David Caldwell, director of Universities Scotland has suggested that top-up fees - currently ruled out by the Scottish Government - may become more attractive in the near future.

The debate yesterday was sparked by a report to Westminister Universities Secretary John Denham, which recommended lifting the £3,145 cap on fees so that academics could focus more on teaching, rather than meeting Government conditions to secure funding.

Caldwell warns that if Scottish univerisities do not increase their funding somehow, in line with England, they will risk their economic stability as well as being well-positioned in the sector with regards to technology and innovation.

A spokesman said "This Government believes that access to further and higher education should be based on the ability to learn, not the ability to pay”.

Read more at the The Herald