Science centres thrown funding crumbs

We noticed the sad situation where Labour claimed the Glasgow Science Centre was in line for a 40% funding cut. Opposition politicians claimed the centre would see its government funding cut from £1.7 million last year to £1.4 million this year, and that more cuts were planned over the next two years.

Now it seems that Scotland’s four science centres (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen) are to share £250,000 of extra funding, with the money intended to help primary school teachers improve their skills in physics, engineering and technology. The centres: Edinburgh, Dynamic Earth; Glasgow Science Centre; Dundee, Sensation; Aberdeen, Satrosphere; will each have to apply to the Scottish schools equipment research centre for a share of the funds.

Labour’s culture spokesman Malcolm Chisholm said: “This funding doesn`t cover what Glasgow Science Centre is losing in direct support from the Scottish Government. This is a typical tactic from the SNP – underfunding followed by cash when there’s an outcry.”

Based solely on the numbers, he seems to have a point, and I hate seeing a point that that can be drawn along a political line appearing in here, but I don’t see any way to avoid it – unless we start to get silly and refer to those in power, and those aspiring to be in power.