Published: Wednesday, 30th April, 2008 12:00
What future for Millport marine station?
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HIGH level talks are taking place this week to carve out the future of the marine biological research station on the isle of Cumbrae.
The University of London has opened discussions with the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) on the possibility of the transfer of the University Marine Station, which is, at present, a part of the University, to SAMS. Both see long term strategic advantages to the island institution, and the future of marine science in Scotland arising from this transfer.
Local SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson was, this week, speaking with Dr Kenneth Jones, Acting Director of the marine station. He said that the Scottish Association of Marine Science had been approached by the University of London who own and manage the Laboratory for the University of the Highlands and Islands to take this facility over.
The MSP said that the continued provision of funding is key to the takeover, site and business operations at Millport.This is all in the early stages.
“There was a meeting last week and an approach was made by the University of London and now the ball is in the court of the University of the Highlands and Islands. They must carry out due diligence work to look at the financial implications.
“The idealised timetable will be about three months for negotiations - so we are looking at the end of July as a timeframe. There will only be another statement when there is something substantial to say.
“There will be no veil of secrecy and all the staff are aware of what is going on and all the stakeholders are involved - this whole thing is seen as a positive exercise.
“Dr Jones promised to keep me informed and he is aware of all the sensitivities around such a project. He wished to impress upon me that it was the University of London which initiated this and now the University of the Highlands and Islands is trying to engage with London to ensure that this centre has a long-term sustainable future but there is a need to be certain, from a business point of view, that it will work.”
The proposed transfer has the approval in principle of the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the Scottish Funding Council. Both the University and SAMS recognise that this cannot take place successfully without the firm support of a range of other agencies. Discussions have, therefore, been opened with the UHI Millenium Institute, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the colleges of the University of London and other Higher Education institutions that make use of the Station.
Should the transfer take place, SAMS will be committed to continue and enhance the delivery of marine science field education and research carried out in the UMBSM. It will therefore, seek to develop the current range of teaching and research activity, the facilities which support them, and the links which it enjoys with other Universities.
Discussions are taking place on the understanding that both undergraduates and postgraduate students from all parts of the UK will continue to be involved at Millport - in existence for over a hundred years - and so there will be continuity of activity and a continuing contribution from the station to the island of Cumbrae and the neighbouring mainland.
SAMS president, Professor Sir John Arbuthnott said: “These discussions are extremely important for the future development of marine science in the UK. The two centres have the potential to make a big impact on teaching and research for the universities in the UK and beyond”.
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