Day: December 21, 2024

Edinburgh pupil wins international essay competition

  • An Edinburgh school student has been named a winner in the STEM Next global essay competition organised by the Scottish charity Techfest, which encouraged students to share their ideas about the future of industries in energy, medicine, and science.
  • TechFest is transforming STEM education and delivering a new generation of talent. STEM Next encouraged young people across the world to consider their future in Energy in Action, Medicine & Life Sciences, and Chemistry & Biological Sciences.  
  • The competition inspired students worldwide, with winners across a variety of categories and nations including England, Scotland and South Korea.  
  • Martha Gavan, Deputy Managing Director of TechFest, said: “STEM Next empowers young people to explore careers in STEM, helping them chart a path towards innovation and preparing them to lead in the industries of tomorrow.” 

An Edinburgh school student has been named a winner in the STEM Next global essay competition organised by the Scottish charity Techfest, which encouraged students to share their ideas about the future of industries in energy, medicine, and science.

TechFest is a charity focused on making STEM education more engaging and inclusive in schools throughout the country whilst helping to connect STEM to various sectors.  

STEM Next was a solo digital project that required independent research and writing, open to students aged 16 – 18 across the world.  

Participants were invited to submit an essay between 1000-3000 words that addressed one of the provided essay questions, with three categories available: Energy in Action, Medicine & Life Sciences and Chemistry & Biological Sciences. 

The competition aimed to inspire students worldwide, drawing winners from London, Kent, Edinburgh, and Dwight Seoul in South Korea.  

Samantha van Rooyen from Wimbledon High School, Earl Xavier Fornillos from St. Bonaventure’s RC School, and Ishan Madhok from St. Paul’s School triumphed as 1st place winners, each taking home a £200 Amazon voucher. 

Martha Gavan, Deputy Managing Director of TechFest, said: “STEM Next is a challenge designed in partnership with industry and education to help shape the future workforce.  

“The competition is a fantastic chance for industry to connect with brilliant young minds and discover the next generation of STEM leaders. 

“Early industry relationships can ignite a passion that shapes the future problem solvers in STEM. STEM Next offers an exciting opportunity for industry leaders to connect with the next generation of innovators.” 

The project enabled TechFest to make introductions that provided entrants with valuable career insights while also helping to shape their interviewing skills as part of the research requirements. 

Young people who competed in the STEM Next competition are eligible for CREST Awards, providing an opportunity for students to add additional achievements to their UCAS application. 

In addition to developing their researching and writing skills, STEM Next also connects young people with industry professionals to learn first-hand about their chosen industry.  

STEM Next is a collaboration with various partners including: Airswift, CNOOC International, Ocean Winds and Thistle Wind Partners (TWP). 

Ruth Cameron, Managed Services Director EMEA at Airswift , said: “STEM Next is shaping the skilled workforce needed to tackle future challenges. This aligns with Airswift’s goal of transforming lives through workforce solutions in STEM industries.” 

Victoria Allan, Buzzard Onshore Mechanical Support Engineer at CNOOC International, said: “At CNOOC International, our focus on delivering safe and sustainable energy aligned perfectly with STEM Next, which showcased bold and practical solutions from the world’s top young thinkers this year.” 

Roger McMichael, Stakeholder Manager at Ocean Winds, said: “Ocean Winds is leading the global energy transition into a greener future, and we believe STEM Next provided extraordinary insight from the fresh perspectives of young people.” 

Kirsty Macaulay, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at Thistle Wind Partners, said: “At TWP, we are committed to encouraging the next generation to explore STEM subjects and have been delighted supporting TechFest’s STEM Next competition. Congratulations to all of the winners!” 

TechFest is interested in increasing industry partners for this project, if you are interested in sponsorship or volunteering, please get in touch via: 

https://techfest.org.uk/education/ages-over-11/stem-next-essay 

Gracemount fireworks disorder: Police release CCTV images

POLICE have released images of two more men officers believe might be able to assist with enquiries into an incident on Tuesday, 5 November, at Captains Road, in the Gracemount area.

The first male is described as a white, between 20 and 22-years-old, 5ft 4ins tall with a slim build. He was wearing a black baggy jumper with the hood up, a black Canada Goose puffer jacket with a logo on the left arm and dark trousers.

The second male is described as a white, between 20 and 25-years-old with fair/blond hair. He was wearing a grey North Face jacket with black sleeves to the elbows, then grey from elbow to wrists, a red hoodie underneath, black Nike trousers and black Nike trainers with white soles.

Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “We are keen to talk to these males as we believe they may have information which could assist with our enquiries. The males pictured, or anyone who may recognise them, are asked to please contact us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting Gracemount incident dated 5 November 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Two convicted of violent attack in Gracemount

Two men have been convicted of violent offences in connection with a serious assault in Gracemount in November 2021.

A 32-year-old man was assaulted outside a supermarket on Gracemount Drive around 8pm and was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

George Baigrie, 42, was found guilty of attempted murder on Wednesday, 18 December, 2024, following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh. Kevin Richardson, 24, was also convicted in connection with the incident.

Both men are due to be sentenced at a later date.

Detective Chief Inspector George Calder said: “This was a shocking attack in a public place which left a man with life-changing injuries as a result.

“We will continue to target those involved in this kind of violence as we work to make our communities safer. I would like to thank the public for their support and everyone who worked on the investigation.”

NHS 24: Festive health tips

Claire is from Glasgow and has been a Senior Charge Nurse at NHS 24’s Cardonald contact centre for a year. She is working both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Claire says: “It has been lovely to take part in the school festive traditions with the kids throughout December. I’m really looking forward to attending the panto on Christmas Eve as well getting involved in some carol singing.

“It’s such a magical time of the year to spend time with the family, and we have lots of quality time planned in between my shifts.

“My top tip for over festive is if you have kids, ensure you have child-friendly remedies available at home.

“Pop into your local pharmacy where they can give you advice on the most appropriate medicines for your family.”

NHS 24 – #PoweredByPeople

Working this Christmas? Check your pay!

Festive workers, including those on short-term contracts, are being urged to check their pay to make sure they aren’t missing out on the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage.

Seasonal staff and students employed over the Christmas period are legally entitled to receive at least the same minimum rates as other workers.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding all workers to check their hourly rate of pay, and to look out for unpaid working time – such as time spent cleaning and closing premises, training, or picking up extra hours. 

Deductions, for things like uniforms or tools, can also reduce pay rates. 

HMRC’s festive video issues a clear reminder: 

“Have you started a Christmas job? 

“No matter how long you’ve been employed for, you are legally entitled to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. This includes temporary seasonal staff working in shops, hotels, garden centres, Christmas markets, restaurants and warehouses.

“Always make sure that you check your pay and look out for any deductions, or unpaid working time that could take you below the minimum wage.

“If you think you’ve been short changed, even if you no longer work for that employer, we’re here to help. Visit GOV.UK and search ‘check your pay’ to find all the information you need about wage rates, and how to report your employer if they’re not paying you correctly.”

The National Minimum Wage hourly rates are currently:

  • £11.44 – Age 21 and over (National Living Wage)
  • £8.60 – Age 18 to 20
  • £6.40 – Age under 18
  • £6.40 – Apprentice

Anyone not being paid what they are entitled to, or people concerned that someone they know may not be getting paid correctly, can report it online at https://www.gov.uk/minimum-wage-complaint. It takes around 10 minutes and reports can be made after the employment has ended. 

To speak with someone, raise a concern or get further information, phone the Acas Pay and Work Rights helpline on 0300 123 1100 for confidential, free advice (Monday to Friday*, 8am to 6pm).– *Except Bank Holidays. 

Employers can also access support at any time to ensure they are paying their workers correctly:

They can also contact Acas for advice.

Scotland’s criminals made to pay to support victims

Additional £1.1 million for people impacted by crime

More victims of crime are to receive support through a fund financed by penalties imposed on offenders.

More than £1.1 million from the Victim Surcharge Fund (VSF) will be shared among 12 organisations that support those impacted by crime.

Child victims, rape survivors and those who have suffered domestic abuse are among those who will receive support. This can include help with essentials like food and clothing, repairs for property damaged as a result of crime, and emotional support.

More than 5,000 people have already benefitted from the VSF since it was set up in 2019 and this fifth round of payments will mean hundreds more will receive support.

Under the scheme, offenders who receive a court fine after being convicted of a crime are charged an additional penalty – the victim surcharge. This is transferred to the VSF and distributed to organisations who support victims. Including this payment round, a total of £2,446,787 has been paid to 18 victim support organisations.

Victims Minister Siobhian Brown said: “The impact of crime on victims can be devastating – it can cause financial hardship, damage to property and ongoing trauma, and it is absolutely right that offenders should pay to support victims to recover.

“The Victim Surcharge Fund has already benefitted more than 5,000 victims and hundreds more will be supported with the distribution of more than £1.1 million in this latest round of payments.

“The Victim Surcharge Fund builds on the Scottish Government’s wider support for victims. We have invested £93 million to support victims in the past five years, while taking a series of other actions to ensure victims are placed at the heart of the justice system.

“This includes a significant package of reform proposed in the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill to ensure victims are treated with compassion and their voices are heard.”

Kate Wallace, Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: “This funding will be instrumental in expanding access to our Emergency Assistance Fund (EAF) to as many people impacted by crime as possible, helping them to rebuild their lives.  

“So far, we have supported thousands of people through the EAF, providing critical help to people who are in urgent need of financial aid – providing funding for things like emergency housing, security equipment, clothing and groceries. 

“With this new funding, we have the chance to reach even more people who have been affected by crime and explore options to develop our offering, including supporting access to mental health services. This funding will also benefit those supported by many of our specialist partner organisations, like Action Against Stalking and ASSIST.” 

Dot Horne, Director of 6VT Edinburgh City Youth Café, which supports young victims of crime through their Cairn service, said: “We are delighted to be successful recipients from this round of the Victim Surcharge Fund. This funding will allow us to respond quickly to the immediate, practical needs of children and young people affected by crime.

“Additionally, it provides an opportunity to offer financial support for victims to access positive activities that can help ease the difficult times that young people may be facing.”

The following organisations will benefit from the Victim Surcharge Fund in this round:

  • Victim Support Scotland                                              £850,000
  • Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire      £31,800
  • Migrant Help                                                               £73,985
  • Dunbarton District Women’s Aid                                  £13,500
  • The Moira Fund                                                          £14,500
  • Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland)               £27,465
  • Jubilee House                                                            £10,000
  • Dundee Women’s Hub (Women’s Rape And Sexual Abuse Centre)    £10,000
  • 6VT Edinburgh City Youth Café                                   £5,000
  • Action Against Stalking                                               £16,000
  • Central Advocacy Partners                                         £5,000
  • AberNecessities                                                          £67,100
  • Total                                                                           £1,124,350