REPRESENTATIVES from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) have been presented with a prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education at Buckingham Palace.

The award, which was presented by Her Majesty the Queen, recognises the institution’s contribution to animal welfare, veterinary science, education, research, and the economy through its world-class Veterinary Services network.

It also cements SRUC’s credentials in veterinary services as it prepares to open Scotland’s first new vet school in 150 years and continues its journey to gaining taught degree awarding powers.

It is the second time in six years that SRUC has received a Queen’s Anniversary Prize, which is the highest form of national recognition open to educational institutions in the UK.

Principal and chief executive Professor Wayne Powell attended the ceremony at the Palace with the head of veterinary diagnostic services, Anne Seaton, and SRUC board chair, Linda Hanna.

He said: “This accolade reflects the work of some of our unsung heroes – our researchers, technicians, and scientists who have committed themselves to safeguarding animal health and welfare.

“It is the second time SRUC has received this prestigious prize, highlighting our long-term commitment to science, technology, and innovation with application to benefit society.

“It is particularly important and significant to receive this award in a year when we will be taking another step forward with the launch of our new vet school. This will be fully integrated with Veterinary Services to increase the likelihood of having a sustainable pool of future vets better placed to support practices in remote and rural parts of Scotland, and equipped to improve productivity in future farming systems, support Scotland’s world leading food and drink sector and address global challenges such as sustainable food production.”

SRUC was one of 22 prize winners across the UK recognised at a dinner at Guildhall in London, hosted by The Royal Anniversary Trust, and the formal investiture at Buckingham Palace this week.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I want to say a huge congratulations to the winners of the 2022-2024 Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education.

“The UK has a long and proud history of research, discovery, and excellence in education and training. I am delighted that the 2022-2024 winners are continuing that tradition. The sheer breadth and variety of the work is impressive. In health, robotics, space, engineering, sustainability, animal welfare, photonics, skills and training, the English wine industry, and more, you are pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve.

“Thanks to your ingenuity, your dedication, and your hard work we are making real progress in science, transforming public health, growing the economy, and improving and enriching people’s lives.”