The Scottish Seabird Centre completes refurbishment of “inspiring” facility.

A marine conservation charity has celebrated the opening of its new learning hub.

The Scottish Seabird Centre said the refurbished facility in North Berwick will provide a flexible space for learning about conservation in an “amazing” coastal location.

Working in partnership with Glasgow Science Centre, the centre has been completely transformed over 18 months to provide a modern, high-quality visitor experience.

It will provide schools, nature groups and local residents with an educational space where visitors can connect with the natural marine environment.

Fran Clarke, education officer at the Scottish Seabird Centre said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the transformation of our education space. It creates a much brighter, colourful and flexible Learning Hub that meets the needs of a wider range of age groups, from primary to life-long learning.

“The colours help connect our indoor activities with the outdoor marine and coastal environment that is such a key part of our learning approach.”

The hub was opened by East Lothian provost John McMillan, accompanied by young people from the Centre’s Wildlife Watch Group.

He said: “The Scottish Seabird Centre has been a key part of East Lothian’s tourism and education offering for nearly 20 years. The new Learning Hub offers a high quality and flexible space that can be used by both East Lothian schools and residents, and those from further afield.”

Susan Davies, CEO of the Scottish Seabird Centre, added: “Scotland’s marine environment is exceptional and diverse. There is a growing awareness of both its importance and the pressures it is under – not least from the climate crisis, invasive non-native species, underwater noise and marine pollution.

“Our new Learning Hub will help us deliver on our purpose to inspire and educate people about Scotland’s marine environment.”

Following the launch of the Learning Hub, the final space to be completed is the Discovery Experience, an interactive visitor experience which will enable people to learn more about Scotland’s marine habitats and wildlife, and use the interactive live cameras to watch seasonal wildlife on the Firth of Forth islands.

The Discovery Experience will reopen on Saturday 21 December with a formal launch in January 2020 to coincide with the start of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters.