SAMS news room

Pupils at Oban High School will have a new perspective on science lessons after receiving three research-grade microscopes from the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS).

With more modern, state-of-the-art microscopes now in use at the SAMS lab in Dunstaffnage, near Oban, the technical staff from the lab opted to donate the microscopes to the school’s head of science Iain Fulton.

Christine Campbell, technical resources manager at SAMS, said: “Although they are surplus to requirements at SAMS, the two compound microscopes and inverted microscope are excellent instruments and could still be used for research purposes.

“The microscopes at the high school are basic in comparison, so we hope this donation will give the pupils a much better microscopy experience and give them a real insight into the tiny organisms that make up this planet.

“Many of our staff also have children of school age, so we are delighted to be able to support Oban High. Perhaps this may even encourage the pupils to continue studies, and maybe even have a career, in biology.”

Mrs Campbell, along with SAMS technicians Elaine Mitchell and Lars Brunner, delivered the microscopes on Wednesday, June 19, when senior pupils and staff from the science department got the chance to try out the equipment.

Mr Fulton said: “We are extremely grateful to SAMS for donating these fantastic pieces of equipment.

Not only will our pupils in Oban benefit from having high standard microscopes in the lab, but the ability to fit a camera to the equipment will add to our video conferencing lessons with Tiree High School.”