Abertay University has welcomed the bringing forward of the Scottish Government’s capital expenditure allocation from 2010/2011 to the current financial year.
John Swinney, Finance Secretary, made the announcement that the Government were bringing forward capital investment to support the Scottish economy during the present economic downturn, during a debate on the economy at Holyrood yesterday [Wednesday 3rd Dec].
A University spokesperson said: “The action announced will provide an approximate £250,000 of expenditure aimed at addressing the University’s significant backlog of maintenance and assist with our strategy of refurbishing facilities to ensure that students have the best learning experience possible.
“The Action announced today will provide approximately £250,000 of expenditure aimed at addressing the University’s significant backlog maintenance (estimated at £30 million) and assist with our continuing strategy of refurbishing facilities to ensure that students have the best learning experience possible.
“We believe that this modest increase in this year's funding will have a positive and meaningful impact on the University’s continued actions to sustain its future as a leading provider of higher education.”
Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick welcomed the acceleration of £7.5 million this year (and additional funds next year) for Further and Higher Education through the Scottish Funding Council. Mr FitzPatrick said: "I welcome the announcement and am pleased that Abertay University will be able to go ahead earlier than planned with this key work improve the energy efficiency of key buildings within the University.
"I am pleased that Dundee is to benefit from the Scottish Government's deployment of resources to support the Scottish economy at this difficult time."