Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to spice up marine and coastal analysis, innovation, and technology growth throughout Scotland’s Highlands and Islands.
According to HIE, the deal, signed on the European Marine Science Park (EMSP) on August 28, goals to bolster Scotland’s place in the global marine science sector and promote Argyll and Bute as a hub for analysis and business.
HIE has been growing the EMSP for greater than a decade as a base for marine science companies. Its proximity to SAMS is claimed to be instrumental in attracting firms and encouraging collaboration between business and analysis. A brand new €9.3 million, 1,500-square-meter facility is underneath development on the park to satisfy rising demand for places of work and laboratories.
“The marine environment is becoming more and more significant as a resource, not just at local and regional levels but nationally as Scotland and the UK pursue their net zero aspirations. The Highlands and Islands is at the heart of growth industries like aquaculture, offshore renewables and marine tourism, most of which is underpinned by world-class scientific research and development,” stated Stuart Black, HIE Chief Executive.
“We need to make sure this vital resource is used sustainably and in ways that make the most positive difference. That’s one of the reasons our working relationship with SAMS is so important. I’m delighted to sign this new MOU and look forward to strengthening that collaboration.”
Scotland’s Highlands and Islands account for 86% of the nation’s shoreline. According to HIE, the ocean underpins key regional industries, together with fishing, aquaculture, offshore renewables, and marine tourism, supporting 1000’s of jobs and contributing to exports.
“The signing of this MoU will further strengthen the long-held partnership between SAMS and HIE, which has helped the region to establish itself as a focal point for the emerging blue economy,” stated SAMS Director Nick Owens.
“This agreement comes at a crucial time for SAMS as we develop our long-term strategy, SAMS 2050, and I look forward to working with HIE on developing this. By working more closely with HIE, I see this collaboration being more than just a benefit to SAMS, but for Argyll and the wider Highlands and Islands too.”
In April, HIE took full possession of the Orkney Research and Innovation Campus (ORIC) in Stromness, Scotland, following the switch of the Orkney Islands Council’s (OIC) share in the three way partnership (JV).
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