ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø

ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø newsletter archive

April 2025

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• Are you hiring? List your job vacancy on the new ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø student jobs portal and reach sector-specific students and alumni with the skills, abilities, and qualifications you're looking for. All 100% free!
  
  
• Applications are now being accepted for the Fordyce Maxwell Award for Agricultural Communications which recognises current and past students engaged in publicly promoting the value of agriculture.
  
  
• Professor Jamie Newbold, Provost and Deputy Principal of ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø, has joined the ranks of leading experts with links to Scotland by securing a coveted position as a Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) Fellow.
  
  
• Our MSc Wildlife and Conservation Management programme has been named a finalist for the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management Higher Education Programme of the Year Award 2025 September-start applications are still being accepted!
  
  
• Remember Hilda, the first of our Langhill Herd to be born through IVF? We're thrilled to announce that her story, as part of our 'Cool Cows' project, has been shortlisted for the Marketing/PR Campaign of the Year at the Herald Education Awards 2025.
  
  

March 2025

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• This year, ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø was granted a Bronze level Athena Swan Award for our commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusivity.
  
  
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• Senior Agricultural Consultant Tiffany Stephenson is a champion of sustainable farming and has been named as a winner of the prestigious Elrick Prize. How can she help make your farming business more sustainable?
  
  
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• Sarah Howard, Founder and Co-Owner of The Real Food Café, has been working with SAC's Principal Consultant Kerry Hammond for one-to-one business coaching support to build, grow, and diversify her business.Ìý
  
  

February 2025

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Newsletter stories:

• We have strengthened our commitment to global and local food security by becoming the first higher education institution on Scotland to launch a commercial-sized vertical farm. Who officially opened our vertical farm in Edinburgh last week? Answer for your chance to win your choice of amazing prizes from ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø alumni businesses!
  
  
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• Lambing season is here! You you have limited experience with sheep and would like to know more about lambing time, our 1-day course at ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø Barony might be a perfect fit for you.Ìý
  
  
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• Our Rural Policy Centre engages and collaborates with researchers, businesses, and communities to exchange ideas, share experience, and contribute evidence-based research to rural policy in Scotland.Ìý
  
  

January 2025

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Newsletter stories:

• Hilda, the first Langhill Herd calf to be born through IVF and a significant milestone for the future of sustainable farming, has made headlines around the world this month. But where was Hilda born? Answer for your chance to win your choice of prizes from ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø alumni prizes!Ìý
  
  
• Support the next generation and gain valuable benefits to your business! We're looking for farm or agri-businesses to host a final year BSc (Hons) student undertaking workplace learning as part of their course.Ìý
  
  
• The Royal College of Veterinary Nursing now requires all approved veterinary practices to evidence their approaches to sustainability. Our new online micro-credentials course has been purposefully designed to help you do just that.Ìý
  
  
• If you have a farm business in Scotland, please participate in this year's Farm Business Survey. Doing so is free and you'll get a number of perks designed to help you understand and improve your farm's financial performance.Ìý
  
  
• Thinking of applying to study with us this year? Learn more about the courses and campuses you're interested in by booking yourself into one (or more) of our Open Days - there's plenty coming up for you to explore!

December 2024

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• Searching for a last-minute Christmas gift? Elmwood Golf is offering free and discounted membership rates for 2025!
  
  
• We're digging into the ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø photo archives to share 12 amazing photos with you in 2025. Plus a chance to win some fabulous prizes from alumni businesses too! Stay tuned for more!
  
  
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• New year, new skills - all in your own time. Our new fully-accredited microcredentials courses are offered by ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø experts in a range of subjects for you to study whenever and wherever is convenient to you.
  
  
• Are you a crofter or smallholder? Don't forget that to ensure the Basic Payment Scheme remains available to you, you must meet some initial Whole Farm Plan requirements in 2025. Need help? SAC Consulting is available for independent advice and solutions.Ìý

November 2024

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Newsletter stories:

• A monumental moment in the history of ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø: Gaining TDAP means we can design a future education system that's aligned to what a future workforce needs.Ìý
  
  
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• Applications are now open for four new specialised business MSc programmes starting September 2025 atÌýour Edinburgh and Aberdeen campuses.
  
  
• Craig Bothwell, ex-ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø student and Senior Consultant with SAC Consulting'sÌýAgricultural Advisory team, has been named the Scottish Agricultural Awards' Advisor of the Year.
  
  
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• Our new micro-credential offerings are short,Ìýaccredited programmes across a range ofÌýsubjects that you can study from anywhere and at your own pace.
  
  
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• Learn basic blacksmithing techniques and take home your own hand-made design in our evening blacksmithing course. Starts in February 2025 and numbers are limited - enrol today!

October 2024

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Newsletter stories:

• October 2024 marks a historical moment for ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø and our future student cohorts as we become the first Scottish education provider in almost two decades to be granted Taught Degree Awarding Powers (TDAP).
  
  
• Communicating sustainability is key to keeping your business relevant and trusted.ÌýOur FREE business guide can help you craft impactful messaging that resonates with stakeholders and effectively highlights your eco-friendly initiatives.
  
  
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• Animal scientists will have a vital role to play in meeting the future demands of our growing population in a time of climate change. Thinking of studying this important and fascinating subject? ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø now ranks 5th in the UK to study animal sciences and agriculture.

September 2024

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Newsletter stories:

• Congratulations to Lauri Alana Corcoran (2023 graduate) who won our Lomond prize draw and to the 735ÌýºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø students who joined our alumni community this year. Ready to join them? We're now accepting applications for 2025 entry!
  
  
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• Did you know that our experts at SAC Consulting regularly publish a round up of issues affecting crops around Scotland, summaries on how crops are developing, and what weather and other issues are affecting them?
  
  
• Our award-winning GreenCow & now UltraGreenCow respiration chamber facility is open to requests for commissioned or collaborative research in ruminant, simulant slurry storage, & potentially monogastric studies.
  
  
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• Three members of the team at our new School of Veterinary Medicine have been named Fellows of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Want to study our BVSci programme there next year?Ìý

August 2024

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Newsletter stories:

• We've made finding and booking your next training or professional development course at ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø easier with the launch of our new training course catalogue! What new skill will you study with us next?
  
  
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• MI:RNA Diagnostics is pioneering animal disease diagnosis through the combination of a revolutionary biomarker technology and artificial intelligence platform. Funded just a few years ago, their ground-breaking work has alreadyÌýraised $4 million in Series A Funding.
  
  
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• The EUFRAS IALB SEASN 2024 conference we're hosting in Edinburgh next month will explore the Scottish agricultural systemÌýand how it builds and leverages relationships between people working in the rural economy (and those in research, education, and advisory) to enhance the sustainability of rural land-use in Scotland.Ìý

July 2024

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• Are you an ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø alum that's started your own business? We'd love to give it the exposure it deservesÌý(for free!) on our newly-launched Alumni Business Map. Follow the link below to learn how.
  
  
• From NC Agriculture to our new BSci in Veterinary Medicine at Scotland's first vet school in over a century, we're now open for Clearing applications! Discover all the opportunities still available on our dedicated Clearing 2024 page.
  
  
• We're proud to announce this year's winner of the Fordyce Maxwell Award for Agricultural Communications, an award we established last year in memory of the lateÌýScotsmanÌýjournalist, whose son is our Chief Communications Officer.
  
  
• More than half of all the sheep entries at this year's Royal Highland Show are accredited by our Veterinary Services' Premium Sheep and Goat Health Scheme (PSGHS), a cost-effective national programme of proactive disease testing and monitoring for your flocks. Thinking of joining our PSGHS? Get all the information you need to make a decision on our website.
  
  

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June 2024

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Newsletter stories:

• We have so much planned for this year's Royal Highland Show! Please stop by to say hello, grab a goodie or two and find out about some of the incredible things we're doing at ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø!
  
  
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• Congratulations to Kirsty Young, Head of Department at ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø who was elected to the RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council! Thinking of becoming a vet nurse yourself? ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø can help you get there!
  
  
• A new study by researchers at the Rural Policy Centre explores Landownership, land use, and the influence of financial support mechanisms on land values, particularly the recent interest in carbon schemes.
  
  
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May 2024

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Newsletter stories:

• Looking to re-train or even change your career entirely? Would a free £1,000 help you do it? Then you're a perfect candidate for ourÌýChange Your Path Bursary!
  
  
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• Three new appointments to the ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø Board meanÌýgreater equality, diversity of perspectiveÌýand depth of expertise forÌýour leadership team.
  
  
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• Our new collaboration with Highlands and Islands EnterpriseÌýaimsÌýto boost the local economy andÌýcontribute to regional economic growth byÌýfocusingÌýon land and sea-based innovation.

April 2024

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Newsletter stories:

• The Rural and Veterinary Innovation Centre (RAVIC) was officially opened last week by HRH The Princess Royal. Click below to learn about how RAVIC hasÌýbeen designed to drive innovation and job creation in Scotland's health, agriculture and aquaculture sectors.
  
  
• WithÌýthe Easter holidays bringing an increase in visitors to the countryside in the midst of the lambing season, and following a workshop with local experts and stakeholders, ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø researchers areÌýcalling for changes to legislation around livestock worrying.
  
  
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• If you're a vet in practice, book yourself into one of our veterinary CPD courses orÌýfree online webinars and help yourself stay ahead of the curve.

March 2024

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• Eleven ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø students and apprentices were shortlisted as finalists with seven taking home the top award in their categoryÌýat this year'sÌýAwards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills (ALBAS) ceremony earlier this month. Maybe it's time for you to consider employing an ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø apprentice?
  
  
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• Janette Sutherland has been named as a finalist for Agricultural Advisor of the Year in the first-ever National Women in Agriculture Awards. Feel free to ask for her by name when contacting SAC Consulting for farming or crofting support.

• Our Rural Business Management course now offers a tourism pathway, accredited by the Tourism Management Institute (TMI), providing ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø with professional recognition and endorsement of our course and our students a host of benefits for their learning and their career
  
  
• The ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø and Teagasc partnership stands as a testament to the power of working collectively to overcome global agricultural challenges and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
  
  
• We know that Elmwood holds a special place in the hearts of students, staff, and the wider community in Fife and it will continue to play a vital role in ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø's future.

February 2024

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• Improved productivity and workforce motivation, new and relevant skills (and less skills gaps) for your businessÌýplusÌýguided support, advice and training by ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø - there's plenty of reasons to take on an ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø apprentice!
  
  
• We're conducting research and gathering the views of island communities in Orkney, Shetland and the Outer HebridesÌýon the forthcoming agricultural and land use policy changes. Please let us know if you'd like to get involved and have your voice heard.
  
  
• Sign up for our dedicated vet services blogs to be first in the know about veterinary news, events, health schemes, and disease updates from our expert veterinary services team.
  
  
• We're encouraging kids to celebrate nature with a cash prize competition. Do you know anyone in P4-S6 who might be interested in taking part?
  
  

January 2024

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Newsletter stories:

• We're very proud of winning a Green Gown Award for our SEEDABLE project, which embeds sustainability, enterprise, equality and diversity into the curriculum.
  
  
• Much to the excitement of our Horse Care and Equine students, ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø's new £100k state-of-the-art robot horse - the first of its kind in Scotland, was unveiled last month.
  
  
• We're asking farmers across the country to contribute to the annual Scottish Farm Business Survey in exchange for a number of perksÌýdesigned to help financial performance.
  
  
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• Have a listen to our vet services 'On the Hoof' podcast episodes which coverÌýa range of interesting and informative topics for vets in practice.Ìý
  
  
• Many congratulationsÌýto Dr Mary Thomson, Vice Principal, Skills and Lifelong Learning at ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø, who has been appointed as a new Board member of South of Scotland Enterprise.

December 2023

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Newsletter stories:

• The work of ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø's Veterinary Services has been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize.
  
  
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• Are you a vet in practice? If so, we know how busy youÌýare! That's why we've created a page just for you that includes quick links to all our Premium Sheep and Goat Health Scheme (PSGHS) information, formsÌýand guides you use most.Ìý
  
  
• As part of a new centre announced by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, scientists from ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø will carry out research into plant breeding and animal nutrition to increase the productivity of livestock systems in Sub-Saharan Africa.Ìý
  
  
• ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø's focus on place-based initiatives stems from a belief that innovation should be as diverse as the landscape of Scotland itself. Our entrepreneurial campuses and place-based initiatives are more than educational offerings; they are the engines of change for Scotland’s rural economy.Ìý

November 2023

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Newsletter stories:

• We've just launched our inaugural PhD programme to help shape the future of agriculture, rural and environmental studies.
  
  
• Fast, easy, efficient! Veterinary Services' diagnostic test and price lists are now available online.
  
  
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• How can the dairy industry attract and retain workers? Lynne Somerville, newly-appointed Skills Lead for the Digital Dairy Chain, is working to find answers.
• Professor Nicola Holden, who leads ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø's Food Security Challenge Centre, has been awarded a prestigious fellowship - one of only 44 academic fellows selected from across the UK.Ìý
  
  
• Our students do incredible things! BSc Agriculture student Naomi Ramsay is named Agriculture Student of the Year at the British Farming Awards.

October 2023

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Newsletter stories:

• Studying at ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø means studying at a college nominated for Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year by Time Higher Education -the "Oscars" of higher education
  
  
• Our new partnership with Eurofins Argo Testing means we can offer an even better soil, forage and plant pathology service - for viable, healthy and sustainable farming and growing.Ìý
  
  
• Hemp has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it smothers weeds, doesn't suffer many diseases, and its oil might even have the potential to fight cancer. So why are so few farmers currently growing it in Scotland?
  
  

September 2023

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Newsletter stories:

• Congratulations ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø 2023 graduates! You're now eligible for exclusive ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø alumni awards, discounts, and more.
  
  
• Brush up on your skills -just like these recent students from the US Army, with a veterinary training CPD course from ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø.
  
  
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• On a recent visit to ºÚÀúÊ·±¬ÁÏÍø, Mairi McAllan MSP learned about some of our cutting-edge climate change researchÌýthat's deliveringÌýresources, benefits, and opportunities to Scottish -and global- communities.