Upgrades to research hub

£35m Crianlarich project

Upgrades are in the pipeline for Scotland’s Rural College Hill and Mountain Research Centre near Crianlarich.

A new teaching and events space is planned for the centre in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

The upgrade will also include a new space for up to 50 people, to meet growing demands for teaching, tourism, research and events.

The works are part of a £35 million plan for SRUC’s south and west faculty, with the new facilities expected to enhance the site with digital teaching technology, faster internet, better facilities and more room.

SRUC are also looking to open the new space for community events, corporate retreats, as well as attracting more schools visits to promote careers in the rural sector.

It is set to open in 2022. Based at Kirkton and Auchtertyre Farms, the Hill and Mountain Research Centre is a 2200-hectare Highland estate complete with accommodation, events space, a farm shop, as well as 1600 sheep.

The centre specialises in studying economically, environmentally and socially sustainable upland management systems. Professor Davy McCracken, SRUC’s head of integrated land management (south and west), said: “Over the past five years we’ve developed the Hill and Mountain Research Centre as a site of international excellence.

“The upgraded centre will have so many benefits for the future of our research, for the local community, for student outreach and for people staying on site to enjoy the wonderful scenery. We’ll be keeping everyone up to date with the progress over the next few years.”