Get up close with one-eyed monsters

Some of the wonderful sights under the new marine microscope.

A NEW microscope exhibit at Macduff Marine Aquarium will open a whole new underwater world to visitors.

Sandra Bisset, aquarium learning officer, said: "The most freaky looking beasts can be caught in a bucket of sea water. They may be small, but these marine creatures are full of personality.

"Visitors can now discover a whole new world of microscopic life and see in close detail the teeny critters that bob around our toes when we go for a paddle on the beach."

The exhibit, jointly funded by Scottish Natural Heritage and the People’s Postcode Trust, will enable visitors to look through microscopes themselves and be led through the fascinating world of plankton by enthusiastic aquarium staff.

The new facility includes a microscope camera linked to a flat screen TV monitor for easy viewing. The camera will allow staff to take still and moving images of the subject under the lens.

Sandra added: The crazy creatures found under the lens vary from one-eyed beasts to monsters with stinging tentacles and plants that swim.

"It’s like watching a science fiction movie. I think visitors will be amazed by the things you can see through the microscope."

The equipment will also be used to examine other sea creatures such as starfish and anemones in extreme close-up.

The first of the still images taken through the microscope will feature on the aquarium’s website www.macduff-aquarium.org.uk and Facebook site (www.facebook.com/macduffmarineaquarium), where friends can try to identify the mysterious sea creature in the spotlight.

For more information contact Macduff Marine Aquarium on 01261 833369 or visit www.macduff-aquarium.org.uk

The microscope exhibit was officially switched on by Jim Dey, of Scottish Natural Heritage.

Read the full story in the Banffshire Journal.