Dumfries and Galloway College generating £142m for economy, report finds

Dumfries and Galloway College generated £142.1m in total annual benefits for Scotland in 2024/25, according to a new report.

That equates to a return of £12 for every £1 received in public funding.

The independent analysis undertaken by Biggar Economics considered the wider economic impact of the institution, including on employment, social value and the regional economy.

Principal Douglas Dickson said it proved the college “reaches far beyond the classroom”.

He said: “As Dumfries and Galloway faces demographic and workforce challenges and develops its renewable energy potential, access to the right skills will be vital.

“This report demonstrates the important role Dumfries and Galloway College is playing in meeting these challenges and supporting the region’s future.”

The biggest impact was found to be on wellbeing, with £58.4m generated through student and staff engagement, graduate benefits, community learning and wider community engagement.

Social value created £46.3m, while graduate wage premiums added £19m to the total.

The college’s operations, supply chain, staff spending and capital investment were valued at £18.5m.

The report, which was commissioned by the college, concluded the institution mitigates challenges experienced in the region, including by providing accessible education options which reduce outmigration.

It also said the college has identified growth sectors – such as renewables, cybersecurity, early learning and children, and construction – and tailors its curriculum with industry to deliver skills required.

This, it says, helps facilitate local recruitment, enables regional business growth, and retains the working-age population.

The report comes amid warnings about the future sustainability of the sector, with Audit Scotland highlighting last month that colleges are facing “growing financial strain”.

The 19 colleges have a collective deficit of £5.6m and five institutions required a cash advance from the Scottish Funding Council in 2024/25 to cover the shortfall.

Dumfries and Galloway College, however, is one of the few operating without a deficit.