Scotland’s deputy first minister has visited a Fife tech firm that has developed a Bluetooth-connected weighing system for cows and other livestock.
Kate Forbes spent time with executives from iLivestock which is based at Fife Interchange North in Dumfermline as part of the government’s £35 million programme to help businesses grow and innovate.
The company has a turnover of £1.4 million but aims to grow that to £22 million within five years, creating up to 80 new jobs
Fife Interchange North is part of the Industrial Innovation Investment Programme (i3) – a 10-year project being delivered by Fife Council to create new business space and serviced land across the region. It will support around 1,200 jobs while attracting private sector investment.
The DFM saw a demonstration of the Bluetooth-connected weighing system which allows farmers to manage their livestock.
She said: “The Scottish Government’s £35 million investment in the i3 Programme aims to provide entrepreneurs and businesses with the conditions they need to innovate and thrive.
“Having just held Scotland’s first National Innovation Week, there is no doubt that this country has the talent and skills to become one of the world’s most innovative small nations.
“Fife Interchange North delivers modern, energy efficient units for innovative businesses to develop and grow across the region. It’s been great to see a demonstration of some of the pioneering work being carried out here.
“The Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal has already created or supported over 22,000 jobs and more than 1,000 businesses. And there is much more of this to come in the years ahead as Growth Deal projects across Scotland move into delivery.”
The I3 Programme is a ten year, £58 million investment led by Fife Council and supported by £35 million from the Scottish Government. It is creating new business space and serviced land across Fife, including projects in Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy, Levenmouth, Dalgety Bay and Dunfermline. Over the coming years the programme will support around 770 permanent jobs and 600 construction jobs, while attracting further private sector investment and ensuring businesses have the facilities they need to grow.
Cllr Altany Craik, Fife Council’s spokesperson for finance, economy and strategic planning, said: “We are committed to ensuring that Fife Council delivers modern business infrastructure that meets local, regional and national market requirements.
“By working together, this Edinburgh, Lothians, Borders and Fife City Region Deal project, funded by Fife Council, UK and Scottish Government has delivered essential facilities to attract investment and support companies to prosper, creating new and better jobs for local people.”
The Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal is supported with £300 million each from the Scottish and UK governments.
Regional Growth Deals are packages of funding agreed between the Scottish Government, the UK Government and local authority partners. They support a wide range of projects designed and delivered by local authorities and other regional partners who know those areas best.