Plans for a state-of-the-art marine laboratory in St Andrews have received a major funding boost.
The Courier revealed last week that planning permission had been granted for construction of St Andrews University’s £10 million Gatty Marine Laboratory at the town’s East Sands.
The facility, which it is hoped will cement Scotland’s reputation as one of the top places to conduct marine research, has been awarded a grant of £500,000 by the Wolfson Foundation.
The award from the charity, which backs scientific initiatives, has been warmly welcomed by Professor Garry Taylor, acting principal at St Andrews University.
He said: “The Wolfson Foundation’s support is a seal of approval of the quality of the marine science which takes place in St Andrews.
“Now, more than ever, is the time for us to strengthen our international links and expand our research ambitions.
“The new Gatty will enable us to do this with confidence as we will have a building commensurate with the standard of work taking place within.”
Once constructed, the new laboratory will be the permanent base of the Scottish Oceans Institute, which includes the world leading Sea Mammal Research Unit, and the executive office of the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS).
A new aquarium will cater for extensive environmental monitoring and control of temperature, lighting, pH, oxygen, salinity, ammonia and nitrates.
Specialist rooms with climate control will allow electronic and optical equipment to co-exist with culture facilities supplied with running seawater.
To facilitate construction of the new institute, part of the internationally-renowned but outdated institute will be demolished from the same site.
Paul Ramsbottom, chief executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said: “The Gatty has a distinguished history and we are delighted to be supporting this impressive and ambitious project.”
