On time and on budget: high-tech campus officially opened

First Minister Alex Salmond has officially opened a new state-of-the-art campus at Dumfries and Galloway College.

At the Crichton campus last week, Mr Salmond commended the collaboration of all parties involved and expressed confidence in the centre's ability to support the local economy.

The £40 million campus was constructed in just 12 months, both on time and on budget, and first opened its doors to new students at the start of the academic year.

Students from the University of West Scotland, the University of Glasgow, and Dumfries and Galloway College all have access to many of the centre's learning resources, including the shared library.

Robin McAlpine, public affairs manager at Universities Scotland, told The Journal that the project was “Scotland’s first example of fully integrated further and higher education.”

Mr McAlpine commented on the importance of the campus to halt the exodus of Dumfries and Galloway’s best and brightest students, saying: “The Crichton site gives students the opportunity to remain in the local area rather then drawing their talents away to the rest of Scotland.

“Improving higher education will enable regeneration of local business and enterprise.”

Both Mr McAlpine and Mr Salmond emphasised the vital role that new institutions for education and skills will provide during future economic difficulties.

The first minister said in a statement: “In the current economic climate, the benefit of raising the standards and infrastructure of our further and higher education institutions is paramount.”

Mr McAlpine agreed that whilst the Crichton campus alone would not be enough to eradicate economic and employment damage in Dumfries and Galloway during the slow-down, the revival and recovery of the area would be greatly aided by the increase in trained skills and education that the centre will provide.

He said: “The Crichton campus is not only an excellent example of collaboration between universities, education suppliers, local government, enterprise and business; I can also say with great and absolute confidence that it will makes a real difference during, but most importantly, after the economic downturn.

“This institution will ensure that in future years Dumfries and Galloway will not only survive, but thrive.”