Scotland’s science centres have responded well to recommendations for improvement made two years ago, say inspectors in a recently-published progress report.

Staff at Dundee’s Sensation were singled out for praise by HMIE, for their efforts to save Aberdeen’s Satrosphere. Without their support, it was unlikely the centre would have survived, said the report.

Other improvements at the centres included a wider range of online resources for teachers; an extension of CPD for teachers; and increasing outreach activities for schools.

Now the centres’ future financial security depends on the Scottish Government continuing to provide funding over an extended period beyond its current commitment for 2008-11. Inspectors also emphasised the importance of the transport subsidy for schools and community groups.

The report added: “Non-visitor schools identified transport costs as a major constraint on visits to the science centres.”

www.hmie.gov.ukPublications.aspx.