YOUNG PEOPLE across Tayside have been encouraged to reach for the stars this week as they enjoyed the rare chance to meet some of the world’s leading astronauts and scientists.

On Monday pupils from Craigie and Arbroath high schools were able to quiz NASA astronaut Nick Patrick and engineer John Bain on their experiences, while yesterday astronaut Joan Higginbotham and engineer Jeremy Hart visited Perth Grammar and Menzieshill High.

They addressed audiences of several hundred pupils at each school, inspiring them with their experiences of space travel and scientific exploration.

The visits mark the Careers Scotland Festival of Science 2007 aimed at encouraging more youngsters to become interested in science and technology.

Leading astronauts, cosmonauts and scientists have developed a close relationship with Scotland in recent years through the Careers Scotland Space School programme.

Nick and Joan were crew members on the Shuttle Discovery’s mission to the International Space Station last December.

John is involved in the development of aerospace guidance and navigation systems, while Jeremy is currently working on the project to develop the next generation of spacecraft to travel to the moon.

* Joan presenting sports day medals at Perth Grammar School to Heather McIntosh (Blairgowrie), Amanda Hewitt (Auchterarder) and Susan Peddie (Perth).