Marine science opportunities drive £7.5m investment
20th November 2011
Construction of the ambitious European Marine Science Park is underway at Oban in Argyll, where a turf-cutting ceremony was held to mark the occasion
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is investing £7.5m to create the first phase - which will take advantage of significant opportunities in marine science, including in marine biotechnology and renewable energy.
The 20,000 sq ft of office and laboratory space will support businesses in Scotland's growing Life Science and Energy sectors and has the potential to support up to 125 jobs.
The site of the development, Dunstaffnage near Oban, is already an internationally recognised centre of excellence for marine science, with the Scottish Marine Institute being home to the Scottish Association of Marine Science (SAMS), and the European Centre for Marine Biotechnology. These provide marine science research and education as well as incubation space for new and growing businesses.
Robertson, the infrastructure, support services and construction group, are now on site to begin work on Phase One, which will provide a supportive atmosphere for businesses to continue to grow in a high-specification sustainable building, located in an outstanding marine environment.
Energy, Enterprise and Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing said: "The Scottish Government and its enterprise agencies are working hard to retain Scotland's position as the most competitive environment for business in the UK.
"The £7.5 million European Marine Science Park will create a European Centre of excellence in marine science, research and development at Dunstaffnage, which will strengthen the local economy through attracting new jobs and investment to the area.
"I am delighted that work has started on Phase One of this ambitious Highlands and Islands Enterprise project - this brings us another step closer to making this major infrastructure project a reality for this community and local businesses."
Douglas Cowan, Area Manager for HIE, said: "The European Marine Science Park is a landmark project for Argyll and is of national significance. It builds on our strong reputation in marine sciences and will lead to more businesses employing more people in high value jobs, creating greater prosperity for north Argyll and the wider area."
Andrew Cowan, Group CEO of Robertson said: "Robertson are delighted to be working in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise to deliver this significant infrastructure project for Argyll. We have considerable experience in delivering high profile public sector projects throughout Scotland and we are thrilled to add the European Marine Science Park to that prestigious list."
"As part of our commitment to local communities we have already held an open evening for the public and suppliers and we shall endeavour, where possible, to engage with the local supply chain."
SAMS Director, Professor Laurence Mee, commented: "With the success of the European Centre for Marine Biotechnology at SAMS we have demonstrated how the private sector can make innovative use of the scientific knowledge and unique natural assets available in Argyll. HIE's European Marine Science Park will build on this, allowing entrerpreneurs to spin out companies that will bring new jobs to the region and create a knowledge-based society that will resonate nationally and internationally. This is a fantastic development and a huge vote of confidence from HIE, the private sector and the Scottish Government."
In August 2010, the HIE Board approved an investment of £7.5m to create the first phase of the Science Park on the site next to SAMS at Dunstaffnage. 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).
PHOTO
L-R : Andrew Cowan C.E.O of Robertson and Alex Paterson CEO, HIE cut the first turf outside the S.A.M.S building, Dunstaffnage by Oban 18/11/2011
Scottish Association of Marine Science web site
http://www.smi.ac.uk/
Related Businesses
Related Articles
10/12/2025
How Development and Innovation Have Been Supported in the Highlands & Islands Over the Past 60 Years
For 60 years, the Highlands and Islands have been the focus of one of the UK's most distinctive long-term regional development efforts. Since the creation of the Highlands and Islands Development Board (HIDB) in 1965—and its evolution into Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in 1991.
9/12/2025
Planning consent granted for Inverness Campus
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has been granted planning permission in principle to progress the second and final phase of development at Inverness Campus. The consent is subject to a Section 75 agreement being finalised between HIE and The Highland Council.9/12/2025
Island Business Resilience Fund expansion
Businesses affected by ferry disruption in Coll, Tiree, the Small Isles, Mull, Iona, Ulva, Barra, Vatersay, Islay and Jura can now access financial support. The £4.4 million Islands Business Resilience Fund (IBRF) is expanding to support more businesses experiencing economic impacts linked to travel issues.8/12/2025
What the NC500 Research Projects Are Designed to Do - and Why They Matter for the Highlands
As the North Coast 500 approaches its tenth anniversary, it has become one of Scotland's most well-known tourism success stories. The 516-mile loop around the far north of the Highlands has been celebrated internationally, marketed as a world-class road trip, and credited with transforming visitor numbers in some of Scotland’s most remote areas.28/11/2025
Workforce North event spotlights Highland economy
EMPLOYERS and educators from across the Highlands have gathered to hear how a new initiative is aiming to transform the region's economy. Workforce North - A Call to Action brought together business leaders and teachers from primary and secondary schools from across the Highland Council area with a wide range of partners geared towards education, learning and skills development at Strathpeffer Pavillion.
25/11/2025
Tartan challenge for UHI students offers £1,500 prize
Students from across the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) partnership have been challenged to design a tartan and be in with a chance of winning a £1,500 cash prize. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has launched THE COMPETITION to mark 60 years since the regional development agency (then named Highlands and Islands Development Board) was established in November 1965.
25/11/2025
The Rural AI Roadshow - How AI can help your rural business thrive
Scotland's enterprise agencies (Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise) The Scottish AI Alliance and The Data Lab have joined forces to plan and deliver an inspiring and educational Rural AI Roadshow. There will be three, one day, Rural AI Roadshow conferences taking place across Scotland in January 2026.
25/11/2025
Digital and AI innovation round-up for November
Scotland's digital future is accelerating, with AI and tech innovation transforming businesses. In this blog, HIE's Theresa Swayne shares November insights on funding, leadership, and how organisations can harness technology to stay ahead.
25/11/2025
Reflections from SEWF Rural: global lessons for the Highlands and Islands social impact economy
As we mark 60 years since the region's economic and community development agency was established, it's timely to reflect on the global aspects of our work on shaping rural futures. The recent Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) Rural Gathering in Sabah, Malaysia, welcomed changemakers from Australia, Ireland, India, Canada.
19/11/2025
Scottish Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Guide - FREE To Download
Scottish Enterprise's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Guide provides an overview of more than 150 organisations that support new and growing companies in Scotland. The guide includes incubators, accelerators, specialist industry programmes, co-working spaces and networking organisations.
Our Social Media
