Cash splash to help city’s science centre

DUNDEE Science Centre is to benefit from a share of £2.6 million worth of funding.

The Scottish Government package includes money to subsidise school transport costs and increase engagement with under-represented and harder to reach groups, such as girls or those in deprived or remote communities.

Glasgow Science Centre, Edinburgh’s Dynamic Earth and Aberdeen Science Centre will also receive funding.

Last year saw a record high of nearly 695,000 visitors to all four centres, including a 4.5% increase in the number of primary and secondary school pupils.

The facilities also worked with more than 8,000 people from community groups as part of a drive to widen access to science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) learning across the country.

Science minister Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Scotland’s science centres have a key role to play in improving skills, enthusiasm and knowledge of Stem at all levels of school, college and university, as well as encouraging uptake of careers in this sector. Ensuring we have a strong Stem skills base is vital to both Scotland’s society and economic prosperity.

“This funding will allow the centres to continue the great work they are doing in bringing science alive for hundreds of thousands of visitors this year.”