The NEN – North Edinburgh News – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Laser breakthrough rewrites the rules of photonics manufacturing

Technology promises to slash costs and accelerate progress in quantum computing, medical diagnostics and optical communications

A new technology created by Heriot-Watt University is poised to upend one of the most stubborn bottlenecks in modern manufacturing.

FreeForm Photonics is set to commercialise a laser-based process that builds alignment directly into optical glass components, removing the painstaking manual calibration that currently accounts for more than half of all photonics production costs.

The result is a manufacturing pathway that is faster, cheaper and precise to sub-micron tolerances, a scale far smaller than the width of a human hair. It also removes the complexity that has long made photonic systems prohibitively expensive to scale.

The implications stretch across some of the most consequential technologies of the coming decade. Sectors like Quantum computing systems, next-generation medical diagnostics and the optical communications infrastructure underpinning the modern internet. These all depend on photonic components that are currently largely assembled by hand.

Dr Calum Ross, Research Fellow in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University, said: “By integrating passive alignment features into the glass components themselves, we are fundamentally changing what it takes to manufacture high-performance optics.

“The potential applications range from fibre optic sensing in the harshest industrial environments to enabling the quantum computing systems that the world is racing to build.”

Traditional photonics assembly demands either painstaking manual adjustment or costly active alignment systems, each introducing risk, time and expense at every stage. FreeForm Photonics has removed that dependency entirely, embedding precision into the component from the outset.

FreeForm Photonics has now secured funding through Scottish Enterprise’s High Growth Spinout Programme to create a high growth and scalable future company and prepare for seed investment.

Derek Shaw, Director of Entrepreneurship and Investment at Scottish Enterprise, said: “FreeForm Photonics is a great example of how Scotland’s supportive innovation ecosystem system can help turn cutting-edge research into global opportunity. Its breakthrough technology has the potential to transform photonic manufacturing and drive progress across quantum, healthcare and communications.

“We’re proud to have supported the team through our High Growth Spinout Programme, helping them strengthen their commercial approach and get investment ready. We look forward to continuing to work with the company as its scales and realises its global ambition.”

Entering a global photonic components market valued at close to $1 billion in 2024 and forecast to grow sharply, the team already has more than 100 industry leaders and prospective customers who have assessed the technology, with strong appetite to adopt it at medium-volume production scale. Trial samples are also being supplied to customers in aerospace, telecommunications and healthcare.

Professor Gillian Murray, Deputy Principal for Enterprise and Business at Heriot-Watt University, said: “As a university with a global reach and a deep commitment to enterprise, we are uniquely placed to help turn pioneering research into real commercial impact.

“FreeForm Photonics is a clear example of that in action, taking a genuinely novel capability developed here at Heriot-Watt and building it into something with the potential to reshape how photonic components are made worldwide.

“Through our entrepreneurial programmes and business support, we are working to strengthen Scotland’s innovation ecosystem and back the kind of high-growth businesses that can compete on the global stage. FreeForm Photonics has the science, the team and the market interest to do exactly that, and we are proud to be part of its journey from the lab to commercial scale.”

Bathing water season begins across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Borders

As Scotland’s bathing water season begins on 1st June, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) will continue to monitor and provide information on 19 designated bathing waters across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Borders.

Designated bathing waters are important local spaces supporting recreation, tourism and access to nature for communities and visitors across the region.

From urban bathing waters serving Edinburgh and surrounding communities to popular coastal destinations across East Lothian and the Scottish Borders, these sites play an important role in supporting health and wellbeing, local visitor economies and access to Scotland’s coastline.

Many of the region’s bathing waters are within easy reach of large population centres, providing accessible opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the water environment.

Throughout the season, which runs until 15th September, SEPA will take regular water samples and provide information including water quality classifications, monitoring results and pollution risk forecasts to help people make informed choices about where and when to bathe.

For the 2026 season, five bathing waters across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Borders are classified as excellent, eight as good, five as sufficient and one as poor.

Broad Sands – Good

Coldingham – Good

Dunbar (Belhaven) – Good

Dunbar (East) – Sufficient

Eyemouth – Sufficient

Fisherrow Sands – Poor

Gullane – Excellent

Longniddry – Good

North Berwick (Milsey Bay) – Good

North Berwick (West) – Good

Pease Bay – Excellent

Portobello (Central) – Sufficient

Portobello (West) – Sufficient

Seacliff – Excellent

Seton Sands – Good

Thorntonloch – Excellent

Wardie Bay – Good

White Sands – Excellent

Yellowcraig – Sufficient

Across Scotland’s 90 bathing waters, 47 are classified as excellent, 26 as good, 13 as sufficient and three as poor. One bathing water, Ballachulish Peninsula, was newly designated earlier this year and will receive its first classification at the end of this bathing season.

Bathing water classifications are based on four years of monitoring data and are designed to provide a longer-term picture of water quality over time.

Wet weather is one of the biggest factors affecting bathing water quality in Scotland. Heavy rainfall can temporarily affect bathing waters by washing pollution into rivers, lochs and coastal waters across wider catchments, while also influencing more localised sources such as surface water drainage and sewage discharges. For this reason, people are advised not to bathe during or one to two days after heavy rain.

SEPA issues daily pollution risk forecasts at some bathing waters where water quality has previously been shown to be more vulnerable to short-term pollution following wet weather. Available on SEPA’s website and on electronic messaging signs at these locations, these forecasts advise the public whether conditions are likely to be good or whether there is an increased risk of temporarily reduced water quality.

Scottish Water’s new real-time overflow map provides additional information on wastewater overflow activity.

Water quality is influenced by activity across the wider catchment surrounding a bathing water. SEPA uses microbial source tracking techniques at some locations to help identify whether sources of pollution are linked to human waste, livestock, birds or dogs. This information can then be used to help locate pollution sources and direct improvements.

Over the past 30 years, SEPA’s monitoring, scientific investigations and regulatory work have helped identify the sources of pollution affecting bathing waters and supported targeted improvements across Scotland. This work includes investigating pressures linked to wastewater infrastructure, whether public or private, urban drainage and rural diffuse pollution.

This evidence helps target action and investment where it is most needed and has contributed to sustained improvements over time. In 2015, Scotland had 17 bathing waters classified as excellent and 17 classified as poor.

For the 2026 season, 47 bathing waters are classified as excellent and three as poor, reflecting long-term improvements supported by monitoring, investigation and targeted action across Scotland.

For the 2026 season, Fisherrow Sands remains classified as poor.

Fisherrow Sands returned as a designated bathing water in 2023 following partnership work to improve water quality, including identifying and correcting misconnections alongside improvements to wastewater infrastructure. As a result of this work, Fisherrow Sands achieved a good classification.

In 2024, the poor classification was mainly due to a single very high sample result, for which no clear cause was identified. In 2025, another high result was recorded, which microbial source tracking indicated was likely due to contamination from gulls. Assessment against the full four-year dataset at the end of the 2026 season will provide a clearer picture of long-term trends.

Ruth Stidson, Principal Specialist Scientist at SEPA, said: “Bathing waters are important places for communities across Scotland and people rightly want clear information about water quality and the factors that can affect it. 

“SEPA’s monitoring, forecasting and investigative work help people make informed choices throughout the bathing water season, while also helping us better understand the pressures affecting Scotland’s bathing waters over time.

Improving water quality is not always straightforward. Conditions can be influenced by rainfall, wastewater infrastructure, runoff and activity across wider catchments and those pressures can vary from place to place. 

“For 30 years, SEPA’s scientific monitoring and evidence have supported long-term improvements at bathing waters across Scotland, and we continue to work with partners to identify pollution risks and target action where improvements are still needed.” 

People visiting bathing waters across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Borders can also help protect local water environments by disposing of litter responsibly, avoiding feeding gulls, clearing up after dogs and helping prevent sewer blockages by not flushing wet wipes, fats, oils and grease into drains and toilets.

Information on Scotland’s bathing waters, including classifications, monitoring results, pollution risk forecasts and advice for visitors, is available on SEPA’s website throughout the bathing water season.

CCLA unveils reimagined workspace at 3 Lochside Avenue in Edinburgh

CCLA Investment Management has unveiled newly refurbished offices at 3 Lochside Avenue to the agent market through an exclusive preview tour, showcasing a sustainability-led Grade A office space in one of the UK’s most undersupplied office markets.

Located at Edinburgh Park, the comprehensively redeveloped building has been designed to meet the evolving needs of occupiers seeking premium workspace with strong ESG credentials and a focus on employee wellbeing.

The latest Q1 market figures highlight the ongoing supply constraints within Edinburgh’s office market, with Grade A availability standing at just 5.5%. In particular, there is a notable shortage of suitable options for occupiers seeking larger requirements of 30,000 sq ft and above.

Offering up to 82,272 sq ft of redesigned accommodation, 3 Lochside Avenue includes a new café lounge, collaborative event spaces, a roof terrace overlooking Loch Ross, and flexible floorplates designed to support a range of occupier requirements.

The all-electric building benefits from an EPC A rating and incorporates a range of sustainability-focused features including photovoltaic roof panels, energy-efficient heat pumps, LED lighting with PIR and daylight controls, electric vehicle charging points and extensive cycle facilities.

To mark the launch, CCLA and appointed letting agent CBRE hosted an exclusive preview event for Scottish office agents, providing a first look at the transformed workspace and the significant investment undertaken to reposition the building as a future-focused workplace.

As part of the event, Scottish coffee roaster Matthew Algie hosted a coffee tasting experience, reflecting the growing importance of hospitality, wellbeing and premium occupier amenities within modern office environments.

CCLA’s investment comes at a time when Edinburgh’s Grade A office market continues to face a shortage of high-quality sustainable workspace, with occupiers increasingly prioritising buildings that support both net zero ambitions and employee experience.

Matthew Meaden, Deputy Head of Property at CCLA Investment Management, said: “Sustainability and occupier wellbeing have been central to our vision for 3 Lochside Avenue.

“We wanted to create a workspace that performs strongly from an environmental perspective while also delivering an exceptional experience for the people working there every day.

“The building combines high-quality, flexible office accommodation with the amenities and sense of community that modern occupiers increasingly expect. Edinburgh Park offers a unique environment where businesses can benefit from excellent connectivity alongside a thriving amenity and wellbeing offering on the doorstep.

“The significant investment into 3 Lochside Avenue reflects our confidence in the continued demand for best-in-class sustainable workspace in Edinburgh.”

Angela Lowe, Senior Director and Head of Edinburgh at CBRE, said: “3 Lochside Avenue represents exactly the type of workspace occupiers are actively seeking – highly sustainable, amenity-rich and designed to support modern patterns of work.

“There is a clear shortage of best-in-class Grade A space across Edinburgh, particularly buildings with strong ESG performance already embedded, and we expect the scheme to generate significant occupier interest.

“The investment made by CCLA has completely repositioned the asset, creating a workplace environment that responds directly to current market demand.”

Beyond the building itself, occupiers at 3 Lochside Avenue benefit from Edinburgh Park’s established and growing amenity offering, which has helped position it as one of Scotland’s leading business destinations.

The campus provides immediate access to independent café and bakery Patina, padel courts, fitness and wellbeing facilities, landscaped outdoor spaces and extensive walking and cycling routes, alongside excellent tram, rail and road connectivity.

As occupiers continue to prioritise high-quality, low-carbon office environments, 3 Lochside Avenue is expected to further strengthen Edinburgh Park’s position as one of Scotland’s premier business destinations.

For further information on 3 Lochside Avenue, please visit: 3lochsideavenue.co.uk

Sandi Thom to mark ‘Punk Rocker’ anniversary in Edinburgh with new role for animal charity Brooke

Scottish singer launches Music Ambassadorship with international working animal charity Brooke at exclusive event
Announcement comes in celebration of 20th anniversary of I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker, re-released in 2026
“Brooke’s work is truly inspiring and I’m incredibly proud to support the vital work they do around the world.” – Sandi Thom

Scottish singer-songwriter Sandi Thom will appear at the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh on Wednesday (3 June), for an exclusive launch event announcing her new role as Music Ambassador for international working animal charity Brooke.

The partnership marks a new chapter for both Brooke and Sandi and coincides with the 20th anniversary of her breakthrough single, I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker, which will be re-released in 2026.

At the event, Sandi will perform an intimate acoustic set centred on compassion, connection and hope, reflecting the themes she will champion in her new ambassadorial role and Brooke’s work to improve the lives of working animals through partnership and care.

Sandi Thom said: “Music has always been about connection for me, and this partnership with Brooke is rooted in compassion, kindness and giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves.

“Animals have been a huge part of my life and I’ve always believed we have a responsibility to treat them with compassion and respect.

“Brooke’s work is truly inspiring and I’m incredibly proud to support the vital work they do around the world.”

The Royal College of Physicians was established by royal charter in 1681, setting training standards for physicians in the UK.

Chris Wainwright, Chief Executive of Brooke, said: “We are delighted to partner with Sandi Thom. She is not only a celebrated artist, but also a passionate advocate for animal welfare whose values closely reflect Brooke’s mission to improve the lives of horses, donkeys and mules around the world.

“Music has such a galvanising and unifying power, and the storytelling power of song has a prominent place within many of the communities we support. With Sandi’s invaluable help, we hope to reach more people to share the stories of the animals and people we work with and how lives can be improved with compassion and care”.

Sandi’s commitment to animal welfare began in childhood through horse ownership and has continued throughout her life.

In her new ambassadorial role, she will champion compassionate treatment and ethical practice for working animals. Her long-standing support for animal welfare, including running a dog rescue centre in Bahrain, aligns closely with Brooke’s values of kindness, respect and community empowerment.

New parents urged to claim Child Benefit for their baby now

6.8 million families are claiming Child Benefit.
More than 30% of new parents are missing out on payments by not claiming in their baby’s first year.
Parents urged to claim via the HMRC app to ensure they get their payment as quickly as possible.

One in three new parents are missing out on Child Benefit payments in their baby’s first year, new figures reveal.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging parents who welcomed a baby this Spring to claim now via the HMRC app or online at GOV.UK.

While more than 6.8 million parents received Child Benefit in the year to August 2025, only 68.8% of them claimed the crucial government support before their baby’s first birthday.

More than 140,000 babies were born between April and June last year and while many parents are enjoying new beginnings this Spring, the latest statistics show thousands of families could be missing out on much-needed cash by delaying their claim.

Child Benefit is worth £27.05 per week – or £1,406.60 a year – for the eldest or only child and £17.90 per week – or £930.80 a year – for each additional child, with no limit as to how many children parents can claim for.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Spring is a wonderful time to welcome a baby and claiming Child Benefit as soon as possible means your family can benefit from much-needed financial support.

“It is quick and easy to claim Child Benefit via the HMRC app at a time that suits you.”

Child Benefit can be claimed 48 hours after the baby’s birth is registered but can only be backdated for up to 3 months from the date HMRC receives the claim, meaning thousands of families are not getting what they’re entitled to receive.

Parents can access their Child Benefit account quickly and easily via the HMRC app.

In a recent survey, half of parents with children under the age of 18 said that they would like to be able to conduct all of their tax matters digitally.

To make a new claim for Child Benefit, parents can create an online HMRC account and will need:

child’s birth or adoption certificate
bank details
National Insurance number for themselves and their partner, if they have one
child’s original birth or adoption certificate and passport or travel document, for children born outside the UK.

HMRC has released a YouTube video explaining how parents can make a claim, with payments usually paid every 4 weeks automatically into a bank account.

If a claimant or their partner has an income of more than £60,000 a year, they will be liable to pay the High-Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC), with more information including about how to pay on the HICBC PAYE digital service on GOV.UK.

Scottish business confidence increases

Business confidence in Scotland rose two points to 50% in May.
Second time confidence level has been above the UK total since the end of 2025.
Firms’ optimism in their own trading outlook increased nine points to 62%, while optimism in the economy dipped five points to 38%.
Overall UK business confidence rose three points in May to 47%.

Business confidence in Scotland rose two points during May to 50%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.

Companies in Scotland reported higher confidence in their own trading outlook month-on-month, up nine points at 62%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down five points to 38%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 50% (vs. 48% in April 2026).

Scottish firms’ confidence in their own trading outlook was driven by stronger customer demand and expected new contracts or clients (70%), while confidence in the economy was driven by stronger customer or market demand (60%).

Almost a third (31%) of businesses in Scotland also expect to increase staffing levels over the next year, down four points on last month.

Since May 2025, Scotland has had an average overall business confidence of 48% with its largest figure of 59% in August last year and its lowest of 36% in December.

Looking ahead to the next six months, Scotland’s businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (47%), introducing new technology, such as AI or automation (42%), and evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services (39%).

Martyn Kendrick, Scotland director at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “Scottish businesses are showing momentum, with confidence in their own trading prospects rising and firms looking ahead with optimism. 

“Businesses are backing that confidence with action, with many planning to invest in training and new technology, demonstrating a clear commitment to long-term growth, innovation and building future capability. 

“We’re here to support that momentum, whether it’s financing growth, helping with technology investment, or working with firms to develop their teams and capabilities.” 

National picture

Overall, UK business confidence rose three points in May to 47%.

Firms’ trading outlook rose four points to 58% and their optimism in the economy generally rose two points to 35%.

Sixty-six percent expect stronger output over the year ahead, while 8% predict weaker activity.

The main drivers behind businesses expecting a decrease in activity remain the same as in April; economic uncertainty, higher cost pressures and weaker customer demand.

Business confidence rose across seven of the twelve UK regions and nations in May, and decreased in four. Northern Ireland saw notable gains with North East and West Midlands becoming the most confident regions.

Amanda Murphy, CEO for Lloyds Business and Commercial Banking said: “Business confidence edged up modestly in May, suggesting firms are beginning to steady after April’s decline.

“This month, confidence levels from businesses in the North East particularly stands out. It’s also reassuring to see that increased confidence from the construction sector has brought them more in line with their retail, services and manufacturing counterparts.

“Across the UK, each region and nation presents unique opportunities and drivers of growth – whether that’s clean energy in the North East, advanced manufacturing in the West Midlands or tourism and hospitality in Scotland.

“We’ve seen first-hand what the right financial support and advice can do for ambitious businesses and are keen to continue supporting our customers as they grow – helping Britain prosper.”

Tomorrow: Pitch to Plate multicultural meal at Easter Road

Join us for an evening of food, friendship, and community at our monthly multicultural meal, hosted by Hibernian Community Foundation in partnership with the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society (SABS).

Enjoy authentic homemade curries, rice, salad, and naan bread.

Fresh fruit kindly sponsored by the Association of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Scotland.

A warm, welcoming, and inclusive space for everyone.

Tuesday 2nd June 2026

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Doors open at 5:50 PM)

Hibernian Community Foundation

Famous Five Stand, Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh, EH7 5QG

FREE ENTRY | ALL WELCOME | NO BOOKING REQUIRED

Come together in the spirit of compassion, community, and culture.

Please help spread the word!

#HibernianCommunityFoundation #SABS

Volunteer drives 21,000 miles to take patients home

VOLUNTEER WEEK 2026: MONDAY 1st – SUNDAY 7th JUNE

Volunteers Week is an annual UK-wide celebration recognising the incredible selfless work of volunteers. In NHS Lothian we are incredibly proud of all our volunteers from the community, our estates and our hospitals.

Kosar Bibi started as a Volunteer Driver in November 2024 to support NHS Lothian’s Flow Centre with patient transport from hospital to home. In short, Kosar picks up patients from hospital discharge lounges across our sites and drives them directly home. While some journeys for Kosar may be short, such as travelling to Forth Valley, others may see Kosar drive all the way up to Inverness and other parts of the Highlands.

Since starting in her role, Kosar has safely transported home more than 120 patients, clocking up an incredible 21,000+ miles in the process.

Kosar explained: “I decided to become a volunteer driver after seeing first-hand the difficulties people have getting home from hospital due to grown children, carers etc. having other commitments.

“I love meeting such interesting people from all walks of life and all ages. I also get to see and hear how hard the NHS work to improve people’s lives. The best bit is reuniting the patient with their loved ones.”

Supporting the Flow Centre to help get patients home as quickly as possible also helps our hospitals frees up beds for new patients coming into the system. Additionally, Kosar provides a service when all other patient transport options have been exhausted, saving NHS Lothian the cost of having to use the last resort option of paying for external transport.

Ross Lamb, Voluntary Services Manager, describes Kosar as a friendly, empathetic, and committed person. Kosar averages several patient transfers per month and proceeds with her duties regardless of the weather (obviously taking weather warnings into account!).

Ross explains: “As Kosar’s Voluntary Services Manager, it’s always interesting to see all the places she transports patients to around Scotland each month, and it’s also rewarding to see the number of patients she gets home safe and sound to the comfort of their own surroundings.”

“When nominating Kosar for this award, I also worked out that over 35% of the patient transfers Kosar has completed have been round trips of 200 miles or more. This is quite simply an extraordinary effort from a volunteer and something that should quite rightly be celebrated and appreciated.

“The Voluntary Services Team and Flow Centre are extremely grateful for all Kosar’s kind support and outstanding commitment. We are very lucky to have her!”

Kosar has now also been shortlisted for the Voluntary Service Award at this year’s upcoming Celebrating Success Awards.

2026 Summer of Sport launches in Edinburgh

AN £18 million Scottish Government investment will give young people the chance to get involved in different sporting activities on their doorstep.

The Council, working in partnership with sportscotland, has secured funding from the national initiative to provide free and low-cost opportunities for young people locally as part of the national agency’s 2026 Summer of Sport.

The £18 million initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and facilitated by sportscotland, will offer young people aged three to 26 the opportunity to get active and maybe try something new.

This summer, it’s game on, and the 2026 Summer of Sport is a unique opportunity for communities across Scotland to embrace the excitement of sport, inspired by the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, both of which will showcase Scotland on the global stage and inspire young people to take part, get active and begin their own journey in sport and activity.

With activities running throughout the summer and beyond, young people in Edinburgh will have access to a range of free and low-cost sport and physical activity opportunities, helping remove barriers to participation and ensure more young people have the chance to get involved.

The Council will work with colleagues and a network of partners, including Edinburgh Leisure, The University of Edinburgh, Scottish Student Sport, NHS, local sports clubs and local community organisations to ensure these opportunities are available to young people, regardless of background.

The funding will enable the delivery of activities designed to help young people develop healthy habits, build stronger social connections, and foster a lifelong love of movement.

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “We’re proud to support the 2026 Summer of Sport and are excited for the accessible activity opportunities it will create for young people in Edinburgh.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for children and young people to try something new, get active, and experience the joy of physical activity and sport. We will work with colleagues and partners to make these opportunities available to young people across Edinburgh, regardless of background.”

Education, Children and Families Convenor James Dalgleish said: “With the school summer holidays fast approaching, this funding will make it possible for even more children across the city to take part in, and maybe even have a go, at a new sport for the first time.

“We are committed to levelling the playing field for all children and young people in Edinburgh and we know that sport can play a crucial role in supporting that.

“The benefits of being active are widely known and the range of activities on offer will hopefully encourage young people to get out, get active and as a result benefit from better social connection, camaraderie, alongside health benefits.

Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “At sportscotland, we believe that sport has the power to strengthen communities and change lives.

“The 2026 Summer of Sport campaign, made possible by Scottish Government investment, is a great example of what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared ambition to make sport more inclusive and accessible.

“We’re proud to play our part in helping more young people enjoy the benefits of being active as we celebrate a fantastic summer of sport.”

Through these investments, the Council is working to ensure that the 2026 Summer of Sport positively influences as many young people as possible, fostering engagement in sport and outdoor activities across all communities.

To find out more about the 2026 Summer of Sport, visit:

sportscotland.org.uk/2026 and www.edinburgh.gov.uk/summerofsport