Month: August 2023

Le Gateau Chocolate shares his Fringe journey at the 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe Artist Address

On Friday 4th August the 76th edition of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe officially began.  In celebration of the first day, the annual Artist Address took place for the first time since 2019, and the Fringe Society was delighted to welcome Le Gateau Chocolat as keynote speaker for this important event. 

Designed as a celebratory moment for Fringe artists to gather at the beginning of the festival, Gateau gave a thought-provoking, empowering, and at times emotional speech to those gathered for the event. 

It was in 2008 that Gateau made his debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, shortly after an appearance at the Adelaide Fringe.  Due to work commitments in London, he felt unable to fully ensconce himself in the ‘anarchy of its magic’ and returned three years later in 2011 with Le Gateau Chocolat. 

‘When you’re not performing the show, you’re selling it. When you’re not selling it, you’re doing PR. When you’re not doing PR, you’re rehearsing, adjusting to the conversation with the audience – in a permanent state of dampness. The exhaustion at a cellular level whilst also being deeply invigorating. You’re on a constant high which amplifies the lows – however brief they are.’

Highlighting the platform the Fringe can offer artists for career development, Gateau shared insights into the journey his show took following his 2011 debut as Le Gateau Chocolat: ‘The magic of Edinburgh Fringe was very present, and I was lucky enough to tap into the zeitgeist. Shows sold out. Reviews were great. It got a London transfer to The Menier Chocolate Factory. The Sydney Opera House. Poland. Christchurch, New Zealand. Melbourne. Auckland. It set me on a course that introduced me to Basement Jaxx and had me performing with them and Metropole Orkest at the Barbican. It’s how T-Mobile found me and reached out for me to be part of the flash mob ad at Terminal 5. It changed my life.’

Returning to the Fringe in 2018 with three shows, Duckie, Icons and Jonny Woo’s All Star Brexit Cabaret, Gateau’s journey continued, and he worked hard to engage with new audiences and build on his touring opportunities.  Duckie went on to tour extensively across the UK and continues to do so with a new non-binary and neurodivergent performer. 

Highlighting a need for greater inclusivity and access at the festival, Gateau stated ‘Inclusivity is not a word, it’s an action, it is practise.’  Citing the current cost of living crisis, accommodation costs and the risks artists take to bring work to the Fringe every year, Gateau referenced the ongoing impacts of the pandemic and the resilience of artists, but that ‘elasticity doesn’t mean we can’t break.’

With an audience listening intently to Gateau’s story, the 2023 Artist Address highlighted the continued need for artist support across a range of areas. 

Encouraging the room to support each other and to drive a sense of comradery and community, Gateau concluded his speech by stating: ‘There is magic here. I haven’t found it at every Fringe I’ve attended but I have found it several times.

You can and will be in conversation with your audiences – my hope for artists present and all artists at this festival is that you indeed find audiences. You are enough and the experiences that have brought you to this moment are valid.

“Lean into telling your stories as authentically as you can versus seeking validation from audience numbers, audience responses and reviews. If you succeed at doing that, tell me how because at 41 it’s a code I’m yet to crack! And to the facilitators of the storytellers, my plea to you is don’t take advantage of our reality; what we do is who we are.’

Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “When Le Gateau Chocolat took to the stage you could hear a pin drop.  The room was there to hear from an artist who has attended the Fringe for over 15 years and who has first-hand knowledge and experience of everything that this glorious event can challenge you with. 

“We recognise the great financial risk that artists take in bringing work to the Fringe every year, and Gateau’s story highlights that every artist’s journey is different.  Our immense thanks to Gateau for sharing his story, and to all the artists taking part in this year’s festival for making the commitment to be at this year’s Fringe.’

Housing Minister Paul McLennan set to launch second Green Home Festival

Scotland’s second Green Home Festival will be launched by Scottish Government minister Paul McLennan, who has agreed to kick off the week-long series of shows delivering practical assistance and advice to help Scotland become a net zero nation.

The Housing Minister is the keynote speaker at the first session of the five-day renewables jamboree, which is again being organised by the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) as part of the official Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Mr McLennan is scheduled to join TV presenter Anna Campbell-Jones on Monday 14 August for the first day of the festival, which will deliver 11 presentations on a range of sustainable topics, including heat pumps, home offices, water waste and energy efficiency.

The minister, who is MSP for East Lothian, said: “I am delighted that the Green Home Festival has returned for a second year and I am honoured to have been asked to get the ball rolling on a week of essential information and practical demonstrations.

“There is no doubt that net zero and low-carbon living is increasingly important for us all in the coming months and years, so this event will once again help householders understand how they can play their part and make their homes more sustainable.”

One of the organisers, Gordon Nelson, Scotland Director of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “We look forward to welcoming the minister to the heart of Edinburgh as we launch the 2023 Green Home Festival.

“This year’s event is already causing a buzz and our army of experts can’t wait to help consumers along the road to low-carbon living.”

Live Green Home Festival sessions will once again take place at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) at 10 Charlotte Square in central Edinburgh, with additional contributions from the likes of Home Energy Scotland, Scottish Water, SNIPEF and SELECT.

With demonstrations and hands-on guidance to help people reduce their carbon footprint and become more energy efficient, topics covered will include creating sustainable kitchens, green garden rooms and offices, making retrofit projects eco-friendly, the potential of microwave heating, converting churches and how the home of the future will be powered.

The event will also include a dedicated heat pump day, with two separate shows on how to reduce bills, access grants and install the technology, as well as options for hybrid heating.

Built Environment – Smarter Transformation will also host an in-person show on the advantages of community heat networks and a webinar that will advise what consumers can do to reduce both their energy consumption and energy bills.

The festival is the latest in a string of practical and constructive initiatives launched by the CICV since its creation at the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

Made up of 28 trade associations, professional services bodies and companies, it has maintained a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, producing animations and posters, hosting webinars and maintaining close dialogue with Scottish Government ministers.

  • Full details, including how to book tickets for each event, are available on the Festival’s website at greenhomefestival.co.uk

New setting for Wondrous Woods

Scotland’s sensational illuminated trail Wondrous Woods is back this year in the spectacular new setting of Gosford House in East Lothian. 

The event and its magical mascot Woody the Owl have found a new home at the magnificent country estate near Longniddry which has featured in the hugely-popular Outlander television series. 

Designed and produced by the team at GC Live and delivered by technical partners, 21CC Group, the stunning lighting journey takes visitors through the winding mystical pathways of Wondrous Woods, starting at Gosford’s enchanting Lily Pond and Ice House. 

Guests are invited to wander the 1.5km route of beautifully-lit trails which meander through ancient private woodlands and unseen gardens, past the Boat House and through the natural beauty of the landscape.  

They will witness spectacular sound and lighting installations along the way and savour the superb sight of Gosford House illuminated in all its glory. They can then relax and join Woody in the Hay Field at Woody’s Nest for a bite to eat and a browse in the Woody Shop. 

Geoff Crow, Director of 21CC Group said, “We are thrilled to be taking this magical lighting event to Gosford House.

“Paired with the beauty of such a magnificent setting, the trail is set to be a breathtaking feast for the senses. We are really excited about welcoming visitors back to Wondrous Woods and giving them a new perspective in a delightful venue.” 

Gosford House has been home to the Earls of Wemyss since 1808 and opened its doors for events in 2010.  

Alison Bombail, Venue Director comments: “We’re used to staging all sorts of wonderful celebrations here at Gosford House, but this is going to be something completely awe-inspiring, a really magical addition to our locality.

“We know what the wonderful people at GC Live can deliver and can’t wait to welcome the public to see the grounds illuminated in such a spectacular way.” 

The magical illuminated adventure that is Wondrous Woods runs over Friday, Saturday and Sunday sessions from October 27 to November 19, including a special run during the last week, where sessions are extended to run from Thursday to Sunday. 

Tickets are available to buy online at https://www.wondrouswoods.com/ticket-information with off-peak Friday and Sunday tickets priced at £12 per child and £19 for an adult. Peak tickets on Saturdays are £13 per child and £20 per adult. 

For more information visit www.wondrouswoods.com. 

Scots seek shelter in hidden world beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile 

Wet July drives record breaking numbers underground to unravel Edinburgh’s dark past at The Real Mary King’s Close 

The Met Office recently reported that it was the UK’s wettest July since 2009, and the sixth wettest July on record. The Real Mary King’s Close, which is situated beneath Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile, saw a record-breaking number of visitors journey underground to the celebrated historic attraction.

With over 30.5k visitors last month – the highest number at the attraction in July ever – there’s no doubt about it that the rainy weather helped to draw crowds inside to discover Edinburgh’s mysterious past.  

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, The Real Mary King’s Close has not only established itself as one of Edinburgh’s top tourist attractions, but as one of the UK’s most highly rated experiences on TripAdvisor; inviting visitors to journey underground, encounter fascinating former residents, and become immersed in the city’s secrets and untold stories. 

Since opening its doors in 2003, The Close has produced over 250,000 hours’ worth of tours. The celebrated attraction continues to provide both tourists and locals in Edinburgh with a fascinating glimpse into the city’s dark past; such as the extreme living conditions endured during the plague and the harsh effects of social hierarchy during the 17th century.  

Once vibrant and bustling with life, Mary King’s Close was a busy thoroughfare filled with traders and Old Town residents, as well the occasional royal visitor.

In 1567, Mary Queen of Scots was held under house arrest at the home of the Lord Provost, Simon Preston, on the neighbouring Stewart’s Close – which can be seen at The Real Mary King’s Close today.

When the plague arrived during the 1640s, the street’s close quarters made a perfect breeding ground for infection, permeating its homes and affecting the lives of the residents. 

Paul Nixon, General Manager of The Real Mary King’s Close said; “As we know, summer in Scotland does not always mean sun! However, with a history as rich as Edinburgh’s, people are never short of things to do.

“Last month we had a record-breaking number of visitors for the month of July, with over thirty thousand people journeying underneath the iconic Royal Mile to learn all about the city’s mysterious past. The wet month certainly made people reconsider plans, and look for indoor activities. 

“At The Real Mary King’s Close, we are passionate about storytelling and creating unforgettable experiences that transport our visitors back in time. We are thrilled to have been recently named as one of the Top 10 visitor attractions in the UK and cannot wait to welcome more curious souls this month during the Fringe Festival, rain or shine!” 

For more information and bookings please visit:

https://www.realmarykingsclose.com 

Choudhury: Save our Ticket Offices

Passengers rely on good connectivity through our train network, whether it be for work or leisure (writes Lothians Labour MSP FOYSOL CHOUDHURY).

What’s more, many passengers rely on ticket offices in stations to guide them through a journey and help them with buying tickets for a stress-free experience. This is especially true of older people or those without digital connectivity, who might not have the ability to book tickets on their phone.

They are also a massive resource for tourists, such as the thousands who visit Scotland, to help them enjoy trips in what might be an unfamiliar environment.

That’s why the plans to remove, or reduce the opening hours of, ticket offices for many train operators would be so catastrophic. Not only will this affect passengers on train services leaving Scotland – for example, the Avanti West Coast services leaving Glasgow – but it will also affect the huge numbers of passengers who wish to buy tickets in England to travel up to Scotland. 

Just the other week, I was travelling back home to Scotland from England and had difficulties buying tickets on my phone in the station due to connection issues, so much so that I missed the train I wanted to get on. 

If this was difficult for me, I can only imagine how difficult it would be for somebody who was less able to use a smartphone or navigate the complex booking and payment process online.

Without ticket offices, passenger service could be drastically worsened due to poor accessibility, restricted access to best value tickets and a devastating lack of support for ease of journeys. This will also lead to a de-staffing of stations, which could worsen passenger safety, security and experience.

This is why we must save our ticket offices. You can have your say by responding to the Transport Focus consultation by 1st September 2023.

Joseph Coelho to make special appearance at Book Festival during final Scottish leg of epic ‘Library Marathon’ tour

Waterstones Children’s Laureate, Joseph Coelho, will make a special appearance at Edinburgh International Book Festival before heading north to Shetland to complete the Scottish leg of his epic nationwide ‘Library Marathon’ tour

Joseph Coelho will appear at the Edinburgh International Book Festival with broadcaster and historian David Olusoga (26 August) and illustrator Fiona Lumbers (27 August) alongside a behind-the-scenes sessions on his latest YA novel, The Boy Lost in the Maze (28 August).

Waterstones Children’s Laureate (2022 -2024), Joseph Coelho, will then go on to visit Shetland library to complete the Scottish leg of his nationwide ‘Library Marathon’ adventure.

The award-winning performance poet, playwright, and children’s author is on an epic cross-country mission to join a library in every local authority in the UK – more than 200 libraries in total – with the aim of encouraging people, young and old, to join their local library.

Paul Coelho is championing local libraries and the vital role they play within the community and inspiring a love of reading in young people.

From 15-19 May, Coelho visited Orkney, the Highlands and the Western Isles for a jam-packed week of school and library events with Scottish Book Trust, including visits to Orkney Library & Archive (15 May) and Stornoway Library (18 May).

He will then return in August for a further visit to Shetland to join Shetland Library (29 August) which will mark the completion of the Scottish leg of his Library Marathon.

Joseph Coelho, Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2022–2024, said: “I am thrilled to round off the Scottish leg of my Library Marathon tour by visiting libraries in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles. Libraries made me a writer and make communities thrive.

“They have been a vital part of my life: from living on estates where I had a library next door, to my first Saturday job, to working at the British Library whilst studying at UCL, to touring theatre shows designed to be performed in libraries.

“I’m immensely grateful to libraries and the services they provide, so I want to use my platform as the Waterstones Children’s Laureate to champion these essential launchpads of learning. I want to hug every library, these miraculous institutions where new horizons line the shelves, where minds go to grow!”

Joseph Coelho has now visited 178 libraries across the UK as part of his Library Marathon, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen.

At his visit to libraries in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, he will register for a library card, borrow a book, as well as reading to and performing for the children in the library.

Coelho’s ambitious ‘Library Marathon’ began prior to his appointment as the foremost representative of children’s literature, the Waterstones Children’s Laureate, and was put on hold due to the Covid pandemic.

Now Joseph – who is acclaimed for his work including the Luna Loves picture books, middle grade series Fairy Tales Gone Bad, YA verse novel The Girl Who Became a Tree, as well as poetry collections for all ages including Overheard in a Tower Block and Poems Aloud – is set to complete his campaign by putting library advocacy at the heart of his laureateship.

The ‘Library Marathon’ will culminate in a special, public event at the British Library in October 2023 to mark National Libraries Week 2023.

Diana Gerald, Chief Executive of BookTrust added: “Libraries are essential community hubs for children and families and with the current cost of living crisis, can offer a safe and warm space, packed full of fabulous books that will inspire children of all ages on their reading journeys. 

“Sharing stories and reading together with children has been proven to bring children wide-ranging benefits that can positively affect their lives. If Joseph’s Library Marathon has inspired you to visit your own local library, talk to the librarians – they are experts and can support you to find books and stories that you and your child will enjoy reading together.”

The ‘Library Marathon’ is one of three major initiatives announced by the current Waterstones Children’s Laureate, which is managed by BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, as part of his two year tenure. 

Coelho’s other campaigns include the ‘Poetry Prompts’ weekly online series, which celebrates the power of poetry in all its forms, and ‘Bookmaker Like You’, which aims to showcase a diversity of new talent within the book industry so that every child can see themselves as a bookmaker.

Steel Orchestra brings carnival atmosphere to Old Town

The cobbled streets of Edinburgh have been brought to life by the colour and vibrancy of The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra.

The Orchestra are creating a carnival atmosphere each night with their performances at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and did the same at Victoria Street, wowing passersby with their spectacular outfits.

Set against the colour of the iconic Edinburgh street, the performers gave locals and tourists alike a glimpse of the colour of their performance at this year’s Tattoo Show, Stories.

The Tattoo is running until 26 August 2023 and tickets can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk, on the phone on 0131 225 1188 or in person at the Tattoo Box Office at 1 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh.

Celebrations as Edinburgh pupils receive exam results

Levels of attainment for pupils across Edinburgh remain above those achieved before the Covid pandemic, while passes in vocational courses continue to climb, according to exam results released yesterday.

More than 9500 pupils in the Capital received their results from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) on Tuesday (8 August). 2023 was the second year since 2019 that pupils sat formal exams and attainment remains high in comparison. Different assessment models were used in 2020 and 2021 due to the impact of the pandemic.

Passes in National Progression Awards (NPA), vocational courses equivalent to National passes, have also increased, with 48 NPA courses leading to 941 passes at levels 4, 5 and 6. This is compared to 26 NPA courses and 296 passes in 2019.

A total of 51,941 resulted awards were certificated for 9,583 candidates (includes special schools, adults and mainstream secondary pupils) in over 85 subjects ranging from Accounting to Urdu.

National 5s saw passes (A-C grades) of 78% (up one percentage point from 2019 but down one percentage point compared to last year) and Highers saw passes of 78% (up two percentage points from 2019 though three percentage points lower than 2022).

Notable results include:

  • By the end of S4, 48% achieved 5 passes at National 5 or better (5 percentage points up on 2019 but 1 percentage point down on 2022)
  • By the end of S5*, 63% achieved 1 or more Higher passes or better (6 percentage points up on 2019 and the same as 2022)
  • By the end of S6* 69% achieved one or more Higher passes (1 percentage point down on 2022 but 3 percentage points up on 2019)

Pupil Vincent Rodziewicz, who is about to start S6 at Craigmount High School, said: “This year I got an A and a few Bs and I was quite surprised by these results, they were very positive actually – I expected to do worse in Maths.

“I don’t feel that stressed about the way exams are done though, I don’t mind being in a big hall.”

Zaneta, who is an S5 pupil at Craigmount, added: “I was really nervous, but I think my results are good – I wasn’t really expecting straight As.

“It will give me a lot of confidence going into S5 as well, because I know it’s going to be a difficult year.”

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The Covid pandemic may seem like a distant memory for some, but recent years have posed a real challenge for pupils and teaching staff in all our schools who have had to deal with the impact on learning and teaching.

“All our teachers and staff have worked extremely hard in preparing pupils for these exams, as well as parents/carers whose support is invaluable and, most of all, our young people themselves should be praised for their hard work and achievements.

“We want to make sure all school pupils are able to fulfil their potential by attaining the highest level of achievements possible and by receiving the best possible experience – every learner’s journey is unique. We look forward to building on the success of this year’s learners as they move through the senior phase and onto positive destinations.”

Additional information – analysis

Results by the end of S4
5 passes at National 5 or better – 48% (1 percentage point down on 2022 but 5 percentage points up on 2019)

Results by the end of S5*
1+ pass at Higher or better – 63% (same as 2022 but 6 percentage points up on 2019)
3+ passes at Higher or better – 44% (same as 2022 but 6 percentage points up on 2019)
5+ passes at Higher or better – 24% (same as 2022 but 4 percentage points up on 2019).

Results by the end of S6*
1+ pass at Higher or better – 69% (1 percentage point down on 2022 but 3 percentage points up on 2019)
3+ passes Higher or better – 51% (2 percentage points down on 2022 but 2 percentage points up on 2019)
5+ passes at Higher or better – 38% (2 percentage points down on 2022 but 2 percentage points up on 2019)
1+ pass at Advanced Higher – 31% (1 percentage point down on 2022 but 4 percentage points up on 2019)

*based on the percentage of S4 pupil roll.

Winter vaccination programme plans announced

Following final advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland (PHS) are finalising plans for the roll out of Scotland’s winter vaccination programme, delivered at a local level by Health Boards across the country.

This year’s programme has an increased focus on protecting those at highest risk of becoming seriously ill from flu and COVID-19. There will also be changes to call up dates to ensure maximum protection to these groups over the winter months.

Everyone over 50 and those with certain conditions will be offered a flu vaccination.

People aged 50-64 with no underlying health conditions, are now being called forward for appointments starting from 4 September.

The expansion of the flu programme to include secondary school pupils continues this winter, with all school age pupils, children aged 2-5 and children aged 6 months to under 2 years at risk being eligible.

Both flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be offered to people most vulnerable to illness and, where possible, administered at the same time.

Clinical advice and evidence shows that administration of both vaccines together is a safe and efficient way to deliver maximum protection. JCVI has advised that protection is highest in the three months following vaccination, so vaccinating those at highest risk of COVID-19 later provides greater protection over the peak winter period and into the new year.

Invitations to people aged 65-74 years of age with no underlying conditions and those aged 12-64 years in a clinical risk group (excluding those with a weakened immune system) that leaves them at greater risk from COVID-19 will be the first to receive invitations, with appointments starting from 18 September.  

Invitations for all other priority groups receiving both flu and COVID-19 vaccines will follow as the programme progresses. This includes people in care homes and those aged 75 and over who will receive invitations for appointments starting from mid-October. Both of these groups were offered vaccination during the spring COVID-19 programme, so their immunity has received a recent boost.  

People should wait for NHS Scotland to contact them with details of their appointment, or prompt to book. Depending on their selected communication preferences, this will be by email, text, or by post in a white, NHS Scotland branded envelope, which replaces the blue envelopes used previously.

Public Health Minister, Jenni Minto said: “We thank the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation for their latest independent expert clinical advice which recommends we focus on protecting those most vulnerable to serious illness from COVID-19.

“We have accepted this advice and will continue to plan and implement the vaccination programme this winter.

“Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourselves, your loved ones, and the NHS from both COVID-19 and flu viruses, and I encourage all those eligible to take up their invitations when they are offered.”

Dr Claire Cameron, Consultant in Health Protection at PHS said: “Getting vaccinated is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself against flu and COVID-19 this winter.

“This year’s programme focuses on protecting those who are at highest risk. One of the ways we’re doing this is by offering vaccination to people who are most vulnerable to illness later in the programme to ensure they have maximum protection in the peak of winter.

“Scotland’s vaccination programme has always offered vaccinations in the safest and most effective ways possible. We know that administration of both vaccines together is a safe, efficient way to deliver increased protection when it’s most needed. Last year, over 89% of flu and COVID-19 vaccines were administered at the same time.

“We hope to see most vaccinations completed by early December. Those eligible for a flu or flu and COVID-19 vaccination this winter should look out for their invitation by email, text or by post in a white NHS Scotland envelope and take up the offer to protect themselves.”

View the JCVI advice on a vaccination programme for this winter:

COVID-19: JCVI advises on eligible groups for 2023 autumn booster – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Flu: JCVI statement on influenza vaccines 2023-34

The winter programme will run until 31 March 2024.

InnoScot Health and Heriot-Watt University bolster relationship through honorary professorship award

NHS Scotland partner InnoScot Health and Heriot-Watt University have further strengthened their strategic relationship through the award of an honorary professorship. 

Elaine Gemmell, Head of Regulatory Affairs at InnoScot Health, has been conferred the title of Honorary Professor in the Edinburgh-based university’s School of Engineering and Physical Sciences in recognition of her expertise.

The award reflects Elaine’s service and contribution to Heriot-Watt, and the close ties forged, particularly with the university’s Medical Device Manufacturing Centre (MDMC) which helps Scotland’s SMEs translate medical device concepts into commercial products.

A five-year collaborative partnership was signed by InnoScot Health and Heriot-Watt University last year to help fast-track innovation in medical and healthcare technologies. As part of the MDMC Advisory Group, Elaine is pivotal to the development of this strategic relationship, supporting ongoing projects, training, and development.

Commenting on the award, Elaine said: “I am both surprised and delighted to be awarded the title of Honorary Professor in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University.

“I enjoy a strong relationship with the university and share its ambition to accelerate medical device innovation across Scotland and beyond.

“I am privileged that my contribution has been recognised in this way and will continue to share my knowledge, experience, and expertise in medical device regulation to support healthcare innovators across Scotland.

“When we come together and pool our expertise, the impact is greater; so, I look forward to continuing my work with the University and building further networks and collaborations across the sector.”

Elaine joined InnoScot Health in 2002 and helped establish the organisation. With more than 20 years’ experience in medical device development, she is a certified ISO 13485 /ISO 9001 Lead Auditor and has experience of regulatory approval and CE marking for medical devices.

Elaine led InnoScot Health spinout company Clear Surgical, helping to launch two innovative devices – The Oplight™ and Cannulated Forceps – onto the market; and previously worked with Motorola Semiconductors for 20 years, gaining experience in manufacturing, design, and technical marketing.

Elaine now provides extensive regulatory expertise to NHS, academia, and industry. She sits on a range of advisory boards and provides training, presentations, and expert comment on a range of medical device related topics.

Executive Chair of InnoScot Health, Graham Watson, said: “This honour is a testament to Elaine’s valuable regulatory expertise, and commitment to sharing that knowledge to drive forward healthcare innovation in Scotland.

“Elaine’s knowledge and experience of medical device regulation is invaluable in the fast-moving world of innovation and is a vital driver of our commercialisation work at InnoScot Health.

“As one of our original staff members, Elaine has been continuously involved in shaping the organisation since 2002 and this award is incredibly well deserved. Congratulations Elaine!’