PICTURE SPECIAL: Fun, games and learning at Caithness International Science Festival 2025
Caithness International Science Festival (CISF) 2025 culminated on Saturday with the popular family fun day at Wick High School.
The festival was run by Science03, a Scottish charity, and included a dynamic schools and early years programme that started on March 17.
The man at the helm of the festival, Professor Iain Baikie, was, unfortunately, unable to make it along as his flight from Europe had to be turned around due to a fire at a substation connected to Heathrow Airport.
CISF 2025 festival coordinator Nicola Macleod said: “It went really well and we had an excellent turnout of people.
“Everyone seemed very happy and enjoyed their day. It all ran smoothly and we had a great variety of presenters for a very busy event. Glasgow Science Centre (GSC) have appeared at past events but this year they presented a show called Castles Rock which has been a really popular show that was run in conjunction with Historic Environment Scotland (HES).”
Finlay Elliott (science communicator) and Jack Sargeant (senior science communicator) from GSC hosted the Castles Rock show which has been touring around Scottish schools. “It’s all about the science behind how castles are built, how they were destroyed and how they are maintained by HES today,” said Jack.
“We have a few other shows and workshops. For example, there’s one to do with biology and what happens inside your body; there’s one to do with fitness; and one to do with power and energy.”
Thurso and northwest Caithness councillor Ron Gunn was one of numerous volunteers who were helping with the smooth running of the family fun day and said: “It’s been going well and we had over 2000 people come in which is very good.
“There were a lot of exhibits despite the fact a few exhibitors had to cancel. It was very unfortunate about Professor Baikie not being able to make it but it went very well on the whole and there was a good supply of food from the caterers. People had travelled from all across Caithness along with a few from further afield as well.
“It’s been really hands-on for the kids and that makes all the difference.”
The child-friendly event included a simple game that even the smallest could play. Staff from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service helped kids aim one of their hoses at small wooden targets and each child in the queue screamed with delight when it came to their turn.
Fun and learning are what CISF is all about and there were a variety of creatures from Caithness Animal Farm Park to get up close to at supervised petting sessions.
Norscot Joinery Ltd had VR headsets that allowed people to walk through one of their purpose-built homes; Professor Roxane Andersen from UHI in Thurso explained about the importance of peatland restoration; Maciej Winiarczyk and Richard Griffith were part of a strongly represented group of stargazers connected to the Caithness Astronomy Group (CAG); NRS Dounreay introduced Spot the robot dog along with a very high-tech drone and had a cabinet where you could replicate experiments with nuclear material; and there was a chance to help a ‘cow’ give birth to a cuddly toy calf thanks to Royal Highland Education Trust.
Maciej from CAG showed images of the Moon and Jupiter and the group also had a collection of meteors where members of the public could learn about where they came from and how old they are. “Some of the samples were older than Earth itself,” he added.
And with such numbers descending upon the venue, a well-earned shout-out to the Highland Council’s catering department was necessary as its staff worked tirelessly to provide delicious food to the public.
CISF explores the diverse nature of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths (STEAM). It celebrates the many contributions that Caithness has made to the world of STEAM.
The annual event welcomes British and international presenters and lecturers who help create “fun and interactive learning experiences no matter what your age or background”.
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