Forth Valley College have announced that they are currently exploring options in relation to their Alloa Campus.
The College’s three campus model is no longer financially sustainable under current Grant-in-Aid funding received from the Scottish Funding Council, and following a 10% credit reduction since session 2023/24.
A decision on the future plans for the Alloa Campus will be made at a Forth Valley College Board of Management meeting on Friday 26 September, however, all staff members have been made aware of the current situation through briefings.
Against a backdrop of projected flat cash settlements for colleges, the College carried out an analysis of each campus's costs – including forecast backlog maintenance from 2024 to 2033 - in conjunction with utilisation and curriculum delivery.
Following this, it was identified that a reduction in the College’s campus foot-print is required to support financial sustainability and the reduction being considered is the Alloa Campus. The Board of Management initially considered this in September 2024 but were not prepared to take a decision at that time, until they were satisfied that all options had been fully explored to retain a presence in the campus.
Options currently being explored include sale and leaseback of the building, retaining ownership and leaseback of parts of the building, or selling part or all of the campus.
The College has been engaging with a wide range of stakeholders to find a suitable solution including the SFC, Scottish Government, various public bodies, local authorities, universities, third sector organisations, charities and private companies.
Kenny MacInnes, Principal of Forth Valley College, said: “It is with great regret that I have to announce that we are having to consider some significant changes regarding our three-campus estate and in particular our Alloa Campus. I want to emphasise that no final decisions have been made at this stage.
“This follows months of dedicated effort, during which we have explored multiple possible options to secure a positive outcome.
“However, the College’s current financial position - driven by continued flat cash funding, rising staff and maintenance costs, and a reduction in credit delivery - has left us with no choice but to explore a range of options. These steps are being taken to safeguard the long-term financial sustainability of the entire College.
“My Senior Management Team and I are fully committed to finding the best possible way forward in what is an incredibly difficult situation.
“We are considering options and working with our Board of Management and partners to ensure we take the correct decision with regard to the future of the Alloa Campus and its future form.
“We fully understand how unsettling this news will be - particularly the uncertainty for staff and students based at Alloa and for the wider local community in Clackmannanshire. Please be assured that we are here to listen, to answer any questions, and to provide support to anyone who needs it.
“We also recognise the impact on the people of Alloa and Clackmannanshire. The College remains committed to serving the local community and will continue to explore every opportunity to maintain and deliver high-quality education and training in the area.”
