PICTURES: Family fun at Caithness International Science Festival 2024
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The 22nd annual Caithness International Science Festival (CISF) brought entertainment and education for the whole family to the far north.
Organised and run by Science 03, the latest festival saw a special programme offering 19 different activities and workshops to schools and early years children across the county.
With experts from fields including wildlife and ecology, physics, biology, climate change, exotic animals, farming, and botany, there was a great range of learning opportunities for young people to get engaged with.
Festival coordinator, Nicola Macleod said: “We are very fortunate to be able to deliver such an extensive schools and early years programme, which involves many local organisations such as the High Life Highland Countryside Rangers, RSPB, UHI and the Science Skills Academy, as well as visiting presenters from Glasgow Science Centre, Dynamic Earth and TechFest.
“It’s fantastic that we can offer these opportunities to our young people, that otherwise some may not have. We appreciate the support of our local schools and early years centres and are always delighted that they wish to be involved.”
The CISF Family Fun Day took place on Saturday, March 23 at Wick High School and included highlights such as SPOT the Robot Dog who was walked around the event by his handlers from NRS Dounreay; Glasgow Science Centre’s interactive Fitlab exhibits; Dynamic Earth’s planet protection-themed activities; ‘Hope’ the life-sized inflatable humpback whale and Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show.
There were 35 interactive activities and exhibits, including many from local organisations, who as well as providing an exciting afternoon of learning activities were able to showcase the work they do locally and, in some cases, even recruit new members and volunteers.
Visitors also had an opportunity to marvel at the magic of chemistry, try their hand at computer coding; learn about bushcraft; talk to people across the world through the wonder of radio; test out virtual reality goggles; learn about foraging and get up close and personal with the animals from Caithness Animal Farm Park as well as many other exciting activities.
Chairperson, Iain Baikie said: “This was our biggest Family Fun Day to date, with exhibits and presentations in all public areas of the campus.
“I sensed an air of expectation and excitement at midday when the doors opened and over 2000 attendees streamed in over the next few hours. The organising committee is absolutely delighted with the excellent turnout and everyone seemed to enjoy the day. Feedback from both presenters and members of the public was tremendous.
“It was lovely to see so many people attending our culminating event which takes place after the week-long school’s program. The event was very well attended by young and old, in particular families. Several commented that it was an ‘amazing festival’ and were thrilled to be able to attend free of charge, particularly given the difficult economic times.”
Professor Baikie added: “It was great to welcome so many new visitors to this wonderful campus, there is no other venue like it in Caithness or north Sutherland. Exhibitors from Thurso, who had not previously seen the Wick campus, marvelled at the facilities available, which reminded me how very lucky we are to have this facility in Wick.
“I would like to thank everyone who exhibited, attended, and supported our festival - special thanks go to the representatives of the 35 organisations that have brought such wonderful, interactive and hands-on activities to the fun day. We have welcomed presenters from the local area, Dornoch, Inverness, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Norfolk.
“We’d also like to thank the staff of High Life Highland for venue support and the Highland Council catering staff who ran the café and provided an excellent food and drinks service. We are very grateful to our funders and event supporters, without whom we would not be able to offer free entry at such events.
“The festival organisers hope that our events ignite and develop an enthusiasm for learning and lead to positive outcomes for those who attend.”
Events were free to attend and open to all. More details about the festival and Science 03 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.
Science O3 is a registered Scottish Charity.
The 2024 festival is supported by 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.
