The annual pollen count begins at The James Hutton Institute

The Hutton is a world-leading scientific research organisation.  Its cutting-edge science facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories and field stations, allow it to conduct experiments and gather data that inform policy decisions and shape future innovations.

It has been a member of the UK Pollen Monitoring Network, run by the Met Office, for over 30 years, making it one of the longest serving members.  As one of only two pollen monitoring sites in Scotland, their data is used for national pollen forecasting for central and eastern Scotland, while data from the site at Eskdalemuir is used for pollen forecasting across western Scotland. 

Using the information gathered by this national network, alongside their own weather data and the expertise of other organisations, the Met Office produces a daily pollen forecast, reporting levels as either Low, Moderate, High or Very High.

Dr Roy Neilson, Group Leader Plant Soil Interactions, who oversees the project, said, “Allergens carried in airborne pollen are associated with both asthma and hayfever, resulting in reduced productivity with an annual cost to the UK economy of around £3 million.  Forecasting is therefore an essential tool to provide advanced warning of an impending pollen event, which is supported by the pollen data collected by the Hutton.”

“Allergens carried in airborne pollen are associated with both asthma and hayfever, resulting in reduced productivity with an annual cost to the UK economy of around £3 million.” 

Dr Roy Neilson, The James Hutton Institute