Webb takes on top role as SAC changes loom

The Board of the Scottish Agricultural College yesterday announced that Professor Bob Webb, currently pro-vice-chancellor of the University of Nottingham, will succeed Professor Bill McKelvey as its new chief executive and principal.

Webb is a leading animal scientist and a respected authority on agricultural and veterinary research, both in the UK and internationally, with a research career centred on the investigation of the control of reproductive function, one of the key factors in efficient production of both milk and meat.

He is no stranger to Scotland as prior to his time at Nottingham University, Webb held senior posts in a number of agricultural, veterinary and medical institutions including a spell as principal research scientist at the Roslin Institute between 1981 and 1997.

He is also an Honorary Fellow of the University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

Commenting on the appointment, SAC chairman Lord Jamie Lindsay described it as “excellent and well-timed” with SAC strategically poised to develop a number of major opportunities within and beyond Scotland.

One challenge facing the new man is joining together the rural colleges of Oatridge, Elmwood and the Barony into a Scottish Rural University College.

Lindsay said he was sure that Webb’s background in collaborative working would help bring this new conjoined body together.

NFU Scotland in their welcome to the new principal also highlighted the skilful negotiating skills that would be needed to bring this merger about.

Union boss, Nigel Miller described Webb’s appointment as an “ideal choice”.

ANDREW ARBUCKLE