Scotland Office Minister Robin Walker was given a tour of Heriot-Watt University’s world leading robotics facilities as he discussed progress on the creation of a National Robotarium yesterday.
The proposed facility, which is supported with £21 million from the UK Government, will provide a state-of-the-art base from which researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs and educators will deliver the UK’s leading international centre for the generation of new smart robotics companies.
This is part of the UK Government’s £300 million investment in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.
UK Government Minister for Scotland Robin Walker, who is MP for Worcester, said: “I am delighted to have started work as a UK Government minister for Scotland and be given the opportunity to meet some of our key local partners. I look forward to getting around the country to meet with many more in the weeks and months ahead.
“It was great to hear how the National Robotarium plans are progressing. Through projects like this, the City Region Deal will help develop Scotland’s world-class higher education and research sector, bring new opportunities and boost economic growth across Edinburgh and the South East of Scotland.
“The UK has a proud record as a world leader in technology and investments such as this one with the UK, Scottish and local government working together with innovative universities. This can build on Scotland’s proud record of innovation to ensure that we lead the world in embracing the opportunities of robotics.
“We are committed to working with the Scottish Government and local partners to do everything we can to deliver jobs, opportunities and sustainable growth across Scotland. That’s why we have committed almost £1.4 billion for these growth deals to date.
“I will give my all to strengthening our Union by championing Scottish interests loudly and clearly at the heart of Westminster and promoting the great work the UK Government does here in Scotland.”
The facility will be co-located on the Heriot-Watt University campus, with access to the resources of both Heriot-Watt and the University of Edinburgh. This will build on the established partnership with University of Edinburgh through the Edinburgh Centre for Robotics.
Mr Walker later met with representatives from the Edinburgh Art Festival at the National Portrait Gallery to thank them for the cultural significance and substantial economic contribution they bring to the UK.
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