Easter Bush

Easter Bush. It is a major veterinary and biomedical research campus located south of Edinburgh, Scotland, near the village of Roslin. The campus is internationally renowned as a centre of excellence in animal sciences, veterinary medicine, and translational research. It houses several world-leading institutions, most notably the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies of the University of Edinburgh and the Roslin Institute.

Geography and location

Easter Bush is situated approximately 7 miles south of central Edinburgh, within the Midlothian council area. The campus lies on undulating land between the Pentland Hills regional park and the River North Esk, close to the historic Roslin Glen. This location places it within the broader Lothians region of Scotland. The area is characterized by a mix of agricultural land and modern scientific facilities, with the campus itself covering a significant area dedicated to teaching, research, and animal housing. Its proximity to Edinburgh Airport and major road networks like the A701 and Edinburgh City Bypass facilitates national and international collaboration.

History

The site's name derives from its historical use as farmland. Its modern development began in the 1970s when the University of Edinburgh's veterinary school relocated from its original premises in Summerhall, Edinburgh, to a new, purpose-built facility at Easter Bush. A pivotal moment in its history was the establishment of the Roslin Institute on the campus in the 1990s, following its move from nearby Roslin. The institute achieved global fame in 1996 with the birth of Dolly the sheep, the first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell, a breakthrough led by scientists Ian Wilmut and Keith Campbell. This event cemented Easter Bush's reputation as a premier location for groundbreaking biological research.

Easter Bush Research Centre

The Easter Bush Research Centre (EBRC) forms the core of the campus's scientific enterprise. It is a large, interdisciplinary facility that co-locates the Roslin Institute, the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, and the University of Edinburgh's Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine. Research focuses on animal genetics, infectious diseases, immunology, and comparative medicine, with work aimed at improving animal health, food security, and human medicine. The centre benefits from close partnerships with organizations like the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Pirbright Institute, and Moredun Research Institute. Its facilities include high-containment laboratories for studying pathogens like avian influenza and African swine fever virus.

Landmarks and notable features

The most prominent landmark is the modern, £60 million teaching building for the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, which includes the Hospital for Small Animals. The campus is also home to the large animal Equine Hospital and farm facilities for livestock research. A notable feature is the statue commemorating Dolly the sheep, located near the Roslin Institute. The surrounding area contains historical sites such as the medieval Rosslyn Chapel and the ruins of Roslin Castle, which are located within walking distance in Roslin Glen. The campus architecture blends functional research buildings with landscaped areas, reflecting its rural setting.

Transport and access

Easter Bush is well-connected by road, situated just off the A701 road (leading to Penicuik and the M8 motorway) and easily accessed from the Edinburgh City Bypass. Public transport links are provided primarily by Lothian Buses services, such as the number 37, which connects the campus to central Edinburgh via Morningside. For international visitors, Edinburgh Airport is approximately a 20-minute drive to the northwest. The campus also promotes sustainable travel, featuring cycling routes and connections to the wider National Cycle Network in Midlothian.

Category:Research institutes in Scotland Category:University of Edinburgh Category:Midlothian