A MULTI-MILLION-pound investment package is set to help the Barony campus near Parkgate, Dumfries expand further as a rural centre of educational excellence.
In the coming years the 260-hectare estate, part of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) could double the current 300 student roll.
David Mundell, Dumfriesshire Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP, was briefed on latest developments on a tour of the site, hosted by Professor Nick Sparks, Dean of SRUC’s South and West Faculty.
More than £30m worth of investment will potentially be needed at the long-established campus over five years to roll out the blueprint which brings together teaching, learning, research, consultancy and other activities.
The Scottish Funding Council has examined the business case for the current proposals and there are hopes of additional expansion supported through the Borderlands Growth Deal.
Professor Sparks said students, living both on and off campus, were drawn from the region and around the UK and Ireland with a wide range of courses offered, some up to degree level.
The development and modernisation programme, he revealed, would make the Barony an even better place to study and work and will give extra opportunities to broaden services and courses.
“It is a very exciting time for us as we make even greater use of the space and facilities we have,” said Professor Sparks.
Hospital
Mr Mundell said he was greatly impressed by everything he saw during his tour, which included the working dairy unit, engineering, forestry, agricultural and veterinary nursing departments.
He also viewed the South of Scotland Wildlife Hospital, run by an independent charity based in the college grounds.
He said: “The Barony has always been a great asset to the region and it is encouraging that the even greater potential it offers has been recognised.
“I always enjoy my visits to the campus. The encouragement and expertise of the lecturers and other staff is rewarded by a strong sense of engagement and enthusiasm which was evident among the students I met.
“The expansion plans are a shot in the arm for the Dumfriesshire part of my constituency.”
MP impressed by campus expansion
![](javascript:sharePopup('https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.eladvertiser.co.uk/mp-impressed-by-campus-expansion/&picture=https://www.eladvertiser.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/BA4V8584.jpeg-Barony-SRUC.jpeg&title=MP impressed by campus expansion"e=MP impressed by campus expansion', 'Share with Facebook','600','400','100','300')){kind=link}
The Eskdale and Liddesdale Advertiser is our community owned local newspaper and even in today’s troubled times, we aim to bring you local news and articles in an impartial, responsible and factual way.
We hope you have enjoyed reading this free article but we need your support so we can keep delivering quality journalism that’s open and independent and keeps you up to date with what is happening in Eskdale and Liddesdale.
Please get in touch if you have a story or article you would like to see published.
Moffat Mountain Rescue set to work on Warblaw
Local walker with nasty knee injury brought to safety By…
Tracking Tommy to the Cornet's Street Party
…a sociable end to a busy weekend It has become…
“Stop talking and start delivering” for farmers
NFU Scotland used the platform of the Royal Highland Show…
Canonbie Community Enterprise has its eyes on further goals
Canonbie Community Enterprise held its AGM on 23rd June. The…
Double GOLD again for Aoiffion
Aoiffion McVittie Brangan became another two times Scottish Champion on…
IRVINE HOUSE DEVELOPMENT GETS FULL PLANNING CONSENT
This is great news for Langholm and the surrounding area…
Public concern over Buccleuch’s Hall Burn solar farm plans
Impact on property values, noise pollution and traffic are the…
Rev Morag is called to a new parish
A new chapter in Ministry – a letter from her…
LANGHOLM’S AOIFFION IS TO RUN FOR SCOTLAND
BRING ON BELFAST | Not only is she supporting Scotland…
Langholm lads shine among the Souters o' Selkirk
Another successful outing, this time to Selkirk Common Riding, for…
If at first you don't succeed...
Resilient campaigners seek second petition The first bid to get…
Langholm cellist returns home for summer concerts
Langholm cellist Will Archibald will return to the region this…
D&G Council rejects tourist levy
Councillors voted last week to halt work on a visitor…
Langholm Cornet made very welcome at Hawick Common Riding
Once more, Langholm was well to the fore with the…
Drones to help peatlands
Nearly 30,000 football pitches worth of peatland was restored in…
Posh new signs but with baffling content
They look really smart but have a number of omissions…
David and pals tackle the Lairig Ghru...
…and raise £9,000 for The Beatson By David Jeffrey, On…
Community Council will work to replace play park equipment!
Buccleuch Park style facility envisaged After last week’s shock removal…
Disappointing progress in flood mitigation action
Mark Hallam reports on latest flooding meeting with Council officials…
Town’s infrastructure issues highlighted at meeting
Caroline Street, Holmwood, Drove Road and other problems were addressed…
Trailing Tommy: Langholm's Front Three become Mosstroopers
Langholm Cornet Tommy Hope sets off on his Common Riding…
New Solar and Battery Scheme proposed for Canonbie area
Hall Burn site earmarked for potential 300GWhrs project Buccleuch Group…
Sheep fleece market is showing signs of growth
After years of sheep fleece prices hitting rock bottom, the…
Dedicated volunteer Avril leaves a rainbow of memories
OBITUARY: Avril Leonilda Olivia Bannatyne née Baird Avril was born…
Castle Craigs Club welcomes new Cornet
The Castle Craigs club held its annual general meeting in…
Tradition continues with Hope at Helm
Thomas Hope is elected to carry Langholm’s Burgh Standard for…
D&G Farm worker takes on Doddie challenge
A Dumfriesshire farm worker and his partner are to embark…
Post Office celebrates a successful first year's trading
Community really happy about the return of an essential service…
Promise of Heritage Centre that never materialised
End of the road as Langholm’s Waverley Mill and area…
Lydiafield residents make a return visit to the Muckle Toon
Day Centre welcomes homecoming for residents of Annan Care Home…
Plainly pathetic parking poses potential problems
Alliteration aside, it’s plain dangerous There was a bit of…
A gem in Langholm's retail crown
G. J. Latimer & Co celebrates 144 years on Langholm…
Sheep-worrying figures down but still too high
New figures on incidents of livestock worrying in Scotland are…
Community Council reviews finances, prioroties and safety
A continued spat with a member of the public has…
Altitude Drivers versus the potholes
Hugh Ferguson captured photos of the Altitude Driver Club members…
Eskdale Hotel makes it to final in Scottish Hotel Awards
Langholm’s prime hostelry nominated in three categories in prestigious industry…
Castleholm Community Trust holds its third AGM
Trustees inform public about progress and development of aims Castleholm…
Our Common Riding remains self-sufficient
Following an article on the BBC website last week about…
Full turnout of candidates for Parliamentary debate
Community Council event gives locals the chance to quiz the…
Townhall toilet vandals will be flushed out!
Latest acts could jeopardise the future of public loos in…
Keep up to date with all that’s going on at the E&L
