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Land-based Colleges Investigating Merger - Shared Vision for the Future

SAC News Release Ref. No: 11N106
Published: 08 Sep 2011

The Boards of Management of Elmwood and Oatridge Colleges and the Board of SAC have decided to pursue a full merger, subject to due diligence being carried out over the next few months.

In March of this year Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Michael Russell MSP launched a Concordat signed by representatives of SAC and Scotland’s three land-based colleges. It marked the latest progress in co-ordinating the delivery of education, skills and business support to Scotland’s land-based sector. This latest announcement is another, exciting step forward.  

In a joint statement Elmwood, Oatridge and SAC say:

“We share a vision for the delivery of comprehensive skills, education and business support for Scotland's land-based industries, built on world class and sector-leading research.

We are committed to a new model for Scotland of an innovative, integrated model of academic and practical expertise, using the strengths of all partners in the transfer of knowledge to and from partners, stakeholders and the industry.”

The commitment to merging, subject to due diligence, is a significant development for land-based education in Scotland. The Board of Management of Barony College recognises the exciting possibilities of the merger and continues to consider its future options.

The vision encompasses a partnership approach, with like-minded organisations which impact directly on rural life. The move has the full support of Cabinet Secretary Michael Russell who commented:

"This planned merger is excellent news. It comes just ahead of my plans next week to propose a range of reforms to post-16 learning in Scotland. Its aim of bringing together the distinctive contributions of Elmwood, Oatridge and SAC to improve the experience of learners is very much in tune with my thinking. I wish the partners well, and I look forward to hearing the outcome of discussions at Barony College in due course."

Since the partners signed their Concordat in March of this year, they have continued to work together on a Joint Board Working Group in conjunction with the Scottish Funding Council. Their focus, amongst other things is the integration of world class research in the SAC into skills development in the land-based colleges and to offer their students opportunities to progress more smoothly from certificate level course to degree or even PhD.

“Our ambition includes creating an efficient and effective business model that will deliver enhanced public value for Scotland.”

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News Release Issued By

Mr Ken Rundle
Senior Communications Officer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4196

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