More than 160 graduands attended the Scotland’s Rural College graduation ceremony at Bute Hall, Glasgow University.
As they took to the stage to receive their degrees, they were watched by a further 750 friends, family and academic staff.
SRUC’s acting chief executive Janet Swadling encouraged the graduands to strive for success and referred in her address to the example set by former SAC chairman Dr Maitland Mackie, who recently passed away.
She said: “All who knew Maitland recognised an inspirational leader and industry figure, not just in his native Aberdeenshire but across the UK and beyond, who was never afraid to challenge the way things were done; never afraid to ask difficult questions and make folk think.
“And, just as important, once he was sure action was needed he worked hard to achieve it and get everyone on board.
“Maitland’s motto was ‘No change, no chance’ that is a motto I believe serves us all well.”
To take account of the higher student numbers following the 2012 merger that formed SRUC, the graduands were those who have achieved undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. A separate ceremony will take place in November for those achieving Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs).
During the ceremony, Nigel Miller, president of the NFUS, was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of SRUC.
SRUC researcher Lutz Bunger was conferred as Professor of Growth Genetics. Researcher Simon Turner was conferred as Reader in Applied Ethology (the study of behaviour in animals).
A long-serving member of staff who retired earlier this year, George Marshall, was designated as Emeritus Professor of Plant Science.
Dr Lou Ralph, who lectures at SRUC’s Craibstone Campus in Aberdeen, received SRUC’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, while beef and sheep consultant Gavin Hill is this year’s winner of the RC Stewart Prize for his excellence in engaging with SRUC’s customers.
The following students have successfully graduated from Scotland’s Rural College.
Honorary Fellowship SRUC: Nigel Miller, president NFU Scotland. Emeritus Professor of Plant Science: Professor George Marshall. Visiting Professor in Animal Health and Behavioural Economics: Professor Karl M Rich. Visiting Professor in Biogeochemistry: Dr Ute Skiba. Visiting Professor in Mathematical Biology: Dr Glenn Marion.
Professor of Growth Genetics: Dr Lutz Bunger. Reader in Soil Science: Dr Bruce Ball. Reader in Applied Livestock Genetics: Dr Joanne Conington. Reader in Applied Ethology: Dr Simon Turner.
Bachelor of Arts in Food Tourism Management (Second-Class Honours, Lower Division): Joanne Esther Smith, Kettins, Blairgowrie.
Bachelor of Arts in Rural Business Management (Second-Class Honours, Upper Division: Stephanie Ann McFarlane, Forth Park, Stirling; Lower Division: Abigail Laurie Ross, New Fowlis, Crieff; Joanna Beth Taylor, Blackford, Perthshire. Pass with Distinction: Ebony Jackson Reid, Inchture. Pass with Merit: Kirsty Louise Paterson, Carnbo, Kinross; Mark Murray Wilson, Waulkmill Farm, Kinross.
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Second-Class Honours, Upper Division): Andrew Christie, Guildtown, Perth. Carla Kate Coghlan, Murthly.
Bachelor of Science in Applied Animal Science (Second-Class Honours, Upper Division): Tasha Elizabeth Cadman, Brightons, Falkirk. Second-Class Honours, Lower Division: Rhian Mary Mitchell, Arthurbank, Meigle.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Protection (First-Class Honours): Andrew Innes, Broxburn.
Bachelor of Science in Horticulture (Second-Class Honours, Upper Division): Emma Jane Griffith, New Carron, Falkirk; Paul Patrick Thomas, Perth.
Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Environmental Management (Second-Class Honours, Upper Division): Laura Anne Williamson, Perth. Second-Class Honours, Lower Division: Craig Ferries, Burntisland; Andrew J Riach,
St Andrews. Third-Class Honours: Alan Young, Abernyte. Pass: Dean Muir, Cupar.
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (pass with merit): Jason Robert Bedford, Bowriefauld, near Forfar; David Lamont Comrie, Fowlis Wester, Crieff; Daniel David Fleming, Monikie; Kris Iain Johnston, Bothkennar, Falkirk; James Howden Mckerrow, Freuchie; Craig Bryce Smith, Redgorton, Perth; Kyle David Smith, Guildtown; Scott Craig Watson, Newbigging. Pass: Angus C Cessford, Farnell, Brechin. Crawford McLaren, Crieff.
Bachelor of Science in Applied Animal Science (pass with distinction): Emma Yeomans, Cupar.
Bachelor of Science in Horticulture with Plantsmanship (pass with distinction): Craig Ritchie Hutton, Thornton.