Day: May 7, 2025

Over £30k awarded to support innovation in Scotland’s library sector

Six libraries and information centres across Scotland have been awarded a share of £34,000 to support a series of pioneering projects during 2025.

The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) has again opened its annual Innovation and Development Fund to support projects that encourage creativity,following the success of previous funding stream initiatives.

Now in its 13th year, the fund has supported the development of new resources, inspired original research and enhanced staff training – and this year turns its focus to innovative projects including an AI toolkit for staff training, a chill out space for students and a podcast studio for a rural part of Scotland.

  • Cardonald Campus Library’s chill out space

Glasgow Clyde College will create a quiet, restful place for students to take breaks in the Cardonald Campus Library, complete with a mindful selection of books and air purifying plants for a digital detox away from screens and teaching spaces. The project aims to increase literacy skills, while promoting student wellbeing by encouraging reading for pleasure by fostering a nurturing environment.

  • GAITLib: Generative AI toolkit for librarians by the University of Strathclyde

The University of Strathclyde’s Department of Computer and Information Sciences will develop an AI toolkit and set of guidelines for Scottish libraries that can be used to educate and empower library staff to make optimum use of the emerging generative AI tools for undertaking information-related tasks or activities.

  • Mastering META skills through creative practice at Forth Valley College

Forth Valley College aims to enhance the core and essential skills of its students by developing and delivering a series of innovative and creative workshops to aid the growth of META skills (eg leadership, creativity and critical thinking) in a fun and engaging way.

The project will also boost social interaction, promote collaborative working and encourage new learning centre users.

  • National Library of Scotland school library and engagement plan

The National Library of Scotland will increase engagement with students in Scotland to ensure every child has access to the national collections held by the National Library of Scotland.

This project will focus on developing the relationship with Scotland’s school libraries, piloting new ways of providing support, training and resources and giving students access to the collections and research resources through school libraries.

  • Opening the door: celebrating literacy, celebrating literature at Glasgow Women’s Library

This project extends the work of Glasgow Women’s Library’s Adult Literacy and Numeracy (ALN) project which supports women to understand, read and write words and numbers. 

It aims to increase the knowledge of potential learners, partner organisations and the general public, as well as making the wider ALN project more accessible to women who struggle with their literacy, or whose first language isn’t English.

  • UHI Moray podcast studio: building digital skills and strengthening community ties

UHI Moray will set up a fully equipped podcast recording studio at the library, giving students, staff and the local community the chance to develop digital skills, express themselves creatively and engage with modern media.

Administered and financed by SLIC, the Innovation and Development Fund is aimed at those who do not benefit from other annual funding programmes – including the Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) and the School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF) – such as further education, higher education and specialist libraries and information centres.

Ground Floor, Study Pods. Edinburgh University Library.

Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Scotland’s libraries and information centres continue to evolve, creating vibrant, future-facing spaces that meet the needs of the communities they serve – and the Innovation and Development Fund is a vital catalyst for that continued progression.

By backing bold, creative projects, we’re not just supporting innovation but helping services redefine their offering in a rapidly changing world. These six initiatives demonstrate the power of libraries to lead on digital skills, wellbeing and inclusive learning in both urban and rural communities.”

Since 2013, the SLIC Innovation and Development Fund has awarded over £400,000 to over 40 projects, with previous projects including the NHS Ayrshire and Arran Health Board Library’s TED Talk style ‘health conversations’ webinar series, the climate change and sustainable development measurement framework for libraries by the University of Strathclyde and the National Library of Scotland’s ‘Andrew Watson’s Legacies’ series, representing stories from Black and ethnic minority sportspeople.

For more information on the Innovation and Development Fund, visit: The Innovation and Development Fund Overview – The Scottish Library and Information Council

Celebrating individuality through person-centered approaches

Glencairn Care Home in Edinburgh has been celebrating individuality through person-centred approaches. The home has introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI), Namaste care and other tools such as staff matching documents and the digital pain tool, Painchek.

The home used staff profiles and staff matching tools to develop wellbeing companions to replace a key worker system. From this, relationships have flourished developing more trust between staff and residents.

Through person-centred care planning, staff have identified residents’ interests, strengths and wishes and now residents are far more engaged.

Wellbeing companions have supported some residents to achieve their dreams.

Staff have also noticed a reduction in stress and distress with some residents coming out of their bedrooms more, some spending more time outdoors, and spending time with others, becoming less isolated.

Olive, a resident in the home said: “I have had the best day of my life in years. It really is marvellous all of the work you are doing in here. It has honestly given me a sense of purpose again.”

Initially staff were hesitant, however after seeing some immediate results, particularly through using Painchek and the Namaste approach, staff have been more motivated to take part in activities and overall, morale has improved.

Emily, team leader said: “It has been so rewarding seeing the residents engage, in particular residents having conversations where they wouldn’t have had before.”

Some other benefits have shown improved outcomes for residents living with stress and distress and encouraged independence. The home has also seen a reduction in pain and anti-psychotic medication throughout using Painchek.

Jozi, care home manager said: “I can’t begin to explain how fulfilling and empowering this change of practice and essentially change of culture has been for us.

“To see a reduction in medications is rewarding alone, but to see the improvement in residents’ wellbeing has been remarkable.”

Care News from the Care Inspectorate

Why Having a Will Brings Peace of Mind

DYING MATTERS AWARENESS WEEK 5 – 11 MAY

MAKING a Will and being open about our wishes relating to our estate and inheritance can help provide comfort to those around us after we’ve passed away. That’s the view of two of the UK’s leading experts ahead of a major week of awareness aiming to amplify these issues. 

Alison Neate, a Partner & Head of Professional Negligence, and Senior Associate & Head of Contentious Probate, Victoria Townsend, at law firm Smith Partnership also said a more proactive approach can help reduce costly disputes. 

Their warning comes in Dying Matters Awareness Week, a week-long campaign that encourages individuals to talk openly about death, dying, and to make plans for what should happen after they’ve gone.  

Taking place from May 5th to 11th, it aims to break down taboos and encourage individuals to share resources related to end-of-life care. 

Ms Neate said: “We see many legal problems because people fail to prepare for the inevitable, which is why this campaign is so important.

“Having a Will means peace of mind for the person in question, but also for their family members.”  

Ms Townsend added: “A lot of people are fearful about dealing with their affairs, or just don’t like the idea of talking about death in general.

“Some are also concerned about the costs of preparing a will – but what they aren’t thinking about is the cost of a potential dispute due to the absence of a Will.”

 Why a will isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’ 

Explaining just some of the legal and emotional risks of not having a will, Ms Neate said: “Ultimately, there are potentially troubling consequences if you don’t have a Will because the deceased’s estate will be dealt with under the Intestacy Rules.

“The Rules are quite outdated when you apply them to the modern blended family scenario.  

“Stepchildren, for example, can be disadvantaged as the intestacy Rules do not provide for them to inherit from an estate. So, not having a will can be extremely upsetting for those left behind. 

“Talking about what your wishes are is also important. Many of the disputes we deal with arise because the deceased didn’t properly communicate their wishes during their lifetime, and so it comes as a surprise to family members when the will is finally read after the death.  

“Being open and honest about what you intend to do will not always prevent a dispute, but it can certainly help.”  

DIY wills – understanding the risks 

Exploring the increasingly popular ‘DIY will’ trend, Ms Neate said: “It’s vital that a Will is completed by a regulated organisation. A trend has emerged recently, where people make their own will from Online templates or use will writing services from unregulated providers.   

“This means you can potentially create a document which purports to be a Will, but isn’t actually a legally valid Will- rendering the whole task pointless and giving rise to potential disputes after the death.  

Upon the death it is also beneficial to seek legal representation. 

Ms Townsend explains “Professionals will be able to walk the line between being empathetic and understanding post – death, which is naturally a difficult time, whilst also making sure that matters are progressing, because it’s very difficult for people when they’re grieving to take everything in.  

“It’s our job to make sure that the winding up of an estate is always going in the right direction.”  

It’s not just about the Will itself

There is more to end-of-life care than just making a will, however.

Ms Neate said: “Having a Lasting Power of Attorney is a practical step that every adult of any age should consider taking , and of course especially the elderly or those who may be seriously ill. 

“An LPA is a document which specifies who will stand in the shoes of the person making the LPA (“the Donor”) to make decisions governing their health and welfare or their property and financial affairs in the event of incapacitation.  

“Unexpected things can happen, so again, it’s important to have a LPA professionally written and to make sure that it is registered with the probate Registry. If it’s not registered, it cannot take legal effect.”  

Ms Townsend added: “If you’re appointing an executor under a Will, then you should tell them that you’ve done that. You should tell them the whereabouts of the will, but also communicate the extent of your assets.  

“If you don’t, then they are then in a position when you pass away, that they’ve got no idea what the extent of your estate is, and it just creates more problems for them.  

“Ultimately, making a will shouldn’t be an afterthought. Most people want to do right by their family and loved ones, so thinking about it in detail before doing it and seeking advice from a professional should be key considerations.” 

Aldi offers virtual work experience to aspiring young people in Edinburgh

Young people in Edinburgh interested in exploring a career in retail can now sign up to Aldi’s virtual work experience programme.

Open to students in the UK aged 13 and over, the free online course is designed to build skills and introduce students to the wide range of careers available in retail – from warehouse operations to office-based roles.

Created in partnership with Springpod, the programme includes a series of videos and guidance from Aldi colleagues, alongside interactive quizzes and activities.

Upon completion, participants receive a certificate to enhance their CVs or future applications.

Lisa Murphy, Training and Development Director at Aldi UK, said: “At Aldi, we understand that not everyone has access to in-person work experience. That’s why we’ve created a flexible virtual programme that allows participants to learn at their own pace, fitting around their schedules.

“This initiative not only provides young people with a real insight into what it’s like to work at Aldi but also makes it possible for them to experience this, no matter where they are in the UK.

“Since launching, we’ve already attracted more than 2,000 sign-ups and hope to inspire even more young people to explore careers in retail through this accessible and engaging platform.”

Aldi is also looking to recruit more than 500 new apprentices across the UK in 2025, with opportunities across stores and warehouse roles now live. 

Young people interested in signing up to the virtual work experience can visit:
https://www.aldirecruitment.co.uk/early-careers/apprenticeships.

Unearthed Edinburgh photo competition

CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS!

Edinburgh Libraries have launched a photography competition celebrating gardening and the city’s parks, gardens and green spaces.

The ‘Unearthed Edinburgh’ theme recognises both the city’s wonderful green spaces and gardening as forces for creativity, resilience and connection. We welcome photos which celebrate any green space in the city, from the Meadows to your window box!

The competition is free to enter and open to all.

All entries must be submitted via Edinburgh Collected (www.edinburghcollected.org) where they will become part of a community archive of Edinburgh memories.

Tell us in the accompanying description what makes the picture special to you and remember to add the tag “unearthed”. Entries will be judged on both their photographic merit and on the accompanying text.

There are fantastic prizes to be won! Enter for a chance to win:

1st prize – £100 book token

2nd prize – £50 book token

3rd prize – £25 book token.

The competition runs until 31 July 2025.

Make sure to read the Unearthed Edinburgh competition guidelines and terms and conditions – https://zurl.co/BvAtt – or if you have any queries, contact informationdigital@edinburgh.gov.uk

This competition is part of a wider project in collaboration with the British Library and the Living Knowledge Network of libraries on the theme of Unearthed: The Power of Gardening.

Edinburgh Science on the road again

Generation Science brings exciting hands-on workshops to Edinburgh schools

Edinburgh Science is on the road again, bringing hands-on workshops and events to 18,000 primary school pupils across Scotland, including visits across Edinburgh from now until June via Generation Science.

Although most famous for their annual Science Festival, Edinburgh Science Charity also delivers a fantastic programme of educational events and workshops each year for children and young people, including Generation Science.

This fantastic programme sees science educators tour Scottish schools delivering a range of engaging workshops and shows which are all linked to the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) – helping to inspire a new generation to explore the world of STEM. Running for over 30 years, Generation Science has delivered hands-on learning to over 1 million children!

From February to June, the team will bring science to life across Scotland in a fun and high-energy environment. Using a mix of theatre, live demonstrations, audience participation and hands-on experiments every pupil is involved, including those who don’t typically engage with traditional in-classroom STEM education.

Heriot-Watt to compete in Monaco Energy Boat Challenge for first time

A group of engineering students from Heriot-Watt University are ready to put their studies to the ultimate test when they compete against teams from 21 countries at the prestigious Monaco Energy Boat Challenge in July – the most advanced university competition on water.

Organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco, the Challenge brings together more than 1,000 students, engineers, and industry leaders to showcase the very latest sustainable innovations in maritime technology.

Competing teams must design and build boats powered by renewable energy sources such as solar, hydrogen, or synthetic fuels. The goal is to push the boundaries of sustainable propulsion and contribute to the maritime sector’s transition to a carbon-neutral future.

The Heriot-Watt University Scotland PlusZero team is competing in the Sealab category, with a vessel powered by green hydrogen generated through electrolysis. This innovative approach converts stored energy back into electricity for propulsion, offering a forward-thinking solution for sustainable marine travel.

Central to its success is the use of solid-state hydrogen storage and recharging technology, developed through Heriot-Watt’s Decarlog project. This advanced system offers higher energy density and safety compared to traditional lithium batteries. 

Reflecting on the journey so far, team member Dominic Chapman from the Scottish Borders, who is in his fifth year studying Mechanical and Energy Engineering, highlighted the rigorous, hands-on engineering experience gained at Heriot-Watt, which has been instrumental in preparing for the challenge. 

“Our studies have given us extensive practical exposure,” he said. “The combination of coursework, renewable energy studies, and real-world industry collaboration has allowed us to take on this ambitious project with confidence.”

The project is backed by a host of key industry partners. Forth Ports, the team’s headline sponsor, is providing financial support as well as access to testing facilities at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh along with marine safety and operational expertise and guidance. Meanwhile, PlusZero, a specialist in green hydrogen solutions, has equipped the team with the raceboat as well as technical expertise and cutting-edge metal hydride technology to enhance its performance.

The state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel cell has been provided by specialists in emission-free technologies, TCP eco (Taylor Construction and Plant), while EPTechnologies have provided the batteries and battery management system, and the Lynch Motor Company has equipped the team with a cutting-edge electric motor and controllers to power and direct the vessel. Helping to fund the project is the Scottish-based cryptocurrency, Scotcoin.

The team has also benefitted from the guidance offered by the national networking organisation, Hydrogen Scotland.

The students have housed their technology within a monohull winged powerboat measuring around four metres in length and capable of carrying two passengers. Named, the Experiment of Leith H2 – in homage to an 18th century five-mast catamaran of the same name – the vessel has a range of 20 nautical miles with zero emissions.

While this marks the first time Heriot-Watt has entered the competition, expectations are high.

“We believe we have a strong chance in the technical presentation category, as our approach to metal hydrides is unique within this competition,” said Dominic.

“We are also optimistic about the manoeuvrability race and the Communication Prize, although we are up against some highly experienced teams.”

Joining Dominic on the Heriot-Watt team are fellow students Kate Sinclair from Sunderland, Logan Taylor from Fife, Andrei Muntean from Romania, and Emilin Isgin, who has both Turkish and Colombian heritage.

Looking beyond the competition, the team intends to continue refining their design, using the boat for further testing and development in the coming years. The knowledge gained from this experience will not only benefit future university teams but also contribute to the broader conversation on sustainable maritime innovation.

The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge represents an exciting opportunity for Heriot-Watt to showcase its engineering talent on an international stage. With a focus on sustainability and technological advancement, the team is poised to make a lasting impact in the field of green energy for marine applications.

The Challenge is the latest initiative showcasing the collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and Forth Ports. In a separate venture, the University also serves as a skills partner in the Forth Green Freeport, where Forth Ports plays a central role as a core partner and key site operator.

Stuart Wallace, Chief Executive of Forth Ports, said: “We are continuously exploring how alternative fuels can drive decarbonisation for our ports business and we are keen to support any technological advances in this area.

“We were impressed with the commitment and drive of the team who developed this innovative fuel technology to power the vessel and we wish the team every success at the event in the summer.”

The Heriot-Watt team will travel to the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge to showcase their work between the 2nd and 5th of July at the Yacht Club de Monaco Marina.

Spencer Ashley is Director of Engineering at PlusZero and is looking forward to the Challenge. He said: “PlusZero are excited to enable such a motivated and collaborative team to demonstrate the hydrogen potential of Scotland on the world stage in Monaco alongside the most exciting technology from around the world, Go Team Scotland!”

The Heriot-Watt team is part of the University’s Global Research Institute for Net Zero and Beyond (iNetZ+), a global centre of excellence and Institute for research, innovation and teaching in its field.  The institute collaborates closely with industrial partners, governments, and local communities to address global sustainability challenges. 

Professor Peter Cummings is the academic co-lead of iNetZ+.He said: “We are very excited to be the internal sponsor of the H2-Watt Club’s entry in the 2025 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge.

“iNetZ+ is focused on interdisciplinary approaches to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions and beyond. H2-Watt is a great opportunity for students to become involved with the goals of iNetZ+, and we are ready to assist them in any aspect of their entry in the Monaco Challenge.

“We wish them all the very best in their efforts to demonstrate the potential of hydrogen as a maritime fuel. These students are making Heriot-Watt proud.”

For more information on the team’s progress and to follow their journey in Monaco, stay tuned to Heriot-Watt’s official channels.

Edinburgh charity awarded £5,000 by Scotmid members

Edinburgh-based Children’s Holiday Venture (CHV) is one of three good causes across the East of Scotland that has been awarded a share of a £25,000 Scotmid funding pot. The funds were allocated following a vote by Scotmid members.

CHV is a student-led charity run by volunteers from the University of Edinburgh, supporting children aged 7–17 from some of the most deprived areas in and around the city.

The volunteers work with around 140 children who take part in free fortnightly activities designed to boost emotional wellbeing and build social skills.

The programme includes the provision of engaging experiences such as science nights, bowling, swimming, scavenger hunts and day trips, which the £5,000 will help support.

Fergal Francis, Treasurer at Children’s Holiday Venture, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to have been awarded this funding from Scotmid.

“It means we can continue to run fun, enriching activities that make a valuable difference to the children we work with. These sessions help build confidence, friendships, and memories that last well beyond the day itself.”

The other two good causes that have received a share of the £25,000 are Answer Day Care Centre based in Whitburn and Rio Community Centre based in Fife.

Trainee Youth Worker Opportunties

Aged 16-19 and looking to get into youth work?

Applications for the 25/26 North Edinburgh Youth Work Collaborative Traineeship are now open!

Work with us, @fetloryouthclub , @spartans_community_foundation , @muirhouseyouthdevelopmentgroup , and @piltonyouthchildren over the year and take your first step into the profession!

Deadline for apps is 23rd May and you can apply via the QR codes in the graphic attached!

GY x

#grantonyouth

#northedinburghyouthworkcollaborative

#northedinburghyouthwork

#fetloryouthclub

#spartanscf

#mydg

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Affordable homes at Granton waterfront shortlisted for two awards


Harbour Homes, alongside Cairn Housing Association and CCG Scotland, has been announced as a finalist in the Scottish Home Awards, sponsored by Ross & Liddell. The awards are a celebration of excellence in Scottish housing.

Leith’s biggest social landlord is in the running for Social Housing Development of the Year (over 100 units) for its development at Chestnut Street on Granton’s waterfront. The development is also a finalist in the Housing Regeneration Project of the Year category.

The project at Chestnut Street includes 96 homes for social rent by Harbour Homes and 130 properties for mid market rent by Harbour Lettings. The remaining 80 properties are social rent homes provided by Cairn Housing Association. The project’s contractor was CCG and the architect was Hackland + Dore.

Heather Kiteley, Chief Executive, Harbour Homes, said: “We are very proud that our development at Chestnut Street has been recognised for its success in bringing high-quality, affordable homes to Granton.

“To also be shortlisted in the Regeneration Project of the Year category is a wonderful testament to the hard work of all those involved.”

Audrey Simpson, CEO, Cairn Housing Association, said: “We’re thrilled that Chestnut Wynd has been recognised at the Scottish Home Awards.

“This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through strong partnership working, and we’re proud to have played a part in delivering high-quality, affordable homes in Granton.

“It’s great to see our collective efforts being celebrated, and we’d like to thank everyone involved in making this development a success.”