Two Perthshire MSPs are set for showdown talks with bosses at Perth College UHI over the future of the three rural learning centres.
It was revealed last month the college would shut its learning centres in Crieff, Blairgowrie and Kinross due to financial pressures.
The news was widely condemned by politicians of all parties.
Conservatives Murdo Fraser and Liz Smith will meet with bosses on April 26.
Mr Fraser, who recently raised the issue with the first minister, said: “We arranged this meeting with management of Perth College UHI to discuss the implications of this decision.
“My Scottish Conservative colleague, Liz Smith, and I will be doing all we can to try to persuade the college to rethink its decision to close these learning centres.
“I am very concerned that the college is proposing to close the learning centres as they are important assets in our towns in Perth and Kinross. Residents living in rural areas need access to education, but do not always have the means to travel to an urban centre like Perth.”
He continued: “I feel that closing these three learning centres will result in serious damage to rural education opportunities in Perth and Kinross.”
Ms Smith added: “Perth College UHI has introduced new opportunities for students who want to take advantage of more flexible work-force training.
“The proposal by the college to close the learning centres in Kinross, Crieff and Blairgowrie has left students who use these facilities in limbo over the future of their education.
“We will be looking for answers from college management, including how they can ensure access for learning for those living in rural Perthshire if these centres do close.”
When discussing the issue at the Scottish Parliament last week, Mr Fraser asked first minister Nicola Sturgeon if she thought cuts to the college’s funding in the Scottish budget had contributed to the decision.
She said: “In our budget overall, we have increased funding to colleges and to universities. Interestingly, Murdo Fraser and his colleagues voted against that budget.
“As far as the particular issue that Murdo Fraser raises is concerned, I share his concerns. I know that local members have been raising those concerns and that they will continue to do so.”
