Dumfries and Galloway College has hosted Minister for Further Education, Higher Education, and Science Richard Lochhead at its Dumfries campus.
The Minister was on campus to attend the launch of the college’s new Climate Emergency Skills Strategy for Dumfries and Galloway.
Mr Lochhead also toured the campus and met with college Principal Joanna Campbell and other leading figures to hear about the latest developments at the college.
The Climate Emergency Skills Strategy for Dumfries and Galloway establishes a place based approach that uses the skills and assets of the South of Scotland to promote sustainability and protect the environment.
Working towards a low carbon economy and ensuring the region has the skills it needs for the future have been key priorities for Principal Joanna Campbell and her team ever since she took up her position.
The college leadership believes that the strategy represents a deepening of the commitment of Dumfries and Galloway College to playing a positive and active role in the South of Scotland and to providing a role model to others in education, government, and the private sector in tackling climate change.
Principal Joanna Campbell said:
“Our Climate Emergency Skills Strategy lays down our commitment to protecting the beauty and sustainability of the South of Scotland in black and white and we are delighted to have the Minister on campus to be part of its official launch.
“Across our college community, environmental issues are at the forefront of our efforts and our conversation and it gives me great pride to say that we are leading the way on these important topics.
“I look forward to seeing the positive results of this strategy and to working with colleagues, both in college and across our region, to making it work for us all.”
Further Education Minister Richard Lochhead said:
“Scotland’s skills system is among the world’s most successful but we must build on that success to address global, national, regional and local challenges, including tackling the Global Climate Emergency – the defining issue of our time.
“It is fantastic to see the work being carried out by Dumfries and Galloway College to embed climate issues across the College curriculum, as well as developing new facilities on campus to help students gain the skills required for the new net zero economy.
“By focussing on the strategic and economic needs of the south of Scotland region, the College is equipping students to become active contributors in their communities.”
