Dundee is to host Scotland's first Big Bang festival - where school pupils will showcase their scientific innovations and creations.

The event will be the first time the fair has come to Scotland.

The one-day festival will highlight an impressive array of over 70 innovations, inventions and investigations all vying for a range of prestigious awards including nomination to the national event the following year and three new prizes sponsored by the Scottish Government.

The national contest is open to pupils aged 11 to 19, with around 240 entrants from more than 30 schools spanning the length and breadth of Scotland.

As the countdown to the event begins, organisers expect around 240 pupils to compete on the day, either as individuals or in teams.

Joining the judging panel on the day will be former weather presenter Heather Reid and Professor Anne Glover, Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland.

Professor Glover said: "The Big Bang Scotland promises to be a great day for young people wanting to explore science. It will also celebrate the achievements of our best young scientists, who will then represent Scotland at the UK event next year. Dundee’s reputation as a city of science and discovery makes it a fitting place to host the first ever Big Bang Scotland event."

The Big Bang Scotland is being organised by TechFest-SetPoint, an educational charity which promotes interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects to young people.

It is being funded by the Scottish Government, British Science Association, Young Engineers and The Big Bang Education Limited.

Jennifer Young, of TechFest-SetPoint commented: "The event is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and highlight the talent, ingenuity and enthusiasm bubbling away in Scotland’s schools.

"It is also a chance to congratulate those who have successfully completed exciting and innovative projects based around the themes of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

"To soften the competitive edge, a range of exciting activities are also being put together to inspire and entertain pupils and teachers and hopefully spark new ideas to take back to the classroom."

Big Bang Scotland takes place at the University of Abertay Dundee on Monday June 7.