The Herald newspaper carried an exclusive today (9 October) to announce that Dame Professor Sally Mapstone, Principal of the University of St Andrews, is leading pillar 2 of the Future Framework, which will look at sector-led transformation. Read the full interview by Garrett Stell. The Pillar is supported by a project team. The full membership…
News
October
01
2026
Response to the Scottish Funding Council financial sustainability report for universities
Today, Thursday 1 October, the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) published its financial sustainability report for universities 2024-2027. Commenting on the report, Claire McPherson, Director Universities Scotland said: “Universities continue to face some of the most significant and serious financial challenges in their history. The Funding Council’s report shows that around half of institutions are expected…
September
17
2026
Future Jobs Scotland offers opportunities for universities, government and businesses to work together to answer Scotland’s skills needs
Future Jobs Scotland is a roadmap for universities, government, and employers to build on good practice to deliver the jobs, skills, and opportunities of tomorrow. Published today, 17 September 2026, Future Jobs Scotland has been developed following conversations with employers and businesses as part of the higher education sector’s ongoing response to ensure graduates are…
September
01
2026
EAIE Glasgow: a new chapter for Scottish universities and Erasmus+ partnerships
Our Senior Policy Officer (International) Dr David Donaldson has written a blog in anticipation of EAIE coming to Glasgow in less than a week and with the publication of a new guidebook. With less than a week to go until 7,000 delegates join us in Glasgow for the European Association for International Education (EAIE) conference,…
August
28
2026
Joint university Framework shows a £200 million funding gap facing universities
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…
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…