A new study by the University of Strathclyde reveals Queen Margaret University's relocation to a new campus in East Lothian has brought significant benefits to the local economy.

The study, which was commissioned by East Lothian Council and the university, concluded that QMU is worth £77m to the UK economy, with the majority accruing in Scottish Industries and a significant proportion likely to benefit East Lothian.

The report also reveals that every £1m of university spend generates four new jobs outside the university and a further impact of £380,000 in East Lothian, another £830,000 and seven jobs in the rest of Scotland plus a further £280,000 and three jobs outside Scotland in the rest of the UK.

QMU Vice Principal Rosalyn Marshall said: "As well as the immediate economic benefits we are pleased that we have been able to bring longer term benefits to the community and assist the council in achieving its strategic priorities.

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"Twenty eight percent of our students come from outside Scotland and this report shows that they bring with them off-campus spending power of £11m, in addition boosting tourism and raising the profile of the region in the UK and abroad. Facilities and services, such as sports facilities and podiatry clinics, are open to the community and the presence of a higher education institution in East Lothian has provided many business, social and personal development opportunities to the area."

Queen Margaret University relocated to its new award winning campus in East Lothian from a scattered Edinburgh estate in 2007. There are over 450 full time equivalent direct employees at QMU, and the new campus has created an additional 466 new jobs in Scotland, including 138 in East Lothian alone. The university now represents 3% of all East Lothian employment.

Councillor Paul McLennan, East Lothian Council's economic development spokesman said:

"The Council is pleased that having fully supported QMU's move to East Lothian and welcomed it as our first institute of higher education, the university is making a significant impact on the local economy and equally important, has become a valued member of the local community. The Council will work closely in partnership with QMU in the future to ensure that this early success continues."

Tim Cocking of Edinburgh based property lettings agency JVR Properties, which opened a second branch in Musselburgh in 2008, added that he is optimistic about the future impact of the university on the business.

(GK/JM)