"And for children under seven, there's the perennial attraction of the 'MadLab', a grotto of unrivalled scientific and technological achievement" - New Scientist, 11 April 1992

"A MadLab is something in which kids learn to wire, solder and construct something that winks, blinks and flashes. The organisers were pleased but surprised to see an elderly lady concentrate very hard, solder silently for hours, and set off later with something that winked, banged and flashed." - The Guardian, 28 February 1992

"The gentle strains of an unusual new variety of Celtic music - electronic bagpipes - can claim the prize for being the most original, though perhaps not the most melodic, innovation at this year's Edinburgh International Science Festival. Created at the festival's MadLab, the bagpipes are built by children from circuit boards and simple electronic components. The aim is to reveal the basic simplicity of most electronic instruments. The effect is to produce a happy, noisy bedlam." - The Observer, Sunday 19 April 1992

"One of my favourites is Hugh Jones' MadLab which is always over-subscribed by youngsters keen to make working electronic machines, whether it be electronic bagpipes or a drum machine. This is one of the best ways to get children enthusiastic about the use of Science and Technology to solve problems or to entertain." - The Scotsman, 15 April 1993

"Dear MadLab: Terrific stuff. We have spent the afternoon playing with SpaceFlag and we'll try to find a way to publicise your great Scottish invention." - New Scientist fax, 14 October 1993

"There's electric bagpipes, game of skill, flashing lights and lie detector. They are simple so students and young children and elderly people can learn the basics of electronics and hopefully carry on with things. With society today we see televisions and radios, and we have no idea really how it's made up or what it's all about, and this is just the beginning steps on what electronics is all about, and hopefully, people will continue.

So far, the lab in the Mountbatten building in Edinburgh's Grassmarket, has been mobbed. There have been long queues every day. But the dozens of children who made it to the benches were delighted. I'm extremely impressed. I think it's wonderful that these children can actually get their hands onto something and with something that's worthwhile that they can play with when they get home. I think what's the attraction, it's hands-on and it's really exciting, you can take something home with you. What I'm particularly thrilled about is the amount of young girls coming into MadLab and walking away with an electronic gadget, kind of breaking the myth of science, women are included in science.

And as we move further into the scientific age, we're going to need to attract more and more people into the sciences. MadLab seems to have caught the imagination of at least a few." - Good Morning Scotland, BBC Radio Scotland, 15 April 1992

"In the MadLab, scores of children donned goggles and soldered circuit boards. Muriel McAra watched approvingly as her grandson, David Philipson, 10, made a lie detector in which a light is activated if wires register skin moistening through stress. 'This is great for the kids because it is both fun and educational', she said. David, who had come from Helensburgh to stay with his grandmother for the festival, said: 'The lie detectors are great. I made one here last year and used it on my big sister, to find if she had taken anything of mine. Then I lost it.'" - The Scotsman, 2 April 1994

"Thanks for a super MadLab this year. I think its the best yet. My favourite gadget was the Spycatcher. I can't wait until the next MadLab. I like the Science Festival - I think its really FAB. But most of all and best of all - I REALLY LOVE MADLAB" - Stuart

"It was at a higher quality level than previous outside agencies. They used equipment I've never seen at primary level before, with expertise, resources and management. A wonderful experience!" - Mrs. Gray, Head Teacher, Charleston Primary School

"The children managed to follow complicated instructions and it encouraged them to find out more. They all adored it. Fantastic!" - Mrs. Neill, Prestonfield Primary School, Edinburgh

"I felt really grown up using a soldering iron." - Kirsty, Glasgow

"It was good when our badges worked because it looked like a real scientist had done it, but it was actually me who had done it!" - Robyn, Culter School, Peterculter

"Please come again because I thought it was great to learn something new." - Abby, Culter School, Peterculter

"Thank you for the Excellent time. It was better than Excellent! lovely day I loved it. Come again"

"I enjoyed the mad lab because I was dying to do something what a Scientist does. Thank you for coming to our school. I appreciate you coming." - James

"Thank you for letting us make an experiment. I love the way the lights go on. Green and red." - Kim

"The Mad Lab is a lot of fun. I learned how to have fun today."