A formal agreement has been signed between the Scottish Agricultural College and the three further education colleges specialising in land-based studies, making it easier for students to progress to degree courses at the SAC.
Students from Barony, Elmwood and Oatridge colleges are already able to move on to the SAC, but this agreement will put a system in place to ensure more will benefit.
David McKenzie, vice-principal of the Scottish Agricultural College, which has campuses in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Ayr, said: “By working together, we have been able to simplify the procedures and make it easier for these students to progress.
“This is a major step forward which will widen access to higher education from non-traditional entrants.”
Christina Potter, principal of Elmwood College in Cupar, Fife, said the new co-ordinated approach was vital for the land-based sector, where an ageing rural workforce could result in the loss of key skills.