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SAC Welcome For McCain’s Student Bursary
Students from all three SAC campuses recently watched the announcement of a groundbreaking new bursary scheme to be established by McCain Foods.
Like many in the potato sector McCain is thinking about the future and the continuity of supply of new generations able to take the industry forward. Their Scottish Agricultural Bursary will support students starting their second year of an Agriculture Degree course with the aim of helping them develop strong farming, crop production and farm management skills. McCain’s are also offering paid work experience in their supply chain during vacations.
Speaking at the launch SAC Vice Principal and Head of SAC Learning David McKenzie said he was delighted with the programme. “It will assist SAC’s students in financing their studies whilst gaining good practical experience of working in a modern company. It is a very welcome investment in the development of talent and skills for the long-term future of the potato industry.” SAC Principal Consultant and Potato Agronomist, Dr. Stuart Wale added, “The potato industry desperately needs young blood and there is a demand for expertise across the sector. This timely initiative by McCain is to be welcomed. It will introduce new talent to an exciting enterprise.”
Some SAC students travelled to the announcement in King's Buildings, Edinburgh while others took part by video link. The Scottish Agricultural Bursary builds on an existing McCain scholarship programme at Askham Bryan Agricultural College, York and the Royal Agricultural College. The selection process for any candidates from SAC Campuses in Aberdeen, Ayr and Edinburgh will include the submission of a personal statement and their interest in a creer in the potato industry.
Since 1986, McCain has operated a dedicated seed business at its site in Pugeston, Montrose, which contributes over £5 million a year into the Scottish potato supply chain, and is now one of the UK’s largest seed businesses.
Graham Finn Associate Director, Agriculture at McCain Foods (GB), said, “For over twenty years, Scotland has been the heart of McCain Foods’ seed business. Over 25,000 tonnes of seed potatoes are grown each year for our farmers throughout the UK, ensuring, where possible, that McCain chips are made from 100% British potatoes. We believe the bursary will encourage the next generation of Scottish farming talent to pursue a career in agriculture.”
The initiative has the backing of Richard Lochhead MSP, Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment who commented, “This groundbreaking partnership between the Scottish Agricultural College and McCain aims to encourage the next generation of Scottish talent to flourish across the food and farming industry.”
Image shows: (l-r) Clare Baker MSP, David McKenzie, Vice Principal SAC Learning, Andrew Riley, Corporate Communications Manager, McCain Foods, John Elcock, Lecturer, SAC, Graham Finn, Associate Director, Agriculture, McCain Foods and Colin Herron, General Manager, McCain Foods Montrose. Front, Daniel Hird, McCain Scholarship, Askham Bryan College