The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
SRUC sets out new strategy
The top team at Scotland’s Rural College – SRUC – has outlined its aspirations for the organisation.
A discussion document titled Towards a New Strategy for SRUC will be shared with staff, students and stakeholders over the next month.
It 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”.
The principal and CEO, Professor Wayne Powell, also outlined key focus areas for the organisation in different regions.
He said future activities in the north of Scotland would be focused on “veterinary informatics and supporting the food and drink industry through research, education, and training and consultancy”.
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.