An Aberdeen school has received a major funding boost towards a new science centre that will transform its city centre campus.
Robert Gordon’s College will receive £2.25million from the Wood Family Trust towards the cost of its £12million science and technology centre.
The new facility, which will have 34 laboratories for physics, chemistry, biology, computing and technological studies, will be the largest of its kind in the UK.
The new centre will be created using existing buildings at the Schoolhill site and its name will reflect the Wood Family Trust, which is chaired by former-RGC pupil and oil tycoon Sir Ian Wood.
Head of College Hugh Ouston made the announcement yesterday at the school’s annual prize-giving in the city’s Music Hall.
He said: “On behalf of everyone in the school community, I would like to express my gratitude to the Wood Family Trust.
“I am very pleased that we will have a name for our new science and technology centre.
“Sir Ian Wood is one of our most distinguished alumni and the example which he has set in his entrepreneurial and civic activities is one by which our pupils have long been inspired.
“We share with him a belief that the best possible facilities for school-age children in science and technology are vital to enable future generations to be the best they can be in their academic progress within the STEM subjects.
“The boys and girls who will learn in the new centre will go on to make a vital contribution to the future well-being of north-east Scotland.”
The new centre is due to open later this year after the October holidays and a formal opening ceremony is expected to take place in 2015. Also under construction, alongside the science centre, is the Craig Centre for Performing Arts, which will provide a modern performance and digital recording facility.
Sir Ian said: “It’s so important for Aberdeen to provide the highest quality education offering to attract good people from around the world to work in the city, particularly as new industries are sought to take up the role of North Sea Oil over time.
“The STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and maths – will be immensely important for developing in our young people skills for the modern world.
“Wood Family Trust are very pleased to make this contribution to this important project and have our name associated with it in the future.”