Friday March 6th 2026
Russell Findlay during his visit to Edinburgh College's Midlothian Campus in Dalkeith
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay visited Edinburgh College’s Midlothian Campus in Dalkeith this week to mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week.
Explaining his visit as fantastic, Russell met with apprentices in the oil and gas, electrical and automotive sectors, given a chance to see first-hand about the opportunities being offered at the Dalkeith campus.
He was joined by Scottish Conservative candidate for Midlothian North constituency in May’s election, Phil Doggart.
Russell has accused the SNP Government of imposing ‘savage’ cuts on the college sector over the last two decades, explaining that it ‘had a huge impact on apprenticeship opportunities available to young people at college’s’, including at the Midlothian Campus.
After this statement he has called on ministers to reinstate the funding they receive from apprenticeships via the UK-wide apprenticeships levy rather than, as he explained as, ‘squandering it on independence obsession or blowing £500 million on two ferries’.
Russell added that he believes that Scotland’s skills gap is growing as a result of the ‘SNP’s failure to support the college sector’, explaining that it is deeply damaging for Scotland’s economy.
Candidate Phil Doggart also added that it was great to join Russell at the college and to see how young people are gaining so much experience through apprenticeships on offer.
Russell Findlay and Phil Doggart at the college
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said:
“It was fantastic to visit the college campus in Dalkeith to mark Scottish Apprenticeship week alongside our excellent local candidate Phil Doggart.
“The Scottish Conservatives have repeatedly called for more apprenticeship places to be delivered and for the SNP to take a demand-led approach to help meet college and employer’s needs.
“For too long they have failed to spend the money they receive as part of the UK-wide apprenticeship levy and have diverted money elsewhere towards things like their independence obsession.
“Meeting apprenticeships like this gave me a great insight into the skills they are gaining and the knowledge they are gaining.”
Scottish Conservative candidate for Midlothian North Phil Doggart said:
“It was great to be alongside Russell Findlay at the college campus in Midlothian and meet some of our highly talented apprentices undertaking courses there.
“They are gaining so much experience through these apprenticeships which will open up many opportunities for them and provide a significant boost to employers in Midlothian.
“However, the SNP have failed to prioritise apprenticeships over the last two decades and have continued to fail to support colleges like the campus at Dalkeith.
“If I am fortunate enough to be elected I will fight for more apprenticeship places and for the college sector to be protected from any further cuts and I hope voters will back me in Midlothian North and on their crucial peach ballot list paper.”
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