Four marine science cluster companies have expanded into new workspaces at the European Marine Science Park at Dunstaffnage, near Oban, Argyll.
This follows completion of a £2m fit-out of the ground floor of the Park's Malin House by developer, Highlands and islands Enterprise (HIE).
Malin House was completed in 2012, initially with only the first floor fitted out. This is home to ten marine sector companies, active in a broad range of commercial marine activity.
The further fit-out investment was prompted by companies at the park expressing the need for additional office and laboratory space to enable them to expand their commercial activity. The new laboratories and offices were designed in consultation with those companies and the work was carried out by local contractor, TSL Limited.
Patogen AS, Tritonia Scientific Ltd and Oceanium have already leased some of the new space, along with Shetland firm Ocean Kinetics, which is expanding into Argyll.
Morag Goodfellow, HIE's area manager for Argyll and the Islands, said: "We're very pleased to have completed the fit-out of Malin House, which is enabling marine-based companies to expand. Argyll's rich marine resource has created and maintained significant economic opportunity for generations and these latest company expansions demonstrate how innovation and technology is continuing to drive the marine economy in the region.
"We can expect new opportunities in skills development and entrepreneurship, particularly for young people, and enhanced confidence in Argyll as a business location for inward investors."
Dr Teresa Garzon, key account manager with fish health firm, PatoGen Ltd, said: "We have been working in Scotland since 2014 and established our office at the EMSP in Oban in August 2018.
"Since we entered the Scottish market, we have collaborated well with aquaculture firms and seen a steady increase in activity. Our new laboratory in the excellent new facilities at Malin House is now in operation and represents the next stage in our company's growth."
Adjacent to Malin House is the Scottish Association of Marine Science (SAMS), part of the University of the Highlands and Islands network.
In the context of the global climate emergency, researchers at SAMS and commercial firms at the EMSP are playing a key role in safeguarding the oceans through greater understanding of the marine environment.
Together they are developing a sustainable marine economy that benefits people while safeguarding the health and productivity of the seas.
As part of a further £2.77m investment at EMSP by HIE, TSL is also working on groundworks, road development and car parking provision for three more buildings. Planning consent is already in place for one of those.
TSL and HIE have been working with neighbours of the site and authorities such as Scottish Water to advance the project while funding from Sustrans is being used to create a pedestrian and cycle lane to allow even greater access.
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Latest Construction News
26/11/2024
Scottish Water has unveiled its largest-ever procurement initiative, aiming to modernise the nation's water and wastewater infrastructure while safeguarding the environment. The program, named Delivery Vehicle 4, is valued between £5 billion and £9 billion and is set to run from 2027 to 2033, with ...
26/11/2024
The City of Edinburgh Council has granted planning permission, subject to conditions, for the refurbishment of Calton Square, an office building currently occupied by Baillie Gifford until the end of December 2025. Promoted by Ardstone Capital on behalf of Manova Partners, the project aims to ...
26/11/2024
First Minister John Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North, praised the progress being made on the construction of the new Perth High School during a visit on Friday, 22 November. He was joined by Jim Fairlie, MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, alongside senior Perth and Kinross Councillors, ...
26/11/2024
A state-of-the-art playpark has officially opened at King George V Park in Bearsden, following the completion of a £100,000 refurbishment. Funded by a combination of East Dunbartonshire Council (EDC) Capital Funding and the Scottish Government’s Renewing Scotland’s Play Parks initiative, the ...
26/11/2024
Fife Council has launched a public consultation, inviting residents, businesses, and organizations to contribute ideas and propose sites for inclusion in the next Local Development Plan, known as Fife's Place Plan. The council is calling on community councils, landowners, and developers to share ...
26/11/2024
The Chief Executive of East Lothian Council has announced she is to retire in February 2025. Monica Patterson who has been Chief Executive for almost five years, has spent most of her professional career working in local government. Prior to joining East Lothian Council in 2010, she was Head of ...
25/11/2024
West of Scotland Housing Association (WSHA) and Connect Modular have jointly submitted a planning application to Glasgow City Council for the development of 33 affordable homes in Cowlairs. This project aligns with the wider Cowlairs Park regeneration scheme and the city's ambitious housing ...
25/11/2024
Arc-Tech (Scotland) has successfully completed a £6m Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) services package for the Lost Shore Surf Resort in Edinburgh. The state-of-the-art resort, which opened its doors earlier this month, features a range of amenities, including a wave pool, luxury lodges, and ...
25/11/2024
Scottish Water has successfully completed the construction of a groundbreaking hydro energy generation scheme at Whiteadder Reservoir in East Lothian. This innovative project, believed to be the first of its kind in Europe, will harness the power of water to offset a significant portion of the ...
25/11/2024
Work is set to commence on a £6.5 million project to upgrade the Double Dykes Gypsy/Traveller site near Perth. The initiative aims to replace outdated chalets with modern, energy-efficient accommodation and implement significant site improvements. Perth & Kinross Council secured £3.9 million from ...