Bakkafrost Scotland and Stornoway Primary Science Fair partnership has great chemistry. A popular island science fair for primary school pupils is to take place for the fourth successive year thanks in part to Bakkafrost Scotland’s Community Fund.
The leading salmon producer is helping meet transport costs for the Stornoway Primary Science Fair as part of its commitment to support community initiatives in the areas of Scotland where it operates.
The event has attracted up to 1,000 attendees in previous years and is organised for the benefit of all primary school pupils on Lewis and Harris, as well as their parents and the wider community. Some of the exhibitors will be travelling to Lewis from the mainland, including an inflatable planetarium being brought to the island from Aberdeen.
The 2026 science fair will take place on Saturday 7 March at the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway and is being organised by primary teacher Maria Finnigan, who initially became involved with the event as a Primary Science Development Officer with the Western Isles Council (Comhairle nan Eilean Siar).
Maria said:
“The event will involve presenters from on and off the island, with the aim being to raise awareness and interest in science and in the diverse range of related careers within our community, as well as helping our young people make connections to science in everyday life beyond school.
“It can be difficult to attract mainland presenters here due to the distance and costs involved, so funding from supporters like Bakkafrost Scotland is crucial for us.
“The planetarium will provide a fun way of learning about astronomy and will be a chance for many to enjoy an experience island children often don’t have access to. There will be workshops too and we have representatives from Stratchclyde and Glasgow universities, as well as exhibitors including the RAF.
“The fair has generated a lot of interest in previous years and our focus is to try and make it as fun as possible. It also has a lovely community feel and, after the event is over, we always have presenters going away already talking about their plans for the next year. It is very inspiring.”
Paul Condy, Stornoway-based Sustainability Business Partner at Bakkafrost Scotland, said:
“The Science Fair has been a big success over the past few years, thanks largely to Maria’s efforts but also the enthusiasm there is for it from the children themselves.
“Events like this fit in perfectly with Bakkafrost Scotland’s commitment to playing an active role in the communities where we live and work, supporting young people and promoting STEM subjects which are key to many careers in aquaculture.”
Image: Bakkafrost Scotland