International oil and gas operators and service companies are set to benefit from a £250,000 investment in new facilities and technology by the Aberdeen-based Macaulay Land Use Research Institute. The new Electron Microscopy facility features a state-of-the-art scanning electron microscope (SEM), the only one of its kind north of the Central Belt. Local companies operating in the oil and gas exploration and production sector are being invited along to the official opening on Wednesday 17 March 2010 at 6.30pm for a tour of the facilities and demonstration of the technology.

A free arts exhibition inspired by scientific research being conducted in Scotland launches today (Monday 8th March) at the dovecot studios in Edinburgh. [continue reading ... ]

This workshop will focus on bringing together scientists and catchment practitioners from across the EU to further our understanding of riparian buffer functioning in different situations so that practical guidance may be developed as to their use, design, management and limitations. The workshop will be held in Ballater, northeast Scotland from 25th – 28th April 2010.

The role of forests in helping the UK to meet greenhouse gas emission targets will be highlighted at a seminar at the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute tomorrow (Wednesday 3rd March 2010). [continue reading ... ]

Glensaugh has enjoyed a long period of dry mid winter weather, more recently accompanied by hard overnight frosts and bright sunny days. This weather has been good for livestock but less than ideal for civil engineering projects.

Aberdeenshire Council and the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute have started a new project that will work with farmers to manage water quantity under current and future climate change. The focus of the project is the Tarland Basin and it will complement the ongoing Tarland Flood Prevention Scheme.