A petition has launched to safeguard the future of Dundee & Angus College
- Andrew Batchelor
- Oct 14
- 2 min read
I’ve been getting a lot of messages from people about this — and it’s no wonder why.
Dundee & Angus College plays such an important role in our region, helping young people gain the skills they need for work and supporting adults who want to retrain or start fresh.
Albeit the exciting potential about the college moving to the heart of the city centre, with a takeover of the Wellgate in sight, right now, the college is facing one of its toughest periods yet.
A new petition has been launched calling for support to safeguard the future of Dundee & Angus College and the wider college sector.
The petition warns that years of underfunding have left colleges struggling to cover rising costs, leading to fewer courses, stretched staff, and reduced opportunities for students.
It urges action to protect further education and ensure fair funding to maintain the quality and accessibility of college learning across Scotland.
The call comes as Dundee & Angus College looks to save £2.5 million in the current academic year to address a £2.35 million deficit.
Proposals outlined by the college include consolidating departments, reducing courses, and streamlining support services.
Changes under consideration include ending dance provision, reducing part-time qualifications, and withdrawing from the Saltire Centre in Arbroath.
If approved, these cuts would begin to take effect from January 2026, with further reductions planned into 2027.
College principal Simon Hewitt described the situation as “reaching breaking point”, warning that the sector is being “strangled” by financial pressures.
Audit Scotland has reported that college funding across Scotland has dropped by 20% in real terms over the past five years, with the national workforce falling by more than 7% as institutions seek savings through voluntary severance schemes.
For Dundee and Angus, the impact could be felt far beyond the classroom. Colleges are a cornerstone of local life – they give people of all ages a chance to learn, grow, and gain the skills needed to contribute to their communities.
Losing that access would have real consequences for young people, families, and local employers who depend on well-trained staff.
It’s hard to see so many valued courses and services under threat. The staff and students at Dundee & Angus College have already achieved so much with limited resources, and it’s vital that they continue to have the support they need to thrive.
The petition is a chance for people to show that the community cares about the future of education in Dundee and Angus.
Signing it sends a clear message: we value our college, and we want to see it protected for future generations.
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