Scottish Government funding confirmed to explore next steps for Alloa Campus

Forth Valley College has received confirmation of grant funding to progress to outline business case development for two options related to the future of its Alloa Campus. 

These options were identified in a recent independent study by Atkins Realis, commissioned by the Scottish Funding Council as part of wider infrastructure planning.

The study was carried out after Forth Valley College announced last year that it was exploring options for its three campus estate in order to secure financial sustainability. The College has since confirmed that the Alloa Campus will remain open for 2026/27 while it undertakes further work with stakeholders to secure its long term future.

The study has recommended two options for further consideration; both involve Alloa remaining open as a college campus for the long-term. One option is a ‘sale and lease back’ arrangement to reduce capital exposure, and the other is a partial sale with continued ownership of the remainder of the campus.

The grant funding has been awarded as part of additional Scottish Government investment to help lay the foundations for the long term modernisation of Scotland’s college campuses, as announced by the Minister for Higher and Further Education, Ben Macpherson during a visit to Dundee and Angus College on Monday 16 March.

The initial investment, worth around £2 million, will allow nine colleges - including Forth Valley College - to undertake the detailed analysis and planning required for the next stage of the Scottish Funding Council’s infrastructure programme.

It represents the latest step forward in the national College Infrastructure Investment Programme led by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). The programme has already seen the development of the first ever database for the whole Scottish college estate and will result in a nationwide plan for strategic investment in the country’s college campuses.

Higher and Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson said: “The Scottish Government recognises the vital role that Scotland’s colleges play in our economy and wider society, and that’s why we’re committed to working closely with the sector to ensure a successful and sustainable future.

“We fully support the work the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) is leading with the sector to explore its infrastructure needs and develop a strategic plan, to ensure Scotland has the learning environments needed both now and in the future.

“That’s why we have made additional funding available, which supports SFC with this ‘first wave’ of infrastructure development support, including for Dundee and Angus College.”

Francesca Osowska, Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, said: “SFC’s long-term ambition is for college campuses that are high quality, smart and sustainable places to learn, and which support the best possible outcomes for people, society and Scotland’s future economy.

“We have been working hard with colleges across Scotland to be in a position to start making this happen, and I am delighted to see this significant step forward.”

Kenny MacInnes, Principal of Forth Valley College, said: “We welcome the news that several colleges, including our own, will benefit from this initial investment funding. It supports the work already underway to explore long term solutions for the Alloa Campus and the wider Forth Valley College estate.

“Alongside this, we continue to progress a number of growth opportunities that will support skills development across Forth Valley and nationally. Our aim is to ensure all three of our campuses can meet the needs of the region and our local communities.

“As we move forward, we are keen to continue to work closely with the Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council to secure a strong and sustainable future for the Alloa Campus. We also believe there is a real opportunity to shape long term change in how colleges are recognised and funded, ensuring we can continue to provide high quality learning environments and opportunities. 

“The College and its Board of Management remain deeply committed to the provision of further and higher education across the Forth Valley region and recognise the vital role we play in supporting all those who study, live and work here.”

The nine Scottish colleges receiving funding under today’s announcement are Ayrshire College; Borders College; Dundee and Angus College; Dumfries and Galloway College; Forth Valley College; North East Scotland College; UHI Moray; West College Scotland; and UHI Inverness.

The Scottish Funding Council is currently working on the allocation of the first wave of funding and further details will be announced shortly.