SCOTLAND’S largest educational touring programme is celebrating its 30th birthday with the news it has reached more than one million pupils around the country.

Despite the pandemic, Generation Science will be continuing its work this year after reshaping its offering for remote delivery.

Run by educational charity Edinburgh Science, the programme plays a key role in the Scottish Government’s Stem strategy to support children’s science

education and broaden access. The charity reaches 60,000 people every year through the programme and other projects.

The million milestone has been welcomed by Deputy First Minister John Swinney. “This is an important initiative which inspires young people, offers real-life experience and provides exciting opportunities for up to 60,000 people each year,” he said.

“The Scottish Government is pleased to support Generation Science in delivering Stem learning to schools across Scotland, particularly this year, as the programme evolves to face the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Thanks to support from funders and partners, this year Generation Science is being delivered free to more than 10,000 children around the country via 420 boxes distributed to schools for use between April and June.

“The world needs more imaginative and determined problem solvers, now more than ever,” said Dr Simon Gage, Edinburgh Science director and chief executive.

“The seed of the idea to become one germinates in young minds in their primary school classrooms.

“Generation Science is, and has been for 30 years, our way of feeding and cultivating this talent and desire in young people, wherever they are in Scotland and whatever their background.”

Founded in 1989, Edinburgh Science is best known for the city’s Science Festival but also shares its content and expertise internationally through Edinburgh Science Worldwide and operates a large-scale international programme of work. It regularly presents events overseas and is currently the major programming partner of the annual Abu Dhabi Science Festival.