The Big Idea

The Big Idea was a science centre on the Ardeer Peninsula near Irvine in North Ayrshire. It stood on the site of the old Nobel Explosives factory, where explosives were once made. The building opened in 2000 as a celebration of inventors and inventions from Scotland and beyond. Five main themes guided the exhibits: Power, Control, Materials, Communication and Mechanisms. A large theatre named after Alfred Nobel hosted shows for visitors. The museum was backed by £5.5 million from the Millennium Commission, £5 million from Europe, £500,000 from Scottish Enterprise and £3 million from private donors. Scottish inventors featured included John Napier, William Murdock, Alexander Fleming and John Logie Baird. In its first year it welcomed 120,000 visitors, but by 2003 numbers had fallen to 50,000. The Glasgow Science Centre, which opened in 2001, drew many visitors away. Visitors entered across the Bridge of Scottish Inventions, a footbridge that could swing open for ships on the River Irvine. A time capsule buried under reception was placed there by pupils from Ardeer Primary School in 1999. Since the centre closed in 2003, the building has stood empty on the quiet peninsula. The bridge remains fixed in the open position, and the site waits for any future plans.