Upgrade planned for hill and mountain centre

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is planning a major upgrade of its Hill and Mountain Research Centre, based at Kirkton and Auchtertyre Farms in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

Driven by growing demands at the centre for teaching, tourism, research and events, SRUC is to create new space for up to 50 people by 2022, while also enhancing the site with digital teaching technology, faster internet and better facilities.

Located within the college’s 2,200-hectare Highland estate, the centre already has accommodation, a small events space and a farm shop and is used for studying economically, environmentally and socially sustainable upland management systems.

After the upgrade, it will have a new digital classroom and increased space for researchers.

There will also be additional room for local community groups and outside partners.

SRUC’s Hill and Mountain Research Centre.