Students who staged an overnight sit-in protest over proposed budget cuts and their Principal’s “outrageous” pay increase have suspended the action.

After entering the headquarters of the Kings College facility on Wednesday following a rally, around 20 refused to leave and stayed until Thursday evening an office building.

Those involved called for assurances that the university will not cut back services and are also furious about an alleged 17% pay rise that was made last year to outgoing Principal Sir Duncan Rice.

Following a meeting with Principal Sir Duncan Rice, the Aberdeen Defend Education Campaign (ADEC) announced the "temporary suspension" of their occupation of the building pending the next session of the University Court.

In a statement issued through the Aberdeen University Student Association (AUSA) the ADEC said: "While we are not entirely satisfied with the memorandum received from the current Principal, it does however directly address our points, and gives strong guidance to the (University) Court that they should support the spirit of our demands."

Professor Stephen Logan, Senior Vice-Principal, said: “Over the last two days senior managers have met with the students on a number of occasions and at lunch time today the Principal and myself met with the Student President and two student representatives from the group occupying the building.

“We had a fruitful discussion on the issues raised by the students, and have agreed to take their petition to the next meeting of the University Court later this month.

“We are pleased that the students have agreed to suspend their occupation and commend their behaviour throughout their brief demonstration.”

BACKGROUND

• Students protest amid Principal's "outrageous" pay rise
• Extended Interview with Sir Duncan Rice
  
• University appoints new principal