It's the one that could have got away - but fisheries lab is staying put

FEARS that £2 million could be stripped from the economy of Highland Perthshire with the relocation of the government's Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory were allayed yesterday.

The Fisheries Research Service (FRS) said it had decided to retain the lab and its 43 jobs at Faskally, near Pitlochry, where it has been based for 50 years.

There had been a proposal to move the lab to the Banchory base of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, which is due to be vacated in the autumn. There had also been calls for a site in the Highlands and Islands to be considered as part of a review into the future provision of freshwater fisheries research in Scotland.

But, following a two-month appraisal of investment options by external consultants DTZ, Faskally won the day.

Professor Robin Cook, the FRS's chief executive, said: "I am very pleased with the DTZ report, which indicates that, at present, maintaining our facility at Faskally is the preferred option. There were strengths and weaknesses in all the options considered, but it was agreed that, on balance, making improvements to the Faskally site was the best way forward."

The FRS board has also recommended that a project board be established to develop detailed investment proposals to enhance the research facilities at Faskally.

Dr Trevor Hastings, the new director of the laboratory, welcomed the decision. He said: "The past few months have been very unsettling for staff at Faskally and I am delighted that we can now put this behind us and concentrate on doing what we do best - research and advice in support of the needs of our stakeholders."

Councillor Alan Livingstone, the convener of the enterprise and infrastructure committee of Perth and Kinross Council, described it as "first-class news" for the area. He said: "Myself and my colleagues have been lobbying very hard for the retention of the laboratory at Pitlochry, and we are glad that our reasoned arguments have been listened to.

"The loss of the laboratory would have been a severe blow to the economy of Highland Perthshire. The jobs it provides are high-end posts which command good salaries. Jobs like these are vital to keep the local economy diverse and healthy.

"If it had been relocated, other businesses in Highland Perthshire would have seen a downturn in profits, which could have led to further job losses."

John Swinney, the North Tayside MSP, said: "I am absolutely delighted that a successful outcome has been achieved and that the laboratory will stay at Faskally."

• SALMON farming is worth more than £197 million to businesses in Scotland, a survey by the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation claims today. Firms in the Highlands and Islands benefit most, netting £149 million a year, with those in other regions taking in £48 million.