This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New £25m agricultural science complex
12/06/2006
A new £25 million pound complex which aims to increase Scotland's ability to use science to protect plants, animals and environment was officially opened today.
The new Scottish Agricultural Science Agency building at Gogarbank Farm in Edinburgh will provide purpose built facilities for research including a Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS).
The facility contains state-of-the-art analytical instruments for the rapid detection of poisoning agents.
The WIIS will provide scientific support to the police through supplying forensic evidence to support prosecutions.
Attending a conference to mark the opening, Rural Development Minister Ross Finnie said:
"Science has a key role in the work to protect Scotland's plants, animals and environment. This impressive new complex will help to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of SASA's work through the use of improved facilities, better sharing of resources and information, and improved patterns of working.
"The impressive forensic facilities of the WIIS form only one part of that. Cutting edge work underway here will help the land use sector and rural communities adapt to challenges such as climate change and globalisation".
The Chair for the Science Conference, Professor Chris Pollock CBE, Director of Institute for Grassland and Environment Research and Non-Executive Director of SASA added:
"I'm delighted to have been associated with this conference and the opening of SASA's excellent new facilities, which in my view indicates the Scottish Executive's commitment to high-quality science as a key element in policy development and delivery"