Kynoch visits Alford science roadshow
Scottish Office Minister for Industry and Local Government, George Kynoch MP, escaped the pressure of electioneering on Tuesday to visit Alford Academy and the Set97 Roadshow, writes Peter Argyle.
Mr Kynoch toured all four classrooms housing the science and technology show, trying his hand at some of the exhibits.
His visit ended after a powerful and thought-provoking performance by the Live Wire Science Theatre in the Old Library.
The Set97 Roadshow is touring five schools in the North East and came to Alford Academy from its visit to Ellon.
The show was visiting Peterhead Academy, Montrose Academy and Mearns Academy, Stonehaven, this week.
The roadshow consists of a variety of workshops, shows, demonstrations and problem-solving exhibits, from drilling oil wells to a demonstration of static electricity.
The Minister, who is himself an engineering graduate, said the roadshow was helping youngsters to consider science and technology for their future careers.
"I visited the roadshow last year," Mr Kynoch told the Piper, "and was extremely impressed by what I saw. I was keen to come back and see it again this year.
"I am pleased that Satrosphere are able to bring part of the exhibition out to schools. It is important to encourage interest in science and technology in young people."
A large number of P7 pupils from primary schools from Corgarff to Dunecht attended the roadshow where they joined S1 and S2 pupils from the academy.
Aberdeenshire Councillor for Donside, Sir Robert Smith, was present.
Also in attendance were representatives from BP, Aberdeen and Robert Gordon Universities. The Northern College, the British Association, the Conoco Natural History Centre, Aberdeen Airports and SCORE (Europe), co-ordinated by SATRO.
The performance by the Live Wire Science Theatre concentrated on the threat posed by the depletion of the ozone layer.
The children who made up the audience were cast as the various sources of methane - volcanoes, cars, factories and so on, and played their parts with enthusiasm.
The role of Rubbish Heaps was given to Mr Kynoch, Sir Robert Smith, Academy Rector Robert Graham and various other officials present - and to the Press, it has to be said!
Donside Piper & Herald - Friday 21 st March 1997