We have a long and proud history of higher education stretching back to the establishment of our ancient universities in the 15th century. Change is constant in education as elsewhere and there are now19 higher education institutions in Scotland. In addition, one fifth of higher education is delivered in further education colleges.

In recognition of the quality and quantity of activity undertaken in these institutions by staff and students, we launched The Herald Higher Education Awards. The inaugural awards were held last night and the breadth of winners in the various categories bears testimony to the outstanding work under way in our universities and colleges.

The awards do not only recognise academic and research excellence. There is much good work going on in areas as diverse as student support and links with employers. Community work on the part of academic staff and students has also been recognised, as has the expanding role of technology in learning, inside and beyond institutions.

It is perhaps fitting that the University of Glasgow is the inaugural Higher Education Institution of the Year. This ancient university was founded in 1451 yet confirmation of the constancy of change and its impact on learning is evident in another award won by Glasgow for its MSc in stratified medicine, harnessing cutting edge developments in clinical science to develop new treatments for human disease. In the words of Gaudeamus Igitur: Long live the studious. May truth and honesty thrive.