SCOTLAND’S RURAL College has published a summary of the feedback it has received about its new strategic vision.

SRUC launched the strategy in April and spent a month engaging with its staff, students and external stakeholders to gather their views. Around 900 people attended 21 discussion meetings held around the country, while 250 written comments were submitted.

The newly published summary identifies the key themes that emerged from these discussions – including a strong feeling that SRUC must retain an active presence across Scotland; the need for tangible initiatives to support better integration of the college's research, education and consultancy; the need for improved delivery of skills and practical training for students; and a requirement for greater interaction and joint working with the farming industry.

SRUC principal Professor Wayne Powell said: “We thank all those who offered feedback. The range of views expressed was diverse and inspiring. Of course, not all of the questions and issues raised were straightforward and some of the discussion that took place was really challenging.

"However, I learned a great deal and the feedback is invaluable in shaping ongoing strategic planning for a stronger SRUC. We are now considering the issues raised to identify how they may be addressed as part of a strategic, sustainable plan for the future.”

The next steps for SRUC are the reconfiguration of the SRUC leadership team, the introduction of an organisational change programme and the announcement of a five-year transformation plan by the end of 2017. The feedback document can be found at www.sruc.ac.uk/engage.