Highlands in cash query

Scotland's university principals have challenged the Government over the financial feasibility of an independent University of the Highlands and Islands.

They have revealed their fears as Michael Forsyth, Secretary of State for Scotland, has announced a further Pounds 200,000 from the further education budget towards a high-tech federal campus bringing together the 12 existing FE colleges and other specialist institutions. It follows Pounds 500,000 for videoconferencing links.

Maxwell Irvine, convener of the Committee of Scottish University Principals, has written to Mr Forsyth to say that while the principals support an eventual university title, they are concerned about the emergence of a 14th university.

"If this is a true independent university, it will have costs, and nobody has said where that money is coming from," he said.

"There are claims that lottery money or European money could provide part of the start-up costs, but where is the recurrent funding coming from? It is very difficult for the existing universities to come out in support of a new institution if funds are to come out of the current budget, since this is already inadequate for our needs."

Mr Forsyth has not replied to the letter. But Robin Lingard, project director, accused the principals of a "colonialist" attitude. "This isn't just about educational objectives, but economic, cultural and regional objectives, an element the existing universities haven't taken into account," he said.