The £5 million project will initially create shell and cores to increase testing laboratory capacity, as well as providing extensive climate-controlled sample storage, warehousing, and associated office facilities.

Working closely with consultants Thomas and Adamson, CBA, BMJ Architects and Woolgar Hunter, the team - many of them members of the original cast - quickly and professionally navigated the procurement stages to bring the project to fruition within a short timeframe.

Following some brief site investigation works, the 40-week construction programme started in July, in line with the Scottish Government’s Phase 3 of the Construction Re-Start Plan.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, Chris Richardson, managing director of Ambassador Investments, said: “We have been working very closely with our tenants to create a high quality exemplar extension, allowing them to expand and further the good work that goes on here.

“The extension we are taking forward is complex and fits the needs of our tenants perfectly. We are delighted then to have Muir Construction on board to carry out the construction works on the building, which is will not only be great for the life sciences sector, but for the wider Scottish economy as a whole.

“We recognise that to keep businesses that offer a fundamental service, we must grow and evolve with them and so we are delighted after many years of talks to be delivering a site, alongside Muir Construction, that will secure their future here for at least a further 15 years.

“This latest investment reinforces Scotland’s position as a global leader, and is testament to the skilled workforce and diversity of the Scottish life science sector which continue to grow here in Scotland and we are delighted to play our part in ensuring its future.”