The potential move was revealed as SRUC set out its priorities for investment across Scotland.

It said: “An option being considered is a move to a brand new campus, which could be built beside Thainstone Agricultural Centre.

“This could offer the advantages or a more rural, agricultural setting, with the busy town of Inverurie nearby.

“It could present increased opportunities for collaboration with industry partners and may offer the opportunity to consolidate SRUC’s local crop research work in a single location adjacent to a new campus.”

SRUC said its SAC Consulting division would be represented at the new site but – “in recognition of the need for consultants to have strong local presence” – also continue to work in communities throughout the north and north-east, as well as the rest of Scotland.

ANM Group, which owns Thainstone Centre, has backed the relocation.

ANM Group chairman John McIntosh said: “We are extremely supportive because we believe it would provide an opportunity to create a fantastic agri-hub focused on collaboration.

“SRUC would be able to work even more closely with industry and it would offer students greater involvement and experience in agri-business.

“There are many benefits to the industry of such joint working, so we are committed to helping SRUC make it a reality.”

SRUC aims to concentrate most of its research and education activities in the north-east in a single location.

Its current north-east hub on the Craibstone Estate is in the way of plans for a major new housing development.

Although Cala Homes’ 600- house scheme also includes new educational facilities, SRUC said the implications of both this and the impact on the local road network meant it was now “considering options for the future”.

SRUC is also considering options for its Barony campus in the south-west of Scotland, as well as its King’s Buildings site in Edinburgh.

It is anticipated that a final decision will be made by the end of this year, with the chosen outcome in place within the next four years.