This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scottish Agricultural College
16/09/2003
Ross Finnie, Minister for Environment and Rural Development, today commented on proposals that would see the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) continuing the provision of education acrossScotland.
Mr Finnie said:
"I am encouraged that SAC have listened to my and others' concerns about their original proposals.
"These proposals mark a significant improvement on earlier plans.
"I am particularly encouraged by their revised proposals for education. These make clear that they intend to place much greater emphasis on sub-degree education being delivered in partnership with others on a more dispersed basis in Aberdeenshire, Ayrshire and other parts ofScotland.
"We are clear that viable educational provision must outweigh commitments to property - SAC's first priority must be to its students wherever they are inScotland.
"As a result of the revised proposals, the number of students to be accommodated inEdinburghis now likely to be less than half of their full-time student complement. These changes go a long way to addressing concerns about access to education provision in Aberdeenshire and Ayrshire.
"I would stress the importance of SAC reaching agreement with prospective partners for the future delivery of education. I would also expect them to work closely with local authorities, the Scottish Enterprise network and other organisations to find alternative uses for the Auchincruive and Craibstone campuses.
"I also note the fact that SAC have reduced their capital investment requirements and revised their financial projections. This means that they can now fund their revised proposals from within available resources.
"Having given very careful consideration to SAC's response it is apparent that the College have listened to the concerns registered by me and others and I feel that the direction of travel that the College is taking now is the right one.
"I am content that SAC should now press on with their intention to undertake more detailed business planning and I look forward to receiving their business plans in due course."
* Following a number of concerns about their original proposals the Minister asked SAC in March this year to carry out further work
* SAC submitted their response in July based on further work undertaken by consultants Deloitte & Touche.
* The Minister has given the revised proposals careful consideration and believes that the direction of travel that the College is taking now is the right one.
* He sees the forging of effective partnerships by SAC as an important aspect of their future.