We are celebrating another move by Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong learning, which will help tackle hardship and reduce indebtedness.

The solution, proposed by National Union of Students (NUS), following the Scottish Government’s publication of the Supporting a Smarter Scotland options paper, puts an extra £622 into the pockets of the poorest young students, and provides the poorest independent students with an additional £1227.

We can celebrate even further because it shows what a little bit of co-operation, respect and a listening Government can do in this world where we have a lack of faith in bitch politics.

However, this is why I support the SNP.  The SNP is the only party that can change the hardships students face and is the only party now to support free education for students.  So I am biased, but not with a narrow-mind or confused conscience. If you hear those around you tell you SNP hasn’t delivered on their manifesto commitments you know a different side.  The SNP has delivered on 63 of their 94 commitments, after only two years.  And as for grants not loans – try finding another party that supports grants and free education, and then ask for their votes in a Parliament with no majority.  Their argument is political and above all it is fatally flawed.

Fiona Hyslop has consistently listened to students, universities and colleges about where money can be spent, despite there being little money to go round.  Fiona Hyslop has continually fought for students despite the lack of support in the Scottish Parliament.  The SNP values youths and students - understanding how vital they are for economic recovery and for Scotland’s future.

So what has the SNP achieved, fighting our corner?

On Wednesday Fiona Hyslop announced a £1,000 grant for “independent” students, a £2m increase in support for childcare and an increase of £442 of the basic student loan, with an additional £180 on top of that for those from the lowest income background.

SNP has a history of sticking up for students by abolishing the £2300 Graduate Endowment fee, assigning an extra £30m to the student funding budget from 2010-11, increasing total funding for universities by £123m per year and FE colleges by £83m per year, replacing loans for part-time students with grants and extending grants to part-time vocational postgraduates for the first time.

The SNP Government is looking out for students, as it looks out for all in Scotland, and is tailoring policies and budgets to get money to those who most need it. Ensuring us some more cash during this time of economic uncertainty lifts our financial pressures and stresses, allowing us more time to focus on our studies and university life.

Gail Lythgoe

SNP Students @ Edinburgh