South Ayrshire Local Plan

Training, Further & Higher Education and Research Institutions

Whilst no particular subject policy section should be seen as being more important than another, it is not by chance that the Training and Education Section begins, and underpins the Economic Development Chapter as the Council fully recognises the importance an appropriate skills base has in creating a diverse and growing economy.

South Ayrshire has a number of further and higher education establishments, the largest of which are the Ayr College and Paisley University Craigie Campus – both located within a short distance from Ayr town centre. Additional education institutions include the Scottish Agricultural College at Auchincruive, which also undertakes associated research and business functions. All of these institutions provide a wide range of specialist educational services – and offer significant economic benefits to South Ayrshire in terms of direct and indirect employment, educational benefits for the local population and also raise the profile of South Ayrshire in terms of academic excellence.

The Council recognises the contribution already made by these institutions and is concerned that their potential for further growth is achieved; both in terms of the expansion of facilities and also for increasing co-operation and association with business and industry.

STRATEGIC POLICY FE1*

The Council will favourably consider and encourage proposals for the establishment, expansion or improvement of further and higher educational establishments and associated/ancillary developments where they accord with the Plan’s environmental objectives.

POLICY FE2

The Council will safeguard land at Craigie Estate, Ayr, for recreational and educational purposes. The Council in partnership with Ayr college and Paisley University will prepare an overall masterplan for the integration of education, open space and other uses in Craigie Campus Ayr. Any subsequent proposal will need to accord with the master plan.

POLICY FE3

The Council will favourably consider proposals for the expansion of the agricultural college at Auchincruive and Hannah Research Institute as indicated on the Proposals Map, for education and research/business uses.