The top team at Scotland’s Rural College – SRUC – yesterday outlined its aspirations for the organisation’s future.
A discussion document titled ‘Towards a New Strategy for SRUC’ outlines the rural college’s plans to better integrate and utilise its research, education and consultancy divisions.
This includes the unification of its research and education activities into a single College of Agriculture and Rural Economy (CARE) and the creation of a new division called SAC Ventures.
This new division will comprise SAC Consulting, Veterinary Services, the Scottish Government funded Farm Advisory Service and any new companies formed as a result of “increased commercial activities”.
Principal and chief executive, Professor Wayne Powell, also outlined key focus areas for the organisation in different regions.
He said future activities in the north of Scotland, which includes the Craibstone campus, would be focused on “veterinary informatics and supporting the food and drink industry through research, education, and training and consultancy”.
“Our mission means we have a responsibility to everyone with an interest in Scotland’s rural economy to provide the scientific knowledge, skills and technical training needed to drive forward modern agriculture and the land-based sector,” said Prof Powell.
“To fulfil this potential and realise our ambition we need confidence, imagination and creativity together with a willingness to change the way we work, operate and think as a sustainable institution. This is at the heart of our strategy and involves everyone at, and with a stake in, SRUC.”
When asked about specific plans for the college’s estate, chairman Pat Machray said: “I won’t mention estates at this moment of time. It’s more important to agree a strategy. A regional presence is important but what that looks like is something we need to decide.”
Vice-chairman Sandy Cumming added: “The estate is clearly a significant cost factor for us – we don’t need to own every single bit of property that we use.”
SRUC has asked for comments on its strategy to be submitted before Friday, May 12. It is also holding a number of open meetings to discuss the plans. The Aberdeen one takes place at Craibstone on Tuesday, May 9, from 6pm, and the Inverness one takes place at the city’s Kingsmill Hotel on Wednesday, May 10, at 6pm.
