Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) appointed TSL Contractors Ltd to build Camas House at the European Marine Science Park (EMSP) at Dunstaffnage, near Oban.

As part of the project, the contractor offered work placements to five Oban High School pupils across business administration and construction, with one pupil subsequently taken on full time by TSL. Three apprentices also gained experience on civil engineering and joinery tasks. The company attends the school's careers fair every year.

The two-and-a-half-storey, 1,500 square metre building includes seven laboratories, seven office suites of varying sizes, two kitchen areas, meeting spaces, toilets and showers, and plant rooms on the ground floor and roof. The design sets challenging sustainability goals, with an aspiration to be carbon neutral.

Camas House is expected to draw more pioneering marine businesses to Argyll, stimulate entrepreneurship and create well-paid jobs, particularly for young people.

The development builds on the success of Malin House at the EMSP, completed in 2012, which now hosts 13 companies employing around 70 people.

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HIE's area manager for Argyll and the Islands Morag Goodfellow said: "As a world-class, multi-purpose facility in a stunning natural environment, EMSP has proved an ideal location for companies involved in marine science industries and research. It's very much a centre of collaboration and technology that taps into the area's natural advantage and stimulates growth in the sector, not just for Argyll but across Scotland.

"It's been great to see the construction project providing opportunities for young people. In attracting more new companies, Camas House will lead to further local opportunities in skills and entrepreneurship, as well as enhanced confidence in Argyll as a business location."

TSL's head of building Brendan McWilliams said: "TSL are proud to be associated with this inspiring project and extend a warm welcome to those who will find employment in Camas House. The benefits for the local area and the opportunities gained by the students and work placements will last into the future."

SAMS associate director for science and external engagement Prof. Liz Cottier-Cook said: "It is fantastic to see Camas House become a new addition to the European Marine Science Park (EMSP). In our research and education, collaborations between EMSP tenant companies and SAMS are becoming increasingly important.

"We have an international Masters in Aquaculture and have recently launched an MSci in Applied Marine Science, which both work very closely with industry and have received a lot of support from businesses. The growth in business activity at the EMSP will help courses like these to thrive, whilst presenting more opportunities for research and development collaborations.

"Through our various courses, we are helping to train new researchers and future employees, who can aid the development of the blue economy in the region, and beyond."