The partnership behind Millport Marine Biological Statement has celebrated after plans were agreed to save the facility from closure.
Representatives from the bodies, whose combined efforts to secure the station's future, visited the facility last week to see the cutting-edge marine science research work being carried out at the centre.
The centre had been under threat of closure following the loss of £400,000 of annual funding.
Last Friday's visit came after two vital steps were taken towards a viable solution for the project.
The first was the University of London's agreement to transfer ownership of the physical assets of the station to the Field Studies Council (FSC), and the second, was the Scottish Government's commitment to help FSC maximise available funding to continue to develop, plan and deliver a sustainable future.
Speaking after a meeting with the FSC and other key stakeholders, Education Secretary Mike Russell said: "We will continue to work with FSC and others to do all we can to help deliver their vision for Millport and preserve this historical resource."
Depute Council Leader at North Ayrshire Council, Councillor Alan Hill added: "The Field Studies Council has an excellent track record in this area and has displayed a positive attitude and willingness to develop the long term sustainability of Millport Marine Station.
"The unity of purpose which has seen ourselves, the Scottish Government, politicians from all parties, the University of London, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Field Studies Council, Cumbrae Community Development Company and the wider community all work towards a common goal has been extremely heartening.
"Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee there will be no impact on the station, including staffing. However, we will continue to work with the Field Studies Council and all other parties to ensure we reach the best possible arrangements for the Marine Station and for the community and economy of Millport."
(JP/MH)
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Latest Construction News
22/11/2024
SP Energy Networks has announced a major investment in Britain's electricity grid, selecting 19 preferred partners to deliver a £5.4bn supply chain programme. This significant initiative aims to meet increasing energy demand and facilitate future growth. The selected companies, many of which are ...
22/11/2024
Edinburgh City Council has launched a 12-week public consultation on a new strategy to revitalise Princes Street and the wider Waverley Valley. The vision aims to create a more vibrant and welcoming city centre, attracting investment, supporting businesses, and enhancing the visitor ...
22/11/2024
Ener-G Services Limited, a leading UK electrical engineering company specialising in renewables, marine, and offshore sectors, has expanded its operations in Westhill, Aberdeenshire. The company has leased Unit 6E at Kingshill Commercial Park, a 2,500 sq ft space, on a 5-year lease. This new ...
22/11/2024
A consortium of leading scientists, industry experts, and academic institutions has joined forces to accelerate Scotland's offshore wind sector. The £2.5 million project, led by the University of Edinburgh in collaboration with the University of Dundee and the Forth and Tay Offshore cluster (FTO), ...
22/11/2024
The Port of Aberdeen and Turner & Townsend were highly commended in the 'Engineering, Construction & Infrastructure Project of the Year' category at the APM Project Management Awards 2024. The award recognises excellence in project management and the positive impact on end-users. The £420 million ...
22/11/2024
South Lanarkshire Council's £10 million fire safety improvement programme has reached a significant milestone, with CCG (Scotland) completing installations in over 1,700 high-rise residences across East Kilbride and Cambuslang. The Glasgow-based construction firm has been working closely with the ...
22/11/2024
SSEN Transmission, a key player in the UK's energy transition, is set to further expand its workforce and move into a new, sustainable office space in Glasgow. The company's commitment to net zero and the increasing demand for green energy workers has led to significant growth, with the number of ...
22/11/2024
Scottish Water is investing in the upgrade of its Loch Eck clean water plant in Dunoon. The project involves replacing outdated dry well pumps with new, more reliable pumps capable of operating in both wet and dry conditions. WGM Engineering, an RSK Group company, has been tasked with carrying out ...
22/11/2024
Scottish Land & Estates has expressed serious concerns over the Scottish Government's Land Reform Bill, particularly the provisions that would allow ministers to force landowners to sell large estates in lots. Sarah-Jane Laing, the organisation's chief executive, stated that while the land-based ...
22/11/2024
Clark Contracts employees have once again shown their commitment to community engagement by volunteering at Silverburn Park in Leven. On Thursday, 21st November, 16 members of the team spent their day planting over 400 trees and carrying out other landscaping tasks. This latest volunteering effort ...