Moredun ISSUE 7 | SPRING/SUMMER 2014 m a g a z i n e

SHETLAND: A lesson in biosecurity

HRH The Princess Royal launches International KTE Hub

First Minister visits Moredun

www.moredun.org.uk Contents Director’s comment

sustainable efficiency of livestock production In this Issue: while minimising impact on the environment. We greatly enjoyed the visit of Scotland’s First p1-3 News: First Minister Minister and Deputy First visits Moredun Photo | Kevin McCollum Minister to Moredun in April, p4 Dissecting the mechanism of where they heard more about some of our disease in ovine pulmonary European collaborations. The Minister for adenocarcinoma Environment and Climate Change, Paul Wheelhouse, visited in January to find out p5 SHETLAND: a lesson in about our research into wildlife, conservation biosecurity of biodiversity and protection of the environment, in particular water catchments, p7 Forthcoming Shows & from zoonotic pathogens (Page 3). Events 2014 A very warm welcome to the Spring Our research into ovine pulmonary edition of the Moredun Magazine and p8 Working together to control adenocarcinoma (OPA) received a boost when I do hope the lambing season went livestock disease in a our scientists recently won significant new well for sheep farmers this year. The changing climate funding from BBSRC and the Scottish weather has certainly been a lot Government to study how infected cells in the p9 Launch of the International better for most of the UK compared lung become cancerous, which we hope may KTE Hub for livestock health to last year and in this issue we are eventually lead to developing control strategies and welfare reporting on some of our work to against the disease (page 4). engage with those interested in the At Moredun, we strongly believe that p10 Out and About effects of climate change and how disease prevention is better than cure and two this affects livestock disease patterns of our scientists went to visit Shetland in p12 Focus On... and risks (page 8). PSP 20th Anniversary March to find out more about the highly effective biosecurity livestock health scheme Scholarship We were delighted to welcome our patron, Moredun 2020 Project practised on the islands (pages 5-7). HRH The Princess Royal to Moredun in We do hope that you find the features in February, where she launched our new this issue interesting and thank you again for International Knowledge Transfer and your continued support. Exchange Hub for Livestock Health and Welfare (page 9). The aims of the new Hub are to build on and further develop international partnerships and connectivity with others engaged in work to prevent and control livestock disease around the world. Ensuring that the best available science is Julie Fitzpatrick used to inform policy is vital to improve the Scientific Director and Chief Executive

Moredun Magazine

Moredun magazine is produced twice a year Comments, ideas, suggestions? The Moredun Foundation is a company and is available free of charge. Get in touch and let us know. limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland No. SC151865. Designed and Produced by Moredun Please contact: Communications Centre © 2014. Moredun Communications Team, The Moredun Foundation is a charity registered Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, in Scotland, No: SC022515 All images, unless otherwise stated, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ Address: Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, are © Moredun. Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland, EH26 0PZ. tel: +44 (0)131 445 5111 To subscribe, contact: fax: +44 (0)131 445 6111 Cover image: Hilary Burgess and Lyall Halcrow Moredun Communications Team, in Lerwick. Photograph by Kevin McCollum. Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, e-mail: [email protected] Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ web: www.moredun.org.uk

Moredun Magazine | Spring/Summer 2014 NEWS Visit to Moredun by First Minister Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon

The First Minister Alex Salmond, along with Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, chose Moredun Research Institute as the venue to launch the SNP European election campaign on Wednesday 30th April. Moredun was selected because of its world renowned reputation for excellence in delivering solutions to the farming community to prevent and control livestock disease. In addition, they recognised how funding from the working together with the European Union has enabled Moredun’s scientists to lead the way in developing vaccines and diagnostic tests to

improve the efficiency of livestock production Photo | Kevin McCollum worldwide and help safeguard food security. Alex Salmond commented, “I was hugely impressed by our visit to Moredun and the cutting edge research that is taking place there. It is great to see a Scottish Research Institute whose work is having such an important impact around the world – the institute is a perfect example of Scotland making its mark in Europe”. Nicola Sturgeon greatly enjoyed the opportunity to visit the research laboratories and said, “Moredun is a great example of what can be achieved by Scotland and the EU working together. The knowledge and enthusiasm of Moredun’s researchers and the facilities we were shown left a lasting impression and I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit”. Nicola Sturgeon, depute SNP leader, in a research laboratory at Moredun

Alex Salmond, First Minister at Moredun

Moredun Magazine | Spring/Summer 2014 1 News Moredun Scientist meets the “Godfather” of Liver Fluke Research

Following a Moredun Roadshow Aberystwyth ever since. Following an farmers’ meeting in Penrith, Dr Philip exchange of correspondence, Philip invited Skuce, who is engaged in liver fluke Dr Ollerenshaw to address the annual meeting

research at the Institute, received a Photo | Philip Skuce of the British Association for Veterinary 6-page hand-written letter, firstly Parasitology in Bristol, just before Christmas, commending him for raising the issue and he graciously accepted. Despite being of agri-environmental schemes as a 86 years old and not having been at a scientific potential fluke risk, but also meeting since he retired, he entertained the correcting some of the audience to a most amusing, informative and (mis)information presented about the Dr Ollerenshaw and Dr Philip Skuce educational talk, giving his ‘Reflections on liver intermediate host snails. Imagine fluke’. He had been given 30 mins for his talk Philip’s surprise, when it transpired North Wales, and was amongst the first to but held the floor for 1½ hours and no one that the letter was written by none make the connection between liver fluke risk had the heart to stop him, and nor did they other than Dr C.B. Ollerenshaw, the and the prevailing weather conditions. He want to! Dr Ollerenshaw has forgotten more acknowledged ‘Godfather’ of liver published the first ever liver fluke forecast for about fluke than most of us will ever know, fluke research in the UK. farmers in the 1950s. The calculated fluke risk, or ‘Ollerenshaw Index’, still bears his name and and we all hope to be as lucid when we’re 86! Dr Ollerenshaw spent his whole career at the is used to this day in regional fluke forecasts Philip and “Ollers” plan to keep in touch and he Central Veterinary Laboratory, Weybridge, for the UK and Ireland. He retired some 26 has kindly offered to take us on a snail hunting doing most of his field work on Anglesey in years ago and has been sheep farming near field trip on his own farm in the spring.

Ian Duncan Millar receives NFU Scotland Ambassador Award

Ian Duncan Millar MBE, chairman of Scotland needs people like Ian Duncan Millar the Moredun Foundation, has who have the ability to pull people together in

received one of Scottish farming's Photo | NFUS a collaborative way and use that collective most prestigious awards in strength to make things better. Ian’s track record as a servant to Scottish farming makes recognition of his outstanding him a very worthy recipient of this award.” contribution to the Scottish farming Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, Director and industry. Ian, who has helped to Chief Executive of the Moredun Group, said: “I shape and deliver key agricultural am delighted that Ian has been recognised and services to the industry, received the rewarded for his unstinting support of Scottish NFU Scotland Ambassador Award at farming, to which he has contributed in so the annual NFU Scotland dinner held many ways. From Moredun’s perspective, we in St Andrews in February. consider ourselves fortunate to have a Chairman who helps to focus our research to Announcing the award, NFU Scotland NFUS President Nigel Miller and Chairman of ensure maximum impact from new President Nigel Miller said: “Agriculture in the Moredun Foundation, Ian Duncan Millar technologies and knowledge exchange.”

2 Moredun Magazine | Spring/Summer 2014 NEWS Visit of Minister for Environment and Climate Change

The Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Paul Wheelhouse visited Moredun in January to hear how research conducted in animal health and welfare is influenced by a changing climate and how controlling infectious pathogens helps to protect the environment. The Minister was accompanied by Susan Davies, Head of RESAS. The party enjoyed a tour of the facilities and then met scientists to hear more about their work on wildlife and marine mammal health and welfare, protection of water catchments from zoonotic pathogens, the influence of climate change on the incidence and severity of parasitic infections such as liver From L to R: Beth Wells, Susan Davies, Colin McInnes, Keith Ballingall, Willie Donachie, fluke and conservation of biodiversity. Julie Fitzpatrick, Paul Wheelhouse, Nia Ball, Ian Duncan Millar, Philip Skuce

Moredun Scientific supports Cryptosporidium testing of water supplies

Moredun Scientific, with specialist advice from Creative Science Company, provides the technical and laboratory support into an established Photo | Bianca Gruber proficiency testing scheme organised by LGC Ltd (CRYPTS) for laboratories involved in water testing. The primary aim of the scheme is to ensure the ability of the testing laboratories to competently measure and enumerate Cryptosporidium oocysts in treated water supplies. It provides a means for laboratories to independently assess Cryptosporidium Laboratory at Moredun Scientific and monitor their own analytical performance over time for a range of Cryptosporidium levels and species contaminant in drinking and recreational prepare Cryptosporidium test materials which and enables them to demonstrate the waters worldwide and is a difficult problem to are supplied on a regular basis to laboratories validity of their results to regulatory control due to its resistance to standard water participating in the scheme, they also analyse bodies and customers. disinfection processes. To ensure the safety of test materials returned by the laboratories to treated water supplies the levels of ensure consistency of results. Cryptosporidium parasites are tiny protozoan Cryptosporidium oocysts are analysed by quality The service is run out of a newly equipped organisms which may cause acute gastro- assurance laboratories. Moredun has a long laboratory at the Moredun site. intestinal disease in affected individuals. The standing track record in conducting research parasites are transmitted by environmentally For further information on the CRYPTS PT into Cryptosporidium parasites to prevent and hardy oocysts which have a tough protective Scheme contact the Secretariat: control disease in livestock and to protect outer shell enabling them to persist and remain [email protected] infective in the environment for up to 18 people and the environment against this months depending on climatic conditions. zoonotic pathogen. For general enquiries regarding Cryptosporidium Cryptosporidium is recognised as a major The CRYPTS team at Moredun Scientific contact: [email protected]

Moredun Magazine | Spring/Summer 2014 3 Research

Dissecting the mechanism of disease in ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA, also known as jaagsiekte) is a common sheep disease caused by a virus known as jaagsiekte sheep Photo | Liz Banks retrovirus (JSRV). JSRV infects the lungs of sheep and triggers the growth of large tumours, often leading to death of the animal. OPA is a significant animal welfare and economic problem for farmers but currently there are no reliable methods for controlling the spread of the disease.

From L to R: Dr Mark Dagleish, Dr Chris Cousens, Dr David Griffiths

lines and tissue biopsies from sheep lung. the lack of a suitable diagnostic test for OPA is This new research project is expected to hampering efforts to control the disease. provide a huge amount of information on the Dr David Griffiths, who leads the study, cellular processes underlying cancer growth in commented: “OPA is an important disease for OPA. This will be of use to scientists farmers but also a fascinating model of investigating OPA and other lung diseases in infection for virologists. This new funding will sheep, but also to researchers studying lung enable us to understand the disease process in cancer in humans. Significantly, the project will OPA in fine detail and to use that information identify numerous tumour markers that can to create better methods for controlling the be evaluated for use in diagnosing OPA on disease, which will be of huge benefit to farms. This is an important goal as, currently, farmers.”

Histological appearance of OPA affected lung. Note the growth of tumour cells into the airspace of the lung (arrows)

Researchers at Moredun and Roslin Institute have won significant new funding from BBSRC and the Scottish Government to study the pathogenesis of OPA using state of the art molecular tools. The project will determine how infected cells in the sheep lung respond to the virus and how the infection changes their behaviour as they become cancerous. The information collected will be used to create a computer model of the genetic events that occur as JSRV transforms normal lung cells into tumour cells. This model will then form the basis for additional studies of the mechanism of disease in cell culture, using cell Large tumours (arrows) in an OPA-affected lung

4 Moredun Magazine | Spring/Summer 2014 Photo | Kevin McCollum

SHETLAND: Photo | Kevin McCollum a lesson in biosecurity

The small Loganair plane bounced harsh environment on the islands, which can just above the waves and the experience wind speeds of up to 95 knots. coastline of Shetland, Britain’s most The breed is thought to have descended from Hilary Burgess and Lyall Halcrow. Shetland Island Council northerly island, appeared on the ancient Scandinavian sheep and is also related horizon between the sea and the to other primitive breeds such as the Soay brilliant blue sky. Seconds later the breed of St Kilda. Shetland lamb is highly plane touched down on the tarmac renowned for the quality and taste of the at Sumburgh. Moredun scientists, Beth Wells and Lee Innes were visiting Shetland in March to find out more about the livestock industry on the islands and to learn how the community works together to Photo | Kevin McCollum achieve a high level of health and welfare of their livestock.

Shetland is comprised of over 100 islands, 15 of which are inhabited. Although the fishing and oil industries generate much of the income on the island, the livestock industry is of significant importance both economically and in sustaining many diverse rural businesses on the islands. Shetland is ideally suited for rearing sheep and there are around 282,000 sheep on the islands, which is around 12 sheep for every person. The native local Shetland breed are very hardy and have evolved to cope with the Livestock holding pens at Lerwick port

Moredun Magazine | Spring/Summer 2014 5 Photo | Kevin McCollum

Farm Croft at Uradale, Shetland mainland

meat and some of the farmers and crofters on livestock which is the port at Lerwick. When the island have been very active in marketing animals arrive they are blood sampled and in their products, with examples of direct selling the case of cattle, are tested for BVDV and to some of the top restaurants and butchers in Johne’s and the sheep are tested for maedi the UK. Shetland sheep also have exceptionally visna, caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) and fine, soft wool which is highly sought after and enzootic abortion. Livestock are also treated has a reputation for quality, strength and to help prevent sheep scab and gastrointestinal excellence. There are around 5000 cattle on worms. Imported livestock are then the islands and the Shetland cow (kye) is the quarantined on farms for a couple of weeks native breed that has been there for over 3000 until the test results come back and the vets years. This small and hardy breed is ideally can work together with the farmers to decide suited to the crofting lifestyle as they are able on any further action required. This scheme is to turn poor forage into high quality beef and subsidised by the Shetland Island Council using milk and thrive in the adverse climate. The revenue from the oil industry. The farmers and Shetland Livestock Marketing Group is an crofters see huge benefits from the health excellent community initiative which combines scheme where the prevention of disease results livestock marketing, meat processing, farm in substantial economic and welfare benefits assurance and animal health and the opening compared to the costs of treating. BVDV has of the new abattoir in October 2011 has been eradicated from Shetland since the early enabled opportunities for farmers and crofters 1990s and livestock on the islands are also free

to grow their own businesses and make Photo | Kevin McCollum from maedi visna, sheep scab and enzootic Shetland meat available locally. abortion. The islanders are currently working Shetland has been very progressive in the on a control programme for Johne’s which prevention and control of livestock disease and involves a test and cull approach combined there is much we can learn from their example with herd management schemes. Hilary is of the community working in collaboration to convinced that the success of the scheme is achieve a high health status for their livestock due to the good collaboration between the resulting in significant economic and welfare farmers and the vets, the port authorities and benefits. Hilary Burgess and Lyall Halcrow, who Shetland Island Council all working towards work for Shetland Island Council, outlined the common goals. However, they also recognised system used to protect livestock on the islands. that the success of any biosecurity scheme Aaron and John Sinclair, Sandwick Shetland has one point of entry for importing relies on the application of sensitive and specific

6 Moredun Magazine | Spring/Summer 2014 RESEARCH

diagnostic tests and the strategic use of successful businesses centred around livestock, effective livestock health scheme, which is the vaccination to prevent disease and they were working in very remote and difficult farming envy of many on the mainland, and is a great very interested to hear more about Moredun’s conditions. These included: dairy farming; beef example of the real benefits that can be research programme to develop new and and lamb rearing and wool and textile achieved from effective disease prevention. effective diagnostics and vaccines. businesses. Due to the remote nature of the Shetland Islands and the challenging We would like to thank, Hilary and Martin Burgess; climatic conditions, the farmers and crofters Lyall Halcrow; Jim Nicolson; Mary and Tommy have to be creative about how they run their Isbister; Ronnie, Sue and Jacob Eunson and Aaron businesses and how they market their and John Sinclair for hosting us so well and products both on the island and to the outside allowing us to come and find out more about their

Photo | Kevin McCollum world. They work very effectively with the work with livestock on the island. land, the climate, the farming seasons and strategic use of native breeds, to produce a Further information about the

Hilltop Bar, Yell. high quality Shetland brand that is renowned LIVESTOCK KEEPERS project can be found at: Location of Moredun’s most northerly roadshow and sought after. They also have a highly http://www.moredun.org.uk/livestock-keepers

Whilst in Shetland, Lee Innes and Beth Wells conducted two Moredun Livestock Health Roadshow events, one in Lerwick and the other on the island of Yell, which was the most

northerly Moredun Roadshow in the history of Photo | Kevin McCollum the organisation! At the meetings, there were good discussions about Moredun’s current research and some of the livestock health and welfare concerns of the farmers and crofters on Shetland. As part of the LIVESTOCK KEEPERS talking science project, Lee and Beth also visited several farms and crofts on the island to learn more about the challenges and different approaches taken to create diverse and Shetland wool is renowned for it’s quality, strength and excellence

Forthcoming Shows & Events 2014

Thursday 22nd May Photo | Kevin McCollum NBA Beef Expo, Hexham

Wednesday 4th June NSA Scot Sheep, Duns

Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd June Royal Highland Show,

Thursday 17 July Livestock Keepers, National Library of Scotland

Wednesday 30 July NSA Sheep Event, Malvern Royal Highland Show, Edinburgh

Moredun Magazine | Spring/Summer 2014 7 Science and Policy Working together to control livestock disease in a changing climate Photo | Kevin McCollum

Laura Doull and Manus Graham, Moredun farm Maasai animal health workers

Looking at some of the challenges we with others within global networks to develop: currently face today such as dealing innovative vaccines against the major with a changing climate, competing infectious diseases of livestock; rapid diagnostic pressures for land use and a growing tests to enable identification and source global population, predicted to rise tracking of pathogens; protection of food and water supplies from infectious agents and to 9 billion in 2050, the production of advice to livestock keepers on how to improve safe, nutritious and sustainable food the health and welfare of their animals. Food supplies is of paramount importance. security and disease have been highlighted in However, to enable the livestock the recently published Global Risk Report for industry across the world to become 2014 from the World Economic Forum and more resilient and adaptive to the Moredun’s research to improve the health and difficult challenges we currently face, welfare of livestock is as relevant today as it education, communication and was when the organisation was first founded. learning from each other is Moredun aims to build on this connectivity absolutely vital. through the launch of the International Knowledge Transfer and Exchange (KTE) Hub This collaborative approach has long formed for Livestock Health and Welfare. The Hub part of the core principles of Moredun’s work. aims to further develop Moredun’s existing Through discovery, collaboration and sharing international partnerships and collaborations knowledge Moredun has worked together to engage with others across the world to

8 Moredun Magazine | Spring/Summer 2014 SCIENCE AND POLICY

help combat livestock disease. The new Hub will help to facilitate collaborative research projects, workshops, research placements, staff exchanges and the use of new communication technologies to enable Photo | Kevin McCollum independent knowledge about prevention and control of livestock disease to be made as widely accessible as possible in order to benefit all that may need it.

HRH The Princess Royal launches the International KTE Hub for Livestock, Health and Welfare Moredun were delighted that the new International KTE Hub for Livestock Health and Welfare was launched by Her Royal Highness Professor Louise Heathwaite, Scotland’s Chief Scientific Advisor for Rural Affairs and Environment The Princess Royal during a special event in February. The event, held at Moredun, focused on the challenges faced when controlling livestock disease in a changing climate, and how science–policy interactions and coherent knowledge exchange are important in addressing these issues. The workshop attracted over 100 delegates from the agricultural, veterinary and research sectors around the world, and speakers included Professor Louise Heathwaite, Scotland’s Chief Scientific Advisor for Rural Affairs and Environment, Dr Jens Mattsson, Director General of the National Veterinary Institute in Education and training in livestock health and welfare Sweden and HRH The Princess Royal herself. During her visit HRH The Princess Royal congratulated scientists on the collaborations with others across the world in sharing knowledge and resources to help prevent and control livestock disease. Photo | Kevin McCollum Ian Duncan Millar, Chairman of the Moredun Foundation, who escorted the Princess around the laboratories commented, “It is always a pleasure to welcome HRH, The Princess Royal to Moredun. Her support in opening the KTE Hub is much appreciated. This new initiative will further the work of the Moredun Foundation in sharing the results and discoveries of the Moredun Research Institute, which will benefit the environment, minimize our collective carbon footprint and contribute towards the wellbeing of both the farmed livestock and the farmers.”

Please visit our website for more information about the International KTE Hub for Livestock Health and HRH The Princess Royal meets Stefano Guido a post graduate student from Italy at the launch of the International KTE Hub Welfare www.moredun.org.uk/knowledge-hub.

Moredun Magazine | Spring/Summer 2014 9 Out and About Roadshow roundup

The 2013 Moredun Livestock Health Roadshow was an outstanding success with record numbers of farmers, vets and SQPs attending the 11 free events throughout the UK. The roadshow ran from 11th to the 21st November and featured subjects including liver fluke, worm control, cryptosporidiosis, Johne’s disease, CLA, sheep scab, OPA and calf health issues. Moredun’s roadshow aims to support the livestock industry, help promote livestock health and welfare and answer queries about disease control. The 2013 series saw meetings take place across the UK from Huntly in the North to Bridgewater in the South and provided a great opportunity for local livestock producers and those working in livestock health to come together and discuss animal health issues. We would like to thank QMS, HCC, CEVA, Zoetis, Harbro, Scottish Government and Norbrook for their sponsorship and all the speakers for their time and expertise delivering the excellent meetings. Once again all meetings received AMTRA SQP CPD Calf health and welfare was one of the topics at the Moredun Livestock Health Roadshow accreditation.

Education workshop

Connecting Research and engagement from many different Biology Education: Supporting the organisations across Scotland discussed their Curriculum for Excellence current educational resources with biology teachers and representatives from Education In February, Moredun Research Institute, in Scotland, and explored ways to work together partnership with the Scottish Government and to produce resources to support the the Scottish Schools Education Research Centre Curriculum for Excellence in Scottish schools. (SSERC), hosted a workshop to bring together The workshop provided an excellent representatives from the Life Sciences Research opportunity to exchange knowledge, and it is Institutes and biology teachers from across hoped that the increased communication Scotland. The aim of the workshop was to encourage connectivity between teachers and between biology teachers and research research institutes and to begin to help bridge institutes will help create an environment for the knowledge gaps identified in a survey of sustainable partnerships, enabling schools Scottish secondary school biology teachers. throughout Scotland to benefit from the During the workshop scientists and cutting edge life science research taking colleagues involved in education and public place in Scotland.

10 Moredun Magazine | Spring/Summer 2014 OUT AND ABOUT Edinburgh International RHET appeal Science Festival 2014 for volunteers

Moredun’s Education Group was busy at the learn about the importance of healthy “Children need to visit a farm to fully beginning of the year developing another free livestock and all about how scientists, vets and understand where food comes from” interactive exhibit for the general public. farmers can work together to help protect say Scottish primary school teachers Farmyard Animals: Friends & Foes highlights livestock and human health. – farmer volunteers wanted ! some of the issues surrounding livestock In April, Farmyard Animals: Friends & Foes ran farming and how Moredun helps to improve at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh as part Many children in Scotland lack an the health and welfare of farmed animals of the Edinburgh International Science Festival understanding of where their food comes through the prevention and control of programme. The exhibition proved to be from and how it gets to their plate. The Royal diseases whilst minimising the impact on the another very popular event, attracting over Highland Education Trust (RHET) is a charity environment. The exhibition provides a fun 700 visitors and very positive feedback during working with schools to help address this by and friendly atmosphere where children can the two days. educating our children about food, farming and the countryside. They are currently helping with a University of Glasgow research project, looking at how topics on food and farming, and particularly visits to farms, can help children learn about the origins of their food. RHET relies on volunteer farmers to open up their farms, speak in classrooms or help out at events. If you or anyone you know might be interested in getting involved, please get in touch with RHET by telephone: 0131 335 6227, or by e-mail: [email protected].

To follow the progress of the research project, Edinburgh International Science Festival go to www.farmvisitsstudy.co.uk

Obituaries

Declan McKeever Joe Watson

We are very sad to report the death in Joe Watson the highly respected and January of our former colleague, Declan dedicated farming editor at the Press and McKeever, an exceptional research scientist Journal, died suddenly, at the age of 43, in and much loved and valued friend to many of March of this year. Joe was named regional us. A graduate of University College Dublin, newspaper agricultural editor of the year

Declan came to Moredun to do a PhD on Orf The Press and Journal Photo | three times and Damien Bates, editor in virus. He then spent many years working in chief, described Joe as a brilliant journalist. Kenya to develop a vaccine to prevent Tributes have been paid by many throughout East Coast fever in cattle before returning to the Scottish farming industries. We shall miss Declan McKeever Joe Watson UK to take up a joint chair between Moredun Joe’s challenging questions and interaction at and University of Edinburgh and finally our annual press events where he always moving to the Royal Veterinary College livened things up. in London.

Moredun Magazine | Spring/Summer 2014 11 Focus On... Pentlands Science Park celebrates its 20th Anniversary Photo | Kevin McCollum

Pentlands Science Park, the much pharmaceuticals, software, and environmental with our service provider, Baxter Storey, is admired home of the Moredun Group, services. substantially driven by the Moredun Group but is celebrating its 20th anniversary. to the benefit of the many tenant employees Moredun Group and tenant mix vital both from PSP and the adjoining Edinburgh to success of Science Park Pentlands Science Park (PSP) was developed Technopole. Tenants also benefit from access As PSP celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is between 1994 and 1999 when the life science to specialist facilities and equipment, timely to reflect on the importance of having industry was becoming a key element in the collaboration with Moredun staff and both the Moredun Group and our commercial strategy to help re-invigorate the local participation in training events that the tenants sharing the site, the benefits to both, economy. The main driver for the Park organises. and how continued high occupation is vital to development of PSP was the need to re-locate The sustainability of the Park does rely on the sustainability of the Park. Moredun from its original home in Edinburgh the vital income from our tenants to help pay Moredun Research Institute is the main to purpose built, state of the art facilities. With for the site services such as grounds driver of the site and its critical mass is vitally the support of both Scottish Enterprise and maintenance, security and waste disposal. important in delivering value for everyone on Midlothian Council, plus substantial support High occupancy delivers maximum the Park. This can be seen in areas such as the from European Regional Development Fund purchase of utilities where the annual spend is contribution to the Park services costs which is grants, Moredun were able to develop the site around £900k for the site, 70% of which is extremely important. To achieve high to not only accommodate its own research used by MRI. However, the bulk buying of occupancy, PSP must continue to ensure that institute, but also to provide purpose built energy delivers competitive rates to our the Park is an attractive and cost effective accommodation for commercial research tenants which helps control overhead costs. location to do business and that will remain organisations. Another benefit is the PSP Stores which is the focus going forward. We have excellent Since it opened twenty years ago PSP has driven mainly by sales to MRI but again offers relationships with our tenants, many of whom been very successful in attracting commercial the opportunity of competitive bulk buying of have been with us for the majority of these companies to its site. The commercial focus at laboratory consumables. Our Park Cafe offers twenty years. It is a really positive partnership PSP is animal bioscience but the tenant base an excellent service and cost effective food and we appreciate the loyalty and support of also includes companies involved in and refreshments. The Cafe catering contract our tenant base.

12 Moredun Magazine | Spring/Summer 2014 FOCUS ON... Scholarship

Applications are still open for the Ian Duncan Millar, Chairman of the The closing date for applications for a 2014 Moredun Foundation Moredun Foundation, is delighted by the 2014 Moredun Foundation Scholarship is Scholarship. quality of the scholarship projects that the Monday 30 June 2014. Successful applicants Moredun Foundation has supported so far. He will be notified in writing by Friday 29 August The scholarship scheme offers a fantastic commented, “These scholarships are a great 2014 and projects need to be completed by opportunity for individuals to pursue a short way for those in the livestock industry to 31 August 2015. term project to broaden their education and pursue a short term project or further develop experience in areas relating to livestock health Further information and an application form are their own knowledge of livestock health. and welfare and the agricultural industry. available to download from the Moredun website Recipients of these awards to date have Scholarship awards of up to £1,000 each will www.moredun.org.uk/scholarship. be made in 2014. Projects are open to carried out some fantastic diverse projects Moredun members over the age of 18 living which have broadened the horizons of the Application forms and guidelines can also be in the UK and may involve work experience, individual involved, while adding useful emailed to prospective applicants on request – travel, or collaborations with science or knowledge to the promotion of livestock email [email protected] the arts. health and welfare”. for further information.

Thank You

As a registered charity the Moredun Black Face Sheep Breeders’ Association RHASS Foundation is indebted to its Border Union Agricultural Society members and supporters for Romsey Agricultural & Horse Show Society Buckland Charitable Trust donations to help ensure that vital Zoetis CEVA areas of our work can continue. Mr P Alexander Harbro Special thanks must go to the Mr C Lewis Hybu Cig Cymru (Meat Promotion Wales) following organisations and Mrs K Mackay J & JR Wilson Trust individuals, all of whom have made Norbrook Memory of Mrs Pringle donations to the Moredun Foundation Perth Ram Society Mr Ian Gill in the last twelve months. Their Quality Meat Scotland Scottish Goatkeepers Federation support is greatly appreciated.

Moredun 2020 Project

Moredun’s 100th anniversary will be contributed to the organisation over the in 2020 and a new project, entitled years. During the next 12 months we will ‘Moredun 2020’, aims to update our conduct audio interviews with some of the history and highlight the contribution current and ex staff members, with Moredun of Moredun and the Animal Diseases Fellows, Regional Advisors and farmer Research Association to livestock members. Old and new images will illustrate health and welfare both in the UK the project and we hope to create a book and and across the world. DVD, as well as making material more widely available using web-based media. As well as highlighting our main outputs and achievements over the last 100 years, the If you have images that you would like to donate or project will bring our history to life by telling memories you’d like to share, please contact the stories of the people who have [email protected]

Moredun Magazine | Spring/Summer 2014 13 www.moredun.org.uk