Rothesay Rumours Quashed

The false information regarding the alleged closure of Rothesay Learning Centre, which is being spread on social media, is totally unfounded and this kind of scaremongering is insulting and damaging to the people of Bute.

Argyll College UHI is aware of the rumours and misinformation regarding the supposed closure of our Rothesay Learning Centre, circulating in the community of Bute and further afield.

The false information regarding the alleged closure of Rothesay Learning Centre, which is being spread on social media, is totally unfounded and designed solely to generate support for the forthcoming EIS strike ballot. This kind of scaremongering is insulting and damaging to the people of Bute who have for many years supported the work of Argyll College. 

Maggie Tierney - Vice Chair of the Board of Governors, said ‘’The Board of Argyll College UHI has never been more committed to maintaining access to high quality and relevant educational opportunities in all our 10 remote and rural learning centres. Our island centres are safer now more than ever, thanks to the sound management displayed in recent years.’’

Whilst we are in the very unfortunate position of dealing with two potential redundancies, we have made it clear to EIS-FELA that these are not COVID related, and this situation has no impact on the viability of our Rothesay Centre, or indeed of any other of our buildings.

Martin Jones, Argyll College Principal said, ‘’We have had a presence in Rothesay since 1999 and we are committed to retaining and improving educational provision on the island in line with community needs and student demand. In 2021 will hope to see 48 Bute based students complete FE, HE and Degree courses at Argyll College UHI, and have every expectation that we will welcome a similar number of students through our doors in Rothesay in 2022, and for many years to come.’’

‘’From time to time we must adjust our curriculum in line with local demand. Whilst it is inevitable that difficult decisions must be made, it is imperative that we continue to focus on providing the most relevant, and highest standard of further and higher education opportunities for communities in one of the most geographically challenging regions of Scotland.’’

''The decision of EIS FELA local branch to ballot on strike action is disappointing and can only be to the detriment of our student population who have had so much to deal with this year already.’’

Although Argyll College UHI is an unincorporated college, this does not mean it is unaccountable. Their governance structures are clear, and they are accountable to the Scottish Funding Council through the regional strategic body, the University of the Highlands and Islands. Argyll College UHI is a registered charity accountable to OSCR, the independent Regulator for Scotland’s charities.