Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray MP has said a new aquaculture research facility at the University of Stirling will boost productivity, improve sustainability and create jobs.

A steel signing event marked the beginning of the final phase of construction of the pioneering centre to be known as the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH).

The state-of-the-art facility is funded by a £17million investment by the UK Government through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, as well as a £1 million Wolfson Foundation grant, NATIH will drive the UK’s ambition to be a world leader in modern aquaculture practice.

The facility will be fully integrated into the University’s world-renowned Institute of Aquaculture (IoA), the UK’s leading centre for aquaculture research, which includes a large-scale marine facility at Machrihanish in Kintyre and a freshwater facility at Buckieburn near Denny.

The depute leader of Stirling Council and senior University leaders signed the steel structure, as well as a plaque which will be hung in NATIH after it opens next year.

Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray MP said: “I welcome the progress being made to deliver this pioneering aquaculture project. Backed by £17 million UK Government funding – part of our £45 million commitment to the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – it is a great example of collaboration to find innovative solutions for boosting productivity, creating jobs and improving sustainability in the sector in Scotland and beyond.

“I am committed to working with partners to bring a new era of growth for Scotland. Our Budget last week confirmed £1.4 billion of direct UK Government investment in local growth projects, helping to regenerate our towns and cities, support local community groups, and help businesses succeed.”

The Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal is a £90.2 millon investment from the UK Government and Scottish Government in innovation and infrastructure that will drive inclusive economic growth throughout the region.

Regional partners, including Clackmannanshire Council, Stirling Council, and the University of Stirling, will invest up to £123.8 million, resulting in a Deal worth more than £214 million, to be delivered over 10 to 15 years.

The steel signing event held today was attended by Councillor Gerry McGarvey, depute leader of Stirling Council.

Councillor McGarvey said: “This fantastic aquaculture research facility underlines the strength of the City Region Deal partnership between Stirling Council, Clackmannanshire Council and the University of Stirling.

“Working together, we are ambitious to deliver important economic and social benefits for our communities, people and businesses, including the provision of high-quality jobs.

“The new research hub will be a great addition to our region and will further enhance our community and business links throughout Scotland, the UK and the rest of the world.”

Robertson Construction has this week completed the foundations and steel frame that form the core structure of NATIH and a fit out will take place in the coming months.

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David Cairns, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central East, said: “The creation of the innovation hub puts the University of Stirling at the forefront of sustainable aquaculture research, driving economic growth and opening new opportunities in the area.

“It’s a world class facility which marks our fourth project for the University. Working with them once more is testament to our commitment to quality, delivering benefits for the customer and the wider community both during the build and for many years to come.”

The construction project is delivering a range of local social and economic benefits. Two local jobs have been created and Robertson has engaged with a regional supply chain, seeing £6.5 million spent with micro, small and medium enterprises.