Margaret Smith congratulates Queen Margaret University on its graduation

24/1/07

Margaret Smith MSP has put in a motion to parliament, congratulating Queen Margaret University on its ‘graduation’ to full university status. She said, “I would like to congratulate everyone involved with the University in providing such a thriving academic environment. I believe that higher education is of the utmost importance, as we try to build up a highly-skilled, knowledge-rich workforce”.

Nicol Stephen MSP, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and Minister for Lifelong Learning, added, "This is fitting recognition for the exceptional work being undertaken by staff and students at an institution which has, for many years, played an important role in higher education in Scotland. Coupled with their brand new state-of-the-art campus at Craighall, the full university title will benefit Queen Margaret, the local community and Scotland as a whole."

So far Margaret Smith’s motion has attracted supporters of all political parties, with support from 4 Lib Dems, 2 Greens, 4 Labour, 1 SNP, 2 Tories and 1 Solidarity Member of Parliament.

The motion reads:

That the Parliament congratulates Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh on attaining full university title; acknowledges that Queen Margaret University has become the first new university in Scotland in the twenty-first century, recognises that Queen Margaret specializes in professional education, development and research that informs policy and practice in health, drama & creative arts, media & social science and business & enterprise, and wishes the university all the best in continuing to enrich people’s everyday lives.

Motion 001.07 Queen Margaret University/MS/AT

Submitted on 23rd January