A SCOTTISH university has fined students hundreds of pounds for taking part in solidarity action with staff during strikes last year.

The University of Stirling was branded “unreasonable” and “draconian” today for its approach to disciplining those involved in a protest during University and College Union industrial action in November. 

Members of the University of Stirling Solidarity Network (USSN) occupied the Cottrell Building for two weeks, with some of the 13 involved hit with disciplinary action as a result.

Three of those involved have now been given extended suspensions of up to one academic year, with hundreds of pounds of fines also issued. 

Those affected have been given just 28 days to pay £800 worth of fines, ranging from between £200 to £400 each, with the other 10 students involved seeing their suspensions ended. 

A spokesperson for the USSN told the Star: “With the ongoing economic crisis, where people have lost their income or seen it significantly reduced, we are disgusted that the university should choose to punish its student activists with further harsh measures, continuing their drastic and draconian assault against peaceful protesters.

“We view the university's actions as punitive and unreasonable, with the intention to suppress student activism and solidarity with our staff who have been engaging in industrial action.”

A crowdfunder set up to help support the students is now raising funds to cover the fines, with almost all of the £800 raised by Thursday evening. 

Despite the disciplinary measures, the USSN said it did not intend to pursue group action against the university, but that individuals may choose to do so. 

A university spokesperson said: “The university cannot comment on the specifics of individual cases.”