Students from Dundee and Abertay universities gathered with placards

They have been gathering with placards and meeting politicians ahead of a parliamentary vote on the issue on Thursday.

Their protest was the beginning of a mass student campaign across the country to get rid of the �2,300 fee they pay after leaving university.

The drive culminates with campaigners lobbying parliament on Thursday.

It would be something that's a great weight off their shoulders not having to pay this extra �2,000 plus Andy Love Students' Association at Abertay University

Andy Love, president of the Students' Association at Abertay University, said: "The vote is this coming Thursday and it's something that's important to pretty much all students in Scotland because almost every student is affected by it.

"It would be a massive burden lifted off their shoulders when they finish full-time education, moving into full-time employment.

"It would be something that's a great weight off their shoulders not having to pay this extra �2,000 plus, on top of their student loan and whatever else they have to pay."

Speaking at Glasgow University, Nationalist MSP Bob Doris, said: "The SNP have always believed that education should be based on the ability to learn and not the ability to pay.

"There are nearly 10,000 students who are liable to pay the �2,289 fee and removing that will be a welcome boost to both them and their families.

"Too many of our young people start their adult life snowed under with debt and I hope the parliament sees sense and gives them, and Scotland, a hand on Thursday."