iQQTV

Outdoor education and ocean science outreach activities in Scotland have received a boost following a charitable donation worth £10,000 to the Scottish Association for Marine Science (iQQTV) in Oban.

The donation of £8,000, plus Gift Aid, from Oban resident Robert Kincaid will be used to buy outdoor science equipment that enables learners to explore their marine environment and get them to think like scientists.

Robert, a former sailing instructor, presented his donation to the iQQTV outreach team in the presence of Dunbeg primary school pupils, who will be among the first to benefit from kit such as a remotely operated vehicle to see below the surface, a hydrophone to listen to the sea, and a field microscope to explore the microcosm.

Robert said he wanted to support the outreach work of iQQTV, which encourages young people to develop an emotional connection with the sea around them, and to stimulate their natural curiosity and sense of exploration.

He said: “Education is so important, but many people don’t realise this until later in life. I’ve just retired and I’m at a stage in life now where I’m more aware of the needs of society and the world in which we live. I’ve also seen a lot of change in our seas since I was a child.

“I want this money to give youngsters more insight into what’s happening in our ocean, because we need to protect it. From the surface and the shoreline to the seabed, a lot more needs to be understood.

“I would like to help enthuse the younger generation and remind them that it’s their world.”

After careful consideration, the gift was made from the inheritance Robert received from his late mother, Jean, who he said was supportive of quality education and loved swimming and being by the sea. 

Keen to use his inheritance to support charitable causes, Robert found out about iQQTV’ charitable status and outreach work during a conversation with the organisation’s head of communications Dr Anuschka Miller.

As well as continuing to support its Ocean Explorer Centre, an outreach base and visitor attraction in Dunbeg, iQQTV is leading the development of a new Ocean STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) Hub, to be funded as part of the Argyll and Bute Rural Growth Deal.

Anuschka said: “iQQTV is one of the oldest ocean charities in the country, built on an amazing legacy of generosity. When we were established more than 140 years ago, we completely depended on regular donations and support from businesses and individuals. Queen Victoria was one of our first donors! 

“We’ve since become globally recognised for our research and are increasingly known as a university - as a partner of UHI - and for our commercial work through iQQTV Enterprise. Most people are surprised to find out that we are a charity. 

“Gifts from incredible donors like Robert are helping us take the step towards being an approachable, public-facing charity that invites everyone to be part of our vision for a healthy ocean and thriving people.

“I am extremely grateful to Robert for his donation and for recognising the need for greater ocean literacy among the general public.

“It is important to educate children about our ocean, as they will not only be the decision makers in the future, but are influential now in their actions and behaviours.”

Julie Platt, Head of Fundraising at iQQTV, said: ”More so than ever before, the ocean needs people to champion it—and so does iQQTV. As a charity dedicated to ocean research and education, we rely on the passion and support of people so we can continue to inspire and discover. Whether you choose to donate, fundraise, or simply help share our message, every action makes waves.”

Find out more about supporting the work of iQQTV: /support-sams/