To mark South Ayrshire Council’s decision  to establish a Windfarm Community Benefit Funding protocol, Scottish Power Renewables presented Solar Science Sets, known as ‘S Cube’, at a ceremony within Girvan Academy.

Martin Mathers, Community Relations Manager with Scottish Power Renewables said:  “We are committed to supporting young people in South Ayrshire.  We hope that this initiative may help produce the next generation of scientists and engineers from this part of Scotland.”

The ‘S Cube’ was designed to help pupils to explore the science of renewable energy technology.  In a phased programme Scottish Power Renewables will be supplying every primary school in South Ayrshire will one of the kits, with the first batch being delivered to schools in the Girvan and Maybole areas, the total value of all the kits being approximately £24,000.

Produced by local company Solar and Wind Applications Limited who are based in Ayr, the ‘S Cube’ contains a mini wind turbine, and a small solar panel that can be connected to a number of devices to demonstrate the generation, transfer and storage of electricity. It has been specifically designed for educational purposes and comes with a full lesson plan.

After seeing the ‘S Cube’ the Convener of the Council’s Education, Culture and Lifelong Learning Committee, Councillor Pam Paterson, said:  “I am delighted that  Scottish Power Renewables is supporting this important area of the science curriculum  in such an innovative and exciting way. Energy awareness, and renewable technology is of increasing importance in our society, and these simple to operate units are fun to learn with. The fact that they are manufactured locally is a marvellous bonus.”

Councillor Pam Paterson joined in the fun of examining and learning about the ‘S Cube’ along with other invited guests and pupils who were at Girvan Academy for the presentation.

May 2006