Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Sian Traynor

Heriot Watt University to remove Alex Salmond's tuition fees stone

Heriott Watt University have confirmed they will be removing a commemorative 'free tuition fees' stone that was unveiled by Alex Salmond.

The stone was unveiled at the Edinburgh university on Salmond's last day as First Minister of Scotland in 2014, on which was the enscription:

"The rocks will melt with the sun before I allow tuition fees to be imposed on Scotland's students."

However, the university has now stated that the stone will be moved from its prominent spot to make way for a different piece of art that will appeal more to the "international student community".

A Heriot Watt spokesperson said:

“Following consultation with the Heriot-Watt University Student Union, a decision has been taken to use the current location of the commemorative stone for an alternative public art work which will appeal to our international student community.

To receive one WhatsApp message a day with Edinburgh Live's headlines, as well as breaking news alerts, text NEWS to 07899067815. Then add the number to your contacts as 'Edinburgh Live'.

"The stone will be carefully looked after until an alternative location is found for it in future.”

Alex Salmond was the First Minister of Scotland for over seven years, and introduced the policy of free higher education tuition fees for Scottish students.

A date for the removal is yet to be agreed.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.