University graduates 'earning average of £27,500'

People who graduated from Scottish universities in 2012/13 were earning a median salary of £27,500 last year, according to new figures.

The annual salary was higher than the UK median of £27,000, the latest data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) shows.

However the Scottish figure was lower than median salaries for graduates of London universities, at £30,000, and institutions in the South East and East of England, both at £28,000.

The HESA data is drawn from a survey of more than 107,000 people who left universities across the UK in 2012/13, including just over 23,600 who graduated in Scotland.

The statistics also show 80.9% of Scottish graduates were in work, 5.5% were in work and further study, while 7.3% were in further study.

Higher Education Minister Shirley-Anne Somerville said: "I very much welcome these figures, which show the value of a Scottish education and our world-class universities.

"I want everyone with the talent and ability to have the chance to go to university and get the same opportunity in life, no matter their background.

"Our efforts to widen access to university are undoubtedly going in the right direction and I look forward to seeing further progress."