Scottish Agricultural CollegeScottish Agricultural College (SAC)
Mission Statement
‘to enhance the sustainability of rural areas and communities and the viability of the industries on which they depend’
Supporting the Scottish Rural Sector
The Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) is one of Europe's leading education, research and consultancy organisations, specialising nationally and internationally in services for the rural sector and related industries. It provides a wide range of services directly or through its associate company, SAC Commercial Ltd, to individuals, small and medium size enterprises, corporate clients, local and regional authorities, and government agencies and departments. Certain of its services in Scotland are assisted by the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department through its Grant-in-aid programme as part of the national provision for research and rural advisory services.
SAC is one of the largest specialist organisations in the UK, with three Campuses at Aberdeen, Ayr and Edinburgh, eight Veterinary Laboratories, five Research and Development Farms and twenty three local Farm and Rural Business Advisory Offices throughout Scotland.
What makes SAC unique?
SAC is an established part of the UK higher education system but it is much more than that. In addition to its role in education, SAC has an innovative research and development programme and runs an international advisory and consultancy service. This means that students at SAC are taught by staff who are involved in all three activities - lecturers, researchers and advisers/consultants who provide up to the minute information and insights and who are in touch with the commercial world beyond. No other education institution can offer this combination of expertise and experience.
Education on firm foundations
Recent figures show that more than 90% of those completing courses at SAC find employment or a place in continuing education within six months. As the needs of the rural businesses and communities change, SAC is altering its course provision to meet new demands and to fit its graduates with the skills now needed by the wider rural sector. The choice of courses on offer spans the disciplines of agriculture, horticulture, environment, countryside, tourism and leisure management, presenting rich and varied opportunities for future employment.
Considerable investment is now being made to provide education and training through part-time and distance learning, for those whose circumstances prevent them from attending College full-time.
Excellence in research and development
SAC is one of the UK’s leading research establishments. Fields of research include economics and social science, farming systems, soil and environmental science, plant science and a wide range of animal sciences. One of SAC’s special strengths in research and development is the ability to assemble multi-disciplinery teams and to build links with partners in the UK and Europe.
Business and consultancy success
With thousands of clients worldwide, SAC’s commercial activities are now so wide-ranging that an associate company has been formed to manage them. Scientific, technical and business services are provided to industry, local authorities, national agencies and members of the public. Some are ‘public good’ services, such as conservation, animal welfare, pollution assessment and rural diversification. Others are provided on a fully commercial basis for an increasing range of clients with interests in food production, land use and the environment.
