Katerina Dufkova has overcome more than most students usually have to during her university career and has achieved a bachelor with honours in Social Sciences. She was named Edinburgh Napier University’s most inspiring student for 2019-2020 which is no surprise considering what she has had to overcome throughout her studies.
As a survivor of Complex PTSD she immigrated to Scotland by herself at the age of 18 to remove herself from the proximity of her biological family who were the primary source of her trauma. She has excelled despite this difficult start to life and began her studies at Edinburgh Napier University in 2016.
Now 35, Katerina was in the final stages of completing her degree when the pandemic started, which meant she then had to juggle home schooling her 8-year-old daughter, whilst also completing her degree studies.
On top of this Katerina was in an ongoing custody battle with her daughter’s father with the support of women’s aid. Katerina persevered nonetheless and will graduate this summer.
Graduations July 2022 – Graduations July 2022 – Katerina Dufkova, Social Sciences
She said: “Despite facing many obstacles, I was able to complete my undergraduate degree and was pleased to be named the most inspiring student 2019/20 for always being helpful to my peers whilst going through an incredibly challenging time myself”.
This year’s ceremony saw over 2,000 students graduating from the university’s 6 schools.
Speaking on the eve of this weekend’s Eid Al Adha celebrations in Edinburgh. Lothian MSPFoysol Choudhury said: “It will be an honour to attend once again “Eid Al-Adha Pray in the Park” event at Inverleith Park on 9th July, which will start with a prayer at 9.30am. The event is organised by the Adha Trust in Edinburgh and is supported by Edinburgh Mosques.
“Last year’s celebration saw more than 2,000 people attending and this year, organisers are expecting 10,000 people to attend – if the weather holds up!
“Eid Al-Adha or the “Feast of Sacrifice” is a four-day celebration, which will be celebrated this year in the UK from 9th till 13th July according to moon sightings. This Muslim holiday also marks the end of the yearly Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
“It is the biggest Muslim holiday, which is celebrated every year with friends, family and neighbours by Muslims across the world, with the symbolic sacrifice of a lamb that is divided in three to be shared with loves ones and the needy.
“I would like to offer my good wishes to the Muslim communities in the Lothians and across Scotland and the UK. It is special time where we can again celebrate Eid Al-Adha with our friends and family in person again and I hope Muslims worldwide will be able celebrate in peace and safety particularly during these challenging times.
“I find that these religious festivals are a great way for communities to get together, allowing us to share our cultures and traditions so we can better understand our differences and celebrate them to foster more tolerance in our society as well as enriching our daily lives.
“I have also submitted Motion S6M-05178 for Eid Al-Adha 2022, which has already gained great cross-party support.
Scotland’s biggest and most prestigious 5-star Ladies Day – Musselburgh Racecourse Stobo Castle Ladies Day is back on Friday 5th August.
The organisers are delighted to announce that Vogue Williams will headline the exciting after-racing party. The TV presenter, model and DJ will entertain the crowds by taking to the decks to keep the party going, following the last race at the East Lothian track on Friday 5 August 2022, an annual sell-out event, famed for its atmosphere.
Musselburgh Racecourse Commercial Manager, Aisling Johnston, said: “We’re delighted Vogue Williams will join us this summer for Stobo Castle Ladies Day, as it’s always our most glamorous event of the year.
“This year we are expecting the raceday to be one of the biggest fashion extravaganzas that Scotland has seen in a long while, and everyone is welcome not just the ladies! Ladies Day is always a jam-packed day of first-class racing, great food, and entertainment and of course our infamous after-party where Vogue will now be DJ’ing!”
Vogue Williams said: “I’m thrilled to play at the after-racing party at Stobo Castle Ladies Day at Musselburgh Racecourse, one of the biggest parties of the year!I absolutely love Scotland having spent my university days there. I can’t wait to visit, calling in on family, and to see all the thousands of racegoers getting dressed up once again!”
The annual sell out event will see a new Style competition launch, thrilling horse racing and first-class entertainment. This year’s glamorous summer racing event will celebrate the changing styles of Ladies Day past and present, a theme that will be part of the entertainment throughout the day.
The Style Awards will be the new fashion competition for this year and the judges, including leading Scottish stylist Eva Arrighi, will be looking for style, elegance, and individuality. This year’s event will also welcome back the Best Hat Awards too.
Ladies Day at Musselburgh Racecourse is always alight with an electric party atmosphere like no other. Accompanying Vogue Williams, former Miss Scotland, Jennifer Reoch, will host this year’s Stobo Castle Ladies Day on the main stage.
Hospitality packages for Ladies Day are already sold out but there are still lots of ticket options available including the beautifully decorated Picnic Pavilion marquee, located alongside the running rail. With a prime position for viewing, the picnic pavilion has its own dedicated bar, betting facilities and private washrooms.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Piper, Conner Pratt (Fife), Highland Dancer, Rosey Watt (MacDuff) and Drummer, Frazer Rankin (Dunbar), took to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade at sunset to mark the completion of the Stand build, ready for this year’s much-anticipated Tattoo performances.
Crowds will gather at Edinburgh Castle this summer, from 5-27 August, for the cultural spectacular, which returns for the first time in three years.
This year’s Show, Voices, is a celebration of expression, giving a stage to performers and acts from around the globe to share their voices through spoken word, song, music and dance.
The Tattoo belongs to the city and to recognise this and celebrate the countdown to the first Show, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is giving back to people living in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife with a special, limited offer of a 25% discount for the first 1000 tickets sold – only applicable to locals who use the code EH25 from the 11th of July.
Buster Howes, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “The Stand’s construction changes the Castle skyline dramatically, marking the start of Edinburgh’s summer of festivals and cultural celebrations.
“After two years without its presence, its completion today has even more meaning for the people of Edinburgh as it signifies the dawn of a new era. The Tattoo is ready for its return, and we are coming back with a bang!
“We’re committed to giving back to the city, the Tattoo belongs to the locals and we’re celebrating with a discounted offer to give everyone the chance to see the spectacular Voices Show live. I’d encourage everyone across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife to make the most of this offer, the Tattoo has something for everyone, and they will be blown away with the Show”.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.
A modern parliament that is committed to embracing technology and change to become more accessible and inclusive for the people it serves. That is the vision for the Scottish Parliament in a new report published yesterday by Holyrood’s Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee.
The report makes it clear that the hybrid parliament, where Members and committee witnesses can take part virtually, should be here to stay. But this must be supported by on-going investment in technology and infrastructure.
The report follows an inquiry by the Committee which looked at ways in which scrutiny and debate can be conducted in hybrid format as well as exploring wider changes to procedures to improve scrutiny.
Measures in the report include a recommendation to introduce proxy voting for those on parental leave or ill.
Speaking as the report published, Committee Convener Martin Whitfield MSP said: “Parliament cannot stand still. During the pandemic we saw a huge amount of change across the country.
“Working from home, zoom video calls and remote learning became the norm for many of us, including Parliament. It is important we continue to evolve and take advantage of the technology around us.
“But these changes need to be about more than just technology. Our practices and procedures should be fit for the Scotland of today and ready for the Scotland of tomorrow. We must challenge ourselves to innovate and introduce new measures and be willing to look closely at how we work
“Our report recommends the introduction of a proxy voting pilot scheme for MSPs. This will ensure your MSP can still represent you even when circumstances rightly mean they cannot cast their vote.”
Deputy Convener Bob Doris MSP said: “This Parliament was founded on principles of accountability, equality and accessibility and we heard throughout our inquiry about the benefits of having a hybrid system which allows a broader range of people to engage with their Parliament, including those who may have been previously excluded.
“We cannot shy away from embracing change which makes us a more accessible and reflective Parliament of the people of Scotland. However, we must also ensure that the Parliament itself remains a place to come together, share ideas and debate the issues of the day.
“This is why our report makes clear that we must continue to invest to in technology that supports the Members in their work.”
Circle’s annual DARED Challenge has come to an end for another year. After 5 years of DARED (Do A Run Every Day), Circle are delighted to have raised over £12,000 for their children and families.
The DARED Challenge – Do A Run Every Day – encourages participants to complete either a 1 mile or 5km run every day throughout the month of June and this year, Circle saw more than 140 participants sign up to take part.
Alongside the fundraising element, the aim of the challenge is to encourage as many people as possible to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of daily exercise, as well as spending time with away from the desk and work.
“It’s been such a busy month, and it could’ve been so easy to do no exercise at all because of that, but thanks to The DARED Challenge, I’ve been outside exercising every day, and I feel so much better for it!” – Participant
The choice of different distances enables both experienced and beginner runners to feel included and challenged.
Funds raised through the DARED Challenge will go directly to supporting Circle in its aim of improving the lives of children by strengthening families.
The charity works at the heart of deprived communities across central Scotland, supporting the most disadvantaged children and families to improve their lives, promote their healthy development and reach their potential.
Social inequality and poverty are the root cause of why families seek support from Circle including parental substance misuse, domestic abuse, imprisonment, poor physical and mental health as well as isolation.
Although the challenge has finished, the JustGiving page is still open if you’d like to donate to support our runners, and help us raise as much money as possible for Circle’s children and families:
For the first time Scotland will host the R&A’s three major championships alongside Scotland’s two opens – backed by more than £3 million annually to support golf events and market Scotland globally as the Home of Golf.
The Scottish Open, which teed off yesterday, has received £1.8 million in funding from the Scottish Government to support the event to grow and deliver a first-rate playing and spectating experience. The Genesis Scottish Open has attracted its strongest-ever field this year, with nine of the world’s top 10 players competing at the Renaissance Club in North Berwick.
Culture Minister Neil Gray highlighted the benefits of Scottish Government support for the sport as the landmark event, the first to be co-sanctioned by golf’s governing bodies on both sides of the Atlantic, got underway.
Mr Gray said: “Earlier this week, I was delighted to get the chance to say thanks in person to many of those who have contributed to Scotland’s spectacular summer of golf, including event organisers, governing bodies, sponsors, partners, local authorities, media and broadcasters.
“In the same year as we celebrate the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews it’s fitting that we underline Scotland’s status as the home of golf and a global leader in golf tourism by hosting an unprecedented series of tournaments which will showcase Scotland and our top courses to a worldwide audience.
“The Scottish Government recognises the importance and benefits of golf and golf events, including boosting tourism and our economy. We have a long-standing track record of support and are proud to fund our annual national men’s and women’s Opens and work with our partners at VisitScotland to support a host of other events.
“Our commitment to all of these fantastic tournaments helps promote our priorities, including health and wellbeing and inclusivity and equality – and I’m delighted to see the Women’s Open at Muirfield for the first time.”
For the first time, the R&A’s three major championships – the Open, the AIG Women’s Open and the Senior Open – will take place in Scotland in the same year, alongside the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open and the men’s Genesis Scottish Open. In another first, the Women’s Open will take place at Muirfield.
A record-breaking crowd of nearly 300,000 is expected at St Andrews for the 150th Open, with large numbers expected to attend the other events this month and next.
Nikki Mcleod graduated with a bachelor degree in veterinary nursing just 10 days before her 50th birthday, having received her Registered Veterinary Nurse badge 22 years ago.
When Nikki received a diagnosis of autism at the age of 45, much of what she had struggled with throughout her life began to make sense. The neurodiverse disability affected her social skills as well as multiple aspects of her life, Nikki found her calling in caring for Animals and has excelled in her career and education.
Graduations July 2022 – Graduations July 2022 – Nikki Mcleod, Veterinary Nursing
Nikki completed her degree in 4 years alongside a busy career, and has been awarded the Meghan Ambrozevich-Blair Prize in recognition of her incredible achievements as a student at Edinburgh Napier University.
Nikki has a particular love for cats and achieved the silver certificate from the international society of feline medicine.
Having been told for much of her school life that she wasn’t good enough and could try harder, Nikki has overcome this and excelled in her career. Her autism diagnosis helped her understand her personal daily struggle and she has excelled in her career and education.
Graduations July 2022 – Graduations July 2022 – Nikki Mcleod, Veterinary Nursing
Nikki said: “With the university allowing me to take all the top-up modules over four years instead of two, it made it a lot easier to continue working in a busy small animal practice and study for my other certificates.
“Napier’s disability service was super supportive with regards to my autism and what help I could get. I’m proud to have walked across that stage – even if I’m twice the age of my fellow graduates”
This year’s ceremony saw over 2,000 students graduating from the university’s 6 schools.
National charity Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs has won a major UK award for its work supporting anyone concerned about someone else’s alcohol or drug use in Scotland.
Their innovative ‘click-and-deliver’ service, providing the drug naloxone, which can reverse an opioid-related overdose, was just one of its services praised by the award judges.
Following a rigorous selection and assessment process, Scottish Families was chosen from more than 350 charities across the UK as one of the 10 winners of the 2022 GSK IMPACT Awards.
Now in their 25th year, the awards are designed to recognise the outstanding work of small and medium-sized charities working to improve people’s health and wellbeing in the UK.
This year winners will receive £40,000 in unrestricted funding as well as expert support and leadership development provided by leading health and care charity The King’s Fund.
Substance use remains a major issue in Scotland, with 2,529 people losing their lives to alcohol and drugs in 2020. The number of drug-related deaths was 5 per cent more than in 2019 and 2020 saw the highest increase of alcohol-specific deaths registered since 2008.
Scottish Families offers support to people whose loved ones are living with an alcohol or drug issue. The charity works across Scotland to increase awareness of the impact drug and alcohol use has on family members, who can experience psychological distress, mental and physical ill health, domestic violence, and financial issues.
Their work is not limited to close family, Scottish Families also offers support to anyone directly affected by the harm caused by an individual’s alcohol or drug use.
Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the charity has continued to provide a range of services, including an advice helpline, one-to-one bereavement support, and local family services.
From April 2020 to March 2021 Scottish Families supported almost 2,000 family members across its services, from all 32 council areas in Scotland. This included more than 2,350 helpline contacts, a 66 per cent increase on the previous year.
The award judges praised Scottish Families for its range of flexible support service for families, as well as its ability to influence and shape alcohol and drug policy. This includes the innovative ‘click-and-deliver’ service, which provides potentially life-saving naloxone free of charge to any adult in Scotland who may come across an opioid-related overdose.
Naloxone reverses opioid overdose, providing vital time to call an ambulance. Training, information and helpline support is provided with the kits.
The judging panel were also impressed by Scottish Families’ work to reach those most in need. Its ‘Holding On’ service offers support where there are concerns about the risk of drug-related death and the charity is a member of the LGBTQI Substance Use Partnership.
Scottish Families also launched a ‘Family Support Is For Men Too’ initiative and runs the Routes programme for young people aged 12–26 years old affected by someone else’s alcohol and drug use.
Katie Pinnock, Director of UK Charitable Partnerships at GSK, said: “The devastating impact of alcohol or drug use on someone’s family and loved ones is often overlooked.
“Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs works to improve the visibility of families and give a voice to their experiences. It is a small charity which works effectively to build strong partnerships at local and national levels to influence strategic system change.
“We were particularly impressed by Scottish Families’ engagement at government level, while its ‘click-and-deliver’ service to make the life-saving drug naloxone more easily available during the pandemic stood out as a major innovation.”
The 2022 GSK IMPACT Award recognises Scottish Families’ significant impact on improving the wellbeing and mental health of families across Scotland affected by alcohol and drug use.
Developing leaders in the charity sector is a key aim of the GSK IMPACT Awards programme and all winners are invited to build on their success and take part in a tailored leadership development programme run by The King’s Fund.
Scottish Families will also be invited to join the GSK IMPACT Awards Network, a UK-wide network of more than 110 previous award winners who work together to develop leaders, find new ways of working and provide mutual support.
Commenting on the award, Justina Murray, Chief Executive of Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs, said: “We are overwhelmed and so delighted to have won this UK award for outstanding work in the field of health and wellbeing.
“Innovation, flexibility and assertive outreach are everyday ways of working in the third sector, so being recognised for this means a huge amount to us and to the families we support.
“We know that most families harmed by substance use remain hidden from sight and are unsupported. We have so much more to do to reach every family, and to make sure they are supported, recognised and included.
“The funding and development programme which are part of this award will help us to do this. Families affected by alcohol and drugs are always at the margins, they are overlooked and ignored, so achieving this recognition at UK level shows that families really do matter, and that change will come.”
For more information on Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs, visit: www.sfad.org.uk
