The European Marine Science Park in Argyll is one of HIE's current major infrastructure investments incorporating marine science, research and development, education and commercial activity. The project aims to create an international centre of excellence.
The European Marine Science Park will provide high quality laboratory and office space in an entrepreneurial community for new, expanding and inward investing companies with a focus on marine science, marine energy and related support.
The Science Park offers co-location with one of the world's leading marine science institutes, the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), which provides businesses with access to:
- The expertise of 150+ scientists in all fields of marine science, from marine environment to the development of marine-derived biofuels.
- First class laboratory facilities such as electron microscopes and research vessels.
- National facilities including the largest collection of algae and protozoa in Europe and the National Scientific Diving Centre.
Watch our video below to find out more about this exciting development
Who will benefit?
It is anticipated that the European Marine Science Park will be of particular interest to start-up businesses, spin-outs and SMEs who are interested in the combination of an outstanding marine environment with world-class scientific research available at this location. Small companies and start-ups will benefit from the services offered in the ECMB, while phase 1 of the Science Park will provide high quality, sustainable building containing accelerator space for expanding companies.
The Science Park will create and nurture an environment where businesses can thrive through the application of a cluster of scientific expertise to the marine environment. First-class business support will be available to all tenants from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Development International to ensure that the businesses operate effectively and profitably in the shortest time possible.
Development:
Construction of Phase 1 of the Science Park started in November 2011 and is anticipated to be completed within 12 months. This phase will include laboratory and office space in a highly sustainable building in this stunning location.
Phases 2 and beyond will be determined by demand and sector development. The total development at the Science Park will be 5,400 sq m to be built in phases spanning a period of 10 years.
Location
The European Marine Science Park is located in Argyll just north of Oban on the Dunstaffnage Peninsula. The Park is adjacent to the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) and the European Centre for Marine Biotechnology.
Oban is a 2 hour drive from Glasgow which has an airport, ferry terminal (as Gateway to the Isles), train and bus station.
