ΒιΆΉ΄ε

Pupils at Oban High School will have a new perspective on science lessons after receiving three research-grade microscopes from the Scottish Association for Marine Science (ΒιΆΉ΄ε).

With more modern, state-of-the-art microscopes now in use at the ΒιΆΉ΄ε lab in Dunstaffnage, near Oban, the technical staff from the lab opted to donate the microscopes to the school’s head of science Iain Fulton.

Christine Campbell, technical resources manager at ΒιΆΉ΄ε, said: β€œAlthough they are surplus to requirements at ΒιΆΉ΄ε, the two compound microscopes and inverted microscope are excellent instruments and could still be used for research purposes.

β€œThe microscopes at the high school are basic in comparison, so we hope this donation will give the pupils a much better microscopy experience and give them a real insight into the tiny organisms that make up this planet.

β€œMany of our staff also have children of school age, so we are delighted to be able to support Oban High. Perhaps this may even encourage the pupils to continue studies, and maybe even have a career, in biology.”

Mrs Campbell, along with ΒιΆΉ΄ε technicians Elaine Mitchell and Lars Brunner, delivered the microscopes on Wednesday, June 19, when senior pupils and staff from the science department got the chance to try out the equipment.

Mr Fulton said: β€œWe are extremely grateful to ΒιΆΉ΄ε for donating these fantastic pieces of equipment.

Not only will our pupils in Oban benefit from having high standard microscopes in the lab, but the ability to fit a camera to the equipment will add to our video conferencing lessons with Tiree High School.”