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Spring 2015


InView www.inverclyde.gov.uk


watt's watt celebrates moment of genius


more than 120 school children from across Inverclyde have celebrated the 250th anniversary of a science and engineering discovery that helped to fuel the industrial revolution. Greenock born, James Watt’s light


bulb moment of radically improving the fledgling steam engine was the inspiration behind a schools competition held in Inverclyde. The Watt’s Watt challenge held at Port


Glasgow Community Campus saw 30 teams from 24 schools tasked with a series of experiments including building a boat and a train to carry apples and making a light from an apple. The event was organised by Young


Engineers and Science Clubs Scotland, a programme run by the Scottish Council for Development and Industry in partnership with the Council, Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Tomorrow’s Engineers and the McLean Museum.


Roll out for Quest for learning heritage scheme


Jane Martin, Director of Young


Engineers and Science Club Scotland said: “The Watt’s Watt celebration was a brilliant opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. The event was a hubbub of


excitement and enthusiasm and the pupils showed real ingenuity in meeting the challenges. They were suitably inspired by the famous Inverclyde Alumni!” Inverclyde Council’s Education and


Communities Convener, Councillor Terry Loughran, said: “James Watt’s influence can still be seen today more than 250 years after his moment of genius. 2015 is the Year of Light and one of the challenges was modelled around creating a ‘Watt’ of power to light up an apple. “The pupils clearly enjoyed putting


the theory into practice and James Watt continues to be as inspiring today as he was 250 years ago.”


Pupils from Inverclyde schools at the Watt’s Watt Challenge California dreaming for Tech Trio Local voluntary groups secure Council grants


The Grants to voluntary organisations Fund has awarded over £62,000 to arts groups, sports clubs, pre-school groups and community groups across Inverclyde. Inverclyde Council on Disability was


Inverclyde Council has welcomed a £305,700 grant from the Heritage lottery Fund to roll out an innovative project involving schools and community groups across the area. The funding follows the success of the


pilot involving pupils from Inverclyde Academy researching Inverkip Bay and Victoria Harbour in Greenock. The Dutch Gable Volunteer Group researched Lunderston Bay and the Greenock Esplanade. The project is closely linked to funding


already secured from the Coastal Communities Fund which will see the installation of interpretive panels at 24 key heritage sites across the soon to be launched Inverclyde Coastal Trail. Environment and Regeneration


Convener Councillor Michael McCormick said: “This project will enhance and enrich our reputation by adding value to our already considerable tourism appeal.”


Karen Kelly, Ellie Wilkie, Ellie Stevenson, Councillor Terry Loughran, Claire Higgins and Head Teacher Grant McGovern


Three pupils from an Inverclyde secondary school are set to fly to the united States after scooping a uK award for app innovation. Ellie Wilkie, Ellie Stevenson and


Claire Higgins won the grand prize of a trip to California at the Appathon nationwide competition coordinated by Founders4Schools which is designed to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship in young people. The trio who attend Notre Dame High


School in Greenock travelled to the Palace of Westminster in London


where they learned of their success. Their ‘Smart Wardrobe’ app features


an on-screen rotating wardrobe that allows users to choose an outfit. The app is aimed at young people who like to plan their outfits carefully before selecting their clothes from their wardrobe, or purchasing them online. The girls will travel to Silicon Valley


in California and will enjoy tours of the Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, PayPal and Square headquarters. They will also be taken on a tour of the Tesla factory.


Centre pages... Budget special


awarded £10,000 for three years to continue developing existing services such as shopmobility, social group, stress management and confidence building. Ocean Youth Trust Scotland received a


three-year funding award for £7,000 to develop an innovative youth voyage project with vulnerable and disadvantaged young people and the Greenock Tobacco Warehouse via the RIG Arts group secures a one-off grant of £2,000 to set up gallery and office space. Chair of the Grants Sub Committee


Councillor James McColgan said: “Voluntary organisations play a vital role in our communities, especially in these difficult economic times.”


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