Contract signed for Invergowrie innovation scheme

The James Hutton Institute and McLaughlin & Harvey have signed construction contracts worth £28.7M for the next stage of the ongoing redevelopment of the former’s Invergowrie estate.

The contract comprises the construction of a combined Advanced Plant Growth Centre (APGC) and International Barley Hub (IBH). Procured via the SCAPE Scotland Construction Framework, and part-funded by the Tay Cities Deal, this next phase is part of a masterplan to create two institute-led innovation centres at Invergowrie, helping to establish Scotland as a leader in global food security and crop resilience.

Colin Campbell, Chief Executive at the James Hutton Institute said: “Moving into the next phase of the International Barley Hub’s construction is a significant milestone in this project, which aims to futureproof the barley sector across Scotland and the UK.

“This new facility will serve as the key research hub of the facility and is set to bring around £60M benefit and over 1,200 jobs to Scotland over the next 10 years.”

Scottish Government Business Minister Ivan McKee said: “We are investing £17M towards the redevelopment of the James Hutton Institute’s facilities at Invergowrie, alongside our ongoing support for the Institute and its work to support innovation in the food and drink sector.

“Innovation in food and drink and more widely is being supported through the Scottish Government’s plan to transform the economy, the National Strategy for Economic Transformation.”