More than 700 students celebrated in style as they graduated as part of Edinburgh College’s class of 2024 at the McEwan Hall last week (8 November).
Students were joined by over 1,600 proud family members and friends who watched as their loved ones crossed the McEwan Hall stage to receive their certificates of achievement.
Graduates from across the College’s curriculum areas were honoured during three ceremonies throughout the day, graduating in subjects across each of the College’s faculties: Health, Wellbeing and Social Science; Tourism, Hospitality and Business; Engineering and Construction; and Creative Industries.
Across the three ceremonies, the College’s best-performing students were also commended by Principal Audrey Cumberford, receiving awards for academic excellence.
Prizes were also awarded on behalf of the Edinburgh College Board of Management to students who have exceeded expectations throughout their College journey.
In addition, James Thomson OBE was presented with an Honorary Edinburgh College Ambassador Award in recognition of James Thomson’s significant contribution to Edinburgh College over many years, through his support of our hospitality students, sponsorship of international exchanges, and the creation of the James Thomson Award for Customer Excellence.
Around 14 members of College teaching staff were also presented with professional development awards during the ceremonies – celebrating the wealth of CPD opportunities available to staff to support them in their role of educating more than 28,000 students each year.
Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “Graduation is a special occasion—one that celebrates the dedication, resilience, and growth that each student has shown throughout their college journey.
“The Class of 2024 has demonstrated incredible focus and perseverance, setting themselves up for success in whatever path they choose to pursue next. With the skills and knowledge they’ve gained during their time at Edinburgh College, there’s no doubt that they are poised to achieve great things.
“On behalf of the College’s leadership, faculty, and support teams, I offer my deepest congratulations to each and every one of you. I wish you nothing but success as you continue your studies, start new careers, and chase your dreams.
TONIGHT – Friday 15 November 2024, the prestigious National Care Home Awards will take place at the Hilton in Glasgow, offering an evening dedicated to celebrating the outstanding achievements in the independent care home sector across Scotland.
This event is a vital opportunity to recognise the unwavering dedication of the care home workforce who tirelessly support residents day in and day out.
Scottish Care, the representative body for independent social care services across Scotland, are the organisers of the event.
This year, the event will be hosted by Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus, who will announce the winners across thirteen unique award categories:
Ancillary & Support Staff Award
Nutrition & Eating Well Award
Meaningful Activity Award
Training, Learning & Staff Development Award
Emerging Talent Award
Outstanding Achievement Award
Leadership Award
Palliative & End of Life Care Practice Award
Nurse of the Year Award
Care Worker of the Year Award
Specialist Service/Unit of the Year Award
Care Home Service of the Year Award
Care Innovation Award
Dr Donald Macaskill, CEO of Scottish Care and the co-host of the Awards Ceremony said: “Care home services and the dedicated individuals who lead them are essential in creating safe, nurturing environments that foster connection, independence, and community for residents.
“They serve as a source of strength and support for thousands across Scotland, making it possible for residents to flourish in the later stages of their lives. It’s crucial that we take the time to recognise the profound contributions of these professionals, who make such an essential impact on people’s lives every single day.
“This awards ceremony is our way of honouring their dedication and celebrating the remarkable work they do.”
Each year, the awards receive a growing number of nominations from care home staff, service users, relatives, and employers, highlighting the strong support for recognising excellence in the sector.
The awards ceremony follows a full-day Care Home Conference titled ‘Care Home Revolution – Building Possibility’, which will bring together sector professionals to discuss key topics such as the future of care homes, urban housing, and effective voice. Attendees will participate in various sessions exploring themes like ethical commissioning, inclusion of LGBTQIA+ communities, employment law, education and training, digital innovation, Anne’s Law, and international recruitment.
The National Care Home Awards and Conference represent the largest gathering of the care home sector in Scotland, showcasing best practices and innovations shaping the future of care homes across the country.
POLICE in Edinburgh have launched their annual campaign to keep the public safe throughout the festive period.
Operation Winter City 2024 will run between 15 November, 2024 and 5 January, 2025 and will see officers provide high-visibility patrols to offer reassurance to the public who are visiting, or work within the city centre area.
Throughout the operation, local policing teams in the Capital will be supported by colleagues from neighbouring divisions and a range of specialist resources can also be called upon to provide additional assistance if required.
Chief Inspector Craig Rogerson, Gold Commander for Operation Winter City, said: “The festive period is always an exciting time in Edinburgh and the city centre is buzzing with locals and visitors Christmas shopping, socialising, and enjoying the events that are taking place over the coming weeks.
“We will have increased high-visibility patrols throughout the city centre and officers will be on hand to provide the public with any assistance they require.
“There are simple steps we can all take to stay safe during the festive period. Looking after your personal belongings when you’re in town, planning your transportation for nights out in advance, drinking responsibly and ensuring your home and any outbuildings are appropriately secured, will help prevent you from falling victim to crime, or coming into contact with the emergency services for any reason.
“Crime prevention and personal safety advice is available on our website and will be provided on our social media channels throughout Operation Winter City.
“On behalf of everyone at Edinburgh Division, have a wonderful and safe Christmas and New Year.”
The Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election result has been announced at Waverley Court.
Louise Watson Spence, Scottish Liberal Democrat Party, has been duly elected to serve in the City of Edinburgh Council as a member for the Colinton/Fairmilehead Ward.
The declaration was made earlier today (Friday, 15 November) by Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence.
Paul Lawrence, said: “Thanks to everyone who took part in the by-election to elect a new councillor to represent their views on matters affecting the ward and the wider city. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Louise as a new councillor and I look forward to working with her.
“I also want to thank our elections team and council staff who have worked very hard over recent months to make sure this by-election ran so smoothly.”
The turnout for the by-election was only 37.4%.
Candidate
Party
First Preference Votes
Bonnie Prince BOB
–
22
Mev BROWN
Independent
50
Mairianna CLYDE
Scottish National Party (SNP)
800
Neil CUTHBERT
Scottish Conservative and Unionist
1,454
Sheila GILMORE
Scottish Labour Party
1,441
David Ian HENRY
Independent
57
Tam LAIRD
Scottish Libertarian Party
9
Grant LIDSTER
Reform UK
268
Richard Crewe LUCAS
Scottish Family Party
51
Daniel Aleksanteri MILLIGAN
Scottish Greens
393
Louise Watson SPENCE
Scottish Liberal Democrats
2,683
Marc WILKINSON
–
173
Following the loss of a Labour councillor (the by election was brought about by Labour councillor Scott Arthur’s election as an MP), the composition of the City of Edinburgh Council is now:
SNP 18
Lib Dems 14
Labour 11
Greens 10
Conservatives 9
Independent 1.
Despite being the third biggest group, Labour leads the council.
Frenchman Louis Braille was in his teens in the mid-1820s when he began developing the six-dot tactile code that enables millions of blind and partially sighted people around the world to access the power of literacy. Two centuries on from its invention, braille is as vital as ever to those in the blind and partially sighted community.
Braille is a code based on ‘cells’ of six dots, which are arranged in two columns of three. Variations of the six dots represent the letters of the alphabet, words, numbers, and even music notation. Braille characters are designed to be read by touch rather than visually.
Sue Marshall (80) from Edinburgh, taught braille as a volunteer with national charity RNIB Scotland for many years. Sue has keratoconus, a condition which affects the corneas of the eye.
“I was partially sighted until the age of 17 then I became totally blind,” she says. Her husband, Alan Dudley, who was born blind, learned braille from the age of six. They both advocate for the practical uses of braille in everyday life.
“When I learned braille in 1962, there wasn’t an alternative.” Sue says. “Nowadays there’s technology, which is compatible with braille, but I find it easier and quicker to use as is.”
Alan adds, “I’m more likely to read with the braille display on my phone or computer- it just pairs up and it means you can read emails, read a digital screen, and write in braille too. Of course there’s often audio for reading things aloud, but braille’s advantage is being able to write things down quickly.”
Sue first learned braille by writing backwards: “You had to write on the back of the paper – you were writing mirrored, so that when you flipped it over, it was raised up and you could feel and read it the correct way.”
Alan adds, “It wasn’t until the mechanical braillers, like the Perkins Brailler came in that you could write braille in the way you read it- that really changed things.”
RNIB estimates that seven per cent of people who are registered blind or partially sighted use braille. While some will read braille books and magazines, many more will use braille in small daily doses- to identify medication, food labels, bank statements, and much more.
“I could get my phone out and use it to read the label on this bottle of oil,” Sue says. “But I’ve just put braille onto a sticky label and when I’m cooking, I can read it straight away.
“It’s really easy. Or when I need to find a stamp, I’ve organised them in this photo album where each pocket has a braille label to tell me if the stamps in it are first or second class.”
“I’ve got braille labels on my clothes,” adds Alan. “I can tell what they are by touch, but I’ve added braille on the labels to tell me what colour the item is.”
Sue and Alan also use braille in their celebrations. “M&S started doing their Christmas food catalogue in braille.” they say.
“We always send out birthday cards and Christmas cards in braille, even to our sighted friends, because it’s that extra personal touch, and we love receiving them when they’re in braille too.”
For the couple, braille brings privacy and independence.
“When they brought out braille on medications, it made a massive difference,” says Alan. “Even something as simple as paracetamol, when you can read the instructions yourself, the strength and the dose, it means you’re not relying on anyone else.
“Bank statements in braille too, that was another one that offered a lot of privacy when they started doing those.”
For those wanting to learn braille, Sue advises, “Use it or lose it. You’ve got to have that willingness to learn, and just keep using it in everyday life. You don’t have to be reading volumes of books, but just use it. It’s like learning a language, if you don’t keep it up, you’ll forget it.”
Since it published its first braille book in 1871, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) now has more than 11,000 braille titles for adults and children, which it sends out to anyone with sight loss free of charge.
The charity also has products available for using braille in everyday life from labels to tactile maps and Scrabble tiles.
And what would the French teenager who developed the code think now? “I would hope he would be very pleased!” laughs Sue. Alan adds, “You’d think he would be amazed at how it was produced- mechanical machines and how quickly you can get a braille book printed.
“You’d hope Braille would be proud of how much it’s contributed to so many people’s lives. He may not have realised the scale of what he’d done and how it would affect us 200 years later.”
Steph Thomson (37) lives in Eskbank, near Edinburgh, started learning braille with Sue when she began to struggle with her sight and reading books. Steph volunteers at a nursery and was having issues reading with the children.
“Sue is fabulous, she has mentored me and has personally sacrificed so much in supporting me to study braille,” says Steph. “I am so lucky to have her support, and so grateful to her for giving me her time. I now get to incorporate braille into reading with the kids at work.
“Learning braille is not easy, it takes lots of practice and I sometimes get confused with the contractions. But reading braille is a skill and life is a learning journey so why not with braille? If technology fails you, it can provide another option and it’s fun! Having a skill that others don’t have is a nice place to be.
“Braille has a future, even with the advances in technology. Home videos didn’t spell the end of cinema, and eBooks didn’t spell the end for paperbacks, so my hope is braille continues to have its place for people who see the value in it.”
Police Scotland has released images of four people officers believe may be able to assist in connection with their investigation into threatening behaviour and damage to a bank.
The incident happened on Princes Street around 1.30am on Thursday, 12 September 2024.
Enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible and officers believe the three men and one woman pictured may be able to help with their investigation.
The first man is described as white, around 6ft tall, of slim build with black hair worn in a top knot. He may have a moustache and/or goatee beard. He was wearing a headtorch, a two-tone blue waterproof jacket, a yellow t-shirt, grey trousers, navy trainers and carrying a plain black rucksack. He had a black mountain bike with white forks and a solid black chainring guard.
The second man is described as white, also around 6ft and of slim build. He was wearing a surgical face mask, black baseball cap, black hooded top, brown trousers and navy shoes. He had a dark coloured mountain bike with a distinctive green section at the bottom of the front forks.
The third man is described as white, of heavy build, around 6ft, with short dark hair and a short dark beard. He was wearing a black baseball cap with a large symbol on the front, red jacket with black panels on the inside arms and flanks, bottle green jogging bottoms and dark shoes. He had a black electric pedal bike.
The woman is described as white, around 5ft 5ins, of slight build with short dark hair. She was wearing a navy jumper and beige trousers. She had a distinctive white women’s bike with white front and rear mud guards.
Police Constable Callum Johnston said: “I would urge these people or anyone who knows who they are to get in contact with us.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0211 of Thursday 12 September 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.”
The multi-million-pound Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal has been signed by UK and Scottish Governments as well as Falkirk Council as part of a package that will strengthen the local economy and create more than a thousand jobs over the next 10 years.
Up to 1660 jobs and £628m worth of economic benefits are expected to flow into the area as a result of the delivery of the Deal which was signed yesterday (Thursday 14 November).
The Growth Deal was signed at the newly restored Rosebank Distillery in Falkirk. Although not a recipient of Growth Deal funding, Rosebank exemplifies the type of regeneration and economic stimulus that the Deal aims to achieve.
The restoration of Rosebank is a model of high-quality, sensitive development that aligns with the Growth Deal’s vision for sustainable growth. As an internationally recognised brand, Rosebank is putting Falkirk on the global map, drawing attention and visitors from around the world.
The agreement means 11 projects can be taken forward that include the development of a Carbon Dioxide Utilisation Centre and a Bioeconomy Accelerator Pilot Plant in Grangemouth; a new Canal Centre and workshop at Loch 16 in Camelon; a Skills Transition Centre at Forth Valley College, Falkirk; and the transformation of unused land at three sites in Grangemouth to create development-ready investment opportunities.
The £80 million Growth Deal is jointly funded from the UK and Scottish Governments and is complemented by a further £10 million from the UK Government (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) for future energy related projects in Grangemouth and £10 million allocated to the Greener Grangemouth programme from the Scottish Government. With Falkirk Council investing £45m and Scottish Canals investing £3.7m, the overall Growth Deal investment is £148.7m.
The Growth Deal was signed at the new Rosebank Distillery in Falkirk by the Rt Hon Ian Murray MP Secretary of State for Scotland and Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, and Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council.
Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic said: “The Falkirk and Grangemouth region has a rich history with a strong industrial heritage, a proud community and significant tourist attractions.
“The Scottish Government’s £50 million investment will deliver projects to ensure the area continues to thrive, bringing jobs, active travel links, future skills training and new arts and cultural spaces.
“The Growth Deal will support the region to grasp the opportunities of the transition to net zero and remain at the forefront of innovation and manufacturing in Scotland, complemented by a community-led programme of projects in Grangemouth.”
Ian Murray, Secretary of State for Scotland, said: “The signing of this deal shows our commitment to the Falkirk and Grangemouth area as it delivers £50 million in UK Government funding. It is part of the £1.4 billion the UK Government is investing in Scottish growth projects over the next decade.
“Growth is a key mission for the UK Government and a top priority of the Scotland Office. Our funding, coupled with investment from the other partners, will drive renewal and generate more than 1,000 jobs and hundreds of millions of pounds of economic benefits for these communities.
“The area’s economic potential is huge and I look forward to seeing this and many other examples of partnership working deliver growth for Scotland.”
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council said: “The Growth Deal is a turning point for our community, bringing jobs, investment, and sustainable development. We are proud to partner in this project, which will elevate Falkirk and Grangemouth as vibrant, connected, and forward-looking areas for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
“It is one of a suite of programmes and major investment opportunities set for delivery in 2025. The Growth Deal Skills Transition Centre, Canal Centre and Falkirk Arts Centre will progress at pace in 2025, the Falkirk Tax Incremental Finance programme is already delivering results with projects such as the A9/Grandsable Road junction completed earlier this year, and the Forth Green Freeport now open for business and actively promoting investment opportunities in the area. It is an exciting time for the Falkirk Council area”
Growth Deal projects
The 11 projects that will be delivered as part of the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal, and complementary investments, are split under two themes – Creating Great Places and Innovative Industry.
Creating Great Places
The Falkirk Arts Centre – £6 million (£3m UKG/£3m SG) will be allocated to the construction of a new Arts Centre in Falkirk Town Centre.
Scotland’s Canal Centre – Led by Scottish Canals, the £7.7m project (£4m from the Deal) will revitalise a neglected area of the canal network, restoring three derelict warehouses and building a new operational hub.
Scotland’s Art Park – Working in partnership, Scottish Canals and Falkirk Council will use £3 million to create an Art Park trail along the Forth and Clyde Canal.
Falkirk Central Sustainable Transport Network– £21m will be invested in two interconnected projects – Rail Station and Interchange Hub and the Green Cycling and Pedestrian Network – to improve Falkirk’s public and active travel infrastructure.
Innovative Industry
Skills Transition Centre – Led by Forth Valley College, the £4m project will establish the STC, bringing together partners to develop the skills needed to support the transition to Net Zero.
Strategic Sites – Addressing a shortage of development-ready strategic investment sites, the project will use £10 million from the UK government to improve and prepare currently unused land at potentially three key sites.
Grangemouth Sustainable Manufacturing Campus(GSMC) includes two linked projects:
Carbon Dioxide Utilisation Centre – £10m (£9m UKG/£1m SG) will be invested to establish the CDU Centre that will capture CO2 to manufacture more sustainable products and aid the transition to net zero.
Bioeconomy Accelerator Pilot Plant – £10m (£9m UKG/£1m SG) will be invested to develop new sustainable processes using feedstocks such as food processing and whisky by-products.
Transport, Renewables and Career Exploration Hub– Investing £10m (£9m UKG/£1m SG) to create the Hub that will serve as a focal point for industry and education, enhancing local skills and advancing green growth ambitions.
Future Energy Related Projects – £10m will be invested to support the Grangemouth economy as it transitions.
Furthermore, the 10-year Greener Grangemouth Programme sits alongside the Deals’ main themes and aims to put community wellbeing at the heart of Grangemouth’s Just transition.
In 2022/23, over 50,000 children under 10 were admitted to hospital following a non-transport accident in England
Most common accidental injury in young children is caused by a fall – either down the stairs or from a highchair or bed – followed by crushing or striking injury, such as from unsupervised use of objects around the home
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has launched ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’, which reveals new data into rising accidents numbers and calls on the Government to implement a National Accident Prevention Strategy to save lives, boost the economy and free up capacity in the NHS – which includes eight policy recommendations to improve child safety
Preventable accidents are the fourth biggest cause of death in young children aged between one and nine after cancer, birth defects, and diseases of the brain and nerves, according to a new report*, ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’, launched today by RoSPA and action must be taken.
The rate of all accidental deaths has increased by 42% over the last decade and RoSPA is calling on Government to implement a National Accident Prevention Strategy to save lives, boost the economy and free up capacity in the NHS – which includes eight policy recommendations to improve child safety**.
RoSPA’s new report reveals that children are one of the most vulnerable groups in society and in 2022/23, over 50,000 children under 10 were admitted to hospital and over 60 tragically died following a non-transport accident in England. Although accidents do happen, the frequency and severity of them can be prevented.
The most common injury was from falls, such as down the stairs or from a highchair or bed, which accounted for 22,000 hospital admissions. This was followed by 13,000 admissions for crushing or striking, such as accidents caused by broken glass or unsupervised use of objects around the home.
More than 2,600 hospital admissions were because of injuries caused by other people, such as children colliding with each other, or animals – including 1,100 dog bites.
A further 2,380 hospital admissions in under 10s were for accidental poisonings, such as children digesting household products, medicines and cosmetics. There were over 670 young hildren hospitalised for accidental choking, strangulation or suffocation, such as swallowing a small toy or playing with nappy sacks, and 100 young children were hospitalised after a drowning incident.
RoSPA is calling on government to ensure that there is mandatory classroom-based education on water safety and swimming lessons in schools, as both go hand-in-hand to support water safety among young people.
Deprivation is closely associated with an increased risk of childhood accidents. In turn accidental injuries can make inequalities worse by causing children to take time off school, leaving them with long-term health problems and creating economic impacts for their households.
Most accidents take place at home
Instead of being a sanctuary of safety, being at home is one of the most dangerous places for young children and people of all ages to be, as over half (55%) of all accidental deaths are due to an accident at home. Out of all of those admitted to hospital after an accident (excluding road accident), over two thirds (62%) took place at home.
Falls are by far the most common cause of both accidental death (46%) and accident-related hospital admission (61%) in the UK across all ages. Out of all those who were admitted to hospital after an accidental fall, over half (53%) fell in their own home.
Poisonings are the second biggest cause of accidental death, and in 2019 76% of these took place at home. While most poisonings come from alcohol and drug use in the home, threats also come in other forms. In England and Wales 42 people die every year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, with a further 224 people hospitalised and 4,000 attending A&E. Children are particularly vulnerable to accidental poisonings, with 1,956 hospital admissions in England alone among under 5s in 2022/23.
RoSPA is calling for Government to create a National Accident Prevention Strategy to save lives, boost the economy and free up capacity in the NHS – which includes eight policy recommendations to improve child safety. Read RoSPA’s full report, ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’.
Dr James Broun, Research Manager at RoSPA, said: “Our new report shows that young children at home are particularly at risk from accidents which can cause serious injuries or worse.
“It is a heart-breaking tragedy that accidents are the fourth biggest cause of death in children aged between one and ten, and action must be taken as accidents are preventable.
“We are calling for a National Accident Prevention Strategy to sit across government departments so problems can be tackled at their core, which will better protect children from the risk of accidents at home, in school, while they’re travelling or in other public areas such as swimming pools.”
RoSPA’s home accident prevention safety advice for parents and carers:
Stairs and windows
Fit a safety gate BS EN 1930:2011 at the top and bottom of stairs Never leave trip hazards on stairs Stairs should be carefully maintained with strong balustrades Stairs should be well lit Fit child resistant window restrictors but ensure you can get out easily in an emergency Do not put anything under the window that can be climbed on Furniture at risk from being pulled over should be secured to the wall
Fires
Keep matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children Always use fireguard BS 8423:2010 and secure it to the wall Extinguish and dispose of cigarettes properly Have an escape route planned and practice it Fit a smoke alarm which complies with BS EN 14604 2005 and check it regularly
Scalds and burns
Never hot a hot drink and a child at the same time Never leave young children alone in the bathroom Put hot drinks out of children’s reach and away from edges of tables Try to use a cordless kettle Keep small children out of the kitchen whenever possible Run domestic hot water system at 46OC or fit a thermostatic mixing value to taps Always run the cold water in a bath first and test the temperature before letting a child get in Always use rear hotplates and turn panhandles away from the front of a cooker Keep hot irons, curling tongs and hair straighteners out of reach, even when cooling down
Glass-related accidents
Use safety glass to BS 6206 in all replacement windows and doors, especially at low level Make existing glass safer by applying shatter resistant film When buying furniture which incorporates glass, look for approval to BS EN 12521:2009 and BS 14749-2005, BS EN 14072:2003, BS EN 12150-1:2000 and BS EN 12600-2002 Always clear up broken glass quickly and dispose of it safely Buy a greenhouse with special safety glazing or isolate with fencing
Poisoning
Keep medicines and chemicals out of sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard Wherever possible, buy products in child resistant containers Always store chemicals in their original containers Dispose of unwanted medicines and chemicals safely Avoid buying plants with poisonous leavers or berries or those that can irritate the skin
Suffocating and choking
Choose toys appropriate to the age of the child Keep small objects, such as marbles, out of reach of children under three Encourage older children to keep their toys away from younger playmates Pull cords on curtains and blinds should be kept short and kept out of reach Keep animals, especially cats, out of the bedroom and use a net on a pram Keep nappy sacks out of reach of babies and young children Never store nappy sacks in or around the cot or pram Small food, such as grapes, cherry tomatoes, blackberries and other soft fruit should be cut into quarters to prevent choking Babies should sleep on their back with their feet at the foot of their pram and blankets tucked across their chest and under their arms. Keep the cot free from bumpers, pillows and soft toys. Ensure children are the right age for the cot, bed or other sleep product. Kids 2-in-1 portable airbeds/sleeping bags are not suitable for babies. Always check the labels and follow the safety instructions.
LOCAL HEROES AWARDED ALONGSIDE CALLUM BEATTIE, HUE AND CRY, NATASHA HAMILTON, HEAVEN 17 AND MORE
The Forth Awards, presented by OT, have once again crowned the very best of Edinburgh and the East – with local heroes celebrated alongside huge names from the entertainment world including Callum Beattie, Hue and Cry, Susie McCabe and more.
A sold out Usher Hall enjoyed surprise performances from the cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Scottish singing star Nathan Evans, 80s icons Heaven 17, Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton and more, as well as a charity auction raising money for Forth 1’s Cash for Kids.
Forth 1 presenters including Boogie and Arlene, Garry Spence and more handed out awards to celebrities and local heroes alike, with 10 awards in total handed out across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk.
The afternoon kicked off with an electrifying performance from homegrown hero, Edinburgh singer Callum Beattie, who picked up the Forth Best Artist Award before entertaining the crowd with his huge hit ‘Salamander Street’.
Having previously won a ‘One to Watch’ award at the Forth Award’s years previously, Callum said, “I’m really fortunate that I’ve had the country behind me selling out concerts.”
One of Scotland’s most beloved comedians, Susie McCabe collected the Forth Fringe Award whilst Scottish pop duo Hue and Cry took home the Recognition Award. The band got the crowd dancing and singing along as they played 80s hits ‘Labour of Love’ and ‘Looking for Linda’.
One of the most emotional moments of the event, The Forth Local Hero Award went to Steven MacLellan, a Baberton local who rescued his neighbours from a tragic gas explosion in December last year.
Having formerly served in the Army Reserves, Steven’s quick thinking and bravery helped ensure two neighbours were pulled from the rubble. Picking up his award after receiving a standing ovation,
Steven said “I feel very privileged – I didn’t expect this. I’m quite humbled by the fact that the local community nominated me for it. My wife told me that one of the neighbours had nominated me for this. I’m really honoured to get this. Just chuffed.”
Scottish singer songwriter Nathan Evans, whose astronomical rise to fame saw him reach global audiences with his now-famed sea shanties on TikTok, took to the stage to perform before The Forth Best Workplace Award went to Murrayside Care Home in Corstorphine, which provides high-quality care for residents including dementia and short-term respite care.
Care Home Manager Suzanne Welsh collected the award after receiving hundreds of nominations from staff and residents, saying: “This is amazing but my staff are amazing so that makes it!
“You treat your staff well and they treat the residents well – it really means a lot.”
16 year old Lewis Gourlay from Dunbar collected the Forth Cash for Kids Award, as he progressed from a beginner to a volunteer at The Wave Project, a surf therapy programme which aims to improve children’s mental health and wellbeing.
Edinburgh favourite Camera Obscura was named best Visitor Attraction, whilst Queensferry High School teacher Mr Rory Swann was named Best Teacher (BELOW).
Dunfermline’s Jack ‘O’ Bryan’s took home Best Restaurant with Jack and Bryan Coghill saying: “Absolutely unreal. There’s no words. The public has voted us here and we can’t believe it.
“We’ve been to a few awards this year and we finally got one. And it’s for Dunfermline.
“It’s not Edinburgh and it’s not Glasgow but we’ve done it for Dunfermline!”
Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton performed the band’s biggest hits ‘Whole Again’ and ‘Right Now’ with the Forth Awards rounded off by performances from the voice of dance act The Time Frequency, Mary Kiani, plus vocalists Amanda Wilson and Katherine Ellis, before a show-stopping performance from 80s synth-pop heroes Heaven 17. The duo played a rousing rendition of their smash hit ‘Temptation’ before closing out the 19th edition of the Forth Awards.
Recognising everything from small acts of kindness from teachers and care workers, to achievements in the world of entertainment, The Forth Awards were once again a celebration of inspiring stories from Forth 1’s local heroes and performances to remember.
Richie Jeffrey, Head of Events said: “The Forth Awards are always a really special afternoon as we celebrate local listeners who go over and above for their communities.
“Today was no exception as our sold out crowd in the Usher Hall enjoyed non-stop entertainment, music and comedy, as well as inspiring stories from our worthy winners.
“Forth 1 are delighted to be able to shine a spotlight on these people and recognise them as pillars of our local community, and we’d like to thank today’s audience for supporting the event year after year!”
Graduates from across the College’s curriculum areas were honoured during three ceremonies throughout the day, graduating in subjects across each of the College’s faculties: Health, Wellbeing and Social Science; Tourism, Hospitality and Business; Engineering and Construction; and Creative Industries.
