Milestone for Stirling’s new aquaculture Hub
A steel signing event today has marked the beginning of the final phase construction for a new sustainable aquaculture research facility at the University of Stirling.
The National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH) is intended to drive the UK’s ambition to be a world leader in modern aquaculture practice.
Visiting politicians and senior University leaders signed the steel structure, and a plaque which will be hung in NATIH after it opens next spring.
Pictured are: (from left) Councillor Gerry McGarvey, depute leader of Stirling Council; Professor Simon MacKenzie, Head of the Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling; Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of Stirling; Eileen Schofield, Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary; David Cairns, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central East [photo: University of Stirling].
The state-of-the-art facility is funded by a £17m investment by the UK Government through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, as well as a £1m Wolfson Foundation grant.
NATIH will be fully integrated into the University’s world-renowned Institute of Aquaculture (IoA), which includes a large-scale marine facility at Machrihanish in Kintyre and a freshwater facility at Buckieburn near Denny.
Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: “The new National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub will create the UK’s leading innovation community for sustainable aquatic food production, and position UK innovation and productivity at the forefront of one of the world’s fastest growing sectors.
The facility is also the catalyst for the creation of a range of high value, skilled jobs and training opportunities in the blue economy space.”
Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray MP said: “I welcome the progress being made to deliver this pioneering aquaculture project. Backed by £17m UK Government funding – part of our £45m 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 £1.4bn of direct UK Government investment in local growth projects, helping to regenerate our towns and cities, support local community groups, and help businesses succeed.”
Professor Simon MacKenzie, Head of the Institute of Aquaculture, said: “Our vision is to tackle global problems of food security, hunger and sustainability through aquaculture.
“The new National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub will help us build on our international reputation for world-class research, teaching, technological innovation and consultancy in aquaculture, supporting growth in the production of aquatic food for human consumption, contributing to global food security while reducing the impact on natural resources.”
Artist’s impression of the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH) at the University of Stirling
City Deal supports research and skills
The Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal is a £90.2m 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 £123.8m, resulting in a Deal worth more than £214m, to be delivered over 10 to 15 years.
NATIH will include eight separate, temperature-controlled freshwater RAS (recirculating aquaculture systems) units capable of operating in a range from 4C to 32C. As well as facilitating research, it will mean more opportunities for undergraduates and post-graduate students to get hands-on experience, and for collaboration with large and small partners in the private sector.
Robertson Construction has completed the foundations and steel frame that form the core structure of NATIH and a fit out will take place in the coming months. The facility will then need to be commissioned, and it is hoped to be ready for operations by October or November next year.
