There were spectacular scenes in St Andrews when a lemonade fountain “on the rocks” marked the launch of Fife Science Festival.
Something for everyone is promised during the extravaganza, which is set to run from March 11 to 20.
Activities will be held at a diverse range of venues from schools to supermarkets, and even a castle.
The event is to be led by the Dundee Science Centre Sensation and follows on from the success of last year’s Dundee Science Festival.
Also taking part will be Fife Council, St Andrews University, Adam Smith College, Carnegie College, Adam Smith College, Historic Scotland, the Hydrogen Office, Museum of Communication and Scottish Fisheries Museum.
Organisers this week unveiled what they described as a “hugely exciting” programme of events for the festival, which runs in conjunction with national science and engineering week.
“Funded by the Scottish Government, the festival will involve a diverse range of events for schools, the general public and professionals,” said a spokeswoman. “There will be fun days out and hands-on activities for families as well as talks for adults and professional training and schools’ activities.”
The festival will culminate in a free day out for Fifers across the water in Dundee.
“Specific public events will include a free, family fun day in St Andrews … for both adults and children and a medieval construction science show at Aberdour Castle,” she continued.
“Other activities include an adult lecture about ‘the battle of the sexes’, with the festival culminating in a free family fun day for Fifers at Dundee Science Centre.”
Director of science learning and public engagement at the science centre Hannah Crookes said, “We are delighted to be leading the Fife Science Festival. We are keen to ensure that our events appeal to all-children, parents and grandparents alongside academics, teachers and school pupils of every age.
“We want to bring the festival to as many parts of Fife as possible, with venues you might not necessarily expect to find science, including a castle and supermarket. Of course, there will also be events at more obvious locations such as the University of St Andrews and our local colleges.”