Making a Difference

Working for Increased Prosperity

Distance Lab Takes Off

It's not often that Moray can lay claim to having a unique, world-class facility on its doorstep, but the opening of the Distance Lab at Horizon Scotland in January has made this a reality.

As the first of its kind anywhere in the world, the Distance Lab will carry out research into how digital media and information and communication technology (ICT), can help manage the impact that distance has on individuals, communities and businesses in the north of Scotland and other areas of the world.

Where television, the telephone and mobile phone have revolutionised the world in the 19th and 20th centuries, the Distance Lab will research and develop new technologies and products to help break down even further the barriers of communication and distance in the 21st century.  The project will see an overall investment of £5million over the next five years.

Researchers working at the Distance Lab will be inspired to create valuable high growth business starts.  They are likely to settle in the local area to commercialise their ideas, and therefore help to grow the local economy by providing high value jobs.

Solar Vintage is one research company already benefiting from being located at the Distance Lab.  It explores delicate ways of incorporating solar sells into textiles in which technology meets tradition.  Ornate fashion accessories like a handheld fan and a parasol are charged while used outdoors during the day.  When brought indoors in the evening they transform into a decorative ambient light display for the home, powered only by energy stored earlier.

"Moray's economy has one of the lowest average wage rates in Scotland and the Distance Lab has the potential to make a significant impact on this and provide more opportunities for graduates in the area."                  James Gibbs, Former Chief Executive, HIE Moray

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