Responding to the news of the Scottish Government Cabinet reshuffle which sees Angela Constance MSP replace Michael Russell in the role of Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Pete Downes, Convener of Universities Scotland said:
“We look forward to working with Angela Constance in the role of Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning. Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions are immensely proud to be rooted in Scotland and to serve Scotland in so many ways; making a significant social, cultural and economic contribution at a national level as well as helping to change individual lives. A great many opportunities lie ahead, as well as a few challenges, and we are very keen to work closely together with the Cabinet Secretary in meeting these, to deliver more for Scotland and to build on the international competitiveness of our institutions.
“We thank Mr Russell for the strong support he has shown higher education in his time in the role as Cabinet Secretary. Whilst we may not have always agreed with one another, we appreciate the approach he took to working with us which was characterised by close engagement and discussion with the sector.”