The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
College’ s vision of the future
Aminiature vertical farm, thermal imaging cameras and virtual reality headsets are all being lined up by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) at next week’s Royal Highland Show.
Billing its 2022 Ingliston offering as a “back with a bang” package of cuttingedge research and innovation, SRUC’s technical content is designed to allow visitors to embrace the futuristic side of modern farming.
The vertical farm presentation will centre on a “growing cube” display created as part of this weekend’s Dandelion Festival which takes place in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park. The Highland Show version will demonstrate how vertical farming can be applied to the production of microgreens.
The developing use of thermal imaging cameras, meanwhile, will be explained by SRUC specialists by applying their use to non-invasive early diagnosis in relation to animal health and welfare demands.
Visitors wishing to experience the research use of virtual reality headsets will be given the opportunity to “fly over” SRUC’s Kirkton and Auchtertyre research farms, gaining an understanding of the peatland restoration and woodland creation projects taking place.
SRUC’s show stand will include a milkshake bar, plus chocolate, a foraged nettle drink and hemp oil salad dressing, all joined by a few new food products on the Sustainable Scottish Food stall.
With SRUC also marking its 10th anniversary this year, a specially created banner will be unveiled at the show.
“We are delighted to be back at the first in-person Royal Highland Show in three years,” said Professor Wayne Powell, principal of SRUC.
He added that the return would also enable the organisation to share its plans for the future.
“This month alone has seen us launch the £21 million Digital Dairy Chain and get the green light for the development of an £11m Rural and Veterinary Innovation Centre in Inverness,” he said.
“In addition, our show exhibits and events will highlight how science and technology are being used to address the challenges facing the planet, all to secure a sustainable natural economy – which is also part of our vision for the future.”