HAYLEY COLBERT is to lead the future direction of Scotland’s Rural College’s Student Association – and she is putting the issues of mental health, equality and the environment at the top of her agenda.

Hayley has recently completed her HND in Animal Care at Elmwood and takes on the role as president of SRUCSA on her first outing into the student political scene.

“I’m looking forward to working as part of a team, helping to improve the student experience,” said Hayley. “My main focus will be on improving mental health, as well as equality and the environment.”

Supporting her through the role of vice-president will be Katie Dubarry, who is a long-serving representative of SRUCSA, filling previous roles as campus officer at the Edinburgh and Oatridge campuses, and as Student SRUC board member.

Katie is due to graduate in July from Edinburgh, with a degree in Agriculture: “We have a really enthusiastic team who want to effect change for the student body,” she commented. “I would like to see how we can better serve students across all our campuses.”

Both ladies take over the roles from previous incumbents Stuart Mackenzie and Andy Robinson who served as president and vice-president respectively. They will go on to serve as Campus Officers in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, together with Charlotte Mortimer who will continue to support students at SRUC’s Riverside campus in Ayr.

Stephanie Lade will become the new Sports and Activities Officer and Poppy Gough will become Women’s Officer.