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PLANS to create a multi-million pound marine science park in Argyll have been given the go-ahead by development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
The board of HIE has approved an investment of £7.5million to create the first phase of a new European Marine Science Park on a site next to the existing Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) laboratories at Dunstaffnage, near Oban.
The project aims to build on SAMS’ reputation for research and act as a launch pad for new businesses in Scotland’s growing life sciences sector.
HIE gained outline consent for the marine science park last year and has recently submitted detailed proposals with Argyll and Bute Council. Construction of phase one, which will create a new laboratory and office building capable of hosting three marine science businesses and supporting up to 119 jobs, could start in October.
HIE will contribute £4.5m of its own grant-in-aid budget from the Scottish Government, and has attracted the remaining £3m towards this first phase from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
HIE Chief Executive Alex Paterson said: ‘We believe we have a tremendous opportunity here to combine an exceptional natural marine resource with world-class research expertise to create a unique niche opportunity in a growing global market.’
HIE’s area manager in Argyll and the Islands, Douglas Cowan, said the local economy is expected to benefit in other ways too. He said: ‘Argyll’s marine environment is a fantastic resource which helps sustain businesses involved in the food and leisure sectors as well as renewables and cutting edge science.’
He added: ‘The success of existing businesses at Dunstaffnage shows the considerable potential that exists here.’
Dr Ken Jones, deputy director of SAMS, welcomed the progress towards the European Marine Science Park on their doorstep at Dunstaffnage: ‘The development of a marine science park will allow SAMS to maintain close links with these companies and means that the area will retain them when they outgrow our currently fully occupied facilities.
‘We will work with our partners in HIE and elsewhere to develop a cluster of high value marine related activity at Dunstaffnage.’
‘This decision bodes well for our growing number of graduates who will not have to move away from the area to develop an interesting career using their skills in marine science.’
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