The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #149396   Message #3481366
Posted By: Jim McLean
19-Feb-13 - 06:54 AM
Thread Name: School of Scottish Studies archive under threat
Subject: RE: School of Scottish Studies archive under threat
I have just received this in answer to an email to the Scottish Government.

Employability, Skills and Lifelong Learning Directorate
Higher Education and Learner Support Division
T: 0300-244 6741
E: rona.hamilton@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Mr Jim McLean
Byemail: jawmac@aol.com
Our ref: 2013/0002987 19th February 2013
Dear Mr McLean
 
Thank you for your email of the 4th February 2013 to Scottish Ministers regarding your concerns about the future of The School of Scottish Studies/Department of Celtic Studies at The University of Edinburgh. I have been asked to reply.
Michael Russell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, is aware of concerns about the University of Edinburgh's proposals and has discussed these with the Principal. The Scottish Government has confirmed the importance of the archive collection to Scotland.
I understand that the University has issued a letter stating their continued commitment to Celtic and Scottish Studies and that a recent an external review of the School of Scottish Studies Archive concluded that the archive collections are vital to teaching, research and public engagement and of both national and international significance and that these should remain widely accessible. The University has said that it is committed not only to maintaining the provision but indeed to significantly increasing both the physical and digital availability of the archive.
As they continue to develop plans for the archives, the University has said that library and study spaces will remain in their current location at 29 George Square. They announced on the 4 February 2013 funding of £350,000 to upgrade this building to enable improved access for people with mobility issues.
Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow G2 8LU www.scotland.gov.uk
The University has said it is committed to raising funds to provide a new archive facility that widens the physical and digital accessibility of the Scottish Studies Archive collections in the future, and that until a new facility is created, the collections will be housed - with archival staff – in their current location and will be cared for in alignment with the latest professional standards. Access to the archive collections for students, researchers and the public will be fully maintained and no materials that are needed for teaching or research will be moved.
I also understand that the University are currently advertising for the position of Chair of Celtic Languages, Literatures, History and Antiquities.
I hope this information is useful and addresses your concerns. Yours sincerely
Rona Hamilton
University Funding and Governance Team