New ILAs for Scotland

The Student Awards Agency for Scotland and Scottish University for Industry are to run the new individual learning account scheme north of the border. It will replace the scheme that was withdrawn two years ago amid fears of possible fraud and poor-quality learning.

Jim Wallace, the Scottish lifelong learning minister, pledged "robust new systems" and stringent quality assurance for the scheme, aimed at encouraging adults to improve their skills.

From this summer, people on incomes of less than £15,000 will be able to claim up to £200 a year towards courses, but they will have to pay at least £10 towards each course.