Ed Weeple, Under Secretary, Scottish Office Department for Education and Industry, and Graeme Dickson, Head of HE Division SOIED, visited KMI to discuss applications of IT for disabled learners with Professor Tom Vincent. During his visit, Ed Weeple was shown how developments in multimedia for disabled learners had brought benefits for all students. This was illustrated by the Virtual Microscope.

He also met Peter Whalley who described his work on Virtual Science (including the Virtual Leaf) and the simulation of classic experiments including the first flight of the Wright brothers which has received widespread acclaim. The Under Secretary met Matthew Whalley in relation to the use of multimedia in training of eye surgeons and the training of people associated with the use of communication aids.

Overall, the visit made a significant contribution to furthering the relationship between the OU and the Scottish Office.