Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed action taken by the Scottish Government to protect the charitable status of Banff & Buchan College and other Further Education institutions throughout Scotland.
The announcement was made by First Minister Alex Salmond, who said that an order has been laid in the Scottish Parliament to protect the charity status of colleges. This will come into effect subject to Parliamentary approval later in the year.
The announcement follows a review last year of the College by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, which found that Ministerial powers to direct further education colleges were inconsistent with the requirement that charities should operate independently of government. This meant that, without action by Ministers, colleges would lose the right to charitable status.
Commenting on the announcement Mr Stevenson said:
“Banff and Buchan College plays a vital role in developing the skills and knowledge base of a large section of the local community. Today's order is aimed at ensuring the climate remains such that education institutions can continue to do what they are best at, training and educating the local population.
“Scotland has a long history of promoting education amongst its citizens and of giving education authorities the freedom to teach as they see fit. By allowing colleges to get on with their crucial work we can improve the educational and life opportunities for current and future students.
"I am delighted that the First Minister has recognised the contribution colleges across the country make to building a smarter, wealthier, fairer Scotland. This move to protect the charitable status of Banff and Buchan College and similar institutions around the country will help deliver those aims for the benefit of all."
Karen Adam is now the MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast
