Holyrood Academy students have been treated to an energetic visit from Barney Maunder-Taylor from the House of Maths.

The magician/mathematician presented a Mathematical Masterclass to the school's Year 7 and 8 students.

Barney, an Oxford University graduate and a former Countdown champion impressed the students with a number of mathematical puzzles and facts.

Using volunteers from the audience, Barney was able to show students how to calculate magic numbers at speed, predict the weight of a human head and how to juggle different 3D shapes amongst other things in his whirlwind show.

Lily Farmer of Year 7, said “Barney was so funny and got everyone excited about taking part in mathematical experiments. Me and my friends had a really good time.”

In the afternoon, some of Holyrood’s most gifted and talented Year 7 and 8 students were then invited to take part in a workshop where they performed experiments and started to discover the Normal Distribution.

Mr Dave Macdonald said “An enjoyable time was had by all and Barney has already stated he will return to Holyrood in the future!”