Scotland's biggest modern University has arrived in Paisley

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£21.1 Million merger of University of Paisley and Bell College strengthens Paisley operation

The University of Paisley and Bell College merged on 1 August 2007, creating Scotland’s largest, modern University.

The merger has created a bigger, more sustainable institution that is ideally placed to meet the challenges of the competitive Higher Education sector. The University has a planned investment programme of over £160million, which will result in major benefits for all of its campuses and ensure the future success and stability of the institution.

The merger is great news for Renfrewshire and the University is committed to building on the considerable contribution it has made to Paisley, over a long period of time. A recent study by University economics expert Professor Mike Danson, showed that the University, post-merger, would grow its significant economic impact in Renfrewshire bringing a projected £28.3M annual contribution to the area. Over recent years the University has invested some £14 million in Paisley, including the build of an innovative, new £5million Students’ Union in the heart of the town centre and investment of £6million to relocate the University’s nursing and midwifery provision from the Royal Alexandra Hospital site to bespoke facilities on the campus in Paisley.

The University is a committed contributor to the fabric of Paisley town centre - particularly through its ongoing support of Paisley Vision – and is currently in discussions with Renfrewshire Council about how it can best maximise its role in the future.

The merged University is also currently developing a Community and Stakeholder Engagement strategy, which will ensure it makes a positive, active and transformational contribution to the social and cultural development of communities across the west of Scotland. This will see the University build upon its role as a major supporter of a wide variety of community events increasing the University’s level of interaction with the local communities in Renfrewshire and across Scotland.

If Scotland is to meet the challenges posed by an increasingly ageing population it needs to offer opportunities to people of all ages and backgrounds to help them realise their full potential. Giving as many people as possible the chance of gaining a university degree is one of the new institution’s key priorities.

The increased size and reach of the University will open up higher education opportunities for many more thousands of people across the West of Scotland. This includes greater lifelong learning opportunities at degree and postgraduate level across the region. This commitment to lifelong learning coupled with the fact that the merged University provides local access for over 40% of Scotland’s population, makes it ideally placed to respond to the demographic challenges currently facing the nation.

Professor Seamus McDaid, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the merged institution, said: "The merger is great news, not just for both institutions, but for Renfrewshire as it secures our position locally and permits us to engage in developments of a scale that we could not have done as independent organisations.

“We will continue to work with communities and stakeholders across Renfrewshire and the West of Scotland to deliver internationally informed higher education. We aim to have a transformational influence on the economic, social and cultural development of the West of Scotland through the provision of high-quality, inclusive higher education and innovative applied research.

“The creation of this new, unique regional University is testament to the hard work and support of staff across our four campuses. We are committed to making a significant and lasting contribution to Scottish Higher Education.”

Professor Alex MacLennan, Vice Principal of the merged institution and former Principal of Bell College, said: "It’s a very exciting time for the communities we serve across the West of Scotland. Merger opens up higher education opportunities for many more thousands of people across the West of Scotland.”

The cost of merger, which includes significant support from Scottish Funding Council, is £21.2M over the next three years.

Press release issued by Paisley University: Tuesday 7 August 2007