FIRST MINISTER Nicola Sturgeon has formally opened the Roslin Innovation Centre at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies during a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Cabinet at Edinburgh University's Easter Bush campus.

The RIC, which is housed within the Charnock Bradley Building, serves as the business gateway to the university’s world-leading research in animal sciences.

Ms Sturgeon said: “The Roslin Institute is at the centre of innovation that is enhancing animal and human welfare through world class research into animal biology. It is a great privilege to open the Roslin Innovation Centre, which was supported with £10 million investment, and meet businesses driving forward life science innovation.

"Research and innovation, the economy and higher education are key priorities for this government and The Roslin Institute is an outstanding Scottish success story in that regard,” she concluded. The event coincided with the announcement of £5 million investment into the national Interface programme, helping to match businesses to Scottish academic expertise.

RIC chief executive officer John Mackenzie said: “We are delighted to welcome the First Minister to cut our ceremonial ribbon for the official opening. Today is also a great opportunity for the First Minister to meet some of our 15 tenants and hear more about their innovative and collaborative work.

“We are filling up fast and should be two-thirds occupied by the end of the year, including many international companies, and are well on our way to becoming one of the animal health science capitals of the world.”