South Scotland training courses

Wood Decay and Hazard Assessment of Trees Using PICUS

This is the first UK short course CPD to provide bespoke continuing development in wood decay and assessment of tree hazards, supporting those working in the forestry, agriculture and land management sectors. It is the only course available in Scotland providing training on the use of PICUS equipment for the assessment of wood decay without the necessity to fell. 

Participants will develop skills in the following areas:

• Support wood decay and hazard assessment of trees
  
  
• Background to wood anatomy and tree-fungal associations and the CODIT model – ecological importance of decay fungi balanced with risk mitigation and tree retention
  
  
• Introduction to the use of the light microscope for wood cell wall structure in absence and presence of decay and modes of action of different decay fungi
  
  
• An understanding of fungal decay under the microscope in relation to tree hazard assessment Introduction to picus tomography and resistograph and identifying trees that require further examination using invasive and non-invasive techniques
  
  
• The use of decay detecting devices (picus and resistograph) and interpretation of results
  
  
• Decision making processes and evidence supported decisions based on a deep understanding of tree decay processes at both micro-and-macro levels

Duration: 3 days

Dates: 3-5 April, 2024

Cost: £700 per person. (This course may be eligible for funding. Please email for further information). 

To book contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

Introduction to Drones for the Management of Forestry and Farmland

This two-day course provides an introduction to micro aerial robotics in forestry and agriculture, followed by an optional third day to expand the course to multispectral imaging and thermography using drones. 

On course completion, participants will:

• Complete the online certified drone operation course to allow course participants to fly drones in accordance with new regulations (UK Legal ID and Registration Requirements and UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)).
  
  
• Understand the drone codes and the consequences of not following the regulations.
  
  
• Become familiar with the functions, mechanics, and flight operations of MAPs, e.g. know how to bring the drone home manually, if lost.
  
  
• Be able to take 360° photographic images and videos of land from 60 to 120 m above land level and make a record of time.
  
  
• Be able to download and interpret the images taken for their specific purposes, e.g. volume assessment of timber stacks and log length, site risk assessment for unstable timber stacks, assess windthrow of trees and damage post storms, assess silt flow in water ways (liaise with Scottish Water). Monitor deer populations and their movement and observe for trends.

On the third optional day, an introduction to Multispec and thermography, giving participants the skills to monitor biodiversity and forest/crop health, e.g. plant health (multispec), curlew nests and deer fawn, pre-harvesting (thermography).

Participants must bring their own drones to the training days. Please email for more information.

Duration: 2 days (optional 3rd day)

Location: Barony campus, Dumfries

Dates: 
19 & 20 June 2024 (2-day course)
21 June 2024 (optional day 3)

Cost: £600 for the two-day course; additional £300 for the optional day. (This course may be eligible for funding subsidies, please see click here for further information)

To book contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

Introduction to Carbon Auditing (Farms)

This one-day course gives participants an understanding of carbon audits, the processes, data requirements, carbon tools, legislation and current grants and government schemes available. 

It aims to allow farmers to simplify carbon auditing and understand the benefits for business and customers.

Duration: 1 day (9am - 4:30pm)

Dates: 19 June 2024

Cost: £175 per person

To book contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

Spatial Mapping for Beginners: From App to GIS Map

This is a brand new, locally available course where beginners can learn how to create, collect, and map field survey data through freely available smartphone technology.

The course is aimed at ecologists (NGOs, consultants, researchers), landowners and land managers with limited/basic knowledge of GIS.

Through a combination of user-friendly smart phone apps and open-source mapping software (QGIS), participants learn how to gather, manipulate, and share spatial data. The course will demonstrate how smart phone apps can facilitate the collection of a range of spatial data, including habitat forest surveying and mapping protected species.

Participants learn how to design their own surveys from scratch, collect spatial data in the field and import data into QGIS. In Barony’s state of the art digital classroom attendees are shown how to manipulate the data in QGIS to create stylish maps for presentation purposes.

While no experience in GIS is required, attendees should be competent in the use of computers, including Windows operating systems, and they should understand the value of spatial mapping with respect to ecological surveying.

Spaces are limited to 12, so early booking is recommended.

Duration: two-day interactive course

Cost: £390

For course related information contact: duncan.robertson@sruc.ac.uk 

To book contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

Level 8 FOLA – An outdoor learning leadership award that incorporates the Forest School Practitioner Award

The award at level 8 is a qualification designed to enable learners to independently lead Forest School and Outdoor Learning sessions. Learners will be secure in the knowledge and skills of being in the forest and the outdoors and will be confident to communicate these skills to others. The approach to learning is to focus on the person holistically within the forest and outdoor environment to their mutual benefit.

The course is based in woodland surrounding our Barony campus.

The course has a taught element run over the equivalent of ten days, with additional time required to complete assessments, documentation and the planning and delivery of a programme of six Forest School sessions. Learners should complete the full course within one year of completing the taught element.

To achieve this qualification, learners are also required to complete an Outdoor First Aid qualification, which is available through SRUC if required.

Duration: 12 months (with ten days of face-to-face delivery)

Start Dates: 1 August or 21 October 2024

Cost: £1296.00

Contact us to reserve a place: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

Peatland Assessment and Restoration

The Peatland Assessment and Restoration course, which will be delivered from SRUC’s Barony campus near Dumfries, will provide an overview of peatland ecology and hydrology and an understanding of the causes of peatland degradation and will allow candidates to develop expertise in mapping and surveying peatland, before designing effective interventions for the restoration of the site.

It will also cover all stages of planning, funding and delivering a restoration scheme during the short course. The Peatland Assessment and Restoration course, which will be delivered from SRUC’s Barony campus near Dumfries, will provide an overview of peatland ecology and hydrology and an understanding of the causes of peatland degradation and will allow candidates to develop expertise in mapping and surveying peatland, before designing effective interventions for the restoration of the site.

It will also cover all stages of planning, funding and delivering a restoration scheme during the short course.

Duration: 10 day course delivered over two, one-week blocks with some online learning between blocks.

Cost: £1100 (this course may attract a subsidy from Nature Scot, please email for more information)

This course is now fully booked. For more information or to pre-register for the next available course, please contact baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk 

 

Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders and Refresher Courses

The full course and refresher will both be run on the following date in the classroom at the SRUC Scottish John Niven Building at the SRUC Auchincruive Micro Campus, Ayr.

The full course and refresher will both be run on 18 August 2023 in the classroom rather than online.

To be a Personal Licence Holder in Scotland you must first take the SCPLH (Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders) This course gains you the qualification needed to apply for your personal licence in Scotland, which is essential if your role requires that you authorise alcohol sales, including designated premises managers, retail managers, restaurant and bar managers and any other persons that want to progress into these positions.

If interested, then please email william.mackay@sruc.ac.uk 

 

Chainsaw Maintenance, Crosscutting and Felling Small Trees up to 380mm

This course covers chainsaw maintenance, crosscutting and stacking techniques, tailored to your needs. Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm covers the directional felling of trees using a chainsaw. The felling technique is appropriate to tree size, weight, condition, and species, as well as considering guide bar size and weather conditions. There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Duration:
five days plus assessment. 9am-4:30pm

Cost:
£925

Dates: please enquire for dates

To book contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

First Aid +F

Candidates can sit a one-day Emergency First Aid at Work +F if required. This builds on the Emergency First Aid at Work course by concentrating on the special skills which relate to forestry. Our course has been developed to comply with Forestry and Land Scotland Policy and in consultation with Forestry Industry Safety Accord (FISA).

Duration: one day. 9am-5pm

Cost: £105

To book contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

Woodchippers

Woodchippers are popular pieces of equipment used in industries from arboriculture to woodland preservation. They're powerful tools that have the potential to cause injury if used incorrectly. This makes training essential.

This is a hands-on course that delivers both practical skills and health and safety as well as demonstrating that you and your employer have completed sufficient training to meet the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

Learn how to operate this powerful machine safely and confidently with our one-day course.

This is an integrated training and assessment course. You'll receive a certificate of training once it is completed. We'll use a balanced mix of theory and practical sessions to guide you through the process. You'll learn all the key health and safety issues. Routine maintenance and practical work will include chipping and removing blockages.

There are no preconditions but a good level of fitness is required.

Duration: one day. 9am-4:30pm

Cost: £285.00

To book contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

Tractor Driving and Operation - City & Guilds

This 3 day course covers safe driving of a tractor, pre-use maintenance, safety checks and recognition of controls and instruments. After the initial training participants will be required to complete an assessment held on a separate date to gain this City & Guilds qualification. This course is suitable for those aged 16+ and no previous experience is necessary. The test of covers the use of the tractor in a range of situations: driving safely and correctly around a suitable course (including reversing with a trailer), trailer hitching, attaching 3-point linkage and Power Take Off (PTO) driven attachments. 

Duration: 3 days (plus and additional day for assessment)

Dates:
11, 12, 13, & 18 June

Location: Dumfries

Cost: £550.00

To book contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

Cow Signals ®

This course is designed for those who work with cattle and would like to learn more about their well-being and recognising signs of distress or potential ailments. Delivered over one-day by a cow signals master ® at our training facilities as well as partner farms, participants will receive SRUC Certification on completion.

Duration: 1 day

Cost: £150.00

To book contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

Basic Foot First-aid

This LANTRA certified course is designed to develop basic skills and knowledge. The course will be delivered by a BCVA Accredited Foot Health Trainer in partnership with a CHCSB Accredited Instructor and will cover:

• Basic anatomy of the foot/landmarks Tools for the job (including knife sharpening)
• Mobility scoring overview
• Recognition of main lesions causing lameness
• Handling, lifting and examination of a foot
• Introduction to the 5-step trimming method
• Treatment protocols: Block choice and NSAID administration
• Practical lesion treatment/blocking

Duration: 1 day

Location: Dumfries

Cost: £300.00

To book contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

Brushcutter and Trimmer Operation

This course is designed for anyone who operates a Brushcutter or Trimmer in the course of their employment. It covers the control of unwanted vegetation, ranging from grass and weeds to shrubs and small trees. It is delivered by one of our qualified staff and involves training and assessment. There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Duration: two days. 9am-4:30pm

Cost: £285

To book contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

A one-day Bushcutter and Trimmer Operation refresher course is also available.

Date: 13 July 2023

Cost: £175

To book contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

Chainsaw Crosscutting and Maintenance

This training course covers chainsaw maintenance, crosscutting and stacking techniques tailored to your needs. It is delivered by qualified instructors and leads to Lantra Awards certification. There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Duration: two days. 9am-4:30pm

Cost: £305

To book contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

Do It Yourself Artificial Insemination (DIY AI)

This four-day course is Semex certified and delivered using qualified veterinarians and trainers. By investing in DIY training and equipment, you can save between £600 and £800, based on 100 cows in the first year, over the cost of using a technician.

Duration: four days

To book contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

Animal Transportation Short Journey

This assessment allows you to apply for a Certificate of Competence required for people involved in the movement of animals over 65km (40 miles) and less than eight hours in duration. The Certificate is endorsed against one or more categories (sheep, cattle, pigs, horses, goats...), and meets the EU Regulation and Welfare of Animals (Transport) (Scotland) Order 2006.

The assessment takes place on a computer, and you are required to answer 27 multiple choice questions. The minimum satisfactory score to pass is 21 marks. There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Duration: one hour. Flexible starting time.

Cost: £95

To book contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

ATV (Quad Bike) – Sit-in and Sit-Astride

This ATV training course is designed for those who are required to ride a quad bike or an ATV as part of their regular duties. It is suitable for users in a range of industries and working environments such as agriculture, forestry, golf courses, leisure complexes, parks and gardens, outdoor shows, and events. The course can be delivered for either new or experienced operators. The new operator course is designed for people who have little or no experience of operating this type of equipment.

Duration: one or two days, depending on experience. 9am-4:30pm

Dates:
17 June (1-day course)
18-19 June (2-day course)

Cost: one day £190, two days £310

To book contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

Rough Terrain Telescopic Lift Trucks

Rough terrain telescopic lift trucks provide greater ground clearance than standard lift trucks and are used on uneven ground, commonly within the land-based industry. They have a similar appearance and function to forklift trucks, but due to their upwards and forwards reach abilities they are much more versatile.

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, however, to undertake experienced operator or refresher training you must be able to show formal training and certification or relevant experience.

Duration: between one and five days depending on experience. 9am-4:30pm

Cost: one day (refresher) £215, two days £370, three days £525, five days £840

Dates:
14 & 15 May

To book contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

Pesticide Training

This course is suitable for those working in forestry, agriculture, horticulture or greenkeeping. It is designed to help you prepare for the National Proficiency Test Council

PA1 (Foundation) test.

This course is the foundation module for pesticide application. To spray pesticide products, an individual must also hold an application module (such as a PA6 or PA2 qualification) in addition to the PA1. There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Duration: one day, with attendance required to sit the test on another day

Dates:
28 May 2024

Cost: £185

PA2

This course is suitable for those working in forestry, agriculture, horticulture or greenkeeping. It is designed to help you prepare for the National Proficiency Test Council PA2 (Mounted Crop Sprayers) test. The course is aimed at those intending to apply pesticides or currently spraying pesticides using a tractor mounted boom sprayer or a weed wiper from an ATV.

Candidates must pass their PA1 assessment prior to completing testing for PA2.

Duration: one day, with attendance required to sit the test on another day

Dates:
29 May 2024

Cost: £355

PA6

This course is suitable for those working in forestry, agriculture, horticulture or greenkeeping where spraying pesticide is required. It is designed to help you prepare for the National Proficiency Test Council PA6 (Handheld Applicators) test.

Candidates must pass their PA1 assessment prior to completing testing for PA6

Duration: one day, with attendance required to sit the test on another day

Dates:
30 May 2024

Cost: £285

To book contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

Emergency First Aid at Work

In this training and assessment course you will learn the key techniques to administer first aid. At the end of the course, you will receive a Lantra certificate of competence in Emergency First Aid at Work and a Skills Identity Card.

Duration: one day. 9am-4pm

Cost: £105

To book contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders at SCQF Level 6

This qualification is aimed at anyone in Scotland who needs to apply for a Personal Licence to sell alcohol in Scotland. The qualification covers the syllabus set by the Scottish government and will ensure learners understand the law, regulation and responsibilities attached to the retail sale of alcohol.

Duration: one day, online delivery

For more information contact:

Gillian Dixon
Telephone: 01292 886 200
Email: ayrtraining@sruc.ac.uk

To book contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (Refresher) at SCQF Level 6

The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 requires all personal licence holders to undertake refresher training within five years of them attaining their licence. All personal licence holders must attend a half day update course, sit, and pass an exam before the five-year anniversary of the attaining of the licence. They must also submit evidence that the training has been passed to the relevant licensing board within three months of the five-year anniversary.

Duration: one day, online delivery

For more information contact:

Gillian Dixon
Telephone: 01292 886 200
Email: ayrtraining@sruc.ac.uk

To book contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

T-H-E (Tourism, Hospitality & Events) Business Skills Programme for Scotland

T-H-E qualifications aim to boost business profitability by providing practical business knowledge and management skills in areas such as leadership, web design, customer service, digital marketing, preparing financial reports, business law and more. They are tailored for the tourism, hospitality, and events sector in Scotland. These qualifications implement an inclusive, sustainable education and training program that can provide opportunities within the visitor economy and related industries.

The T-H-E Programme comprises of eight modules. Each module has 60 guided learning hours at SCQF Level 8. This includes online tutorials, self-directed study and presentations from entrepreneurs and established South of Scotland visitor economy industry specialists.

The programme has been designed to allow candidates to achieve all eight modules or access individual modules.

For more information contact:

Bill Mackay
Telephone: 01292 525 213
Email: william.mackay@sruc.ac.uk

To book contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk

 

Lambing

This course is designed for those who have limited experience with sheep and who would like to know more about 'lambing time'.

The training course is delivered by one of our qualified agriculture instructors. All participants are awarded a College Certificate of Attendance on completion of the course. 

Duration: 1 day (9:30am - 3:30pm)

Dates: TBC

Cost: £130 per person. (This course may be eligible for funding. Please email for further information). 

For more information or to pre-register for the next available course, contact: baronytraining@sruc.ac.uk