SBS is a clinical research company, which aims to find new tests and treatments for Alzheimer’s and similar diseases.

SBS is bringing its headquarters, key organisational staff, and day-to-day research services to Scottish Gas Murrayfield in the spring. This includes its volunteer recruitment programmes and clinical research activity, which are crucial in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.

By moving its Edinburgh base to the home of Scottish Rugby, it is also bringing a renewed sense of ambition and visibility to its work. The location will allow SBS to enhance accessibility, provide a welcoming environment for participants to its programmes, and strengthen collaborations with partners who share its vision.

The move also demonstrates how creative solutions are being developed to ensure the Scottish Gas Murrayfield campus is fully utilised and new revenue opportunities delivered to support investment in the sport.

Scottish Brain Sciences was created by a team of scientific experts with over 25 years’ experience of delivering world-leading neuroscience research. Backed by investors, pharmaceutical partners and leading universities, it is committed to delivering a step change in the early detection and treatment of brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

On a day-to-day basis it delivers essential activity including the ground-breaking brain health clinic for former international rugby players which was launched in April 2022 in partnership with Scottish Rugby, with plans to expand this model to other groups in the future.

It also recruits and supports participants for clinical trials, conducts cognitive and physical health-checks, lifestyle assessments and blood and spinal fluid tests.

Support is also provided to participants to understand test results and offer follow-on advice for reducing risk of disease.

Professor Craig Ritchie, CEO and Founder of Scottish Brain Sciences, said:

“Moving to Scottish Gas Murrayfield is a transformative step for Scottish Brain Sciences.

This iconic location symbolises national pride, determination, teamwork, and respect – values that resonate deeply with our mission.

“The sporting world teaches us invaluable lessons about working collectively towards ambitious goals and being relentless in the pursuit of victory. We bring that same spirit to the fight against Alzheimer’s. It’s not just a new home for our work; it’s a powerful reminder to every participant and every family affected by Alzheimer’s and similar diseases that they are valued and supported.

“This move will allow us to strengthen our services, connect more deeply with the community, and continue delivering the innovative research and care for which we are known.”

Scottish Rugby’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr David Pugh, said: “Scottish Rugby is delighted to welcome Scottish Brain Sciences to Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

“My predecessor, Dr James Robson started this collaboration back in 2022 and it is fantastic that I can continue this connection into Murrayfield’s centenary year.

“Moving the whole of the Scottish Brain Sciences team into our office space will allow an even closer working relationship which can only serve to improve the ongoing care of our players now and in the future.

“Prof Craig Ritchie’s research in conjunction with Scottish Rugby will also no doubt benefit the wider Scottish public as it will complement Scottish Brain Services in their fight against Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

“The Brain Health Clinic continues to work with our retired ex-international players to provide world leading expertise in brain health and we will endeavour to evolve the service in years to come to carry out more research into monitoring the current playing group.”

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The Mobile Skills Unit will be a hub of activity from 10am to 5.30pm at the National Schools Cup Finals on Wednesday 6 December and at the National Youth Cup Finals on Sunday 17 December, and will be open for members of the public and spectators to attend.

Learners will have the opportunity to engage in dynamic, interactive sessions focused on concussion awareness and promoting brain health for older individuals.

Training will be led by Scottish Rugby’s Player Welfare Manager, Dr. Karen Barclay, and a team of specialists from NES, Brain Health Scotland and Scottish Brain Sciences.

As part of this comprehensive initiative, the Mobile Skills Unit will also be accessible between 11am and 1pm on Saturday 16 December for spectators attending Edinburgh Rugby’s highly anticipated EPCR Challenge Cup clash against Castres Olympique at Hive Stadium.

In addition to this, both Scottish Rugby colleagues and Young Ambassadors linked to the CashBack School of Rugby Programme will use the Unit to engage in Basic Life Saving Skills training, including CPR.

Discussing the initiative, Dr Barclay said: “I am absolutely thrilled to bring the NES Mobile Skills Unit to Scottish Gas Murrayfield this month. While our commitment to the Tackle Height Law Trials is actively addressing concussion reduction in our community game, education remains pivotal to enhancing awareness and management when incidents occur.

“This is a unique opportunity for Scottish Rugby to provide important player welfare training and reinforce our key message of ‘If In Doubt, Sit Them Out’.

“I’m also pleased that we will be able to take the time to use the Unit to help colleagues across the business understand basic principles in delivering assistance in the event of a serious injury or illness until more skilled help arrives. These skills and practices can and do save lives.

“I am really looking forward to welcoming spectators, players and colleagues alike to engage in our training.”

NHS Education for Scotland (NES) CEO Professor Karen Reid said: “Concussion in sport is a serious issue, and people need to know how to treat it and what to do if it occurs. That’s why we’re delighted that our Mobile Skills Unit is able to support these rugby events.

“At NES we provide education and training that supports better health for the people of Scotland. Our MSU is a state-of-the-art simulation facility which tours Scotland giving healthcare professionals and other people a chance to learn or improve their life-saving skills. Our simulators will help people understand the latest guidance around concussion and learn what they need to do to if they’re ever called upon.”

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