MyGlasgow News

The Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, Professor Anton Muscatelli, has responded to the outcome of the independence referendum:

Dear Colleague  

As you will all be aware by now yesterday’s referendum delivered a vote in favour of Scotland staying within the United Kingdom.  

As an institution the University of Glasgow maintained a strictly neutral position during the debate whilst providing a forum for both sides to articulate their views. It was pleasing to see Glasgow emerge as a central hub for discussion, and we were delighted to welcome news reporters and TV crews from many different parts of the world.  

Although Scotland is to remain in the union, the promises of the main UK parties to deliver substantial additional powers to Holyrood inevitably mean there are still uncertainties about the impact on Scotland’s universities.  I want to re-assure you that we will be doing all that we can to ensure that there is as much clarity and certainty as possible for higher education in general, and for the University of Glasgow in particular in whatever additional devolution settlement is negotiated.  

I appreciate that, on both sides of the debate, the campaign has seen a wide diversity of views amongst colleagues and indeed our student body. Now that the outcome is known I would hope that we can all work together in the days and months ahead. It is in the interests of everyone that we work together and continue to be world leaders in research, teaching and innovation.  

The coming weeks and months will doubtless be challenging, but we will work hard to keep you informed of developments and in making sure that the views of colleagues, students, alumni and friends are uppermost at all times.  

Best regards  

Anton  

Professor Anton Muscatelli

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First published: 19 September 2014