The big boost in the number of students over the coming years will result in more jobs coming to the Millport Field Studies Centre.

That was the positive news from Daniel Moncrieff, who is chief of the FSC, and believes that the future is bright for the development as the accommodation block begins construction, and will be ready for May.

As reported last week, the new accommodation includes 32 twin ensuite rooms, a 150 seat lecture theatre and teaching laboratory/teaching room.

The total cost of phase one will cost just over £3 million and North Ayrshire Council have supplied half of the funds. As well as providing undergraduate courses, the centre will also provide for university research, in respect of its origins.

In terms of economic benefits to Cumbrae, Daniel said: “Millport will reap the benefits as there will be a number of students coming here and staying at the facility, and that means more spending money in the town, and there will also be university students coming too.

“We aim to employ more people as business growns, and they will be largely based in Millport. We employ just over 20 people and I would hope that the figure grows by 15 to 20% as business increases next year and beyond.” And the Millport marine station chief believes the natural assets which exist on the island are ideal for students.

Daniel continued:“The area has some marvellous marine environment assets including some incredibly rocky shores. Primary kids can go searching for crabs and sea anemones, and it is really wonderul to take groups to the sites and see how their view of the environment around us can be transformed by some of the spaces we have nearby.

“We have found places where we can look at soils, and see how soils change in different places, and in terms of coastal protection and work, we can take students to look at sea defences. The Isle of Cumbrae has a wonderful array of environments to explore.” And the Field Studies Council is keen to work with different groups to try and boost the Clyde and what it has to offer for marine life, and sustainability, Daniel explained: “We have got a big opportunity looking forward in the Clyde to work with a whole range of different stakeholders to try and make sure traditional industries such as fishing are sustainable and thrive.

“The challenge is on making sure we are managing the Clyde in the best possible way so that people can make a livelihood as they have done for the past hundred years.” “We are also looking at various ways of improving and promoting what the environment has to offer. You have basking shark sightings, seal populations, as well as porpoises and dolphins - these are wonderful things to attract people to Millport - we already bring 40/50 students who look at marine mammals for a specific course.”