Flagship shared campus opens

The link between the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) and the University of the West of Scotland took a major step forward yesterday with the official launch of the shared £81 million Ayr Campus.

Professor Bill McKelvey, who steps down as principal of SAC next week, said that, by joining forces, the institutions had created a campus that would bring great benefits and opportunities for the students, as well as the wider community.

“There are exciting opportunities ahead for developing the curriculum and for developing and promoting the campus as a key resource for all of the communities of the west of Scotland,” he said.

Scottish education secretary Michael Russell, who carried out the opening ceremony, said the link would have benefits for both institutions.

Professor Seamus McDaid, principal and vice chancellor of University of the West of Scotland, called the launch “a landmark development for Scottish higher education.”

It is a major part of the £200m development plan with which the University is involved.

ANDREW ARBUCKLE