Day: February 5, 2021

Entrepreneurs in Residence to share their expertise with staff and students

Double appointment under Royal Society scheme will reinforce Napier University’s enterprise culture

Edinburgh Napier University has announced two Entrepreneur in Residence appointments through The Royal Society-funded programme aimed at helping UK academic institutions turn world-leading research and ideas into commercial impact and success.

The newly appointed Entrepreneurs in Residence will spend 20 per cent of their time over a 12-month period with the university, sharing their experiences and helping to mentor, inspire and support students and academics with entrepreneurial goals and ideas.

The entrepreneurs appointed at Edinburgh Napier are Dr Jamie Graves and Robert Goodfellow. The University of Dundee, with one place, is the only other institution in Scotland represented on the newly published list of 16 entrepreneurs awarded a place on the scheme for 2021.

Dr Jamie Graves, who started his career as a research fellow in Edinburgh Napier’s School of Computing and went on to found and develop multi-award winning cyber security start-up ZoneFox, will bring his experiences of developing intellectual property to commercial impact to the School of Computing.

Jamie said: “The purpose of this EIR project is to aid Edinburgh Napier in its ambitions to replicate existing spin-out and commercialisation success in its Centre of Cyber Systems & Cryptography. The work will promote and emulate this success across the School of Computing.

“The project will aim to build a sustainable pipeline of entrepreneurs across all academic cohorts via a series of awareness and training events in order to increase commercial activity. 

“Edinburgh Napier was the launch pad for me and my future successes so to be coming back as an Entrepreneur in Residence is really exciting and a great honour. I’m looking forward to being able to bring back some of the lessons I learned during my journey but also learning more during this new experience.”

Robert Goodfellow, previously Head of Enterprise & Business Development at Heriot-Watt University, will be working closely with the School of Applied Sciences to pass on his knowledge and help with entrepreneurial development.

Robert said: “The Edinburgh Napier Applied Sciences Commercialisation and Entrepreneurism Training project (NASCENT) will identify and commercialise health and wellbeing intellectual property rights, develop new staff and student entrepreneurs and build a lasting ‘commercial culture’ across the three campuses.”

Commenting on the appointments, Fiona Mason, Head of Business Engagement and IP Commercialisation, said: “We are thrilled by the Royal Society’s support for the appointment of these two Entrepreneur in Residence posts.

“They will bring invaluable insight and experience to the university to the benefit of our staff and students.

 “We are honoured to work alongside two such stellar and seasoned entrepreneurs and look forward to develop with them a successful programme for the future.”

Nick Fannin, Head of Enterprise at Edinburgh Napier’s Bright Red Triangle, who have helped support over 400 student start-ups, added: “We are really excited to be working with Jamie and Robert as Entrepreneurs in Residence this year.

“Their knowledge and experience will not only energise and inspire entrepreneurial activity across the university but also help our spin-outs and start-ups to take their businesses to the next level.”

Venture Trust and Arc’teryx partnership connects people to the transforming power of nature

Scottish charity Venture Trust is partnering with global design and outdoor equipment company Arc’teryx to deliver improved mental, emotional and physical health for some of Scotland’s most vulnerable people through the power of the outdoors. 

Arc’teryx’s Outer Peace initiative centers around the benefits of nature, and how being immersed in it can have measurable, long-lasting impacts on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The $CA1 million commitment will support partners working to remove barriers and protect nature, so everybody – including those traditionally excluded – can access and benefit from spending time in nature.

Venture Trust has been making the outdoors accessible to disadvantaged groups in Scotland for more than 35 years as part of the organisation’s proven programmes of personal development.

Their work in the outdoors and wild areas creates time and space away for development and learning.  Individuals explore how different choices and behaviours can help meet their needs in a positive way. This aligns closely with Arc’teryx’ values and their belief in the transformative power of nature.  

The global pandemic and lockdown restrictions have made us realise how important the outdoors and being out in the nature can be for mental, emotional, and physical health. Looking ahead to the end of the current lockdown in Scotland, Venture Trust is ready to support people to make positive changes through funding from the Outer Peace initiative.

With this investment Venture Trust will be able to support more people to improve mental health and wellbeing by connecting to and benefiting from Scotland’s natural environments. The organisation will work with 120 disadvantaged young people through Venture Trust’s new Outdoor Therapy counselling service. Additionally, over 300 young people and adults will benefit from enhanced outdoor work throughout core programmes nationally.

Venture Trust Clinical Manager Andy Hardie said the organisation was delighted to be partnering with Arc’teryx: “The Outer Peace campaign aligns closely with our ethos at Venture Trust – how meaningful connection with nature and time spent outdoors supports positive mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.

“Arc’teryx’ approach to partnership goes beyond just a donation. They have invested time in understanding what we do, what the impact of their support means, in sharing information and making useful connections, and in developing mutually beneficial solutions.”

Dan Walker, Social Impact Lead at Arc’teryx Equipment, said: “Arc’teryx was founded upon a desire to connect people with the outdoors. As advocates for the transformative power of nature we seek to collaborate with those who share our purpose.

“Venture Trust is an invaluable partner in this work.  Applying a thoughtful and diligent approach, Venture Trust has been able to inspire many wonderful stories of personal growth through connection to nature. We’re proud to be considered a partner in their journey.”

*Name has been changed.

Charities come together to launch Scottish Walking Awards

Scotland’s leading walking charities have launched a new National Award to celebrate the people, organisations and communities who are supporting others to enjoy an active lifestyle.  

The first-ever Scottish Walking Awards will showcase a broad range of inspiring walking projects – from businesses, councils, land managers and housing associations to the journalists, staff and local volunteers who inspire others to step out. 

The Scottish Walking Awards features ten categories celebrating a wide range of contributions to getting people moving more in Scotland – as well as an overall Champion of Champions.  

The awards are being organised by Ramblers Scotland, Paths for All and Living Streets Scotland, in conjunction with the National Walking Strategy Delivery Forum.  

Nominations are encouraged from all regions of Scotland and all sections of society, including projects supporting people who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Anyone can make a nomination using a simple online form before the deadline on 31 March, and winners will be selected by an expert judging panel in April. 

Mairi Gougeon, Health and Sport Minister said: “Over the past year we have seen how important walking and wheeling is to the people of Scotland. With thanks to the many inspiring projects within our communities, people have rediscovered their local areas while keeping active during challenging times.

“I’m pleased to support Ramblers Scotland, Paths for All and Living Streets Scotland with the first Scottish Walking Awards to celebrate the people and places that are helping us to keep walking and enjoy the benefits of being active.”  

Stuart Hay, Director, Living Streets Scotland said: “Over the last twelve months we’ve seen people walking more and starting new projects in their communities to help everyone stay active. We want to celebrate these projects and the vitally important role of walking for health, wellbeing, and essential everyday journeys. 

“This is particularly important in light of the impact of Covid, and leading up to COP26 later this year. Scotland can lead the way in celebrating everyday walking and we’re looking forward to celebrating all the fantastic work that’s going on all over the country.” 

Brendan Paddy, Director, Ramblers Scotland said: “Walking has the power to help create a healthier and happier nation, particularly as we respond to the urgent Covid and climate crises. 

“There’s never been a better time to showcase the amazing communities and projects whose tireless work is opening the way for more people to enjoy the many benefits of walking.” 

Ian Findlay, Chief Officer, Paths for All said:  “I would encourage all walking and wheeling projects to make nominations in the Scottish Walking Awards 2021. Collectively, we can showcase the transformative role walking plays in reducing health inequalities, lowering carbon emissions, and improving the environment. 

“The ability to get out walking during the current lockdown is proving to be a life saver for many people’s mental wellbeing, social connections, and physical health, including my own. 

“I want more people to benefit from an improved walking and wheeling environment. For that to happen, we need to demonstrate the outstanding work that is currently taking place.” 

Edinburgh residents urged to have their say on Women and Employment post-COVID-19

The First Minister’s National Advisory Council on Women and Girls (NACWG) is calling on residents in Edinburgh to share their views on gender equality issues in relation to Women and Employment post COVID-19.

Progression and opportunities for women in the workplace has been significantly impacted by the pandemic. Pay cuts, furlough and redundancies are just some of the employment issues that have stemmed from COVID-19, while other women have struggled to balance work  and caring  commitments within the pandemic restrictions. 

The Advisory Council wants to shine a spotlight on the impact that women in different sectors are facing as a result of COVID-19 and their perspectives on the recovery.

The NACWG was formed to support the drive for an equal society for women and girls in every community across Scotland by raising the issue of gender inequality. Focusing on a new Spotlight theme on a bi-monthly basis, the Advisory Council encourages people to share ideas and opinions on different gender equality issues.

Louise Macdonald OBE, Co-Chair of The NACWG, said: “Despite some progress in  narrowing the gender gap, the COVID-19 pandemic has  dialled back some of that progress and also created new barriers for women in relation to employment. It’s vital  that women are  at the forefront of the employment recovery to prevent longer term implications for gender equality and for society as a whole.

“The Advisory Council is inviting groups, organisations and networks in Edinburgh, to share their experiences, opinions and ideas around the Spotlight. Every bit of feedback will help us gather more insight and help drive action in creating long-lasting change for women and girls in Scotland.”

To participate in this national conversation, groups, organisations and networks are encouraged to form a virtual Wee Circle to discuss issues surrounding inequalities in employment post COVID-19 and share ideas on how this can be tackled. 

Feedback from these Wee Circle discussions, as well as individual feedback, can be submitted online at onescotland.org/NACWG. 

Thoughts can also be shared on social media using the hashtag #GenerationEqual.

New board appointments at Edinburgh Leisure

The charity Edinburgh Leisure, which runs over 50 sports and leisure facilities and a myriad of projects to support the citizens of Edinburgh to enjoy active and healthy lives, has made some new board appointments, effective from January 2021.

Scott Haldane has been appointed as Edinburgh Leisure’s new Chairperson, taking over from David Milne, who is stepping down after two terms (six years). Jackie Moran has been appointed as Vice Chair.

Scott Haldane has served on the Edinburgh Leisure Board for eight years and previously held the position of Vice Chair, and also chair of the Strategy and Financial Planning Committee. Jackie Moran has been on the Board for six years, chairing the Audit and Risk Committee.

David Milne, who relinquished his position as Chair earlier this month said:  “As someone with a passion for sport and the benefits it can bring to so many people, I have been honoured to have held the position of Chair of Edinburgh Leisure for the last six years.

“I have enjoyed meeting many members of staff over the years, visiting the venues, and seeing the positive impact that Edinburgh Leisure has had on the health of so many people of all ages and stages.

“Covid-19 has changed all our lives but I have been proud of the way that the organisation, and more importantly its key asset – its staff – has weathered the storm, pulling together despite the uncertainties and the ever-changing environment, to re-open venues and services, creating opportunities for everyone to lead more active, and healthy lives.”

Commenting on his appointment, Scott Haldane (above) said: “Having been a member of the Edinburgh Leisure Board for the last eight years, I feel privileged to be asked to extend my contribution in the capacity as Chair.

“My goal will be to build on the excellent work of my predecessors to further enhance Edinburgh Leisure’s role in supporting and promoting the health and wellbeing of the people of Edinburgh.”

On her appointment, Jackie Moran said: “I’m delighted to be appointed as Vice Chair of Edinburgh Leisure. I look forward to working with the board and the leadership team in my new role.“

June Peebles, CEO Edinburgh Leisure, said:  “A key element of Edinburgh Leisure’s governance is having a non-executive Board of Directors, who have the collective responsibility of directing Edinburgh Leisure, ensuring we operate in accordance with our Memorandum and Articles of Association and meet all our legal responsibilities. 

“The Board give their time and expertise on a voluntary basis to support the Strategic Leadership Team in leading the organisation.

“We’re fortunate to have a strong Board of Directors, who come from a variety of industries, business and specialisms and who willingly give of their time and expertise, scrutinising our work to ensure we deliver on our vision and objectives.

“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to David for his professionalism, advice and enthusiasm over the years and in particular, the support and commitment he has given to me and Edinburgh Leisure, in what has been the most challenging year for everyone.”

Edinburgh Airport ‘outlook bleak’

Passenger numbers decline to lowest level since 1995

Edinburgh Airport recorded its lowest number of passengers since 1995 in the last 12 months, and the outlook is bleak as the Covid-19 pandemic continues.

The airport handled a little under 3.5m passengers in 2020 – a 76% reduction on the previous year which is estimated to cost the Scottish economy around £1bn and over 21,000 jobs during the same period.

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: “Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones through this pandemic and with those on the frontline managing the health crisis.

“The fall in our passenger numbers is only one reflection of the long-term damage being inflicted by Covid-19 on Scotland’s economy and its social fabric, but it is a worrying one and there is no clear path to recovery.

“Nobody should assume that when the pandemic subsides, life will go back to normal. At the airport, we will be starting from a low level of activity not recorded here since 1995 and the choice of airlines and destinations may be dramatically different to those we had worked hard to build before 2020 and on which many people depend for bringing visitors to Scotland and for holidays and business, including exports.

“We believe that now is the right time for industry, government and trade unions to be thinking about a substantial economic recovery plan – one that does not distract the health professionals from the important job of saving lives and protecting the NHS today, but one which puts Scotland in the best possible position to recover as quickly as possible when the conditions allow.

“The power and impact of the aviation industry cannot simply be measured on passenger numbers and the number of aircraft arriving and departing – thousands of people rely on airports and airlines, and their vast supply chains, for the income that puts food on the table and pays the bills. Other countries around the world are providing support for their aviation sectors and UK and Scottish Governments should do the same.”

Independent research on the airport’s economic impact suggests the reduction in passenger numbers to a total of 3,478,501 resulted in a cost to the Scottish economy of £1bn and over 21,000 jobs.

After ten years of significant growth, passenger numbers were down in every quarter as the pandemic took a grip on Scotland with tighter restrictions on travel and border controls.

The vast majority of people travelled before the pandemic hit and numbers plummeted by 99% between April-June, 83% between July-September and 90% between October-December.

Quarter2019 total2020 totalVariance
Q12,966,8852,369,388-20%
Q24,053,31934,247-99%
Q34,368,976750,823-83%
Q43,358,361324,043-90%
Full year14,747,5413,478,501-76%

In early 2020, Edinburgh Airport worked with BiGGAR Economics to understand the positive impact of the airport on Scotland’s economy. Their report found that in 2019, Edinburgh Airport generated £1.4 billion Gross Value Added (GVA) and 28,000 jobs in the Scottish economy.

Wider than that, the report found Covid-19 also impacted on several other things such as:

  • allowing freedom of movement;
  • bringing opportunities for people to live more meaningfully and experience other cultures;
  • promoting Scotland’s culture and heritage;
  • enabling people to remain in contact with friends and family; and
  • enhancing Scotland’s accessibility for visitors.

Edinburgh Tories: Road changes should not be made permanent!

Cllr Sue Webber is the Edinburgh Conservatives’ Transport Spokesman in Edinburgh Council and candidate for Edinburgh Western in the Scottish Parliamentary elections:

In May 2020, the SNP-Labour Council used emergency Covid-19 powers to rush through several road closures, an unnecessary Low Traffic Neighbourhood in East Craigs and the widespread introduction of segregated cycleways along Comiston Road and Duddingston Road.

These schemes were first introduced as a temporary measure during the pandemic. But the SNP-Labour Council now intends to make these changes permanent.

Local opposition has been substantial but the SNP-Labour Council have continued to ignore residents. One group, Get Edinburgh Moving (GEM), had to resort to threats of Legal Action against the Council to stop the introduction of the LTN in East Craigs.

I have led opposition on the Council, consistently voicing the public’s concerns about the negative impact these immensely unpopular measures are having on livelihoods and local businesses.

From the outset, I demanded greater community involvement and political scrutiny on the schemes.  I too have been ignored.

If you oppose the SNP-Labour Council’s undemocratic and reckless changes to our city then please sign below to fight back against the permanent imposition of these measures.

Sincerely,

Cllr Susan Webber

Three die in Kilmarnock incidents

Detectives are continuing enquiries following three incidents in the Kilmarnock area last night.

The first incident occurred around 7.45pm outside Crosshouse Hospital, when a 39-year-old woman was found injured in the car park.  She received medical care but she died at the scene.

The second incident occurred twenty minutes later on Portland Street, where a 24-year-old woman had been stabbed. Emergency services attended and she was taken to Crosshouse hospital where she later died.

A further incident, a fatal road crash, occurred on the C50, a road between the B7036 and the A76. Emergency services attended but the 40-year-old male driver of the car was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Family relatives have been made aware. 

Enquiries carried out so far have indicated that the incidents were linked and an investigation is under way to establish the exact circumstances of what happened. 

Officers are not looking for anyone else as part of their investigation and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Chief Superintendent Faroque Hussain said: “A number of locations remain cordoned off as officers continue to conduct enquiries.  We are working to confirm the full circumstances of what has happened. If anyone has any information which could assist our enquiries, please do contact us.

“Understandably, people will be shocked by what has happened.  We are still in the process of establishing the full circumstances, however, I would like to reassure people that there is no wider threat to the community.  Officers will be on patrol and anyone with any concerns can approach these officers.

Local diversions are in place as a number of areas remain cordoned off in the town centre and ear on the road between the B7036 and A76.

If anyone has any information which could assist this investigation, please do contact police on 101.

MD appointed at ‘Scotland’s finest care home’

A LEADING figure in the development of care homes and hospitals in Scotland is to take the reins as a dedicated Managing Director of Edinburgh’s finest care home.

Graeme Kelly, who is currently a Director at Walker Healthcare, will move across to the newly created role at its newest development, Cramond Residence, as it looks to build on growing demand as consumer confidence recovers within aspects of the sector that can demonstrate a positive track record over the past 12 months.

The home, which enjoys a leafy location, was purpose-built in 2018 by Walker Healthcare as a boundary-pushing advancement in both comprehensive luxury and clinical care for older people.

The latest technology and awareness of the importance of infection-control were factored into the design and specification from the outset, with small-group living in nine self-contained living pods as a cornerstone of the design alongside awareness of the benefits of the latest technology in everything from laundry systems to ventilation.

Graeme, 62, from Fife, has been astonished at the lengths that the care home’s teams have gone to provide rich and stimulating care, while managing to keep Covid-19 at bay, with very few cases recorded at the home to date.

Graeme said: “From day one we set out to create a new upper tier in the care home sector. Infection control was of utmost priority at this development long before the pandemic – and you can see how the design of the home is shaped around it.

“The Cramond Residence team, like so many key workers, have been truly inspirational throughout the last year. They’ve given the residents here the best possible care, hospitality and experiences and have provided families with reassurance

“We’re starting to see confidence returning and new enquiries are increasing month on month. Those that have put off a relative’s stay in a home are now ready to commit, if they can be reassured by the track record of the home, over the past year.

“All of our staff and residents have now had the vaccine too – and while we can’t for one second become complacent – we are grateful for our record so far in the pandemic.”

Graeme’s move over from Walker Healthcare, where he has worked since 1989 and which built and owns the home, coincides with the phased retirement of Eileen Gray.

The home offers nurse-led care, as well as offering a varied lifestyle programme. During this pandemic this has seen residents embark on a “Grand Tour of Scotland”, with distilleries, museums and attraction providing virtual tours and experiences.  

Cramond Residence is a purpose-built care combining unparalleled luxury; true five-star accommodation with outstanding clinical standards – with places available from £1850 per week.

The home offers high quality person centred care for up to 74 residents offering a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from our highly-trained team.

The nine small bubble group living facilities have up to eight bedrooms, a private lounge, dining and snug facilities.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

A third of Edinburgh pupils having to share vital home schooling tech with siblings

As Scottish families adjust to a third national lockdown and the challenges of homeschooling again, Uswitch surveyed parents to find out how the nation’s homeschooling parents and children are coping this time around. 

Lack of homeschooling resources for Edinburgh kids

  • More than half of Scottish children don’t have full-time access to a laptop for school work.
  • A third of Edinburgh pupils are having to share a laptop with siblings. 
  • A third of Edinburgh parents have had to supply homeschool tech for their kids.
  • 1 in 10 Scottish families have sought out tutor support to fill knowledge gaps, while a quarter of parents have had to spend on a homeschool set up.
  • On average Scottish parents have paid £158 on homeschooling costs, £61 less than the UK average.
  • In total, the UK’s struggling parents have been left with a £3.7 billion bill due to homeschooling costs.

Scottish homeschooling families failing to connect online

  • A quarter of Scottish parents are struggling to homeschool due to broadband problems.
  • The biggest broadband concern is slow speeds disrupting the school day. 
  • Despite this, only 10% of Scottish families have switched or upgraded their broadband provider. 

Scottish kids falling behind due to homeschooling

  • A quarter of Scottish kids don’t get all their school work finished during the school day.
  • 1 in 10 Edinburgh children are having to work longer hours to keep up with their workload, while another 1 in 10 pupils’ work goes regularly unfinished.
  • 68% of Scottish kids are supported by school for less than half a day leaving parents to fill in the gaps despite working.
  • More than a third of Scottish children don’t have any live video call lessons, with just 1% of children receiving a full school day of live video teacher support.  

Mental health concerns for Scottish children

  • 1 in 3 Scottish parents surveyed stated homeschooling has had a negative impact on their child.
  • Of these parents, 53% said their child is more isolated and detached socially
  • More than half think their child’s motivation to learn and concentrate has worsened.
  • A third said homeschooling has negatively impacted their child’s mental health, stress and learning.
  • More than 1 in 4 parents expressed concern about their child’s fitness and while a third are stressed their child’s anxiety has suffered at home.
  • While 22% of parents said poor sleep such as bad dreams and sleeping later are an issue for their child because of remote learning.
  • A fifth of Scottish parents are concerned about their child’s happiness overall.

Meanwhile Scottish parents are experiencing increased guilt, with over a quarter of Edinburgh parents identifying feelings of guilt due to the challenges of remote learning.

Find the full piece here: 

https://www.uswitch.com/broadband/homeschooling-wifi-issues/

Nick Baker, broadband expert at Uswitch.com, comments: “As UK families adjust to a third national lockdown, many parents are feeling increased pressure to successfully navigate homeschooling while working remotely. 

“To take off some of the pressure, take advantage of helpful learning tools available online, such as the BBC education programming available daily. Additionally, if you’re concerned your child is falling behind due to a lack of resources, speak with their school to find out if you qualify for extra help and the Government Get Help With Technology Scheme. 

“With children logging on to learn online, you’ll likely have more devices than usual connected to your broadband during the day. Ensuring your internet is up to speed will help elevate connection stress and keep the school day running smoothly. 

“If you are having trouble with your broadband, try these top tips and check out our homeschooling Wi-Fi issues guide to solve your most common home Wi-Fi problems:

  1. Reboot your router – the classic ‘unplug it, leave it 30 seconds and plug it back in’.
  2. Location, location, location – if your router is located further away than it needs to be, try moving it to the room you’re most active in or the center of your home.
  3. Disconnect unnecessary devices – turn the Wi-Fi off on gadgets you’re not using, even if they’re in a drawer. They may be using bandwidth in the background.
  4. Run a speed test – this will determine whether your router is running at the speeds you signed up for.
  5. Purchase a Wi-Fi extender or ‘booster’ – this will optimise your broadband for faster and stronger connections.

Find the full study here.