Survey reveals shocking state of buildings

MARTIN WILLIAMS

by Audit Scotland warned that the colleges sector had deficits of £19m in 2015-16.

Property consultants Gardiner and Theobald, which carried out the survey, said that Ayrshire College’s Ayr Campus faces the most costly bill for “very high” priority repairs needed within a year with an estimated £1.83m of urgent works.

West College Scotland’s Finnart Street campus in Greenock has the biggest five-year maintenance backlog bill at £15.53m. The external fabric of the 1970s tower was described as “very poor”.

Shona Struthers, chief executive of Colleges Scotland, said that some campuses required “significant investment”.

She said the report does not take into account any costs required to make buildings fit for purpose or flexible to changing curriculums or provision.

She added: “Students require a modern environment in which to study, learn and gain the skills required for the workplace.

“Increased capital investment would, therefore, not only significantly benefit the learner experience, leading to improved retention and attainment, but would also allow colleges to contribute fully to Scottish Government priorities.”

Further Education Minister Shirley-Anne Somerville said that ministers had asked for the survey to “ensure there was a robust and consistent assessment of the condition of buildings right across the college estate to help identify priorities for future investment”.

She added: “This report clearly identifies areas where college buildings deliver on our ambitions, but equally it outlines some challenges in the condition of buildings in some specific colleges.” CATALAN independence supporters were celebrating after their parties won a parliamentary majority in the election.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy had called the vote after Catalan politicians declared independence in October following a referendum deemed illegal by Spanish courts. THE UN Security Council has unanimously approved tough new sanctions on North Korea in response to its latest launch of a ballistic missile that Pyongyang says is capable of reaching anywhere on the US mainland.

The new sanctions approved include sharply lower limits on North Korea’s oil imports, the return home of all North Koreans working overseas Though the pro-Spain Ciutadans (Citizens) party collected most votes in the ballot, pro-independence parties won the most seats in the parliament.