19 August 2025
Investing in community: Stirling’s National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub
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Wallace High School pupils who took part in the Ideal Candidate programme
Designed to ‘drive the UK’s ambitions to become a world leader in modern aquaculture practice’, The National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH) is being delivered by Robertson Construction Central East for the University of Stirling.
Throughout the build, Robertson, has fostered local partnerships and provided a range of social impact initiatives, showcasing how modern infrastructure can be a catalyst for real change within communities.
The project has hit ambitious targets to deliver local social impact, with £2.64 million of the project budget spent with businesses within 40 miles of the site and £6 million with small and medium sized businesses.
From job creation to work experience and apprenticeships, NATIH has embedded social impact at its core to drive inclusive, lasting change in the Stirling and Clackmannanshire communities.
David Cairns, Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central East said: “We have worked as a partner to University of Stirling for a number of years delivering high-quality award-winning buildings which further enhance learning and research. As a responsible contractor, our works go beyond the physical buildings and reflect the community wealth building desires of both the University and us.
“The NATIH building will play a pivotal role in reinforcing the University as a world leader in sustainable aquaculture and has already made a significant contribution to the local community through the construction phase.”
Professor Paul A. Townsend, Deputy Principal (Research and Innovation) at the University of Stirling, said: “Aquaculture is one of the world’s fastest growing sectors and the new National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub at the University of Stirling will create the UK’s leading innovation community for sustainable aquatic food production, creating high value, skilled jobs and training opportunities.
"We’re proud that the construction of this exciting new facility has already supported prosperity and created opportunities for people in Stirling, Clackmannanshire and beyond, so that together we can live better, safer, healthier lives.”
Practical skills development to open doors for young people
At the heart of the approach at NATIH has been a commitment to community wealth building, ensuring that investment directly benefits the people of Stirling and Clackmannanshire.
10 weeks of work experience placements have helped young people from a variety of schools and backgrounds to gain practical skills and explore future career paths, Robertson also organised a number of site visits with local schools including a special focus on encouraging women into construction.
30 pupils from Lornshill Academy in Tullibody and Wallace High School completed the Robertson ‘Ideal Candidate’ initiative, which boosts employability through confidence-building, CV writing, and interview preparation.
Over 80 weeks of apprenticeships were supported on the site, provided in partnership with Robertson and the supply chain, with one new apprenticeship role created.
Through these placements, work experience opportunities and career development support, the University of Stirling is empowering local people to enter the construction industry by creating real pathways between education, training and secure employment.
Supporting local opportunities and inclusion
The programme included monthly food bank donations and community clean-up events delivered in partnership with local organisations, demonstrating a strong commitment to the local community.
Working in partnership with the Local Employability Partnership, the site also supported young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), helping to develop the young workforce and remove barriers to employment.
Adults also benefited, with five new jobs created and two previously unemployed local people securing full-time roles on site.
The variety of initiatives are part of a wider ambition by Robertson to support those furthest from opportunity and ensure that growth is shared sustainably.
With completion due in autumn 2025, NATIH is delivering meaningful local value through its construction, supporting skills development, local employment and community support in Stirling and Clackmannanshire. With a socially responsible approach to delivery, the project highlights how infrastructure investment can bring wider benefits to people and place.
