Imagine coming face-to-face with whales beneath the ocean’s surface without getting wet, exploring the interior of a space shuttle with your classmates, or collaborating to solve puzzles and complete timed challenges. This is now a reality for young people in Argyll and Bute, thanks to a new state-of-the-art immersive classroom that has opened in Dunoon.
Argyll and Bute Council is bringing learning to life with cutting-edge projection and interactive technology, delivering a fully immersive 360-degree learning experience designed to inspire and engage children and young people.
Based at Dunoon Grammar School, the immersive classroom – known as the Holodeck – marks the first phase of a fully integrated STEM Hub for the area. It is the first facility of its kind in Argyll and Bute, with plans already underway to develop a second hub in Oban.
The project forms part of a £3 million investment by Argyll and Bute Council, supported by funding from the Clyde Mission Fund, Crown Estate Scotland and the Rural Growth Deal.
STEM Hub South in Dunoon will further enhance the curriculum offer for school-aged pupils. Delivered and supported by Argyll and Bute Council’s Education Service, it will provide additional exciting STEM learning opportunities.
The development is the first in Argyll and Bute, with further phases already scheduled as part of a wider programme to expand access to innovative STEM facilities.
The new hub will support young people to develop skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), helping prepare them for future careers in areas of economic growth. In addition to school use, it will also provide space for colleges, community groups and local businesses to collaborate and innovate.
Phase one of the hub includes the immersive classroom, with ambitious plans already progressing for the next stages. These include:
- A purpose-built theatre space for learners
- A makerspace to support hands-on, project-based learning
- A green screen studio for digital content creation, virtual environments and advanced media projects
- A dedicated exhibition space, developed in partnership with Glasgow Science Centre, showcasing high-impact STEM installations linked to future employment opportunities in the region
- A virtual reality (VR) suite, featuring a three-bay layout to harness the power of VR technology
- A modern, high-specification laboratory designed with an industrial aesthetic
Councillor Kieron Green, Policy Lead for Education, said:
“Dunoon is leading the way with this exciting, accessible, and local STEM hub. Developing facilities like this in Argyll and Bute helps young people build their digital, technical and problem-solving skills, while inspiring future career ambitions.
“STEM subjects play a vital role in our everyday lives, and demand for skills in these areas continues to grow. We are committed to giving our young people the best possible start, creating opportunities that allow them to develop and apply their talents here in Argyll and Bute.
“The Dunoon STEM Hub is our pilot project, as part of the Rural Growth Deal. We’re proud to launch this new facility and can’t wait for more young people to visit and experience this unique way of learning.”
STEM Hub South will be staffed by skilled STEM specialists who will also deliver outreach to schools across the area.
Looking ahead, STEM Hub North in Oban will focus on developing skills linked to the region’s growing blue economy. It will be co-located within the European Marine Science Park, home to around 30 marine businesses and a university campus, strengthening connections between education, industry and innovation.
