Scotland’s Rural College has signalled its intention to veer still further away from its original agricultural focus to tackle what it calls the “wicked challenges” facing the planet.
As this year’s final year students prepare to graduate next week, SRUC principal, Professor Wayne Powell, said the green economy and responsible use of natural resources are key to Scotland’s recovery from Covid-19, and SRUC would refocus its work to help the country “reset”.
Rural economies would continue to be important to the college, but he said: “To help our students to lead the future, help our clients make the most of the opportunities on the horizon and help the green revolution in our economy, we needed to refresh how we think about our place in a more integrated world.
“Over our 100 years of history we have evolved to help others meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Locally rooted rural economies and agriculture remain a core part of what we do but we need to redefine how we think of these terms through the common link of the natural economy.”
The college would draw on its strengths in research, learning and teaching, skills and training and consultancy, through SAC Consulting, and he will elaborate on his plans soon.
He added: “By focusing on the sustainable natural economy in an integrated way, SRUC will strive to lead the way in delivering economic, social and environmental benefits for all, in Scotland, and beyond.”