The Scottish Government has said a study is to be carried out into proposals for a multi-purpose accommodation facility that will included shared halls of residence for students in the North East of Scotland.

The study will be carried out over 12 weeks in partnership between the SFC, Aberdeenshire Council and other local groups.

First Minister Alex Salmond committed up to £10,000 from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to determine if a new facility offering accommodation to students from both Aberdeen and Banff and Buchan colleges is viable. The new facility will also offer short-term lets for those attending training or assessments in the area.

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Mr Salmond said: "This funding will allow Banff and Buchan College to look at the need for long and short term student accommodation within Fraserburgh. It will also offer short term accommodation – an invaluable facility for those travelling to attend Fraserburgh's renowned specialist training and assessment centres.

"There will be a number of factors to consider including the current availability of accommodation, potential transport links to campuses and the potential benefits that could be brought to the wider community.

"The time is right to consider the best options as Aberdeen and Banff and Buchan colleges progress their plans to merge. The increased scale and shared resources of the proposed college would enable it to develop its relationship with the area's industry even further and build the links that will help students graduate into work.

"With a new state of the art welding centre and an additional 100 engineering places, Fraserburgh is offering students incredible opportunities and this study will help us find the best solution that will offer a good life and study balance, with the ability to find employment and training prospects."

(JP/CD)