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New Higher Education Minister impressed with Eden Campus plans

Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead was pleased to see ambitious plans to develop the Eden Campus at the University of St Andrews on his first visit to the University.

The University has attracted worldwide interest for its plans to create 500 new jobs at the Campus at Guardbridge as part of the Tay Cities Deal.

In addition, the University is relocating 450 professional staff from St Andrews to new state-of-the-art offices at the site.

During a tour of the campus Mr Lochhead was shown the location for an advance materials centre incorporating circular bio-economy, biorefinery and carbon reduction; the “sandpit” – a zero carbon integrated energy environment to support innovation between industry and academia; the Eden Enterprise Centre – to provide capacity and support for innovators, start-ups and SMEs; and the location for a “living lab” environment to maximise knowledge transfer and learning to the community.

The Minister also toured the University’s £25 million award-winning green energy centre at Eden Campus, which pumps hot water four miles to St Andrews to heat University buildings.

The Minister commented: “The University of St Andrews has an ambitious vision for the Eden Campus and, on my first visit, I’ve been hugely impressed with current progress and plans for the future.

“The Eden Campus will be a great new asset for the University and for the region, and good for Scotland by helping accelerate investment and economic growth. I look forward to working with the Principal and the University on its priorities for the future.”

St Andrews Principal Professor Sally Mapstone said: “We are delighted that the Minister has chosen to visit St Andrews so soon after taking office.

“The development of Eden Campus is a priority for the University and we are grateful for the opportunity to share our ambitious plans with Mr Lochhead and gain his support.

“We look forward to working with Mr Lochhead in his new role and to continue to demonstrate our deep-rooted commitment to the issues that are priorities for the University and the Scottish Government, particularly in the areas of widening access and economic impact, and ensuring Scottish higher education maintains its international reputation for teaching and research.”