Asymptomatic testing of students begins in Aberdeen

Both Aberdeen Universities have this morning opened their asymptomatic Covid testing centres.

Robert Gordon University and the University of Aberdeen say they've worked very hard to open their centres in a short period of time.

Students are being encouraged to return two negatives tests before they return home for Christmas.

These tests are free to the students.

Universities ask students to book their tests beforehand - and not to book a test if they are experiencing symptoms - in which case they should book with an NHS centre.

Both centres are set to be open seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm.

RGU's Director of Student life Filippo Antoniazzi told Northsound:

"It has been a short period of time, we've been on it for about three weeks."

"It has been a massive team effort."

"We've converted three classrooms into a lab - or a ward"

"We've had to create 12 bays for testing."

"And we've also had to build up our clinical team and our test operatives."

Head of Student Experience at the University of Aberdeen Duncan Stuart said:

"We've build a test station from scratch, in just over ten days."

"About 250-300 staff, out of a pool of around 500 volunteers."

"A huge team effort from all across the university."