A group behind plans for a space centre in Kinross has been awarded funding to boost its education work.
The Aero Space Scientific Educational Trust (ASSET) received £10,000 from the Gannochy Trust to help it provide workshops, talks and volunteering opportunities over the next three years.
ASSET will use the money in its programmes with schools, youth organisations, and local youngsters, including those in marginalised groups.
The group hopes to inspire young people to consider a career in space and aviation while it works towards its long-term goal of creating a flight-themed space centre in Kinross, to be known as Aero Space Kinross.
ASSET chairman Alisdair Stewart said the funding was extremely welcome.
“We were over the moon when we received the news, as the hiatus caused by lockdown has been very challenging for us,” he said.
The intention is to run STEM workshops and events for schools and nurseries, engaging with young people aged 18 and under in the area.
These will be delivered remotely until such time as face to face sessions can be re-established.
“It will give young people a highly interactive, valuable first-hand experience of science in action to forge the seeds of ambition in their future career choices,” added Mr Stewart.
“We will reach out to those with additional support needs such as autism and to marginalised groups including the travelling community.”
He said the group would use the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation to prioritise schools in the areas of greatest deprivation.
Youngsters will be able to volunteer with ASSET under the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, and will be mentored by an ASSET management team member.
Other opportunities will include roadshows with the Cosmos Planetarium. Led by expert astronomers, Steven Gray and James Green, these teach participants about astronomy, the Cosmos and the International Space Programme.
Specially tailored sessions will be put on for young carers and those with additional support needs.
Meanwhile, the Sandy Gunn Aerospace Careers Programme – named after an Auchterarder RAF pilot – will run presentations on engineering, with information on career opportunities in the field.
Chief executive of The Gannochy Trust, Joanna McCreadie said: “We are delighted to be supporting ASSET’s STEM outreach activity which will help ignite young people’s imagination and interest in the aerospace industry, through engaging training and education programmes.”