Scots rural colleges agree to immediate merger plan

Later this year, the first steps will be taken to create Scotland’s Rural University College (SRUC) following yesterday’s decision by the boards of the four existing rural colleges – Barony, Elmwood and Oatridge Colleges and the Scottish Agricultural College – to merge.

As from 1 August, the four bodies will co-operate as the process to create the first university college in Scotland will take a further 12-18 months.

The college partners have appointed SAC’s chief executive and principal, Professor Bob Webb, to head the new conjoined body.

A shadow board, with representatives from all of the colleges, is now being established to drive progress and action ahead of 1 August, when the new SRUC board will assume responsibility.

Andy Robb, chairman of the merger partnership board said: “SRUC will bring together the features of four very successful colleges in their own right. It will be the first fully integrated tertiary education, research and consultancy institution for the rural and land-based sectors in Europe.

“We are very excited about the fact that, for the first time in Scotland, learners and stakeholders will have comprehensive and integrated expertise available for the full range of skills, training, education, research and business support.”

Lord Jamie Lindsay, who will the new SRUC board, said: “SRUC will serve a national and international constituency and be an organisation of which staff, students and indeed Scotland as a whole can be proud.”

ANDREW ARBUCKLE