The day started with a motivational speech by Dr Peter Hughes, OBE, who was the former Chief Executive of Scottish Engineering. He provided the young people with an inspirational snapshot of his career and the importance of physics in everyday life.

It was then over to Animal Man who brought a boa constrictor, an iguana, tarantulas, Nugget the chicken and Peking the duck into the school to show the pupils. He provided a fascinating insight into the habitat and hunting behaviour of snakes and spiders, and the young people were able to view and handle the animals.

The event, which involved all S2 pupils, was also tailored to include senior pupils who enjoyed an insight to the world of prosthetics provided by two consultants, Michael O'Neill and Fraser Walker, from the Southern General hospital.

They spoke about the history of prosthetics and the technological advances which are helping to transform the lives of thousands of people each year. The young people were amazed to hear that magnets are now fitted into eye sockets to allow false eyes to be held securely and safely in place.

Pupils from throughout the school then attended a careers fair which was attended by large industries including EDF, E-on, EGGER, Spirit Aeronautics, Thales Group, UTC Aerospace and MGF.

The young people were enthusiastic participants and the industries were very impressed by their involvement and questions. They are keen to return again in the near future and work with the school, helping to encourage the young people to pursue a career in their industries.

In the afternoon the young people then had some hands on science experience in the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory’s mobile planetarium under the expert guidance of astronomer and science educator David Warrington.

And that was not all; the Science Centre’s body works exhibition provided an exciting adventure into the science of our bodies with a fit lab where pupils participated in science experiments to find out how strong, fit and healthy they were.

The action-packed day finished with a motivational speech from Skylab’s Dr Geoff Coxon. Skylab is charitable organisation which encourages young people to realise and understand their potential in future STEM based careers especially in the aviation sector. He spoke about the physics behind flight and jet engine technology.

Councillor Eòghann MacColl, Spokesperson for Promoting Lifelong Learning said: “What an incredible day the young people had at the science and careers fair. Science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) are industries of the future and throughout East Ayrshire our teaching staff are working with pupils to help them understand the importance of science and the role they could play in the development of new technology. Events like this help to make STEM subjects accessible and desirable to young people.” Head teacher Angus McVake added: “This event was a real success. Our young people have literally been raving about the science fair, talking about the animals they saw, the planetarium, the science centre exhibition and of course the motivational speakers.

" Both Dr Hughes and Dr Coxon enthused our S2 pupils about science around us and the important role that science plays in all forms of technology - around the home, travelling on a plane or even enjoying a concert at the Hydro in Glasgow.

"Technology, science and engineering is in everything we do and it is essential that our young people realise the importance of science and their place in its future development.”