Former NFU Scotland dairy policy manager, Stuart Martin, is taking up a new post in the industry.

He has been appointed as programme director of the Digital Dairy Chain, which is led by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) from its Barony campus near Dumfries. The former NFUS dairy policy manager will lead the £21m project which which will see collaboration between large businesses, SMEs, research organisations operating in the dairy supply chain.

Read more: SRUC showcases the Digital Dairy Chain at the Barony

Professor Wayne Powell, principal and chief executive of SRUC, said: “I am delighted we have been able to appoint someone of Stuart’s calibre to provide the leadership and strategic vision for the Digital Dairy Chain.

“This project will foster entrepreneurship, create new market opportunities, add new skills to the workforce and lay the foundations for more productive regions, all while making the critical journey towards net zero.”

Mr Martin said: "It is exciting to be involved in a project that will establish the region as a leader in advanced, sustainable and high-value dairy manufacturing. I’m very keen to start working with all the stakeholders and look forward to helping take the project to the next stage.”

The Digital Dairy Chain is supported by government funding provided through UK Research and Innovation’s flagship Strength in Places Fund.