research in areas such as
renewable energy, bio- and nanotechnologies and healthcare, as well as providing a high quality
learning and teaching experience producing graduates of the necessary calibre to bring
innovative new ideas to help Scotland to develop and grow as a nation.

I believe that Scotland's Universities, not just Glasgow, have an important role to play in the
future development of the nation. I urge you to remember their history, the role they played in
making Scotland the nation it is today. Whilst I recognise the importance of funding for healthcare
and primary education in Scotland, I think it is crucial that the input and value of Scotland's
Universities is not forgotten in the Budget debate, and that funding for Scotland's Universities is
not cut by a disproportionate, and unfair, amount.

I look forward to hearing your response, and views, on the matter.

Regards,

Tommy Gore
President
Students' Representative Council
University of Glasgow
John McIntyre Building
University Avenue
Glasgow
G12 8QQ