SCIENCE MINISTER Lord Sainsbury said yesterday Dundee should serve as a model to other cities in Britain trying to transform from their industrial past.

Speaking on a visit to Dundee’s Sensation science centre he praised the city’s universities and “flourishing” games industry.

Lord Sainsbury also visited Discovery Mailing at West Pitkerro Industrial Estate on a whistlestop tour.

It is the second time in three weeks that Lord Sainsbury has visited Dundee. Last month he opened Dundee University’s new Space Technology Centre.

He was accompanied by Dundee East MP Iain Luke, North East Scotland MSP Marlyn Glen and prospective parliamentary candidate for Dundee West Jim McGovern.

During his tour of Sensation Lord Sainsbury stroked a giant African land snail and studied his thermal image.

“I think Sensation is one of the best interactive science centres I have seen, despite being quite a small one,” he said.

“It is a success in terms of bringing thousands of people in and in terms of its brilliant exhibits.

“Dundee is getting a reputation as a city with excellent science facilities. Dundee University is doing state-of-the-art research in biomedicine and Abertay University is contributing to a flourishing games industry in the city.

“There are more scientists in Dundee compared to population than any other city apart from Cambridge in Britain.

“Dundee has transformed from its industrial past and should serve as a model to other cities in Britain trying to do so.”

Sensation chief executive Paul Jennings stressed the importance of the network of science centres in Scotland to give people an understanding of science during the minister’s visit.

“We are delighted that Lord Sainsbury has taken time out of his busy schedule to visit us today,” he said.

“Science centres fulfil an important function in promoting a wider public understanding of science, and we believe we do so in a way that is both engaging and informal.

“The Scottish Executive now supports a national network of science centres and has effectively created a European first by doing so.

“Lord Sainsbury was very keen to learn more of the new network and its ambitions for the people of Scotland.”

Bruce Rourke, sales and marketing director of Discovery Mailing, said Lord Sainsbury seemed interested in the company’s processes in sending out direct mail. “Lord Sainsbury was given the history of our company and shown round the factory,” he said.

“He was very friendly to the staff and seemed interested in each stage of how our company operates.”