Commenting after securing major concessions to the Scottish Budget on college bursaries and places, modern apprenticeships and support for Post Offices, Liberal Democrat Finance spokesperson Jeremy Purvis MSP said:

“This is a better budget. It’s better for young people wanting the skills they and we need for the economy. It’s better for colleges that will able to provide more opportunities. And it’s better for businesses that will have more opportunities to take on apprentices.

“This is a better budget because of Liberal Democrat involvement.

“Students now have additional places at college and bursary support. So students gain, the economy gains, employers gain and the country gains.

“We have also secured funding for additional modern apprentices and funding for a second year of our Post Office Diversification Fund.”

Liam Burns, President of NUS Scotland, added:

“This is great news and testament to the hard work of thousands of college students across Scotland and the Scottish Liberal Democrats. Students across colleges and universities have mobilised fantastically well, with over 32,000 letters and emails sent to MSPs on this issue. To win £15 million college bursaries, and £8 million for college places, in a budget which is being cut is a fantastic result. We hope this will now end the yearly ritual of college bursaries running out and end the threat of cuts to 40,000 of our poorest students.”