Caithness Science Festival Gains �10,000 From Scottish Government

16th March 2013

More science chances for kids.

Dozens of events across Scotland will offer thousands of children hands-on science experience as part of Science and Engineering Week.

Scottish Government funding of �23,000 will mean that 47 schools can hold special events, and 30 free public science sessions will also take place as part of the UK-wide programme which runs from March 15 to March 24.

A further �121,000 has also been invested in a number of science festivals taking place throughout March around the country.

Minister for Science Alasdair Allan said:�This funding will give almost 9,000 school pupils the chance to get involved in experiments at an age where they have a natural curiosity about everything around them. A series of free public events and community festivals will give thousands more the chance to do the same.

�From visiting many of these events in the past, I know how much fun they are and would urge everyone to take part in a fascinating day out. Activities include how to make a telescope, seeing the chemical reaction when you mix certain sweets together or getting to solder a circuit board yourself.

�Scotland has a rich history as a science nation and to ensure an equally rich future, we need to ignite sparks of interest at the youngest possible age. Young people across the country need to be able to discover, not only the career opportunities that science and engineering can provide, but the wonder of science that surrounds us every day.�

Jane Magill, Regional Officer for Scotland of the British Science Association said:"There are hundreds of events across Scotland from science and maker fairs to stargazing. The week has lots of fantastic opportunities to have fun and celebrate the wonders of the sciences."

To find out what events are taking place visit the British Science Association.

The science festivals being supported are:

Grangemouth Science Festival, March 4 � 15 (�10,000)

Dunbar Science Festival, March 11 � 17 (�6,000)

Moray Science Festival, March 12 � 16 (�10,000)

Fife Science Festival, March 15 � 24 (�10,000)

Caithness Science Festival, March 19 � 23 (�10,000)

Hebridean SciTech Festival, March 20 � 23 (�10,000)

Edinburgh International Science Festival, March 23 - April 6 (�65,000)