Hutton expertise supporting Scotland-India links

“We have rapidly developed links to India and this is an important step in our relationship building, as we aim to build a wider breadth of collaborations over the coming years.”

Scientists from the James Hutton Institute took part in the Scottish Government’s Hydro Nation delegation in support of a visit by Scotland's Deputy First Minister, John Swinney MSP, to India from the 4^th to the 7^th of December. The visit aimed to promote trade and investment between Scotland and India in the priority areas of education, skills, energy and water.

During his visit, Mr Swinney met with representatives of the Indian Government and the National Commission for Clean Ganga, with whom further collaborative links are being developed.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Swinney said: “India and Scotland have long been close partners, built on years of cultural, academic and business co-operation. As one of the world’s future leading powers, India is fast becoming renowned for its creativity, entrepreneurship and its young ambitious workforce.

“We are keen to explore areas of collaboration. Scotland’s expertise in education, skills, energy and water can be of enormous benefit to India as the country continues to develop at a fast pace.”

Professor Bob Ferrier, Director of Research of the James Hutton Institute, said: “We have rapidly developed links to India and this is an important step in our relationship building, as we aim to build a wider breadth of collaborations over the coming years.”

Professor Ferrier was joined at the Indian Water Impact Summit by Hutton scientists Rachel Helliwell and Richard Allan, who were already in Bangalore establishing a community based project on waste-water treatment as part of the Hydro Nation International programme.

Richard Allan was also an invited panel expert for the session on Environmental Technology Verification, which is an emerging field and one in which there are potential opportunities for the Institute.

Further details about Mr Swinney’s visit to India are available on the Scottish Government’s news website.