Politicians sign up to £17m aquaculture hub at Stirling
A City Deal that will fund a £17 million Aquaculture Innovation Hub at Stirling University will be signed later today, marking a major step forward for the project.
The Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – which will see the UK and Scottish governments invest £90.2m in the area – will be signed during a special event at Forth Valley College this afternoon.
As well as £17m for the aquaculture facility, the Deal provides £22m for Scotland’s International Environment Centre, another project being led by Stirling University.
New laboratories
The Aquaculture Innovation Hub will support the pioneering research that has been carried out by the University’s Institute of Aquaculture over the last 40 years.
“New, state-of-the-art laboratories and aquatic experimental facilities will underpin our world-leading work, enabling our experts to conduct dynamic and commercially relevant research in partnership with leading aquaculture companies,” explained the University on its website.
“By co-locating industry partners with the Institute, we will translate ground-breaking scientific research into practical, applied solutions that support economic development in communities from rural Scotland to South America, Africa and the Middle East.”
Innovation for prosperity
Professor Gerry McCormac, principal and vice-chancellor of the University, will attend today’s signing alongside Scottish Secretary Alister Jack, and Michael Matheson, the Scottish government’s transport, infrastructure and connectivity minister.
McCormac is due to say the Deal presents a unique opportunity to put innovation and learning at the heart of the drive for prosperity.
“By working in partnership, we will ensure that businesses, communities and individuals are equipped with the skills, knowledge and technology to head into the future with confidence.”
