Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop yesterday visited the new Crichton campus, the first in Scotland to share facilities between further and higher education, ahead of its first intake of students in September.

The Cabinet Secretary was given a tour of the £37m 'super-campus' including the new state of the art Dumfries and Galloway College building to view the progress being made. Students of the college will share library and study space with those from the adjacent University of Glasgow and University of the West of Scotland.

Commenting on the visit Hyslop said: "Scotland's colleges have a key part to play in improving work and life opportunities for learners young and old. They also contribute towards creating stronger, sustainable local communities and to our broader efforts of creating higher levels of economic growth for the benefit of all.

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"I'm sure that students and staff will welcome the improved facilities and opportunities which the new campus has to offer, including improved catering, sports and library facilities."

College Principal Tony Jakimciw added: "We are delighted to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to our fantastic new purpose built facilities here at the Crichton. This building will be a fantastic asset for the people of Dumfries and Galloway for years to come, enabling them to access qualifications from school-link level through to PHD level thanks to our unique partnerships with the University of the West of Scotland and University of Glasgow."

The new building will include an open plan library space of 1,500 metres squared over two floors plus a Learning Café and social space. The college’s classrooms have been designed to adapt to future curriculum changes with flexible floors and partition walls incorporated.

(GK/JM)