The Scottish Government is “willing to do anything it can” to preserve the future of Dundee University, Kate Forbes has said.
The deputy first minister made the remarks in front of assembled business leaders in Dundee on Wednesday, warning there would be “extensive” press coverage of the challenges faced by the institution over the coming weeks.
The independent probe into what went wrong with the university’s governance and finances will be published on Thursday.
And former principal Iain Gillespie and others from the university’s executive group are due to be grilled by MSPs at Holyrood next week.
Ms Forbes said she did not want to “shy away” from the issues facing the university.
More than 150 business leaders, policymakers and city workers gathered at the inaugural Dundee Economic Summit at the Apex City Quay Hotel.
Government ‘willing to do anything’
Ms Forbes made an address to the summit where she discussed the university’s “challenges”.
She paid tribute to the “hard-working” staff and academics who had helped put the institution on the map.
“I wanted to state, on this stage, our unequivocal commitment to ensuring the university has a long and prosperous future,” she said.
“That it will continue to be a cornerstone of what you want to achieve for this great city.
“And there will continue to be extensive press coverage, and so on, of some of those challenges.
“But I wanted to reassure you that we are willing to do anything that we can to secure a positive future.”
Dundee University is braced for a difficult week ahead of the publication of an independent probe into its crisis and a parliamentary grilling.
An accounting review found university bosses overspent as its financial woes worsened. They failed to highlight the true scale of the crisis too.
Ms Forbes is in charge of the Scottish Government’s response to the unfolding crisis at the university.
Dundee Economic Summit
Dundee Economic Summit was hosted by Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce chief executive Alison Henderson.
Attendees discussed revitalising the high street, AI and preparing for political and economic change.
Ms Henderson said: “It was fantastic to see so many passionate people in one room, all focused on Dundee’s future.
“The mix of big ideas like AI and economic strategy alongside real conversations about our high street and local business challenges made for a brilliant, energising day.
“You could really feel the buzz and optimism in the room.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how the conversations in the room turn into actions.”
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