10 January 2008

OUR DYNAMIC EARTH WELCOMES FUNDING BOOST


The announcement that the Scottish Government will continue to provide investment in the four Scottish science centres for the next three years has been welcomed by Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s five-star visitor attraction dedicated to the story of Planet Earth.

Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, has committed up to £2.43 million per annum towards science engagement in Scotland provided by the Scottish Science Centres Network. Funding will be offered across the network on a 36-month basis. It is expected that Our Dynamic Earth, one of four in Scotland which bring science to life for thousands of visitors, will receive around £2.3 million over the next three years.

John Simpson, Chief Executive, of Our Dynamic Earth welcomed the announcement by saying: “This is a wonderful endorsement of Our Dynamic Earth by the Government and one which recognises the contribution already made by us toward science engagement for people of all ages and backgrounds. We will be examining the key areas of our operation – the visitor attraction itself, our dedicated educational facilities, our community engagement and outreach work, as well as our event programme – to determine where the best return for the Government can be achieved. This funding announcement allows us to plan for an exciting future and will help us deliver key scientific messages to audiences wanting to know more about our planet.”

For further information, please contact:
Anne McMunn or Susannah McMicking
CM Porter Novelli
Tel: 0131 470 3400
Email: anne.mcmunn@porternovelli.co.uk