More Firms Welcomed To Marine Science Park

1st December 2017

Two more companies have been welcomed on to the European Marine Science Park (EMSP), a development by HIE at Dunstaffnage near Oban.

Aquaculture firm, Fusion Marine Ltd, and ALIenergy (Argyll, Lomond and the Isles Energy Agency) have recently moved into the Park's Malin House.

They join ten other firms including micro-algae technology specialist, Xanthella Ltd, which is expanding into new state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.

The arrival of two more tenants to Malin House sees the number of employees based in the building increase to more than 30.

Morag Goodfellow, senior development manager at HIE, said there is increasing commercial sector interest in and enquiries about the Park:

She added: "We’re delighted to welcome the new tenants to Malin House and the expansion in the range of marine expertise they bring to the Park. The EMSP is recognised internationally as a prime location for marine science and related industries.

“Malin House is designed to accommodate the needs of a wide range of occupiers, to encourage collaboration between tenants and to promote links with education and research led by the Scottish Association of Marine Science (SAMS)."

Stephen Divers, managing director of Fusion Marine Ltd, leading supplier of fish farming equipment, said: “We have moved our administration function from Barcaldine to Malin House, which will enable us to benefit from the synergies created by being part of the cluster of scientific expertise at Dunstaffnage, aiding in aquaculture research and development programmes.”

Lynda Mitchell from ALIenergy Ltd added: “Our company works in community renewals and local energy, including algal solutions for the local energy economy, so Malin House is a great base for us, especially for networking with other marine based businesses.”

Xanthella Ltd has been a tenant in the building from the beginning. Now their algal photobioreactor business has expanded, they have been able to take on an additional suite at Malin House. MD Douglas MacKenzie said: “HIE has commissioned a laboratory and office fit-out ideal for our needs. The EMSP is fast becoming a renowned location for marine science and Xanthella is pleased to be part of this thriving cluster of innovative marine businesses.”

Biotechnology company, Cuantec Ltd, has also established a base within the on-site business incubator, hosted by SAMS. Their focus is on producing innovative packaging products from shellfish waste products.

HIE has been developing the EMSP over the past few years, supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund for the Phase 1 development, known as Malin House.

Details of the flexible space still available for businesses at the EMSP is available at

www.europeanmarinesciencepark.co.uk