Officials at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen have been urged to “stick to their guns” and remain a member of a business lobby group embroiled in an independence row.
Conservative and Labour MSPs said they hoped the university would not buckle under pressure to quit CBI Scotland, which has registered as an official backer of the Better Together campaign.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Strathclyde University, Skills Development Scotland, the Law Society of Scotland, Glasgow Caledonian University and the Scottish Qualifications Authority yesterday became the latest bodies to leave. They follow several others including Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh universities.
An HIE spokeswoman said it was “inappropriate” for the agency, given its impartial political position, to remain in membership.
Law Society of Scotland chief executive Lorna Jack said: “We do not believe we could credibly retain our impartiality whilst being a member of and actively contributing to another organisation which is formally registered to campaign for a No vote.”
Robert Gordon University said on Monday that it did not “approve” of the CBI stance but would be staying on as a member.
That prompted a tirade of complaints, and an online petition was launched calling for it to quit.
North-east Tory MSP Alex Johnstone claimed RGU officials had been subjected to “bullying and intimidation” by pro-independence supporters.
He said: “RGU should stick to its guns and ensure this remains a fair and open campaign where those who are involved in business and academia are able to express their views outside this atmosphere of intimidation which the ‘cybernats’ seek to create.”
North-east Labour MSP Richard Baker said the Scottish Government would have “serious questions” to answer if RGU bowed to pressure to leave. I think it would be very sad if those supporting separation pressurised it into changing a very reasonable decision to remain in the CBI. RGU is a member of that organisation for a whole number of reasons and should stick to their guns.”
But Aberdeen Donside SNP MSP Mark McDonald felt the university should consider its position “very carefully”.
“This is a decision for RGU themselves, but I think they should be at the very least cognisant of what other universities are doing and that ought to give them pause for thought.”
The University of the Highlands and Islands is also resigning from CBI Scotland, but said that the decision had been taken in April last year and was not related to the independence debate.