SCOTLAND’S four Science Centres are embracing the natural assets on their doorstep with a packed programme of shows, activities and events aimed at celebrating the Year of Natural Scotland 2013.
Dundee Science Centre, Glasgow Science Centre, Our Dynamic Earth and Satrosphere Science Centre have created an exciting line-up of events allowing people of all ages, whether school pupils, families or adults, to explore and enjoy ‘the best bits’ of natural Scotland.
Representatives from all four Centres recently gathered to launch the project at the National Trust for Scotland site of Dollar Glen, one of Scotland’s Sites of Special Scientific Interest because of its range of wildlife habitats and important geological features.
The quartet donned zany suits, in stark contrast to the backdrop of some of the most beautiful and rugged landscape in Scotland, and Castle Campbell which is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and managed by Historic Scotland.
Aimed at people of all ages and abilities, ‘Celebrating Science in the Year of Natural Scotland 2013’ is backed by £40,000 of Scottish Government funding and supported by VisitScotland.
Participants, whether public or school visitors, will explore some of the science behind natural Scotland.
Experts who live and breathe their subject will also share their passion and knowledge, bringing their subject to life, whether it be conservation or wind power.
Dundee Science Centre will focus on ‘green communities’ throughout the month of September and October, with two public celebrations on Saturdays in September and November, a schools event and an adults-only Café Science event in November.
Meanwhile, Glasgow Science Centre will present a series of events on sustainable science during the last weekend of November, with two activity days for the public exploring everything from water to seeds, and an education programme for school groups.
Our Dynamic Earth will present a series of events on ‘beautiful Scotland’ from September to November, again aimed at schools, families and adults only audiences.
Last but by no means least, Satrosphere Science Centre will explore energy during November, with a green energy discovery weekend for the public and an engaging symposium sparking the imagination of primary schools throughout Grampian.
For more information on the initiative, please visit www.visitscotland.com/celebratingscience or contact the Science Centres directly.
The aim of Year of Natural Scotland 2013 is to promote Scotland’s stunning natural beauty and biodiversity, and promote ways in which visitors can enjoy our beautiful landscapes, wildlife and heritage responsibly.
Mike Cantlay, chair of VisitScotland said: “Science and the study of the natural environment has been an intrinsic part of Scotland for generations.
“It is fitting then, in this the Year of Natural Scotland, that the country’s four premier science visitor attractions are joining forces to promote Scotland’s amazing great outdoors.”
Fergus Ewing MSP, Scottish Government Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing added: “Scotland has a global reputation for scientific innovation and design and the Year of Natural Scotland provides us with a fantastic opportunity to explore a sector vital to our future success.
“I hope that the wide range of events and activities taking place at our Science Centres throughout the remainder of 2013 inspires our people and visitors to learn more about the science behind a natural Scotland. It is also an opportunity to discover the wealth of other scientific events and attractions which Scotland has to offer.”
ENDS
Note to editors:
- Dundee Science Centre
Dundee Science Centre is a charity and lifelong learning resource for the community. It exists to help families learn together, to support the formal schools curriculum, advance the science communication profession, bring together science and the public, and help others to do the same too.
Its exhibitions are open 363 days per year, providing an inspiring, hands-on learning experience for everyone to visit. Outreach work and festivals also help the Centre take the same experiences across Scotland and beyond.
Dundee Science Centre’s vision is a culture of curiosity, confidence and engagement with science, for the whole community.
www.dundeesciencecentre.org.uk
- Glasgow Science Centre
Glasgow Science Centre is a five-star visitor attraction that presents science and technology concepts in unique and inspiring ways. Its Science Mall is home to hundreds of interactive exhibits, spectacular shows and one of the finest planetariums in Europe.
During 2012-13 financial year, the Science Centre had its busiest year to date as it welcomed more than 270,000 visitors to the Science Mall (with an additional 85,000 visiting the centre’s IMAX theatre).
As an educational charity, Glasgow Science Centre provides a curriculum-aligned education programme to more than 100,000 Scottish schoolchildren each year. In March 2013, the Centre opened its new permanent exhibition, BodyWorks, with the support of Wellcome Trust and GlaxoSmithKline.
- Our Dynamic Earth
Our Dynamic Earth is the only visitor attraction in the UK solely dedicated to the story of Planet Earth.
Admission adults £11.50, child £7.50, concession £9.75
Our Dynamic Earth is registered in Scotland as a charity. SC020363
- Satrosphere Science Centre
Satrosphere opened in 1988 and is Scotland’s first science and discovery centre. For over 25 years, it has been engaging people with science through interactive, hands-on exhibits and live science shows to help visitors discover more about the world around them and the science of how things work. Satrosphere welcomes around 55,000 visitors and 12,000 school children each year.
Satrosphere believe in life-long learning and encourage children to view science in a fun and interactive way to renew interest in science as a career as well as promoting the public’s understanding of science.
Satrosphere is located near the Beach Boulevard and is easily accessible by bus, on foot and by car, with free parking available to visitors. A visit to Satrosphere is not to be missed as a fun day out and a learning experience for the whole family.
- Year of Natural Scotland
- 2013 is the Year of Natural Scotland, inspiring our people and our visitors to celebrate Scotland’s outstanding natural beauty, landscapes and biodiversity as Scotland prepares to welcome the world in 2014 and beyond.
- Find out how you can promote and capitalise on the opportunities offered by the Year of Natural Scotland at
- http://www.visitscotland.org/business_support/advicelink/year_of_natural_scotland.aspx
- Find out more about Scotland’s outstanding natural beauty at www.visitscotland.com/natural
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