Currie & Brown to project manage SRUC’s innovation centre

23 July 2021

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has submitted plans for a new Rural and Veterinary Innovation Centre at the Highlands and Islands Enterprise Inverness Campus.

Designed by Threesixty Architecture, the £9 million centre will support a dynamic and innovative research community benefiting the rural economy and surrounding communities. The building will provide facilities and resources for bioscience-focused start-ups with seven spaces and breakout areas, necropsy suite and laboratory services.

Funding has been provided in part by the European Regional Development Fund Scotland Programme 2014-2020. Additional support comes from a Scottish Funding Council loan, which includes £1 million for carbon sustainability enhancements to the building. The SRUC team members will apply their knowledge and internationally recognised expertise in animal health, infectious disease control and zoonotic disease research.

Wayne Powell, principal and chief executive of SRUC, said: “Based on the Inverness Campus, the Rural and Veterinary Innovation Centre will be part of one of the most exciting biotech hubs in Europe.

“We have also taken the opportunity to create new spaces for knowledge exchange and continued professional development for local business. Provision of postgraduate education will create valuable opportunities for students to engage with businesses.”

Robbie Smith, director in Currie & Brown’s Glasgow office, added: “We are delighted to be continuing our relationship with SRUC in working together on its new development, and to  play a part in supporting growth and innovation across the veterinary industry.”