PLANS to merge two of Scotland's agricultural research institutes will be confirmed later today by the Scottish Government, the Press and Journal can reveal.
A link between Aberdeen's Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, based in the city's Craigiebuckler, and the Scottish Crop Research Institute, located at Invergowrie near Dundee, has long been mooted.
Today’s statement will, however, underline the possibility that a link-up is at an early stage.
The P&J understands the merger – independently verified late last night by senior figures in the research community and government – will attempt to build on the reputation both institutes have in their respective fields of environment and land use research, and in crop breeding and production.
Staff will be told about the proposals at meetings this morning. Jobs are unlikely to be under threat.
The Macaulay employs 300 researchers and postgraduates and has an annual income of about £11million. It operates internationally and focuses on research to protect natural resources, the development of integrated land use systems and in securing the long-term future for rural areas across the world.
SCRI, with 400 staff and students, has a turnover of about £14million. Its research is largely concentrated on breeding new barley, potato, blackcurrant and raspberry varieties.
The main casualties of any link will be the board members that govern both institutes. The existing two boards will be merged into one.
Any merged institute will also have only one chief executive, which raises questions about the future positions of the current incumbents, Professor Peter Gregory at SCRI and Professor Richard Aspinall at the Macaulay.
Whether the merger will encourage Scotland's other agricultural institutes – the animal health and welfare-focused Moredun in Edinburgh and the Scottish Agricultural College – to join in the process remains to be seen.