Maths Week Scotland reveals winning “Mathscot” ahead of 2024 events

The winning mascot, or ‘Mathscot’, for this year’s Maths Week Scotland programme has been revealed by Scottish Broadcaster Grant Stott at the National Museum of Scotland. Seven-year-old William Lumsden from Edinburgh’s design was chosen from over a thousand entries by children across Scotland. Maths Week Scotland runs from 23-29 September 2024, coordinated by National Museums Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government.  

A full selection of press images can be found here.

Created in response to this year’s Maths Week Scotland theme Maths Tales, William’s winning design is named Finn Finity. The colourful infinity symbol represents the message that maths is everywhere and part of everyone’s story. 

Every primary school pupil in Scotland is now invited to write their own Maths Tale, featuring Finn Finity. This exciting story-writing competition, in partnership with Read Write Count with The First Minister, encourages young authors in classes P1-7 to create a story incorporating mathematical elements. 

The eighth annual Maths Week Scotland programme will explore the different ways maths can be used to tell stories. Events will take place across the length and breadth of Scotland, from the Borders to the Highlands, with a mix of schools programming and public activities in museums, community spaces and online.  

At the National Museum of Scotland families can enjoy maths tales together in the family storybook corner, unleash their creativity with LEGO® bricks, take robots for a spin or delve into strategy games. Elsewhere, highlights include mathematical story trails through the farm and woodland at Almond Valley Heritage Centre in Livingston; Ada’s Amazing Algorithms, a series of interactive family sessions in South Lanarkshire; and story time workshops in primary schools across Perth and Kinross. 

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said:   

“The Scottish Government is proud to support Maths Week – it is vital that we ensure Scotland’s young people are engaged in maths education from an early age. I hope that the creative workshops and events being put on during this week will inspire young people across Scotland, and I want to congratulate William for his vibrant and fun design.” 

 
Maths Week Scotland coordinator Ailsa Brien said: 

“We’re delighted to launch the eighth edition of Maths Week Scotland. William’s colourful design shows the fun side of maths and perfectly complements this year’s theme ‘Maths Tales’, illustrating maths as an important part of all our stories. We’re thrilled to see such a creative and diverse programme of activities and events, which I’m sure will inspire and engage a wide range of audiences.” 

Maths Week Scotland is supporting a host of classroom activities for schools across the country, encouraging innovation and participation. Activity packs are available to download from the Maths Week Scotland website, with ideas of how to celebrate and enjoy the week for everyone from early years to secondary school pupils.  Meanwhile, the daily Maths Week Scotland challenges will return, with accompanying BBC Bitesize learning videos setting out how to tackle them.  
 

Maths Week Scotland has a supporting year-round programme for schools, families, adults and community groups. This is part of an ongoing drive to transform Scotland into a maths-positive nation through raising the profile of maths and encouraging enthusiasm for maths across the country. 

National Museums Scotland is working with a wide range of organisations and collaborators to support and deliver Maths Week Scotland activity across Scotland. For a full list of contributors and to view the whole programme, visit: www.mathsweek.scot 

For more information on the Maths Tales Contest including submission guidelines for teachers and home educators, visit: www.mathsweek.scot 

The competition is being held in partnership with Read Write Count with The First Minister. 

Pictured:

Scottish broadcaster Grant Stott presents seven-year-old William Lumsden from Edinburgh with a soft toy version of his winning mascot, or 'Mathscot', design for this year's Maths Week Scotland programme. Maths Week Scotland runs from 23-29 September 2024, coordinated by National Museums Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government.  

Photographer credit: Duncan McGlynn