Uncomfortable bedfellows

The inaugural University and College Union Scotland Congress raised alarm over claims that the Natfhe/AUT merger heralds the end of the AUT's legendary conviviality: the traditional dinner and disco have been axed from the forthcoming Bournemouth conference. But there was added frisson when the AUT learnt that in the past Natfhe delegates shared rooms. The Scots fear that, in the interests of unity, delegates will have to double up with someone from the other union.