Workshop

Key information about Workshop services, activities and equipment.

We provide comprehensive, and adaptive technical support for the School’s laboratory infrastructure and research and teaching activities.

The team can design and build a wide range of electro-mechanical instrumentation and components using both modern CNC equipment and traditional engineering tools.

We conduct pre-planned and emergency repairs on School equipment and infrastructure and are responsible for large equipment moves within the School.

Services

Our electronic and mechanical engineers work together to design, build, install and maintain equipment and instrumentation.

  • Repair and maintain School and lab group equipment.
  • Design, manufacture and test of electronic/electro-mechanic instrumentation.
  • Produce mechanical engineering components and devices.
  • Install and Maintain the School’s gas manifold systems.
  • Liaise with external companies regarding technical issues.
  • Assist engineers from external companies and the University Estates and Buildings.
Photo of a machine used in the workshop.

We work closely with the School’s health and safety team to ensure equipment, instrumentation and laboratory infrastructure complies with current health and safety legislation.

  • Emergency response and repairs to equipment/instrumentation breakdown.
  • Electrical safety testing.
  • Gas cylinder regulator inspection.
  • Centrifuge rotor inspection.
  • Pressure vessel and lifting gear insurance inspection.
  • Large equipment moves. 

Computer controlled manufactureTraditional engineering machineryElectronics bay
3D printerLathe and millElectronic test equipment
CNC routerWelding bayFull range of electronic hand tools
Electronic circuit board routerMechanical saws 
 Pillar drill 
 Full range of mechanical hand tools 

We are a small team of multi-skilled technicians, with extensive experience and expertise in all key mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines.

Tony Swan – Manager

  • Degree in electronics and Electrical Engineering.
  • 8 years Electronic Technician, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews.
  • 15 years Field Electronics Engineer, Global Seismology and Geomagnetism Group, British Geological Survey.
  • Joined October 2019.

James Weir – Mechanical Technician

  • 25 years’ experience maintaining and repairing industrial equipment.
  • 12 years as a welder and supervisor in the oil industry, manufacturing boat to rig transfer units.
  • Joined October 2020.

Scott Macrae - Electro-mechanical Technician

  • Degrees in Sport Science and Mechanical Engineering.
  • Ex-international competitive cyclist.
  • Studied Engineering later in life and joined us as a graduate in February 2020.

Deborah Kalalu - Electronics Technician

  • Degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering.
  • 5 years Test Technician industry experience.
  • Joined September 2021.

Workshop and Infrastructure Support Services

School of Biological Sciences

Contact details

Address

James Clerk Maxwell Building, Room 1.1103
Peter Guthrie Tait Road
The King's Buildings
Edinburgh
EH9 3FD

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