Hannah Research Institute

SITE INVESTIGATION WORKS, HANNAH RESEARCH INSTITUTE

noreply@blogger.com (Keith McKellar) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:19:00 +0000

A series of site investigations are scheduled to be undertaken over the course of the next few weeks starting tomorrow, Saturday 27 March 2010.

These investigations will take the form of trial pits and boreholes over a large number of areas on the main Research Park area and in the field behind Kirkhill Cottages. Whilst all reasonable efforts will be taken to ensure safety during this time, please be aware of the dangers associated with such investigations and the presence of machinery and vehicles on site.

Consequently, we would ask if you could refrain, as far as possible, from passing through the main research park area of the Institute and the field area behind Kirkhill Cottages during this time.

We do very much appreciate your co-operation in this matter.

Institute Enters Agreement with House Builder.

noreply@blogger.com (Keith McKellar) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:38:00 +0000

We are delighted to announce the completion today of an agreement with a house builder. Further details will follow in early 2010.

Planning Consent

noreply@blogger.com (Keith McKellar) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:11:00 +0000

The Institute is pleased to announce that a Section 75 Agreement, relating to the proposed housing development on the research park site, has been successfully agreed with South Ayrshire Council.

Estate Wildlife News

noreply@blogger.com (Garymac) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:18:00 +0000

A barn owl has been spotted on the Hannah estate, close to St Quivox. The Institute is delighted by this, following the introduction two years ago of a nesting box scheme for a number of bird species, including owls. Out of the 50+ nesting boxes introduced, more than 2/3 have been successfully used.

In July, we were distressed to find a dead buzzard on the estate. The carcass was sent for toxicology testing, although this proved to be inconclusive. The Institute has stepped up it’s monitoring of the estate’s raptor population and the appropriate authorities notified. Birds of prey are commonly and sadly increasingly, subject to poisoning. The Institute takes such criminal acts very seriously, and will seek the prosecution of any perpetrators.

LANTRA Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Garymac) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:15:00 +0000

The Institute was pleased to support the recent LANTRA (Lantra is the industry body supporting skills, education and training for the UK's environmental and land-based industries.) Keith McKellar, the Institute’s Chief Executive, will propose the vote of thanks.

For more information please visit Lantra's website.

Biodiversity Action Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Garymac) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:12:00 +0000

Keith McKellar, representing the Institute, was very pleased to be invited to consult on the Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Ayrshire, at their recent meeting at Dean House Country Park, Kilmarnock.

Rural Watch Initiative

noreply@blogger.com (Garymac) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:15:00 +0000

The Institute is pleased to support Strathclyde Police’s Rural Watch Scheme, and is working closely with the Strathclyde Police Wildlife Liaisons Officer. As one of the early members of PC Gordon’s Rural Watch Initiative, the Institute are conscious of the positive effect that this scheme has had in increasing the vigilance, reducing rural crime and fly-tipping in the area.

Fly-tipping Initiative

noreply@blogger.com (Garymac) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:13:00 +0000

The Institute is supporting the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association’s (SRPBA) Ayrshire Fly-tipping Initiative, a joint initiative with Keep Scotland Beautiful, to gather evidence of fly-tipping incidents in Ayrshire www.dumbdumpers.org.uk/howtoreport.asap.

BBC Production

noreply@blogger.com (Garymac) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:11:00 +0000

Keith McKellar has been advising a BBC production team for a forthcoming documentary on rural management practices.

Outlined Planning Consent Conferred by the Regulatory Panel of South Ayrshire Council.

noreply@blogger.com (Garymac) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:40:00 +0000

Promoting Rural Practice in the Current Economic Climate

noreply@blogger.com (Garymac) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:30:00 +0000

The event, organised by The Scottish Rural Property and Business Association (SRPBA) in conjunction with The Hannah Research Institute, will explore implications of the credit crunch for land-based businesses, and offer ideas and opportunity for discussion about alternative income streams.

The day’s programme covers a range of areas common to SRPBA members, and mirrors priorities explored by The Hannah following its cessation as a research centre and withdrawal of its Government core funding. The focus of the event is on planning and housing, and diversification.

In order to continue to fund relevant research, a development plan was set in motion by The Hannah two years ago to release land for housing, although outline planning consent is yet to be granted. The economic climate since the application was submitted has seen a marked cooling of interest by potential developers and a reduction in development land values.

In tandem, The Hannah is exploring options for further diversification including carbon offset, education, and a range of other uses for parts of the estate.

Keith McKellar, Chief Executive, The Hannah Research Institute, says:
“I am sure there will be many rural businesses who find themselves in a similar situation. If the housing bubble bursts with long-term consequences then a lot of us will have to rethink our strategies and options. We are developing other concepts in tandem with housing, but an initial lack of progress on this front and now a dramatic shift in the market, may well force a different approach.”

Luke Borwick, Chairman, SRPBA, says:

“The current financial climate will impact harder on some rural businesses than others, and we must expect attrition in areas such as housing development and tourism. While primary industries like farming and forestry may be more robust, the rural sector will need to be more creative in its approach to business and look towards diversification and alternative land uses to succeed under tougher market conditions. This day at The Hannah will, I am sure, give us plenty to think about as well as ideas for new ways forward.”

Speakers at the event include John Scott MSP, Luke Borwick, Chairman, The Scottish Rural Property and Business Association (SRPBA); Keith McKellar, Chief Executive, The Hannah Research Institute; Meic Evans, Planning Consultant; Sarah-Jane Laing, Housing Strategy Officer, SRPBA; Liz Marquis, The Energy Agency; and representatives from FPD Savills and the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG).

Media Information from the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association

noreply@blogger.com (Garymac) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 20:41:00 +0000

Problems and opportunities facing land-based businesses will be focus of discussion at one-day event in Ayr

‘Promoting rural practice in the current economic climate’ takes place at the Kevoca Conference Centre, Hannah Business Park, Ayr on Tuesday 11 November.

The event, organised by The Scottish Rural Property and Business Association (SRPBA) in conjunction with The Hannah Research Institute, will explore implications of the credit crunch for land-based businesses, and offer ideas and opportunity for discussion about alternative income streams.

The day’s programme covers a range of areas common to SRPBA members, and mirrors priorities explored by The Hannah following its cessation as a research centre and withdrawal of its Government core funding. The focus of the event is on planning and housing, and diversification.

In order to continue to fund relevant research, a development plan was set in motion by The Hannah two years ago to release land for housing, although outline planning consent is yet to be granted. The economic climate since the application was submitted has seen a marked cooling of interest by potential developers and a reduction in development land values.

In tandem, The Hannah is exploring options for further diversification including carbon offset, education, and a range of other uses for parts of the estate.

Keith McKellar, Chief Executive, The Hannah Research Institute, says:

“I am sure there will be many rural businesses who find themselves in a similar situation. If the housing bubble bursts with long-term consequences then a lot of us will have to rethink our strategies and options. We are developing other concepts in tandem with housing, but an initial lack of progress on this front and now a dramatic shift in the market, may well force a different approach.”

Luke Borwick, Chairman, SRPBA, says:

“The current financial climate will impact harder on some rural businesses than others, and we must expect attrition in areas such as housing development and tourism. While primary industries like farming and forestry may be more robust, the rural sector will need to be more creative in its approach to business and look towards diversification and alternative land uses to succeed under tougher market conditions. This day at The Hannah will, I am sure, give us plenty to think about as well as ideas for new ways forward.”

Speakers at the event include John Scott MSP, Luke Borwick, Chairman, The Scottish Rural Property and Business Association (SRPBA); Keith McKellar, Chief Executive, The Hannah Research Institute; Meic Evans, Planning Consultant; Sarah-Jane Laing, Housing Strategy Officer, SRPBA; Liz Marquis, The Energy Agency; and representatives from FPD Savills and the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG).

The event starts at 10.00am and concludes at 16.00 with lunch provided.

Those wishing to attend should contact Joyce Karch, tel: 0131 653 5400, e: joyce.karch@srpba.com

Issued for The Hannah by:
Dick Playfair
Playfair Walker
Tel: 0131 445 5570
E: dick@playfairwalker.com

Hannah Lodges Planning Application

noreply@blogger.com (Garymac) — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 21:47:00 +0000

Following a voluntary pre-planning public consultation before Christmas, the Hannah Research Institute, Ayr has this week lodged an application for outline planning permission for the development of residential accommodation in the Institute’s main building and on adjoining ground.

The application covers in the region 60 residential units requiring conversion of the main Hannah building and refectory and extending northwards. A ‘courtyard’ development is proposed on ground previously occupied by redundant office, light industrial and agricultural buildings, with additional housing on the adjoining ground. Limited Class 4 office accommodation is also proposed close to the Institute’s main gate.

The pre-planning consultation sought comments and responses from neighbours and other local interest. The majority of comments received were highly supportive of the proposals, but the Hannah project team has also adjusted and modified its original proposal in the light of the very few concerns that were raised at this time.

Keith McKellar, Chief Executive, The Hannah Research Institute, says:

“We have listened closely to comments received through the pre-planning consultation process and have modified our original plans to take these into account including a more irregular layout for the housing and retention of open space.

“The Hannah has embarked on this course so that it can continue to fund agricultural research under the terms of John Hannah’s original bequest. With Scottish Executive funding withdrawn a year ago, and all the science formerly on the site now transferred to Scottish Universities, our plan is to release land and redundant buildings for housing once planning permission has been attained so that a trust fund can be set up as a source for enabling future research.”

Download letter to the residents of St. Quivox (Adobe Acrobat 16KB).

Further news about the development plans can be found on The Hannah website www.hannahresearch.org.uk

Further information from:
Keith McKellar
Chief Executive
Hannah Research Institute
Tel: 01292 477006
E: k.mckellar@hannah.ac.uk

Issued for The Hannah by:
Dick Playfair
Playfair Walker
Tel: 0131 445 5570
E: dick@playfairwalker.com

Plans For New Housing Unveiled at The Hannah

noreply@blogger.com (Garymac) — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 21:50:00 +0000

Plans for 55 new homes have been unveiled at The Hannah Research Park, Ayr. As part of a pre-planning consultation exercise the proposals for the redevelopment on the Hannah site were available for the public to see today 6 December.

The 55 units will be made up of apartments in the Institute’s converted main building as well as proposals for Kirkhill, the development of Mount Hamilton House as a single dwelling, and the new build of a crescent of homes adjoining St Quivox to a sympathetic design. There is also a proposal for limited Class 4 space to be retained.

The redevelopment takes place to a significant extent on land which currently accommodates redundant and unsightly byres and farm buildings and which would be demolished to make way for the new housing.

The redevelopment proposals, which will be submitted as an outline planning application early next year, have become necessary as the Institute faces a future without core funding from the Scottish Executive but intends, under the terms of the bequest from John Hannah in the 1920s, to continue to fund research in Scotland’s agricultural sector.

With all science at the Institute now transferred to Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian Universities and the Rowett, the Hannah’s Governing Council has decided to explore sympathetic redevelopment of a small part of the site in order to generate funds to enable future research to be undertaken.

Keith McKellar, Chief Executive, The Hannah Research Institute, says:

“We have looked at a number of options for the site, one of which is clearly, with the withdrawal of central funding, to make our assets work harder for us. And one asset that the Institute has in abundance is land.

“This week we are presenting our proposals to our tenants on the Hannah site, to neighbours and to the wider public to give them early notice of our plans which we hope they will find in keeping both with the objectives of the Institute, and with its surroundings, and on which we would of course welcome comment.”

The Hannah’s new website also goes live from 6 December with more information about the Institute, its history and its future plans – visit www.hannahresearch.org.uk

Further information from:
Keith McKellar
Chief Executive
Hannah Research Institute
Tel: 01292 477006

Issued by:
Dick Playfair
Playfair Walker
Tel: 0131 445 5570

Note
The Hannah Research Institute was established in 1928 as one of a collection of Government funded but independent research institutes to promote the scientific development of agriculture, forestry and fisheries. The Institute’s initial remit was to undertake research on dairying, addressing specific problems associated with that industry.

Hannah family member appointed to Institute Council

noreply@blogger.com (Garymac) — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 22:54:00 +0000

Mrs Dorothy Dawson has been appointed to the Council of the Hannah Research Institute, Ayr. From Mauchline, Ayrshire, Mrs Dawson is a grand daughter of John Hannah whose bequest enabled the Institute to be founded in 1928 as a research organisation to support the Scottish dairy industry.

Grant-in-aid funding of the Institute from the Scottish Executive was withdrawn earlier this year. Since that time research staff have been relocated to other institutions and a programme of asset management is now underway to ensure that The Hannah can continue to enable future research through the awarding of grants.

Mrs Dawson was nominated for the position by local MSP Phil Gallie, who felt it important that a family link should be maintained through this transitional period for the Institute.

Sir Muir Russell, Chairman of the Governing Council, The Hannah Research Institute, said:

“As Trustees, we are working to ensure that the Hannah can continue to support agricultural research, and it is good to have a member of the family involved during this important transitional period.”

Phil Gallie MSP, said:

“I welcome the inclusion of a direct descendent of John Hannah to the Institute Board. I recognise the interest of John Hannah's descendants in his legacy to Ayrshire and the massive benefits derived by several generations of students in the various fields of agriculture as well as considerable advances made in research at ‘The Hannah’ which has had wide effect. Their interest and those of the many beneficiaries will be well served by the addition of John Hannah's grand-daughter Dorothy Dawson to the Board at this time of transition.”

Dorothy Dawson’s appointment was ratified at a Council meeting on 10 November 2006.

Major changes at The Hannah

noreply@blogger.com (Garymac) — Fri, 02 Jun 2006 21:55:00 +0000

The Hannah Research Institute, Ayr, which has had its funding from SEERAD withdrawn from this year, is to sell off its land-based assets after a programme of adding value to them. This announcement follows the moving of research activity which was based at The Hannah to Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian Universities and the Rowett Institute.

While a number of options had been explored for the Hannah, under the conditions of John Hannah’s original gift, any commercial enterprise, whether alone or as a joint venture, has had to be ruled out. The only remaining choice, that of managed disposal, is the route to be taken with the proceeds from assets sold being used to continue to support research.

Keith McKellar, Chief Executive of The Hannah, has already been in discussions with both Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire, and with the economic development department of South Ayrshire Council, and with completion of a detailed feasibility study, it is clear that a definite market exists for the development of a hotel, golf course and limited housing development on the site.

Keith McKellar says:

“It is our objective now to gain planning consents for the site in order to maximise its appeal to potential developers. Funds generated from the assets sold will be invested in a professionally managed portfolio from which the gains will continue to fund research so keeping to the requirements of the original gift.

“It is our view, echoed by others, that the type and scale of development for which we will be seeking outline consent, will bring significant economic and employment benefit to the Ayrshire economy - potentially several times greater than that of the Institute.”

“The Hannah, in its 77 years existence as a research institute, has made a number of significant contributions in the fields of dairy and human health, and we are optimistic that the objective’s of John Hannah’s gift will be maintained, along with the heritage of the Institute and the Hannah name, with the adoption of this approach.”