Monday November 24th 2025
Live Borders family run day at Hawick Museum (photo by Kat Gollock
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Numbers added up when Hawick Museum and Library welcomed almost 600 visitors during Maths Week Scotland.
The event proved that maths isn’t just for the classroom – it’s a language that shapes the world around us.
Families, schools, and community groups from across the Borders – Hawick, Jedburgh, Selkirk, and Galashiels – joined in a vibrant programme that explored maths in nature. From LEGO insect models to a human sundial, participants experienced how numbers and patterns connect to everyday life.
Attendance exceeded expectations with a 38 per cent increase on targeted audience participation.
Highlights of the week included 179 people diving into workshops and family Fun Day activities.
The playful early years sessions introduced pre-schoolers to maths through storytelling, clay modelling, and leaf-sorting games.
Schoolchildren from local schools also learned about maths through storytelling and singing at author events.
Feedback was glowing, with educators and families praising the inclusive, creative approach that made maths practical and fun.
Emily Moir, Live Borders education officer at Hawick Museum, said: “Maths Week Scotland gave us the chance to show how mathematics is all around us – in the trees, the seasons, the wildlife, and even in the shadows we cast. By making maths playful and hands-on, we’ve helped break down barriers and inspire children and adults alike to see the subject in a new light.”
Julie Bell, community engagement and funding officer for Libraries, added: “The library was buzzing with excitement as families and schools explored maths in creative ways. It was wonderful to see people of all ages come together to enjoy problem-solving and discovery. We are looking forward to the learning continuing well into the future with our new LEGO and book resources.”
This success was made possible thanks to the collaboration of museum and library teams, educators, volunteers, and partners including – Instinctively Wild CiC, Lusi Alderslowe Permaculture, Friends of Wilton Lodge Park, Teri Bikes, Pavilion Café, Lego builder Alistair Jelks, and author Alan McClure.
Maths Week Scotland 2025 has left a lasting legacy – sparking curiosity, encouraging creative thinking, and celebrating the beauty of mathematics in the world around us.
Thanks have been passed on to National Museums Scotland and the Scottish Government who funded the events as part of their national initiative to make maths more accessible and engaging for all.
Live Borders has a wide variety of exhibitions and events for the remainder of 2025, find out more here.
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