Liberal Democrat MSP for Central Scotland Hugh O'Donnell has written to the Principal of the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) seeking clarification on the University's provision of childcare facilities for students.

Reports in the media today (Wednesday) say that childcare provision at the University of the West of Scotland is currently under review and that one option is to replace the nurseries at Hamilton and Paisley with a funding scheme which would make childcare support available to more students across all the University’s campuses.

Commenting, Mr O'Donnell wrote:

"I have written to the Principal of the University of the West of Scotland to raise my concerns over the possibility of the closure of nurseries at Hamilton and Paisley.

"I strongly urge the officials at the university to consider continuing to provide on-site nurseries. These provide highly valued support to students with young children and make it easier for them to consider, embark on and complete a course of study.

"If the university does decide to close its nurseries, I would strongly encourage them to undertake a staged closure process. This would allow students who have already embarked on a course with an expectation of a nursery on site to continue until the end of their studies with this provision still in place."