Staying in the UK could have a "disastrous" impact on university education in Scotland, academics claimed yesterday.
Professor Bryan MacGregor from Aberdeen University and Professor Murray Pittock of Glasgow University spoke out as a campaign group, Academics for Yes, was launched ahead of the independence referendum in September. The group, a rival to the pro-UK Academics Together, claims to have some 60 members.
Speaking at its launch, Prof MacGregor said: "I am not a politician. I am not even a political activist. I am an academic and I am a citizen. I had no intention of taking an active role and certainly not a public role in the referendum campaign.
"But the negativity of the No campaign has compelled me to make a public stand."
Profs MacGregor and Pittock argued that a Yes vote in the referendum would "create improved and more secure funding" for universities.
They added: "Higher education is one of Scotland's many success stories: our research is among the most highly cited in the world, and our Government ceaselessly promotes it."
But they warned a vote to stay in the UK could result in funding cuts.
A spokesman for Better Together said: "We can look forward to some interesting debates over the months between this group and our Academics Together group."
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