The Scottish Government and Universities Scotland have today (28 August) published the first report of the co-owned Future Framework for the Sustainability and Success of Scotland’s Universities (Future Framework). This ambitious and evidence-based review is looking at funding of university teaching, skills development, research and innovation to ensure it is fit for the future. The…
News
August
24
2026
To chart a successful future for skills and economic growth, leave old labels in the past
Claire McPherson, Universities Scotland Director, has written a blog discussing the future skills needed for economic growth and how universities are essential in meeting these skills needs. Universities are not an alternative to technical and vocational education. For a huge share of Scotland’s most economically and socially important professions, they are technical and vocational education….
August
18
2026
New appointments to Universities Scotland’s Executive Group and Committee Conveners
Universities Scotland is delighted to confirm two changes to our Executive Group and wider Committee Convenerships, coinciding with the new academic year. Martin Boyle, Principal of the Open University in Scotland has been appointed Vice Convener, to serve a two-year term, supporting Professor James Miller in the role of Convener and Professor Sue Rigby of…
August
06
2026
Strong sector performance on widen access to university
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has today published its report on Widening Access 2024/25. The report showcases the fantastic news that the first-time degree entrants to university from Scottish domiciled backgrounds has increased, illustrating that universities are making steady progress to the 2030 Commissioner for Widening Access targets. Commenting on the report, Claire McPherson, Director…
August
04
2026
Responding to UCAS figures on Qualifications Scotland results day
Today, Tuesday 4 August, UCAS published figures on Qualifications Scotland results day highlighting that university remains a valued and attractive choice for students, with demand for a degree place continuing to grow. Commenting, Claire McPherson, Universities Scotland Director said: “The figures published on results day demonstrate that university remains a valued and attractive choice for…
July
23
2026
Scottish Funding Council announces repurposing of university funding to support transformation
Today the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) have announced support for seven university-led projects which will drive innovation, collaboration and long-term sustainability through the SFC’s University Transformation Framework (UTF). The SFC established the framework to enable the redirection of some core funding to give universities greater flexibility in developing innovative approaches to transformation and strengthen partnerships…
July
22
2026
The GSA Provides Update on the Future of the Mackintosh Building
The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) has today published a detailed and up-to-date analysis of options for the future of the Mackintosh Building. As the custodian of this important heritage asset, the GSA remains committed to exploring every opportunity for the Mackintosh be faithfully reinstated, and the Board has agreed to invest in a significant enabling…
July
03
2026
Universities and business – strong partners in research and innovation
Research and innovation are among Scotland’s economic assets, and it’s official that Scotland’s university research is more actively linked to industry than in any other area of the UK when measured by joint authorship of academic papers. A new report out from Frontier Economics today, commissioned by the Scottish Funding Council reinforces & quantifies the…
June
05
2026
UK student visa reforms risk collateral damage to higher education
As first published in The Scotsman newspaper on Tuesday 2 June, our Convener, Professor James A Miller FRSE has written a opinion piece on the changes to the BCA metrics. You can find the associated news piece by Catorina Stewart here and the opnion piece here. Universities support the need for a robust and…
June
01
2026
Universities are Scotland’s Universal Partner
Universities are Scotland’s Universal Partner Today, Monday 1 June, sees the launch of a new campaign called Universal Partners. This campaign celebrates the contribution universities make to Scotland’s four national priorities, thanks to the strength of their partnerships across the public, private and third sector. Universal Partners features over 50 partnerships involving 120 highly diverse…