Celebrating Excellence at the Crichton 25th Anniversary Awards Dinner

SRUC is proud to celebrate the achievements of our staff at the prestigious Crichton 25th Anniversary Awards Dinner, held last night (4 December) in Dumfries.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of Lucy Thornton as SRUC Staff Member of the Year. Lucy, a lecturer on the Wildlife and Conservation Management programme, was commended for her inclusive and innovative teaching methods and for her remarkable ability to overcome personal adversity with boundless energy and enthusiasm. Her dedication to student success and her commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment exemplify the values of SRUC.

We also extend warm congratulations to the other finalists:

• Gemma Higgins, from the Agriculture team, recognised for her outstanding contributions to teaching and student support.
• Ely Blyth, from Wildlife and Conservation, celebrated for their commitment to inspiring students and advancing environmental education.

Together, these nominees represent the very best of SRUC’s teaching and leadership, showcasing the passion, resilience, and innovation that underpin the institution’s mission to support land-based education.

Professor Jamie Newbold Provost and Deputy Principal of SRUC, said:

“We are immensely proud of Lucy, Gemma, and Ely. Their dedication to students and their ability to inspire through teaching and leadership are at the heart of what makes SRUC such a special place. The Crichton 25th Anniversary Awards provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their achievements and the collective impact of our staff on education and the wider community.”

The Crichton 25th Anniversary Awards Dinner brought together staff, students, and partners from across the Crichton Campus to mark 25 years of collaboration, innovation, and excellence in higher education.

Posted by SRUC on 05/12/2025