SCOTLAND'S science centres are to be given £2.6 million of funding as visitor numbers continue to grow.

The money for the coming year is part of the Scottish Government's science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) education and training strategy.

Four science centres in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh welcomed more than 700,000 visitors in 2017, up 30,000 on the previous year.

Figures show 190,000 visitors came from pre-schools, schools, colleges and universities, including 40,000 supported visits involving schools in more deprived and rural areas.

Education Secretary John Swinney said: "Scotland is the only part of the UK to provide annual support to science centres, ensuring they can continue to introduce science to new audiences.

"It is fantastic to see continuing growth in visitor numbers, due in no small part to the range of interactive events on offer to attract people of all ages as well as evenings for adults, themed takeovers and local community-led activities.

"The science centres also have an important role to play in delivering our Stem education and training strategy. I am pleased that we will continue to work together to achieve our shared goal of supporting people's engagement with science, technology, engineering and maths throughout their lives."

Scotland's chief scientific adviser Professor Sheila Rowan said: "Science, technology, engineering and maths impact on our lives every day, and science centres are great places to find out more.

"Through hands-on exhibitions, workshops and events, people of all ages can explore science and keep learning about our world and beyond."