PUPILS at St Mary’s prep school in Melrose got a taste of all things scientific last Saturday when it was transformed into a bustling, colourful, noisy hub as part of the Bang Goes the Borders event.

A crowd of more than 1,200 children and their families flocked through the gates to meet more than 90 scientists from around the UK and take part in 25 workshops and outdoor displays.

Youngsters got to design and race their very own rocket cars and there was a visit from Selkirk High School senior pupils to inspire the younger visitors.
Also there was local boat builder Tom Hawson, who encouraged would-be naval architects to construct his hyper-light vessel.

And the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland hit the road with its Zoobus, bringing the world of pandas to the Borders, with its “Beyond the Panda” drop-in and the more local “Wild About Scotland” bus. 

Barbara Smith, interim CEO of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland said: “By bringing wildlife education to peoples’ doorsteps, via our bespoke bus, we hope to be able to inspire and encourage the next generation of conservationists.”

The animal theme continued with hands-on events such as the University of Edinburgh’s “Make your own Fruit Fly”, “Munching Microbes” and Zoolab’s Animal Handling. 

Luckily the young handlers manage to contain the various snakes, reptiles and assorted fauna without any escapees into town. 

And also back this year was the popular Scab in a Cup and Supercomputers - guaranteed to keep the less squeamish minds and digital hands fully occupied.

Event organiser Sara Shinton said: “By instilling a strong interest in science in children at an early age by using fun, hands-on engaging activities, we can open their eyes and minds to fantastic opportunities.

“Bang Goes the Borders is aimed at making science accessible, engaging and inspiring for children.

“We are incredibly grateful to the busy scientists, their institutions and our sponsors (Rathbones and Heriot Watt University) who make this annual totally non-profit making educational event such a success.”

In fact, St Mary’s is now on the shortlist of the TES Awards for Community Initiative of the Year for Bang Goes the Borders.