Putting The Big Idea's ambitious funding package in place has brought a fruitful alliance of organisations from the public and private sectors, ranging from the Millennium Commission and the Strathclyde European  Partnership to Enterprise Ayrshire and the Bank of Scotland.

Millennium Commissioner The Earl of Dalkeith comments, "The Big Idea is a real celebration of invention and discovery, and I delighted that the Millennium Commission is using Lottery money to help make it happen. I am looking forward to seeing this exciting Millennium project open for everyone to enjoy.

"This unique attraction is one of a vast range of Millennium Commission initiatives happening across Scotland which are boosting local economies, encouraging tourism and creating new opportunities for local people. The Big Idea will make science and technology fun and informative and will undoubtedly be an inspirational legacy for our inventors of the future. "

Mike O'Connor, Director of the Millennium Commission adds, "This magnificent attraction is one of the Millennium Commission's new generation of science centres which are making science and technology accessible to hundreds of thousands of people. The Big Idea really is a living laboratory which will make science and technology come alive and switch on the potential inventor in all of us.
 
"The impact of the Millennium Commission's £200 million investment in Scotland can be felt the length and breadth of the country. Alongside flagship projects like The Big Idea, Lottery money is funding local Millennium Festivals in the year 2000 and supporting many Millennium Award winners who are putting their bright ideas into action to fulfil a personal goal and benefit their communities. This unparalleled investment is ensuring that right across Scotland there is something for everyone and something happening everywhere."

Laurie Russell, Chief Executive of  Strathclyde European Partnership, who manage the European funding through the European Regional Development fund, comments, "The Big Idea has attracted European funding in recognition of  its contribution to the continued regeneration of  both Irvine and North Ayrshire through its tourism potential and the promotion of innovation. "

Liz Connolly, chief executive of Enterprise Ayrshire, agrees on the value of the venture :
"The Big Idea is a huge asset, not only to Ayrshire, but to Scotland as a whole. The world's first inventor centre will be a valuable addition to Ayrshire's many tourist attractions, which provide employment and draw thousands of visitors to the area each year. Enterprise Ayrshire is pleased to support this unique attraction, which promotes our shared belief that innovation is the lifeblood of a healthy local economy. We wish this inventors' workshop every success in acting as a catalyst for visitors' own big ideas, and look forward to helping to turn them into dynamic new enterprises."

Iain Fiddes, Director of Group Community Relations at Bank of Scotland adds, "This project is all about innovation. Bank of Scotland's position as a forward-thinking and innovative player in the financial services industry makes us a fitting supporter of The Big Idea, and we are sure that it will prove to be an inspiration for Scottish inventors of the future."

510 words