Don't miss the Family Fun Day at 2024 Caithness International Science Festival
The 22nd annual Caithness International Science Festival is set to bring entertainment and education for the whole family at venues across the region.
Organised and run by Science03, the latest festival offers a jam-packed schools programme and several public events.
With experts from fields including astronomy, biology, conservation, food and farming, and history, there’s something for everyone.
For a taster of everything the festival has to offer, don't miss the Family Fun Day taking place on March 23 at Wick High School – sponsored by Thistle Wind Partners (TWP), the developer of the 1GW Ayre Offshore Wind Farm which will connect into Caithness.
This year’s festival, taking place from March 16-23, will give attendees the chance to learn about offshore wind, virtual reality, climate change, RSPB reserves, exotic animals, bees, robotics and much more, through a variety of interactive shows and hands-on activities.
Visitors can work with programmable robots, robotic arms, test out virtual-reality goggles, venture inside a life-size inflatable humpback whale, get up close and personal with the animals from Caithness Animal Farm Park and marvel at Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show.
There will also be a café to keep everyone refreshed.
“The festival is such an important opportunity for us to talk to young people in Caithness about the career opportunities in offshore wind,” said Ian Taylor, project director at TWP.
“Our two Scottish offshore wind farms are set to enter construction from 2029 and then will be in the water for at least another three decades after that. We know key roles like welders will be in high demand and the industry faces a shortfall of engineers across a variety of disciplines, as well as the new roles in robotics development, data and digital solutions, and marine science that are coming online in the sector.”
TWP supports skills development in the region through its funding of an early-years STEM programme with the University of the Highlands and Islands, sponsorship of the Orkney International Science Festival, and outreach to local schools.
Festival chairperson Iain Baikie said: “Over the last 22 years the Caithness International Science Festival has brought a range of presenters to Caithness and north Sutherland, generating excitement, fun and learning for pupils, students, teachers, and the public.
"Our Family Fun Day has seen excellent turnouts of over 2000 coming to Wick High School and café to meet our presenters and enjoy a range of demonstrations and exhibits from local STEM groups and employers. It’s a real treat for everyone, please come along and make our Family Fun Day during our 22nd festival the biggest ever!"
Other Family Fun Day highlights taking place between noon and 4pm on March 23 will include SPOT the Robot Dog, Glasgow Science Centre’s interactive Fitlab exhibits and Dynamic Earth’s planet protection themed activities and exploring light and magnetism with Caithness Astronomy Group. There will also be an opportunity to look through telescopes and learn more about planets, comets and galaxies.
Festival coordinator Nicola Macleod said: “We are really excited about this year’s event, we have an excellent schools and early years programme, and the Family Fun Day will be a fantastic finale to the event.
"With over 30 local and national exhibitors there will be plenty for everyone to get involved in. We are looking forward to welcoming back Mark Thompson with his Spectacular Science Show which will take place in the studio and was a huge hit last time he visited. We are also looking forward to welcoming some new exhibitors at the fun day, including Royal Highland Education Trust, Moray Makerspace and Caithness Seal Rehab and Release.”
Science 03 is grateful for the generous support of the Scottish Government, Thistle Wind Partners, Developing the Young Workforce North Highland, KP Technology Ltd, and Foundation Scotland from several funds including the RWE Bad á Cheò Community Fund, Tannach and District Wind Farm Trust Fund and Watten Windfarm Trust Fund.
All events are free to attend and open to anyone who would like to come along. A full programme of events and more details on the festival can be found at science03.org
If you’d like to get involved and join the festival committee, please contact Nicola at festival@science03.org
