STIRLING MSP Bruce Crawford led a debate last week on the 50th anniversary of the University of Stirling.

The debate, which the University’s Principal Gerry McCormac attended, was a chance for a number of MSPs to highlight the many achievements that the university has seen in the past five decades and included contributions from a number of MSPs – a number of whom are alumni themselves.

The University opened its doors on the 18th September 1967, admitting a total of 195 students. Today, 14,000 students attend the University of Stirling – people from all over the world.

A grand total of 89,000 alumni of the University of Stirling represent 169 different nationalities.

Commenting, Bruce Crawford said: “50 years ago this week, the University of Stirling opened its doors for the very first students and it was a privilege to lead on a debate that highlights the unique history the University has as well as the many achievements it has seen in that time.

“Since then, it has produced Olympic medallists, a world-leading dementia services development centre, the largest aquaculture institute of its kind in the world, and a world-class hub for enterprise and business.

“I am grateful to the University for working closely with myself and my office ahead of the debate as well as MSPs from across the political spectrum who contributed to an interesting discussion, celebrating Stirling University’s contribution over the past 50 years.”

Clackmannanshire and Dunblane MSP Keith Brown added: “Stirling University is a huge asset to Scottish education and one that I am proud to represent in my constituency. The staff and students make the University what it is today, which has been recognised internationally in the top 50 universities under the age of 50.

“Three-quarters of all research conducted by the University of Stirling was ranked world-leading in 2014’s Research Excellence Framework and the Guardian’s University Guide for next year put Stirling first for Criminology, Education, Media and Film and Social Policy.

“With the International Student Barometer placing our University first for welcoming international students, it is clear that Stirling is the place to be to learn and broaden horizons.”