The natural home for marine science

The rich marine resources of the Highlands of Islands of Scotland underpin a vibrant and growing economic cluster based on marine science. This includes innovative enterprises, world-class research, excellent locations and facilities, a skilled talent pool, strong government support for business and close links between policy makers, industry and academia.

1st Class

LABORATORY AND
RESEARCH FACILITIES

150+

SCIENTISTS IN ALL FIELDS OF
MARINE SCIENCE

3000

STRAINS OF MARINE & FRESHWATER
ALGAE, PROTISTS AND SEAWEEDS

In depth

Get the latest news and insights from the marine science sector happening inside our cluster.

SAMS Research Services Ltd

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"Highlands and Islands Enterprise is doing more than just creating the conditions for business growth. Without the business support of HIE we couldn’t have achieved what we have."

Glycomar

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It's exciting to help facilitate and assist some of the innovative and exciting marine science projects that this country has to offer.

Xanthella Ltd

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Malin House is an excellent base from which we can grow Xanthella. The building’s light and airy atmosphere makes it a great place to work and the low carbon footprint really fits our company’s ethos. We are looking forward to welcoming guests, collaborators and customers to our new facility and to closer working with scientists at the Scottish Association for Marine Science.

LALLEMAND AQUAPHARM

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A broad and diverse R&D resource situated close to some of the world's leading marine research organisations.

Latest News

17 July 2017 News

Genetic discovery is breakthrough in disease resistant seaweed search

Research conducted into the genetic make-up of a resilient red alga has taken scientists a step closer to breeding disease resistant seaweed.

17 July 2017 News

Clockwork copepods: Microscopic marine creatures swim to their own rhythm

An experiment conducted in a Scottish loch has revealed how a microscopic animal – the main food source for many larger marine species – schedules its day using its own genetic clock.

12 July 2017 News

Salmon industry spend on medicinal treatments has dropped from 71% to 28%

Figures published in a new report for the Scottish salmon farming industry show a dramatic decrease in the spend on medicinal treatments used to protect the salmon from attacks by sea lice.

Explore The Cluster

Located on Scotland’s West Coast, 3 miles east of Oban, the cluster has a wide range of facilities and skills to support business growth.

Launch Map