We, the undersigned, call on the School of Biological Sciences to save the Firbush Away Weekend until a real alternative is in place.

For fourth year undergraduates and Masters students, the September weekend at Firbush is more than a trip. It is a long-standing tradition, it is advertised in the Course Prospectus, and it gives students a shared experience that helps build community and connection. However, this year is planned to be the trip's last and final year.

Attendance has been high, at around 80–90%, and student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Staff also value these events and are deeply disappointed at the plan to end them.

We understand that funding matters, and we understand that the School leadership has raised concerns about value for money, 'pedagogical value', and 'real benefit'. We also understand the idea of more holistic alternatives, including similar events in Edinburgh or moving the experience earlier in the degree programme.

Those ideas may have merit, but at present there is no timetable, no clear replacement, and no guarantee that current undergraduates will have access to anything similar at all. That means entire cohorts could miss out on this kind of experience permanently.

What makes this especially concerning is the lack of public communication. Students have not been properly told about this significant change, and there has not been enough open discussion before decisions were made. Constructive ideas, including the option of small student contributions, have already been rejected without a path forward.

We oppose funding cuts that weaken the student experience, decision-making done in the dark, and the loss of an important tradition without a concrete replacement.

We ask for the continuation of Firbush until an alternative is ready, a clear public explanation of the reasons behind the proposed change, and ongoing engagement with students throughout the process.

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