South Uist seaweed research project in running for award 16/11/12
New technology to process extracts from seaweed could create around 40 jobs on South Uist within three years says the firm behind the science.
A pilot plant to test making ingredients for ice cream and apple pie out of island seaware is being assembled in Aryshire by Marine Biopolymers.
It will provide test samples for the food, pharmaceutical and textile sectors before moving to a proposed full scale factory on Uist.
The process turns fresh wet seaweed from South Uist into dried sodium alginate which
is used as a food thickener in foods including ice-
Marine Biopolymers -
It says its technology is much faster, simpler and also offers cost advantages than current alginate processes.
In addition, it says the end product is better compared to similar products already on the market.
David Mackie of Marine Biopolymers said the venture is “very, very promising.”
He is confident in securing fiance for the South Uist factory though raising funds is taking longer than hoped under the present economic climate.
Mr Mackie said: “It depends on getting the money but will be as fast as we practically can do it. I would hope within three years.”
The pilot plant which was originally mooted for Crooked River by Lochboisdale is now being based in Ayrshire. It has received a grant from the UK Government’s Technology Strategy Board and will be ready to start work by the end of next month.
The seaweed research project is in the running for a science enterprise prize in the Interface Excellence awards, which recognise the success and achievement resulting from collaborative partnerships between business and universities.
The alginate firm plan to build its factory in Lochboisdale where Stòras Uibhist is progressing a £10 million redevelopment. Angus Macmillan leaves the landlord board meetings when the issue is being discussed.