Dingwall STEM learning centre drop-in session set to share vision with Ross-shire public
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A ROSS-SHIRE trailblazer could be a game-changer for the area by helping halt the brain drain and breathing new life into a landmark in the county town.
People are next week being invited to find out more about plans to set up the first Newton Room in Dingwall – a purpose-built hands-on centre aimed at encouraging more young people in the area into studies and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The Norwegian-style learning centre planned for Dingwall Town Hall is set to open in January.
Part of the Dingwall Common Good and Highland Council-owned facility, which is managed by High Life Highland, is being renovated and once completed, will be made accessible to young people, school groups and members of the public.
People are being invited to find out more at a public engagement session at Dingwall Academy next Wednesday from 4pm to 6pm. The secondary school's former rector Graham Mackenzie, now a Dingwall and Seaforth councillor, said: "I'm really pleased it's coming to Dingwall. It will have an impact not just on Dingwall but from Wester Ross all the way up to Golspie.
"It will bring excitement in to subjects that are really important such as maths, science and engineering that often don't get the uptake they might. Hands-on experience in a designed classroom. Kids love something different and that's what this will be. Apart from that it's excellent for the town too, hopefully increasing footfall. In time, this facility wlll be there for the rest of the community too. We're hoping o do more work with the town hall too and to make it accessible to all."
The session will introduce the Science Skills Academy (SSA) and include interactive STEM activities.
The Norwegian model works with schools and local employers in the most rural parts of the country to provide inspirational education. The funding is part of the £315 million Inverness and Highlands City Region Deal, which is funded by the Scottish and UK Governments and regional partners.
Skills Development Scotland, the University of the Highlands and Islands, NHS Highland and Highland Council all have a stake in the project which could also have implications for the flow of talent to energy hubs at Invergordon and Nigg. Organisations behind the project are developing Newton modules that will complement the school curriculum and STEM sectors
HIE has appointed international not-for-profit firm FIRST Scandinavia, the company that developed and owns the Newton concept, to support the establishment of the Newton Room at Dingwall Town Hall.
Emma Robertson, Science Skills Academy project manager, said: "This new facility for people in Ross-shire, from Ullapool and Gairloch to Dornoch and Golspie and surrounding areas, will address the shortage of skills relating to science, technology, engineering and maths to help us meet current and future needs of the STEM labour market."
Steve Walsh, chief executive of High Life Highland, said: “I am really pleased that young people in Dingwall and across Ross-shire will be able to benefit from this innovative learning experience at Dingwall Town Hall." He added: "I look forward to hearing about the differences this will make to young people across the region.”
Dingwall-based MSP Kate Forbes previously called for the City and Region Deal cash to "demonstrate some commitment to the region beyond Inverness" and welcomed the scheme.
“This mini STEM centre is certainly something and the more investment that we can see outside the capital of the Highlands, the better. After all, those are the areas that need the most support. She said: "It’s important that Highland pupils have the same opportunities and access as young people anywhere else."
The public engagement event is set for Dingwall Academy between 4pm and 6pm on Wednesday, October 9.
