SCOTLAND’S RURAL College's contribution to the current and future needs of the country’s economy has been highlighted at a Scottish Parliament reception.

Hosted by Emma Harper MSP, the event was attended by Scotland’s deputy first minister and cabinet secretary for education and skills, John Swinney, who gave the keynote address: “We want our young people, who are the future of our rural communities, to stay and flourish in those communities, equipped with the skills and confidence they need to access high quality educational and employment opportunities.

“SRUC is a lead provider of learning and teaching in rural skills and qualifications, and an important contributor to research in support of the rural economy,” noted Mr Swinney. “Alongside other strategic partners and employers, they are ideally placed to be involved in actions to strengthen knowledge around rural skills gaps and to support scientific advances to meet the current and future needs of Scotland’s rural economy.”

SRUC is in the process of becoming a 'rural enterprise university' – a transformation which could lead to a £4.5 billion boost to the Scottish economy, according to a report published by BiGGAR Economics earlier this month.

Chief executive and principal Wayne Powell commented: “This would not just be another university, not just ‘number 19’ in a prestigious list, but a unique and valuable addition to the Scottish landscape with a clear contribution to make.

“A rural university offers a global outlook for Scotland but is connected to the local rural landscape, helping translate and transfer knowledge into practice that benefits the domestic economy. It helps to stimulate productivity and economic growth through developing skills, harnessing innovation and encouraging enterprise,” he concluded.

Guests at the reception were able to sample food and drinks products produced by businesses supported by SRUC, view interactive soil exhibits demonstrating the impact on agricultural yield, and hear first-hand from students who have changed their career paths to study at the college.