A university lecturer has given a mixed reaction to the education funding outlined in the Scottish Government's draft Budget, welcoming support for colleges while raising an eyebrow at a multi-million pound allocation for one specific university.
Mixed Response to Funding Allocations
Dr James Mahon, a journalism lecturer with a decade of experience at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), praised the broader commitments for further and higher education made by Finance Secretary Shona Robison at Holyrood on Tuesday 13 January 2026. However, he specifically highlighted the announcement of up to £20 million for the University of Dundee.
"That's great for them, I don't want people to lose their jobs," Dr Mahon told the Press Association. "But it's interesting how much they get when other institutions are struggling. £20 million is a lot for Dundee University."
In contrast, he strongly endorsed the financial backing for the college sector. "The more support for the college sector, the better," he stated. "We're at a turning point for higher and further education, we can't keep cutting and cutting and cutting. These places are essential, if we lose them they're gone for good."
Graduate Taxes and the Threat of 'Harrowing' Cuts
Dr Mahon, who is leaving UWS via voluntary severance at the end of January to take a full-time course designer role with the Open University, also stressed the importance of tax measures for graduates. He argued that tax cuts for basic and intermediate rate earners are crucial, as many graduate positions fall within the £24,000 to £35,000 salary bracket.
He issued a stark warning about the potential consequences of further financial pressure on universities and colleges. Describing the sector as being in a "very turbulent period," he noted a wave of talented educators leaving through severance schemes in the past year.
"The concern is that when you lose that expertise, and there's no opportunity for those jobs to be replaced, the concern is that any more cuts at a time when we're already vulnerable would be harrowing," Dr Mahon emphasised.
Student Voices Back Free Tuition Model
The Budget's continuation of funding for universities and free tuition was welcomed by students. Jason Macmillan, an 18-year-old international relations student in his second year at the University of Glasgow, said he would not have been able to attend university without his fees being covered.
"Making sure that everyone in the country has equal access to education is obviously of vital importance. I see the benefits of free tuition for myself," said Mr Macmillan, from Kirkintilloch.
He linked educational investment directly to economic strength, arguing that a stronger workforce is built through university education, which in turn attracts high-paying jobs. He also expressed concern over discussions among some university leaders about potentially reintroducing tuition fees for Scottish students, saying it would cause "anxiety" and could drive talent elsewhere.
"The fact that you don't have to pay tuition fees is what keeps a lot of people in Scotland and at Scottish universities," he added.
