The Consul General of Germany last week visited the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) in Oban as part of a fact-finding visit to Argyll.

Herr Ingo Radcke, who is based at the German Consulate in Edinburgh, attended a special lunch at Argyll and Bute Council, hosted by Convener Councillor Billy Petrie.

This was followed by a visit to the marine science centre at Dunstaffnage, accompanied by Ken Abernethy, chief executive of Argyll and the Islands Enterprise and George Harper, development services director for the Council. 

Councillor Petrie, said:  "I very much welcome the visit of the German Consul General to Argyll and Bute. Large numbers of German tourists visit our area each year, and I would like, with his help, to arrange for German tour operators and journalists to visit the area and see for themselves what we have to offer.

"Germany is now the top export market for Scottish goods and services and it may be that the Consul General would help with advising businesses in Argyll and Bute who wish to export to Germany."

Ken Abernethy said:  "Not only is the Highlands and Islands area one of the most beautiful in the world, it is also forward looking and ambitious. Herr Radcke was extremely interested in the pioneering work being undertaken by SAMS.
The strength of SAMS' growing international reputation is illustrated by the fact that Herr Radcke was introduced to no fewer than five German scientists during his visit".

The laboratory headquarters of SAMS, situated three miles north of Oban, is an internationally renowned marine research establishment.  Facilities include two research vessels, several aquaria, conference rooms, research and teaching laboratories and top class IT equipment.

SAMS runs an undergraduate honours degree in Marine Science and hosts an active postgraduate research school, administered in collaboration with the UHI Millennium Institute.