Extra money for science centres

Opposition politicians say the Glasgow centre faces a 40% funding cut

Scotland's four science centres in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen are to share £250,000 of extra funding.

The money will be used to help primary school teachers improve their skills in physics, engineering and technology.

The Scottish Government said it wanted to improve science teaching after a survey suggested primary pupils were not reaching required standards.

Labour said the money was a response to public anger after claims of a 40% funding cut at the Glasgow centre.

The centres - Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, Glasgow Science Centre, Sensation in Dundee and Aberdeen's Satrosphere - will apply to the Scottish schools equipment research centre for a share of the funds.

Develop skills

Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "Our children must be inspired by the world of science and, in order for that to happen, they need the best teaching available."

The Scottish Government's chief scientific advisor Professor Anne Glover said the science centres would be able to use their experience to develop the skills and confidence of teachers.

"It will be another tool for developing teachers' ability to excite young people about science," she added.

Opposition politicians recently claimed that Glasgow Science Centre would have its government funding cut from £1.7m last year to £1.4m this year with more cuts in the next two years.

Labour's culture spokesman Malcolm Chisholm said: "This funding doesn`t cover what Glasgow Science Centre is losing in direct support from the Scottish Government.

"This is a typical tactic from the SNP - underfunding followed by cash when there's an outcry."