Hi I'm
William Mackay

I am Programme Team Leader for Rural Business Management at SRUC's Ayr and Barony Campuses.

I come from a semi-rural background with strong family links to crofting communities in the Isle of Lewis. I studied at Strathclyde University and Glasgow University. Then, for the next twenty years, pursued a management career in three multinational PLCs and three regional private limited companies working in Glasgow, Edinburgh and London. In 2003 I gained a PGCE and entered academia lecturing mostly in financial management, business planning and marketing.

I have been with SRUC since 2008. In addition to the BA in Rural Business Management I am involved with agriculture and poultry courses from HN to Masters and I have been involved in the delivery of an international MBA at the Institute of Agricultural Economics In Prague.

I have a huge interest in rural diversification, particularly rural recreation and hospitality. I am also very interested in creativity and innovation, student recruitment, student support and diversity in the workplace.

In addition to HN/Degree responsibilities, I create and deliver CPD training courses for a mix of public and private sector organisations, including, BIIAB Licensing Legislation, Music Promotion and Conflict Management. I am also involved in developing a new distance learning HNC in Rural Business Management.

I act as external examiner for Cornwall College; University of Plymouth Degree Programme, I am a member of the Institute of Agricultural Management and I maintain strong links with the Scottish Institute of Enterprise.

Outside of work I have a keen interest in grassroots sport. Recently I was presented with a Lifetime Volunteer Award from East Renfrewshire Council for my work as Chairman of the Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire Swimming Club and Chairman of the Community Sports Hub.