Wishart calls for urgent meeting over college financial concerns

Pete Wishart has called for an urgent meeting with Perth College bosses in the wake of their reported financial crisis.

College bosses warned of an impending cost-saving drive earlier this month after spending watchdog Audit Scotland forecast a major deficit in its 2019-20 budget.

The college has already closed down its three learning centres in Perthshire and Kinross as well as its Pathways centre in Perth.

Mr Wishart said the financial situation was “seriously concerning” and could have huge implications for staff and students.

He said: “The unions are concerned that this could lead to significant job losses, with figures as high as 20.

“This financial crisis has already led to the closures of the three rural learning centres, depriving communities of this important learning resource. We cannot afford to lose any more of the college’s capacity.

“We need a full explanation from senior management as to why the college has been allowed to get into this precarious financial position and we need to know how long they have been aware of this.”

Principal Dr Margaret Cook said: “While the college has strong recruitment, absorbing the additional operating costs has become extremely challenging and we need to identify ways of reducing our costs going forward.

“We are engaging with a range of stakeholders on this, including Pete Wishart and other regional MSPs. We have begun early consultations with our board, our staff and with the trade unions on the range of options that we can implement in order to achieve these savings.”