Students fighting to reverse college budget cuts have won the support of Tory MSPs.

The party signed up to the National Union of Students' (NUS) campaign, Fund Scotland's Future, to protect budgets from £34.6 million of Scottish Government cuts.

Liz Smith, Conservative education spokeswoman, said: "We cannot support a policy which is ripping out the heart of the institution which has done so much in recent years to make further education more accessible, more flexible, and aspire to higher standards."

NUS Scotland president Robin Parker said: "In these tough economic times, with such high unemployment, we need to recognise the role that colleges play, and ensure that they are well-funded."