Local MP Visits Easter Bush Campus

On Tuesday 1st Sept the newly-elected SNP MP for Midlothian, Owen Thomson MP, visited the The Roslin Institute and was given a tour of the developments on the Easter Bush Campus.

October 2015

On Tuesday 1st Sept the newly-elected SNP MP for Midlothian, Owen Thomson MP, visited the The Roslin Institute and was given a tour of the developments on the Easter Bush Campus.

He was welcomed by the University's Principal, Professor Sir Timothy O'Shea, and introduced to Professor David Argyle, Head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, and David Hume, Director of The Roslin Institute.

Mr Thomson was given a brief presentation on the campus plans and its importance to the local economy. He was particularly interested in learning about the employment and training opportunities offered at the campus and the science outreach activities carried out by the researchers.

Val White, Easter Bush Campus Operating Officer, conducted a tour of the campus at which the MP had a chance to meet staff and hear about their work first hand. In The Roslin Institute, Dr Lucy Freem explained the relevance of her research on bird flu-resistant chickens to health. At the Equine Hospital, Dr John Keen, Director of Equine Clinical Services, gave an overview of the services offered and plans for a new large animal surgery. In the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Prof Elspeth Milne spoke about the forthcoming extension of the Pathology Unit, a joint project with SRUC.

I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to visit the Easter Bush Campus and the chance to meet with staff and students to discuss key projects currently being worked on and see the excellent facilities. The campus offers fantastic opportunities for the young people of Midlothian as well as contributing to the local and national economies. The Roslin Institute is also tackling issues of global importance such as livestock productivity and food security and is an excellent asset to Midlothian.

The Easter Bush Campus provides a world-leading teaching, clinical and research environment. We are working with a wide variety of agencies and investors to develop opportunities that stimulate jobs and growth in important sectors of the UK economy such as farming, food, veterinary practice, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. We look forward to working closely with Owen Thomson to ensure that our campus activity continues to thrive and has the widest possible impact on the UK economy

Images courtesy of Norrie Russell, The Roslin Institute