Talented senior pupils from all over Scotland with a flair for STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) last week exhibited the results of research projects they undertook during the summer holidays.

The four- to six-week long projects varied from a study of an endangered beetle at Loch Leven Nature Reserve, to investigating the action of plant flavanoids to inhibit enzymes in Alzheimer’s disease.

The scheme and event were managed throughout Scotland by TechFest- SetPoint, a charity to promote the STEM subjects to young people.

This year, more than 100 S5 and S6 pupils took part, with 84 participating in last Friday’s showcase event at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

Frances Chapman, of TechFest-SetPoint, who co-ordinated the projects in Scotland, said: “The scheme is an excellent opportunity for the pupils to gain invaluable hands-on experience and gain exposure to real science and engineering research environments.”

www.techfestsetpoint.org.uk.