Infrastructure for life sciences
With over 600 organisations and more than 30,500 people, Scotland is home to one of the most advanced life science clusters in Europe.
Our strong academic base, the quality of research and the calibre of our workforce are reflected in the number of businesses choosing to locate in Scotland – for research and development (R&D) and manufacturing.
Accommodation and facilities
Scotland has the facilities and the range of property to match its world-renowned scientific expertise and high quality of life.
You will find a wide variety of high calibre office and laboratory accommodation to meet your needs. Just some of the options include:
- Incubator space on university campuses.
- Flexible space in business parks.
- Tailor made laboratory space in science parks (such as the West of Scotland Science Park).
- Dedicated life science parks (such as Edinburgh BioQuarter).
Find life sciences accommodation in Scotland
Scottish Development International can help with your search for business property in Scotland.
You can also make an enquiry through our contact us page.
Scotland’s science parks
Science parks are located in the metropolitan areas around the major Scottish cities, providing excellent transport infrastructure and proximity to airports:
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Science Triangle
- Triangle of science and technology centres.
- A key step towards creating an ideas and knowledge hub to act as a magnet and incubator for world-class research and innovation.
- Managed by Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian.
Edinburgh BioQuarter
- $1 billion centre under construction on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
- A collaboration between the University of Edinburgh, Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian, and Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust.
- Over 500,000 square feet of academic research space.
- 900,000 square feet for commercial research-based companies.
- Will support Scotland’s expertise in stem cell research.
- Positions Edinburgh as one of the world’s foremost centres for biomedical investment.
Find out more about Edinburgh BioQuarter (PDF, 3.4Mb)
Pentlands Science Park
- Home to the Moredun Research Institute - dedicated to veterinary science.
- Strong links with the University of Edinburgh, the Royal (Dick) Veterinary School and the Scottish Agricultural College.
- A critical mass of scientists and organisations able to collaborate with Institute scientists and other tenants.
Edinburgh Technopole
- Joint venture between the University of Edinburgh and international property company Grosvenor.
- Fully managed landscaped technology park with 126 acres of parkland.
- World-class reputation in life sciences, medicine, electronics and informatics.
- Excellent access to potential employees.
- 24-hour facilities management.
- Flexible accommodation.
- Vibrant country environment - within easy reach of the city centre.
Roslin BioCentre
- Formed around the famous Roslin Institute - birthplace of the world-famous Dolly the Sheep.
- Centre of excellence for life sciences.
- World-leading expertise in stem cell research, genetics, genomics and bioinformatics.
- A number of global R&D organisations are based here – creating a perfect environment for networking and collaborative work.
BioCampus
- Scotland’s first dedicated national bio-manufacturing campus.
- Just eight miles from Edinburgh city centre.
- Custom-designed for companies who manufacture next generation biotechnology-related products.
Heriot Watt Research Park
- Established in 1971 - one of Europe’s first science parks.
- A strong reputation built on R&D.
- At the heart of Heriot Watt University’s campus.
- Created to enable easy collaboration and interaction between tenants and academic and research staff.
- More than 40 companies based at the site.
- Offers flexible accommodation for spin-outs, semi mature and mature companies.
Glasgow
West of Scotland Science Park
- Favoured by pure science start-ups and high growth technology companies.
- Over 30 companies on the 61.5 acre landscaped site.
- 250,000 square feet of specialist accommodation constructed to date.
- 14,000 square feet under construction.
- 15 minutes to Glasgow city centre.
- Adjacent to Garscube campus of the University of Glasgow Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute.
Nova Technology Park
- Designed to meet the precise requirements of fast-growing high technology companies
- Ideally suited to larger scale production and research.
- 27 hectare site, which will eventually host over 667,000 sq ft of offices, laboratories, production and storage facilities.
- 60,000 square feet constructed to date with 30,000 square feet available.
- 12 minute drive from Glasgow city centre.
City Science Glasgow
- In the centre of Glasgow.
- 2.02 hectare site beside Strathclyde University and the Merchant City.
- Over 388,000 square feet of flexible science and technology accommodation.
- £60 million development – with a mix of high quality residential, commercial and leisure space.
Lanarkshire Medi-park, Strathclyde Business Park
- Dedicated to the needs of medical companies.
- High specification units, specifically designed for companies producing medical technology, equipment and supplies.
- Facilities include Scotland's only major ethylene oxide contract sterilisation plant commercial gas and steam sterilisation facility.
- Located in Strathclyde Business Park, Scotland's largest and most successful business park.
Scottish Enterprise Technology Park, East Kilbride
- Provides high quality accomodation for all types of technology companies.
- Currently 100 businesses in the park.
- Accomodation of offices and laboratories are available in a range of buildings across the 32.5 hectare site.
Dundee
Dundee MediPark
- Prestigious new development over 25 acres.
- Joint development by Dundee Teaching Hospital and Scottish Enterprise.
- On the campus of Ninewells Hospital and Medical School.
- Offers opportunities for innovative companies to collaborate with medical researchers from Ninewells.
- Ninewells is one of the largest and most modern teaching hospitals in Europe.
Dundee Technology Park
- Home to small biotech companies, software developers and internet companies.
- Plans underway to extend the development - new accommodation available 2008/2009.
Scottish Crop Research Science Park
- Planned new multi-million pound science park for companies working within plant and life sciences.
- Located at the Scottish Crop Research Institute’s in Invergowrie, near Dundee. already gained outline planning permission and support from Scottish Enterprise Tayside.
Dundee Technopole
- Most of the current occupiers are within the Biotechnology sector.
- Can accommodate technology and research related projects from a number of key sectors.
- Beside the University of Dundee and the Welcome Trust Biocentre.
- Rail, airport and city centre within minutes.
- Easy road access to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen through A90 trunk road.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen Science & Technology Park
- Accommodation for high growth companies across three campuses to the north of the city.
- 9.8 acres available for future development.
- 750 people based at the park.
- Current sectors include environmental sciences and medical and bio-technologies.
- A new building which will house companies looking to locate on the park’s Foresterhill campus.
Foresterhill
- New Life Sciences facility currently being developed at Foresterhill, Aberdeen,
- The facility will be a mix of laboratory and office space.
- Foresterhill will extend to 13,000 square feet and house companies engaged in the commercialisation of Life Sciences research.
Stirling
Stirling University Innovation Park
- Central location.
- Ideal base for growing technology companies.
- Home to more than 40 hi-tech start-ups and R&D operations of multinational companies.
- Easily access from all major road networks including the M9, M80 and A91.