WEST College Scotland lecturers in Greenock say they are taking a stand against cuts after staging a protest.

Union leaders from EIS-FELA took to the streets outside the Finnart Street campus.

Greenock campus secretary Mark Gillan said they are now taking part in action short of strike over a continued dispute about pay.

At the same time the local branch want to raise concerns about cuts to further education in recent years affecting the Greenock campus.

They are also highlighting continued uncertainty over the future of a new college building in the town.

Campus secretary Mark said: "We call upon the Scottish Government to support students, lecturers, all staff and college education to end and reverse cuts to local college provision, increase funding for the sector and ensure College Employers Scotland settle the pay dispute with a fair cost of living pay increase, we all deserve to be valued.

"EIS-FELA is fighting for the future of further education in Scotland. We thank our colleagues, members of the public, and a special mention to the magnicant support from our students.

"We are all fighting for the future of further eduction in Greenock. We want no more cuts to local college provision, no more managed decline of college services, student numbers, lecturer numbers or indeed pay.

"Inverclyde and surrounding areas need further education, Scotland's economy and communities need further education."

The protest at Finnart Street was part of a national dispute as staff fight for an improved pay offer as well as more funding for further education.

The Tele has documented cutbacks in recent years to the Finnart Street campus, including the nursery closure last year and cuts to the catering service.

Labour MSP Neil Bibby also recently raised concerns about a lengthy wait for funding for a proposed new build for the college in Greenock, pressing ministers in parliament.

He has vowed to keep the pressure up over the topic.

College management insist they remain fully committed to students and staff in Inverclyde.

Nathan Tyler, director of communications and student experience at WCS said: “West College Scotland remain committed to ensuring the people of Inverclyde have access to the high quality further education they deserve and the community needs.

"At this time colleges are required more than ever to support students and communities, provide positive life-changing opportunities and create a highly-skilled future workforce. When colleges like West thrive, Scotland thrives.”