INTRODUCTION

This College has evolved since 1899 as a centre for providing education and advice to the agricultural industry and for undertaking research and development activities to promote technological advance in agriculture, horticulture, poultry husbandry and dairy technology. The present College facilities here at Auchincruive have steadily evolved since 1931 within this delightful Estate on the outskirts of Ayr which was gifted to the College in 1928 by a prominent local farmer - the late Mr John Hannah.

In Scotland, agricultural advisory work for farmers and growers is an extension service from educational centres and each of three regional agricultural colleges in the North, East and West is associated with a University. Here, the link is with both Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities. The Principal of the College is a Professor of Agriculture in Glasgow University and the Head of the Horticulture Department, a Professor of Horticulture in Strathclyde University.

It is a privilege to be host to such an important gathering of scientists and as some of our research and development activity is connected with the subject of the Symposium, I am sure the week's event will stimulate and encourage a number of my own staff who are interested in the uses of peat and other substrates in the glasshouse industry.

The work of this College is fully described in our 'Guide for Visitors' and in welcoming you I am making available a copy of this publication which will give you full details of the College and its mode of operation. In addition to taking part in the formal proceedings of the Conference I hope you will take any opportunity which may arise to look over our Estate, Farm and Horticultural Sections and that in addition to participating in this important Symposium, you will enjoy your time with us.