Plans for new hub to bolster food and drink businesses in north-east Scotland

Plans to add a £21m hub to boost production of food and drinks in north-east Scotland were unveiled with hope of building work starting later in the year.

Aberdeen City Region Deal (ACRD) partners have welcomed the gains made on an 'critical ingredient' for the growth of the Northeast food and beverage sector.

Described as a "watershed moment" in the industry's drive to ultimately double its size, which is currently valued at £2.2bn, the SeedPod complex will home sectors of business and provides access to global market trends.

Councillor Jenny Laing, co-chairperson of the council, said: "SeedPod will deliver on the north east's ambition to grow the size and value of the food and drink sector.

The council has received a planning application for the Craibstone campus for Scotland Rural College, near Aberdeen.

The development will be funded with £10m to be shared across the UK and Scottish Governments through ACRD, a partnership between both administrations, One and Aberdeenshire Local Government.

The region represents over 20% of overall food and beverage production in Scotland.

Scottish Secretary Iain Stewart said the move provided a 'great example' of the UK and Scottish governments collaborating with regional partners to spur innovation and growth in Scotland 's 'iconic' food and drink sector.