Scotland's Roslin Institute awarded £10m
The Roslin Institute in Midlothian has been granted £10 million by the government to improve livestock research.
The funding will help the institute keep Scotland at the forefront of international livestock research, after it cloned the first ever mammal from an adult cell, Dolly the sheep, seven years ago.
Developments for a new National Avian Research Facility already taking place at the University of Edinburgh's Easter Bush campus will be complemented by the investment.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said the institute benefits farmers both at home and abroad.
"Attracting capital funding for new infrastructure and creating employment opportunities in Midlothian is a key objective of the Easter Bush Research Consortium, of which the Roslin Institute is a part," he said.
"This investment should benefit all members of the consortium and will help to create a fantastic resource for Scotland and the world."
Michael Russell, cabinet secretary for education, made the announcement.
He said: "Scotland has great strength and expertise across many research fields and the Roslin Institute is leading the way in the animal health sector. We want to build on existing excellence to develop our reputation in research and maximise the benefits for our economy.
"By investing in our research and development capacity, we will help sustain and improve Scotland’s livestock industry while leading efforts to relieve poverty in developing countries. It will position Scotland at the forefront of animal science research across the globe."
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
