Caithness International Science Festival -

Caithness Animal Farm Park will bring a mini zoo display to the Family Fun Day, giving children the chance to meet and pet a range of friendly animals. Visitors can learn more about the animals and how they are cared for while enjoying this hands-on experience that is always a favourite with families.

The Caithness Astronomy Group will share the wonders of the night sky through a range of engaging activities. Visitors can look through telescopes (with solar observing if weather allows), explore hands-on demonstrations about light and magnetism, and view a slideshow of astronomical images including aurorae, comets, planets, galaxies and nebulae. The group will also offer advice on stargazing, spotting the Northern Lights and night sky photography.

The Critter Keeper will present two fascinating live animal experiences featuring a range of exotic creatures such as reptiles and invertebrates. Visitors will have the opportunity to see these animals up close and learn more about their habitats, behaviour and biology.

Venue: Studio
Times: 12.15 – 13.00
13.15 – 14.00

Dynamic Earth will bring an exciting space-themed exhibit exploring how satellites help scientists study Earth and space. Visitors can learn how satellites monitor our planet, examine real meteorite and moon samples, build their own model satellite to take home, and experiment with launching stomp rockets.

Elements of Bushcraft will introduce visitors to the science of the natural world through wildlife-themed activities. Attendees can handle animal skulls, antlers and other natural specimens while learning about animal behaviour, habitats and the skills used to explore and understand the outdoors.

Glasgow Science Centre’s FitLab exhibit explores the science of the human body through active and interactive experiments. Visitors can test their strength, balance and reactions while learning about how the body moves, exercises and stays healthy.

Glasgow Science Centre will also present “Powering the Future”, an interactive exhibit exploring how energy is generated and used. Through hands-on activities, visitors can learn about different forms of energy and the technologies helping to power the world more sustainably.

The High Life Highland Countryside Rangers will present activities focused on nocturnal wildlife and the natural environment. Visitors can learn about animals that are active at night and explore how local ecosystems work through engaging nature-based activities.

The Highlands and Islands Climate Hub will provide information about climate change and community climate action. Visitors can learn about local environmental initiatives and explore ways individuals and communities can contribute to a more sustainable future.

Highlife Highland will showcase the wide range of services and activities available across the Highlands, including leisure, culture, learning and community programmes. Visitors can find out more about opportunities to stay active, creative and connected in their local area.

John O’Groats Mill will demonstrate the history and engineering behind traditional grain milling. Visitors can learn how milling technology worked historically and explore the links between heritage engineering, food production and local history.

KP Technology will bring a variety of science demonstrations and a chance to try out a robot arm, infra-red camera, and plasma ball.

Moray Makerspace will offer hands-on digital creativity through practical coding activities. Visitors can explore how programming works and try simple interactive challenges that demonstrate the creative possibilities of technology and making.

Norscot will present an interactive virtual world experience where visitors can explore digital environments and emerging technologies. Children and families can try immersive activities that demonstrate how digital tools and virtual design are used in modern industries.

Nucleus: The Nuclear and Caithness Archives will present displays exploring the scientific and nuclear heritage of Caithness. Visitors can learn about the region’s history in science, engineering and energy through archival material and informative exhibits.

Pentland Canoe Club will introduce visitors to the science and skills involved in canoeing and paddling. The club will share information about water safety, paddling techniques and the physical principles involved in moving through water.

Play Away Music will explore the science of sound through fun musical experiments. Visitors can discover how vibrations, waves and materials affect sound using interactive demonstrations such as dancing coffee, jumping water and sound carried through string.

RSPB will highlight the unique wildlife and habitats of the Flow Country, one of the world’s most important peatland landscapes. Visitors can learn about the species that live there and why protecting peatlands is important for biodiversity and climate.

The Science Skills Academy will demonstrate the science of sound using colourful BoomWhackers and interactive activities. Visitors can experiment with rhythm, vibration and pitch while learning how sound travels and is created.

Thunderbolts and Lightning will present “Airheads”, a lively science show exploring the science of air, pressure and forces. Through demonstrations, storytelling and audience participation, the show introduces concepts such as Bernoulli’s principle in an entertaining and accessible way.

Venue: Studio
Time: 14.30 – 15.10

Thurso Development Trust will showcase its community gardens and greenhouse projects. Visitors can learn about what is grown in the gardens, how community growing supports nature and wellbeing, and children can take part in a simple seed-growing activity.

UHI STEM will run hands-on engineering challenges using MTa construction kits. Young visitors can build scooters and explore how mechanical systems work while developing problem-solving and design skills.

The Vintage Tractor display will showcase classic agricultural machinery. Visitors can see historic tractors up close.

Wick Voices will share recordings and stories from the local community. Visitors can listen to local voices and take part in sound-based activities that celebrate Caithness heritage through oral history and audio.

Caithness Seal Rehab and Release (Save Our Seals) will share information about the important work they carry out to rescue, rehabilitate and protect seals along the Caithness coastline. Visitors can explore information boards and leaflets explaining how the seal hospital operates, the challenges seals face in the wild, and the care given to injured or orphaned animals before they are returned to the sea. The team will also highlight ways the public can help protect local seal populations and marine wildlife.

Officers from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) will introduce visitors to the specialist role of an Authorised Firearms Officer (AFO) and the work carried out to protect the UK’s civil nuclear sites. Visitors can watch a short video about the training officers undertake and explore some of the equipment used in their duties. There will also be opportunities to try on police helmets, body armour and respirators, look inside a Police Medic Bergen, and learn about the specialist tools used during operations.

Thunderbolts and Lightning will offer a hands-on workshop where visitors can become mini livestock farmers by creating their own bug farm. Participants can design and build a habitat for live mealworms, take it home, and observe how they grow and change through the process of metamorphosis. The activity introduces key scientific concepts in a fun and engaging way, with an optional opportunity for visitors to sample edible insect treats.