NFU Scotland is pleased to welcome Andrew Lacey, Head of SAC Consulting onto the panel for the webinar it is hosting on Thursday 14 January to discuss proposed future plans for SRUC’s Craibstone Campus in Aberdeenshire.
Mr Lacey will join representatives from NFU Scotland and SRUC on the panel eager to hear and discuss views and ideas from farmers and crofters from across the country on proposed plans for the site that has been providing an important resource for agriculture students for over a century.
The webinar is scheduled to take place on Thursday 14 January, 6.45pm to 8.15pm to which all NFU Scotland members are invited. The new link for the webinar is: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_06kA5yKFTRCDNILgaccqAw
The potential expansion 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. SRUC are looking for as much input to their project plan as possible at this early stage.
Andrew Connon, NE 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.”
Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, said: “We are fully committed to the North East of Scotland and the proposed development of Craibstone campus will benefit research/innovation, skills and education in the area. As part of the consultation, we look forward to hearing the views of the farming community during this webinar. Views collected during this consultation will help inform these plans further and help advance what would be an exciting development.”
The original deadline for community feedback on the proposals has been extended by a week to 15 January. People can give feedback via www.sruc.ac.uk/craibstone-consultation.
Notes to editors:
The panellists for the webinar are now as follows:
- Andrew McCornick – NFU Scotland President (Chair)
- Professor Wayne Powell - Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC
- Caroline Argo – Dean of North Faculty, SRUC
- Andrew Lacey, Head of SAC Consulting
- Charlie Adam- NFU Scotland Vice-President
- Andrew Connon – NFU Scotland North East Regional Chair
- Hazel Kennedy – Farm and former student at Craibstone
PLEASE NOTE new* link for webinar is as follows: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_06kA5yKFTRCDNILgaccqAw
*this is a change to the link issued in NFUS new release 01/21 of 05 Jan 2021.
Ends
Contact Diana McGowan on 07920 018619