Moray College bosses have been taken to task at Holyrood over a string of financial failings.
In April, a watchdog report revealed the Elgin institute had been plunged into a cash crisis because of its own “weak financial planning”.
The Audit Scotland organisation found the college was on course to be over budget by £472,000 for 2016-17, and forecast funding shortfalls until 2019.
Managers from the campus were summoned to the Scottish Parliament yesterday to explain the predicament to government ministers.
During the talks, it emerged that some staff members have taken voluntary severance packages to help make ends meet – with more expected to follow suit.
And committee chairman, Liam Kerr MSP, blasted the college for issuing “large pay-offs” to departing bosses who had presided over the debacle.
Speaking afterwards, he said: “Bosses from Moray College painted an alarming picture of its finances, with the chairman of the board admitting a catalogue of errors had led to failings.
“And it seems that at least one of those who got the college into this challenging situation left under a confidential agreement.
“Moray College may lose up to 10 more members of staff through voluntary severance and must ensure there is sufficient experience in place to deliver the necessary changes.
“It is also important that no-one who helped to create these financial difficulties is rewarded for poor performance.”
The college’s assistant principal, Anne Lindsay, chairman of the board, Peter Graham, and board vice-chairman, Murray Easton, all attended the summit.
They stressed that the issues which caused the financial quagmire had now been resolved and argued a “recovery plan” was in place to put the college back on an even keel within a year.
They further claimed that allowing staff the chance to leave through the voluntary severance scheme was a “key part” of that plan.
A new financial director has also been appointed to stave off any repeat disasters.
Mr Graham said: “Moray College is at heart of the community and has an integral role to play in developing the skills and knowledge that are key to our local economy.
“We have much to be proud of, and look forward to what the future holds for our students and staff.”
