What representations have been made to the Scottish Agricultural College regarding any proposed closure of the Auchincruive site and, if it…

The Scottish Agricultural College's (SAC) proposal to withdraw campus-based education and research services from its Auchincruive Campus is part of an option for rationalisation that SAC has sought ministers' agreement to, on the basis of a report of an options appraisal conducted by consultants Deloitte & Touche.I have asked SAC to invite comments on the report from staff and other stakeholders and this has been done. I have also asked SAC for further work on the options appraisal. Ministers will take account of comments and representations that SAC receives and the additional information I have asked for before completing their consideration of the options appraisal report and SAC's recommendation. This process is likely to take a number of weeks.Without prejudice to the outcome of the option appraisal process I understand that SAC has been working with Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Council to find alternative uses for parts of the Auchincruive campus which has exceeded the College's requirements for some time.