Meet the Consultant - Katrina Coutts

I’m Katrina and I joined SAC Consulting as a Consultant in the Lerwick office in July 2025. I have grown up on my family’s croft in Shetland where we keep sheep and cattle which ignited my love for animals and agriculture early on.  

Throughout my time at school, I was always set on becoming a vet. However, when it came to leaving to study, I realised that my true interest lay in farming and agriculture. This path hadn’t really been presented to me as a suitable career option, and it only became clear what I wanted to do when I begin to really think about the idea of having to deal with a hamster or a cat instead of a ewe! 

My journey with SRUC started in 2021 when I left Shetland to study HND agriculture at SRUC Oatridge, just outside of Edinburgh. I was apprehensive when I first left Shetland and wasn’t sure how long I would stick out studying south but I’m glad to say that I achieved my HND in Agriculture and then decided to carry on with the BSc and opted to study at the SRUC Craibstone campus (slightly closer to home in Aberdeen!). I graduated in August 2025 with a First-Class Honours in BSc Agriculture.  

My first real introduction to consultancy came in the summer of 2024, when I completed a summer internship with the Lerwick SAC Consulting office between my third and fourth year. This allowed me to see the variety of work involved in a consultancy role including carbon auditing and completion of the June Agricultural Census. It was during this time I learnt more about the ‘Whole Farm Plan’ (WFP) and what it would mean for Shetland’s crofters and farmers. After learning more about the WFP and hearing concerns among crofters about the additional paperwork they had to undertake, I decided to investigate this as my fourth-year honours project. I was delighted to be offered a full-time position in the Lerwick office after finishing my studies.  

I enjoy the variety of work that comes with the role; however, I must admit I was glad when the Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) funding for carbon audits came to an end after completing 163 carbon audits in 2025! I have a keen interest in livestock nutrition and have been involved in livestock rationing this winter. I hope to develop this area of interest in my role in the Lerwick office as well as the Northwest region.  

Outside of the office, I enjoy the hands-on side of agriculture in Shetland. I still work on the farm where I helped as a student and when I’m not there, I’m usually helping on someone else’s croft! Shearing is one of my favourite times of the year and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to clip sheep in some truly remote and beautiful parts of the islands. Shetland is full of diverse businesses, and I admire the resilience of crofters and farmers, overcoming the challenges that come with island life. I really enjoy living and working in the agricultural sector on Shetland.  

I have so far loved my time in the Lerwick office. We are currently in the midst of IACS and I look forward to seeing what opportunities lie ahead. 

Katrina Coutts, Consultant, Katrina.Coutts@sac.co.uk

Posted by SAC Consulting on 16/04/2026