In its drive to encourage a vote for independence, the Scottish Government correctly cites the name Scotland as a worldwide brand, known for its contribution to, among other things, science, technology and engineering.
In June 2004, as business development manager of Stow College, I visited a number of colleges in Pakistan to discuss relationship opportunities and to recruit students to study in Glasgow.
During a meeting with the principals of a college in Gujranwala, Pakistan's seventh-largest city, I advised them that qualified students would be enrolled by Stow College but that a merger was imminent with two other colleges.
In response to a question about the name of the merged college, I replied: "Metropolitan."
There was a stunned silence followed by incredulity that the name Stow was to be abandoned.
My hosts could not believe that a college with the history and reputation of Stow would simply disappear, to be absorbed within a meaningless name.
Fortunately the merger did not take place, due to appropriate due diligence of the Stow board and management.
The City of Glasgow College has been created, merging Metropolitan, Central and Nautical colleges.
Shamefully, the name, Glasgow College of Nautical Studies, an institution known worldwide for its outstanding contribution to nautical studies, has been lost for ever.
Once again, Stow is in the final stages of due diligence with plans to merge with North Glasgow and John Wheatley colleges. A new name has yet to be agreed from about 70 suggestions submitted.
If the Scottish Government believes Scotland, the brand, is an important aspect of its drive towards independence, it must recognise, also, the importance of other Scottish worldwide brands.
It is incumbent upon Mike Russell, Cabinet Secretary and driving force behind college mergers, to ensure, if not demand, that the name Stow is retained within the new name.
Otherwise, he will demonstrate that he is wholly ignorant of the history of Stow College and does not understand the value of a truly worldwide brand recognised for its contribution to science, technology and engineering.
Brian Keenan,
Former business development manager,
Stow College,
14 Crosbie Street,
Glasgow.
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