Centres of excellence

Scottish Agricultural College

The SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) is an innovative, knowledge-based organisation supporting the development of rural communities and industries.

Research and development at SAC is organised into several categories:

  • Food supply chains
  • Environmental management
  • Animal health
  • Animal welfare
  • Agricultural systems
  • Rural policy

Moredun

Moredun was established in 1920 by farmers dedicated to improving the health of their livestock.

It comprises six organisations which have an excellent international reputation:

  • Moredun Foundation
  • Moredun Research Institute (MRI) internationally recognised for its work on infectious diseases of sheep and other ruminants o Moredun Scientific Limited
  • Pentlands Science Park Limited
  • VETAID
  • Equine Grass Sickness Fund

The Roslin Institute

The Roslin Institute is a BBSRC Institute (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council) associated at the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, the number one-ranked Veterinary School in the UK in 2008.

The Institute undertakes research within the framework of BBSRC Institute Strategic Programmes focussed on the health and welfare of animals, and applications of basic animal sciences in human and veterinary medicine, the livestock industry and food security.

Industry bodies

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is an organisation established to promote the red meat industry in Scotland.

Research and development is a core activity within the organisations.

The aim of the research and development strategy is to aid the introduction of new technologies within the red meat sector. These will make a positive contribution to profitability and aim to improve:

  • Efficiency in production and processing
  • Quality and marketability of the product 
  • Traceability systems
  • Communication of research results

QMS has established a committee, made up of farmers, processors and government representatives to direct the research and development activities of the beef and lamb sectors.


Discover more about Scotland's many other centres of excellence for the food and drink industry