The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) has agreed a multi-million-pound takeover of the Centre for Health Science in Inverness.
UHI say the deal with Highlands and Islands Enterprise will allow it to continue its world-leading research for years to come.
The purchase from HIE has weighed in at a fee of £9.83million and has been made possible through a loan from the Scottish Funding Council.
The purchase is expected to allow UHI to further develop its School of Health, Social Care and Life Sciences.
Professor Crichton Lang, the university’s principal and vice-chancellor, said: “The University of the Highlands and Islands has been carrying out world-leading research in Centre for Health Science for many years.
“This includes research in diabetes and cardiovascular science, proteomics, lipidomics and genetics and immunology, as well as working to advance knowledge of health and health services in rural areas.”
Mr Lang added: “The building is also the home for our undergraduate degree in oral health science, our contribution to the Scottish graduate entry medical programme and, for the last two years, our department of nursing and midwifery.
“It is this latest development in nursing that has prompted the move to purchase the building to help fulfil our growing aspirations in the health, social care and life sciences areas.”
The new owners of the building will now be able to build on existing relationships with the NHS and other partners located near to the site at Raigmore Hospital in the Highland capital.
Karen Watt, chief executive of the Scottish Funding Council, said: “Purchasing the Centre for Health Science will create a fantastic new asset for the University of the Highlands and Islands. It is also an important investment in locally-based training for healthcare professionals in the region.
“I’m delighted that the Scottish Funding Council has been able to make this happen through the Financial Transactions programme.”
The Centre for Health Science, which was created in 2008, is one of the first in the UK to bring public, private and academic sectors together in a bid to strive for excellence in health science and biotechnology.
Carroll Buxton, interim chief executive at HIE, said: “The success of the centre has shown the regional benefits generated by partnership working across agencies including NHS Highland, University of the Highlands and Islands and the University of Stirling.
“The sale of the building will safeguard the ability to deliver the NHS nursing undergraduate degree course and the centre will continue to be open to the public.”
She added: “The facility has a key role in fostering and facilitating collaboration between different organisations associated with the sector which is crucial to our aspiration to see many more life sciences jobs in the years to come.”
