The Association of Scottish Colleges hails Robert Beattie

The Association of Scottish Colleges has hailed Robert Beattie chairman of the newly launched Scottish Further Education Funding Council, as an "enthusiastic champion" of the sector following his maiden public speech.

Addressing a Glasgow conference on lifelong learning and skills last week, Mr Beattie pledged to "revive, revitalise and re-energise" the further education sector as Scotland prepared for its own parliament. The Scottish Office had recognised its key role in helping establish a healthy democracy and thriving economy by investing an extra Pounds 214 million over the next three years, increasing the annual budget to about Pounds 400 million.

Mr Beattie said: "In return for this investment, I want to see the sector delivering best process in management, best practice in teaching, and best value for public money."

Tom Kelly, chief officer of the ASC, said: "We particularly support what he says about putting finances on a sustainable footing."