A pioneering new course has been launched to help Scotland’s rural dairy businesses embrace blockchain technology and cryptocurrency, potentially transforming financial access and transparency across the sector.
The University of the West of Scotland (UWS), in collaboration with the Digital Dairy Chain programme and Scotcoin, has introduced a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme designed to equip small and medium-sized enterprises within the dairy supply chain with the skills to utilise digital finance effectively.
The programme will feature hands-on workshops and practical training sessions to help rural businesses understand how blockchain and cryptocurrency can support business growth, streamline operations, and reduce costs.
Theo Tzanidis, Senior Lecturer in Digital Marketing at UWS and academic lead for the programme, said: “Rural businesses often face higher costs and restricted access to financial services. By demystifying blockchain and showing how cryptocurrencies like Scotcoin can be applied in real-world contexts, we’re giving dairy businesses the skills to innovate and future-proof while improving supply chain transparency.”
Delivered by industry experts in blockchain and digital transformation, the course will cover the fundamentals of cryptocurrency, how it can be integrated into existing business models, and its potential to drive more efficient and transparent procurement systems.
Lynne Somerville, Skills Lead for Digital Dairy Chain, said: “This course is about giving our dairy businesses the confidence and practical skills to embrace digital change. Blockchain and cryptocurrency may feel like big, complex technologies, but we’re making them accessible and directly relevant to everyday business challenges, while ensuring the dairy sector remains competitive and sustainable for the future.
“It’s about supporting resilience and creating a sustainable future for the dairy industry.”
The initiative is funded through an Innovation Voucher from UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Strength in Places programme and supported by Scotcoin, Scotland’s ethical cryptocurrency that promotes financial inclusion and supports social good initiatives.
Suzanne McQuade, Senior CPD Manager at UWS, added: “We’re proud to be launching this unique programme, which is directly tailored to the needs of rural SMEs. It’s about building confidence in digital finance and giving businesses the knowledge they need to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.”
The CPD course, titled Blockchain & Cryptocurrency for Dairy Sector SMEs, is now open for registration.
