Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is calling its new half female board a “significant moment in gender balance”. The appointment of three new non-executive directors means that, for the first time in its history, SRUC will have a 50:50 gender split on its board.

Former Edinburgh College principal Annette Bruton, who also spent four years as Scotland’s chief inspector of education, will take up her position in June, alongside Margaret Khnichich, a former executive director and partner at Ernst & Young. Elma Murray, who was chief executive of North Ayrshire Council from 2009 until 2018, will begin in October, when SRUC vice-chair Alistair Marshall steps down after seven years.

At this point, the board will be comprised of seven women and seven men.

SRUC chair Sandy Cumming hailed this a “highly significant moment in terms of gender balance”.

“We are very fortunate to have three such outstanding new board members. Annette, Margaret and Elma all bring a vast amount of expertise and experience to these positions,” he added.