Oban and north Lorn could become one of Scotland’s leading centres for drones, robotics and autonomous technologies under ambitious plans that promise to bring skilled jobs, investment and innovation to the Highlands.
A new study commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise has identified the area as having the potential to become a nationally significant hub for developing, testing and deploying autonomous systems across a range of industries.
The research highlights a growing cluster of businesses, scientific expertise and specialist infrastructure already established around Oban, providing strong foundations for future growth.
A partnership involving Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Scottish Association for Marine Science and Argyll and Bute Council is now taking forward a phased programme designed to turn that potential into reality.
The strategy focuses on expanding existing work involving drones and marine robotics, while attracting flagship projects that demonstrate the technology and encourage wider commercial adoption.
Researchers found that Oban and north Lorn possess a unique combination of advantages, including access to uncongested airspace through Oban Airport, internationally recognised marine science expertise at the Scottish Association for Marine Science and innovation facilities at the European Marine Science Park.
The technologies could support sectors ranging from offshore renewables and aquaculture to healthcare, transport and public services, while creating highly skilled, year round employment in the region.
Morag Goodfellow, Highlands and Islands Enterprise Area Manager for Argyll and the Islands, said:
“This report highlights the exciting opportunity we have here for the area to really take a lead on the wider commercialisation of these types of technologies.
“This will bring new economic activity, create high value skilled jobs and put the area at the forefront of drones and robotics.
“SAMS, EMSP and Oban Airport will be central to establishing the area as a hub, and we’ve already formed a strong partnership to take forward a series of actions to make sure we capitalise fully on the potential that exists.”
Steve Ham, Managing Director of SAMS Enterprise, said the region has all the ingredients needed to become a nationally significant centre for robotics innovation.
He said:
“This research strongly endorses our vision to establish a world leading robotics innovation hub near SAMS, EMSP and Oban Airport.
“With its unique combination of airspace, coastal and marine environments, and scientific expertise, it’s an ideal location for robotics testing, training and innovation.”
The report also identifies opportunities elsewhere across the Highlands and Islands, with Orkney highlighted as a complementary centre of excellence through facilities including the Sustainable Aviation Testing Environment, the European Marine Energy Centre and the emerging International Blue Economy Robotarium.
Rather than competing with one another, the report suggests that linking the strengths of Oban, Orkney and other parts of the region could establish the Highlands and Islands as one of the UK’s leading locations for autonomous systems, supporting advances in clean energy, marine industries and resilient rural communities.
