We'll note here various sites of possible interest, starting with:

Spaceport Scotland. When Burt Rutan's SpaceShipOne crossed the 100-kilometre line twice within a few days and won the Ansari X Prize, the concept of space travel was redefined. No longer would it be the preserve of national governments and a very few astronauts - the way was opened for the exploration of space by enterprising companies and the development of space tourism.

Virgin Galactic was formed and commissioned Burt Rutan to build a spacecraft to carry six passengers. The flights are scheduled to start from New Mexico in 2011, and to spread to Kiruna in Sweden the following year.

But the company also say that the RAF air base at Lossiemouth is 'an ideal location' for their operation, and are looking into the possibility of flying from there as well. If this goes ahead, the implications for the whole Highlands and Islands are great. The Spaceport Scotland site tells the story and provides the latest information on what is happening.

The Association for Science and Discovery Centres represents some of the liveliest places for an interesting and enjoyable visit. There are around a hundred of them. About half are science centres, and the other half are discovery centres in museums, botanic gardens, aquariums and zoos. Their website provides links to the various centres themselves and descriptions of the varied activities that they do.

The Young Engineers and Science Clubs Scotland do great things. They build working models - for example a scale model racing car, made of balsa wood and powered by pressurised carbon dioxide canisters. They enter competitions - such as the Greenpower Challenge to design , construct and race an electric car. And the activities can use simple materials and the various skills can be gradually acquired as the projects take shape, so that everyone can be involved. Pierowall Junior High School in Westray have now won the accolade of Highlands and Islands Young Engineers Club of the Year. Led by teacher Willie McEwen, the Club are renowned for their ability to use all kinds of scrap or recycled equipment to build with – from wind turbines to driveable buggies.