The Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) supports the development of land-based industries and communities through Higher Education and training, specialist research and development and advisory and consultancy services.
SAC's mission is to "enhance the rural economy and environment".[1] It has three main teaching campuses in Edinburgh, Ayr, and Aberdeen, as well as a network of 23 advisory offices, eight veterinary centres and five research farms. Much of SAC's work is in partnership with government departments, local authorities and other academic and research organisations.
SAC is split into three working divisions: Education and Training, Research and Development and Consultancy and Advisory Services.
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In 1899 the agricultural department of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College amalgamated with the Scottish Dairy Institute and formed the West of Scotland Agricultural College. In 1990 it became part of the SAC, producing a single institution for the activities and resources of the North of Scotland College of Agriculture in Aberdeen, the East of Scotland College of Agriculture in Edinburgh and the West of Scotland Agricultural College (WSAC) in Auchincruive, Ayr together with those of Scottish Agricultural Colleges, established in 1987.[2]
In 1900 WSAC was based in Blythswood Square, Glasgow. In 1927 the estate of Auchincruive of the late John Hannah of Girvan Mains, Girvan was given to the college and in 1974 the Blythswood Square site was closed.
SAC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes from three campuses, as well as training and on-line study opportunities. Programmes are offered on a full-time or part-time basis and cover a wide range of topics including the environment, business, leisure, agriculture, horticulture and science. SAC's courses are vocational in nature and are often designed in consultation with industry, to ensure good employment prospects for its students. SAC offers NC, HNC, HND, and postgraduate courses, as well as degree (BSc, BA) courses. Its degrees are awarded by the University of Glasgow or the University of Edinburgh.
The college's educational programmes are offered at three main campuses. The Aberdeen campus is on the Craibstone Estate, about 5 miles (8.0 km) from the city centre. In Edinburgh, SAC is located within the King's Buildings, a University of Edinburgh campus on the south side of the city. The Ayr campus was located at Auchincruive to the east of the town and in September 2011 the Ayr campus will be relocated to a new campus near the centre of Ayr, which will be shared with the University of the West of Scotland.[3]
SAC’s R&D programme aims to address the needs of the land-based industries including developing appropriate partnerships and collaborations. There are four research areas: Land Economy and the Environment, Crops and Soils, Sustainable Livestock Systems, and Animal Health.
SAC provides a range of consultancy services to more than 12,000 customers in Scotland, the United Kingdom and worldwide. More than 360 consultants, veterinarians, technicians and support staff deliver services to farmers, rural business, food processing and supplier markets.