A sunny warm afternoon attracted more than 3000 visitors to Sunday’s Open Day at the Barony campus of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).
The day allowed the public to get up close to everything that happens on site.
Around the grounds, dog agility displays attracted big crowds and new for this year were Suco Sled Dogs which did demonstrations throughout the afternoon. There was an impressive range of agricultural and forestry machinery on show, thanks to the excellent links the college has with the land-based industries.
The animal care centre was kept busy, with students educating visitors on a wide range of small animals. Engineering students took visitors on scenic drives around the boundaries of the campus on tractor and trailer rides, and rural skill students had plants for sale that they had grown from seed.
The Open Day was also part of Open Farm Sunday. There were many animals on display including alpacas, cows, rare breeds of sheep and goats.
David Birch, Lean Facilitator from Arla Foods, the principal sponsor of Open Farm Sunday, said: “Great weather, great activities, great crowds – this year’s Open Day was a resounding success for Arla. All our samples were given away, the kids particularly going for the Cravendale bottles and the Skyr strawberry yoghurt. We had a great time letting everyone know about our part in the dairy industry and we are already looking forward to next year.”
Shona Warwick, Marketing and Student Recruitment Officer at Barony, said: “The open day is designed around the unique activities, facilities and subjects that students use at the campus. It was a tremendous day, and the weather certainly helped make the event.
“I would like to thank all the external contributors for their continued support. So many businesses and individuals give up their time and get involved in the Open Day – we are so grateful for all their help. Staff and students also put a lot of time into setting up and being here on the day in order to give visitors a taster of what we have to offer.”
The parking fees raised money for two local charities: the South of Scotland Wildlife Hospital which is situated on the Barony grounds, and RHET Dumfries and Galloway Countryside Initiative.
Courses at Barony Campus include agriculture, animal care, engineering, forestry and arboriculture, rural skills and veterinary nursing.
To find out more, go to www.sruc.ac.uk/barony
