Research

Measuring biodiversity in Scotland

A new report on approaches to measuring biodiversity in Scotland was published by the Scottish Government last month. The report was written by a team at SRUC and SAC Consulting after reviewing a range of existing biodiversity metrics and engaging interested parties across the key policy areas.…

Julia Mccarthy
09/10/2023

Remembering a giant of the Green Revolution

In the wake of his recent death at the grand age of 98, the New York Times obituary for Professor MS Swaminathan labelled him the “scientist who helped conquer famine in India”.…

Wayne Powell
09/10/2023

Cumbria’s dairy kitchen opens its doors

A bespoke new food and drink facility has been launched at the Appleby Creamery in Cumbria to support new product development and business growth in the dairy sector.…

SRUC
03/10/2023

Scotland Praised by the OECD in a new report on rural innovation

A new report by The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) praising the innovation of rural Scotland was launched this week.…

Ian Merrell
29/09/2023

Talking hemp – the super crop

A new podcast, released today by Scotland’s Rural College’s Rural Policy Centre, looks at why so few farmers are currently growing hemp in Scotland.…

SRUC
21/09/2023

New graphic highlights human impact on the Earth’s critical zone

New research published by researchers from the UK and China could be key to tackling the effects of climate change on global food security.…

SRUC
18/09/2023

Could taxing unhealthy food help tackle climate change?

A new study, involving researchers at SRUC, has found that taxing foods high in fats, sugar and salt could potentially reduce emissions from food consumption, but it is unlikely that one policy could achieve both nutritional and climate goals. …

SRUC
18/09/2023

Equality, Opportunity, Community: What does it mean for Scotland’s rural communities?

If the First Minister is to achieve his ambition of delivering a wellbeing economy which is ‘fair, green and growing’, policies need to deliver for rural and island Scotland as much as they do for urban Scotland. Read more from our Rural Policy Centre's response to the Scottish Government's Programme for Government 2023-24 here.…

Rural Policy Centre
06/09/2023

Net-zero Cabinet Secretary sees SRUC climate research in action

Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition has been learning about some of the cutting-edge climate change research being carried out at SRUC.…

SRUC
31/08/2023

Fresh analysis will guide future agriculture policy

Twelve reports have been produced that explore some of the options and mechanisms the Scottish Government will need to consider while developing its upcoming plans for agriculture with a renewed focus on delivering for both industry and for nature. …

SRUC
29/08/2023

New resources to help farmers manage land with beavers

The Farm Advisory Service has published new resources to help farmers learn about managing land with beavers. …

Farm Advisory Service
25/08/2023

Report offers nuanced view of island and very remote regions

Scotland’s islands and very remote mainland regions have come under a “more nuanced lens” in a bid to better understand the challenges facing these communities – as well as future opportunities.…

SRUC
01/08/2023