University to explore closer links with SRUC

The University and the Board of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) are exploring a closer degree of collaboration.

The proposal has the potential to create an influential force in the agricultural world, and enhanced strategic alignment is seen as an opportunity to further develop research education and consultancy.

Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, said: “Closer alignment would not only enhance the research education and consultancy that is so vital to Scotland’s rural economy, but would also contribute to the global challenges of health, environmental and food security.”

SRUC Chairman, Lord Jamie Lindsay, said: “The ever-closer collaboration between SRUC and the University in recent years has encouraged the partners to believe that by enhancing our relationship we could, through leading research, education and consultancy activity, make an even greater contribution to addressing the challenges faced by Scottish, British, EU and global agriculture.”

History

SRUC and its predecessors have worked closely with the University of Edinburgh for more than 100 years. Some of its degree programmes are validated through the University and it is an Accredited Institution of the University.

Mission

It is envisaged that SRUC would retain its identity and mission. This would specifically include the complete range of education currently on offer that both SRUC and the University of Edinburgh realise is vital to Scotland’s rural economy.