NFU Scotland is encouraging its members from across Scotland to take part in a webinar on Thursday, January 14, to discuss proposed future plans of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) Craibstone campus in Aberdeenshire.
The site, which has been providing an important resource for agriculture students for over a century, is being outlined for a potential expansion project and SRUC is looking for as much input to its project plan as possible at this early stage.
The project proposals include expanding teaching facilities focussed on veterinary skills in rural areas, new halls of residence, space for research laboratories, an allied veterinary practices to support education, as well as exploring opportunities to support the local community and economy.
NFU Scotland has arranged the webinar to ensure that farmers and crofters from across the country have the opportunity to contribute their views and ideas on future plans for the site and ensure the contribution it makes to educating the Scottish agricultural sector is enhanced for all to benefit from.
‘Craibstone is an iconic campus’
The webinar will take place on Thursday, January 14, from 6:45pm to 8:15pm, via Zoom. The panel will include representatives from both SRUC and NFU Scotland.
Andrew Connon, North East regional chair, said:
“It is important that members from all across Scotland interact and participate in this session, as Craibstone is an iconic campus which has welcomed students from across the entire country in previous years.
We would see the aspirations and plans for Craibstone, if enacted fully and practically, ensuring that future generations of students invest their time and educational careers within this location going forward.
“We must get it right, though, and the farmers’ voices need to be heard next Thursday night.”
NFU Scotland President, Andrew McCornick, who will chair the event, added:
“I would encourage all of our members to actively participate in this event, and ensure you play a part in shaping the future plans for Craibstone.
This campus requires investment and we look forward to helping SRUC ensure that practical decisions are made for the benefit of our fantastic Scottish agricultural industry.
“I am looking forward to welcoming all our highly knowledgeable panellists to the virtual stage next week, in what is sure to be a very interesting discussion.”
