This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Work begins on £31m single campus
27/03/2007
The biggest ever investment in the Borders' post-school education will offer local students top-class learning opportunities and provide a welcome boost to the local economy.
These sentiments were at the heart of Nicol Stephen's message when he officially launched the innovative £31.4m Borders College and Heriot Watt University joint single campus in Galashiels today.
Before the formal ground-breaking ceremony, the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning said:
"This is a trail-blazing partnership between the college and university sectors. Both institutions have a very long and successful history of providing learning opportunities to all people, of all ages, right here in the Borders and further afield.
"Collaboration of this nature between a well-established University and one of Scotland's most admired colleges is a great achievement. By working together, the institutions are radically improving opportunities available to students in and around the Borders, and to the economic prospects of the region.
"In delivering a balanced and imaginative menu of vocational and academic education, this venture will provide the skills base and knowledge we know is essential to let Scotland thrive.
"Work to deliver a fully modernised world-class campus here in Galashiels will be completed in 2008 and will eventually serve the needs of almost 9,000 enrolments - a significant project for the Borders and for Scotland.
"The Scottish Executive has invested heavily in post-school education. We've delivered a 53 per-cent real terms increase in university and college funding since 1999, helping make projects like this a reality.
"This collaboration will give people better opportunities in work and life, and will be a vital driver for enterprise and business growth right across the Borders."