SCOTTISH FARMERS are being urged to have their say on the future proposals for SRUC's Craibstone Campus, in Aberdeenshire.

NFU Scotland is calling on its members to take part in a webinar discussion on Thursday, January 14, on potential expansion plans for the teaching campus.

The project proposals include expanding teaching facilities focussed on veterinary skills in rural areas, new halls of residence, space for research laboratories, an allied veterinary practice to support education, as well as exploring opportunities to support the local community and economy.

NFUS has arranged the webinar to ensure that farmers and crofters from across the country have the opportunity to contribute their views and ideas on the plans for the site and ensure the contribution it makes to educating the Scottish agricultural sector is enhanced for all to benefit from.

The union's North-east regional chair, Andrew Connon, said: “It is important that members from all across Scotland interact and participate in this session, as Craibstone is an iconic campus which has welcomed students from across the entire country in previous years. We would see the aspirations and plans for Craibstone, if enacted fully and practically, ensuring that future generations of students invest their time and educational careers within this location going forward. We must get it right, though, and the farmers’ voices need to be heard next Thursday night.”

NFUS president, Andrew McCornick – who will chair the event – added: “I would encourage all of our members to actively participate in this event, and ensure you play a part in shaping the future plans for Craibstone. This campus requires investment and we look forward to helping SRUC ensure that practical decisions are made for the benefit of our fantastic Scottish agricultural industry. I am looking forward to welcoming all our highly knowledgeable panellists to the virtual stage next week, in what is sure to be a very interesting discussion.”

The lineup of panellists for the webinar include SRUC's Principal, Professor Wayne Powell; Dean of North Faculty, Caroline Argo; Head of SAC Consulting, Andrew Lacey; NFUS vice-president, Charlie Adam; North-east regional chair, Mr Connon; and farmer and former Craibstone student, Hazel Kennedy.

The Jan 14 webinar, running between between 6.45pm and 8.15pm on Zoom, is free and can be accessed through the following link :- https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_06kA5yKFTRCDNILgaccqAw