New role for Pauline

A NEW appointment will provide leadership and strategic vision for a £21 million dairy supply chain project in South-West Scotland and Cumbria.

Pauline Murray has been named as the new programme director of the Digital Dairy Chain, which is led by SRUC from its Barony campus near Dumfries.

She will lead the project which harnesses the strengths of a regional collaboration between large businesses, SMEs, and leading research institutions across the dairy supply chain and enabling technology sectors.

Pauline was previously the scheme’s innovation broker project manager and also has over 20 years of experience in project and programme management, with a strong background in delivering research, health, and manufacturing projects within the higher education sector.

She said: “As programme director, I lead the strategic direction of the entire programme, guiding a team of work package leads across critical areas including infrastructure, skills, innovation, and investment. I will also continue to oversee the Innovation Fund, ensuring that our funding priorities are closely aligned with long-term impact for both industry and academia.

“I’m looking forward to building on the excellent work of my predecessor, Stuart Martin, and continuing to grow the reach and impact of the Digital Dairy Chain.”

Welcoming her, Professor Wayne Powell, principal of SRUC, said: “I am delighted we have been able to appoint Pauline.

“This project drives innovation at its core, fostering entrepreneurship, creating new market opportunities, enhancing workforce skills, and laying the groundwork for more productive regions. All of this supports our critical journey towards net zero and ensures the industry remains competitive and future ready.”