New £17 million aquaculture hub at Stirling University

Planning permission has been granted for a £17 million research hub at Stirling University.

The site, which will be based at the Institute of Aquaculture, has been given the green light by Stirling Council.

It's part of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal.

Professor Simon MacKenzie, Head of the University’s Institute for Aquaculture, said: “This is an important milestone in the development of the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub. There is an enormous role for aquaculture to play in ensuring that the world has a secure and sustainable supply of food.

“The Hub will develop and reinforce a strong working relationship between the University’s researchers and the global aquaculture industry, ensuring that the ideas, interventions and solutions developed will have a meaningful impact where they are needed most, and deliver jobs, growth and prosperity.”

Stirling Council Depute Leader, Cllr Chris Kane, said: “It is fantastic to see City Region Deal projects move even further into delivery phase, especially one like this, which can bring growth and investment to the area.

“This is a blossoming stream of environmental research and the University’s work through the City Region Deal investment places Stirling at its vanguard, cementing the city’s reputation as hub of innovation.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: "Scotland has huge potential for growth in aquaculture, which represents a significant opportunity for rural and coastal communities.  

"The UK Government is investing £17m in this hub, which will keep Scotland at the cutting edge of a global industry, bring in new jobs and investment, and ensure sustainability remains at the forefront.

"Across Scotland we are investing £1.75 billion in regional projects to level up communities everywhere."