The Environment Minister, Roseanna Cunningham, has praised work being carried out at a new water development centre near Inverness.

The innovation facility at Gorthleck is used to research, develop and test new water technologies that could have a positive impact on the water industry in the future.

Built on the site of a former water treatment works, the centre allows companies to test new equipment, products and processes on an operational scale.

Since its launch, research and development (R&D) projects have focused on potable water treatment for rural communities and nutrient recovery. In addition, large-scale testing has also been carried out on projects ranging from energy dissipation to membrane technology to optimise water treatment works performance.

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Another similar development facility has also been established at Bo'ness.

Speaking during a visit to the facility, Ms Cunningham said the creation of such cutting-edge facilities is essential.

"Gorthleck is a vital new facility for Scotland's water industry businesses and will help improve how we manage our water resources in future and accelerate the arrival of new technologies into the domestic and export markets," she said.

Paul Kerr, Head of Scottish Water Horizons, which manages and operates the centres, said: "Innovation and development is critical to the future of how the industry manages water effectively for years to come. The centre at Gorthleck provides a platform for innovators nationally and internationally to perform testing, proving and development under live conditions without any risk of detriment to drinking water quality or public health.

"The test facilities enable real-time, hands-on collaboration between businesses, academia and the public sector to encourage new opportunities and knowledge sharing."

(LM)