Government urged to step in and help affected workers

A Dundee-based MSP has said the city cannot afford to lose jobs at the James Hutton Institute.

Labour MSP Jenny Marra urged the Scottish Government to step in to help protect jobs and the groundbreaking research being carried out at the Invergowrie institute.

Formed in 2011 following the merger of the Scottish Crop Research Institute and the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, it carries out interdisciplinary research into agriculture, soil and land use.

Ms Marra said: “The Scottish Government needs to tell us what they will do to protect this important research hub and the jobs there.

“This news comes as the Auditor General for Scotland warns about cuts to universities and research which is a huge economic driver, especially in the Dundee area.

“I will be asking questions in Parliament next week about what can be done to avoid job losses at the James Hutton Institute,” she added.

Angus Conservative MP Kirstene Hair said: “This is very disappointing news at one of Scotland’s most forward-thinking businesses.

“I was privileged to officially open James Hutton’s revolutionary raspberry tunnels last year.

“Its experts have informed the future of Scottish and global agriculture for almost two decades.

“I have contacted the management team to offer assistance. And I urge the SNP Government to stand ready to help employees affected, in line with UK Government backing through the Tay Cities Deal.”

An independent report estimated that the institute delivers £12.75 of economic benefit for each £1 received in funding from the Scottish Government.

It also operates farms in Aberdeenshire, Lanarkshire and Balruddery in Angus.