Secrets of the Oyster Bed

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Loch Ryan is home to one of Scotland's most precious marine treasures - the last significant population of native oysters in the country. It’s also a living laboratory, informing research that's helping to restore marine ecosystems across Europe.

Join us for an extraordinary morning of discovery as scientists from Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute share their groundbreaking research in six accessible 20-minute talks.

Professor Bill Sanderson's team from Heriot-Watt, who have been studying Loch Ryan for many years, will reveal their latest findings about what makes this oyster bed so special, from the unique water circulation patterns that have protected it for centuries to the surprising discoveries about how fishing actually helps the ecosystem thrive.

Dr Tim Bean and colleagues from the Roslin Institute will take you into the hidden world of oyster biology, exploring everything from the complex relationships between oysters and their environment to the cutting-edge techniques being used to safeguard oyster populations across Scotland and beyond.

The format allows you to drop in for individual sessions that catch your interest, or settle in for the full scientific journey from the ancient origins of this ecosystem to its promising future. A small number of tickets are available for those wanting to experience the full programme.