Day: September 28, 2025

Seattle is the right place for Amazon’s Stuart 

Stuart Penny

A trip to the world-famous Space Needle, lunch in Pike Place Market and a visit to the Museum of Pop Culture are just three of the experiences enjoyed by Stuart Penny from Dunfermline after he had a once in a lifetime trip to the US. 

Stuart, who works at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline, took part in the week-long trip with 17 Amazon colleagues from across the UK and Ireland as part of a programme called I Found the Right Place. 

I Found the Right Place is open to Amazon employees in the UK and Ireland and asks the simple question – ‘what makes Amazon the right place for you?’. Employees are invited to talk about why they love working at Amazon and the best stories are selected by a judging panel, with the finalists taking delivery of a boarding pass for the trip of a lifetime. 

More than 2,000 Amazon employees submitted their story as part of the campaign and Stuart was selected by the judges as one of 18 people who boarded the plane to Seattle. 

Stuart and his colleagues had an action-packed week in Seattle, where they toured Amazon’s global headquarters, saw the latest Amazon technology during a fulfilment centre tour and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the city’s Pike Place Market, Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture and more. 

Stuart Penny

“After 35 years with my previous employer, I joined Amazon at 57 seeking a fresh start and it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Now as I turn 61, I’ve found purpose, pride, and community through training, safety roles, and a workplace that values everyone, no matter their background or age. I never want to retire – I’m having way too much fun!”

Stuart Penny is from Dunfermline and works at the Amazon fulfilment centre in the city. He works in the customer returns department, and as an instructor training new employees. After spending most of his childhood in Lusaka, Zambia, where his father worked building schools, he returned to the UK at the age of seven. He said:

“I came back to go to Strathallan, a boarding school in Perth. I owe a lot to the quality of teaching I received there. Now that I’m lucky enough to train people beginning their careers at Amazon, I take much inspiration from my schoolteachers that taught me how to be an eloquent and productive member of society.”

Before joining Amazon in 2020, Stuart worked for 35 years in sales at Andrew Thomson in Dunfermline. Due to the pandemic, the company closed, and Stuart was left without a job. He says:

“I just knew I needed to find a job. I was offered a six-month position by a different company, but I decided to take a risk and turn it down for a role at Amazon instead. People thought I wouldn’t like working here, but they couldn’t have been more wrong! I secured a permanent position after around eight months and decided then to become a trainer.”

Stuart’s career journey and love for his role at Amazon inspired the judges to give him a seat on the plane to Seattle. He explains:

“I can’t describe how much I love training. It’s like I have a fire inside me, and I want to take that and give it to each person I train. My role in sales gave me so many transferable skills that I can now use as a trainer, because I am essentially selling myself, selling the system and selling the process. It brings me a real buzz to see people I’ve trained able to get on with the job at hand – that means I’ve done my job properly.”

Stuart’s love for his job spurred him to submit his story to the I Found the Right Place judges. After a week in Seattle, he looks back on when he got the news he was going on the trip:

“I found out I was going to Seattle on Friday 13th, which I thought was funny. I couldn’t believe I had been chosen to go. When I finally got to tell everyone at work, they were so delighted for me. I was most excited to tell my 94-year-old mother. She was so proud of me and assured me my dad would be ever so proud, too.”

Stuart got to see and experience a lot when he was in Seattle, but what was his highlight of the trip?

“It’s been an honour and a privilege to meet my colleagues from around the UK who joined me on the trip, and everyone at Amazon in Seattle. Every last person on this trip has the spark and belief in ourselves, and a real belief in Amazon. We are all proof that there are so many opportunities with Amazon to learn and grow. I intend to stay with Amazon as a trainer for a very long time.”

Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline, added: “Stuart is a much-loved member of the team here at Amazon in Dunfermline and we were so pleased when we found out he was off to Seattle. We’re proud to have him represent our team on the trip and I hope he had a brilliant time. I Found the Right Place is one of the many programmes we run here at Amazon to show our appreciation for the colleagues that deliver smiles for our customers every day.” 

Amazon employees receive competitive pay and comprehensive benefits. The minimum starting pay for frontline operations employees is between £13.50 and £14.50 p/h, depending on location. For those with 36 months service, this is £13.75 and £14.75p/h, depending on location. This equates to an annual starting salary of between £28,080 and £30,160, depending on location, for full-time frontline employees across the country.

Amazon has invested £550m in increased pay for operations employees across the UK since 2022, representing a 35% increase in the hourly rate in just two years. Additionally, from day one, all employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, subsidized meals and an employee discount. Together, these benefits are worth more than £700 annually, and employees can take advantage of Amazon’s company pension plan.

Amazon employees can also take part in Amazon’s Career Choice programme, which covers up to 100% of tuition and fees for courses in high-demand fields, regardless of whether the participant proceeds to pursue a career at Amazon.   

Amazon has been named as a ‘Top Employer UK 2025’ by the Top Employer Institute, for the second year in a row, one of the world’s most prestigious certifications in the field of human resources management. This award recognises Amazon’s commitment to the development and well-being of its employees. In addition to the UK accolade, Amazon has also been certified as one of the Top Employers in Europe for a third consecutive year. 

In 2025, Amazon ranked in second place on LinkedIn’s Top Companies list — an annual list that identifies the most sought-after large companies to work for and grow your career in the UK. Using data from LinkedIn’s 900 million members, LinkedIn’s Top Companies list is designed to help professionals identify the best companies to grow their careers. 

Looking After Your Eyes

👁️ National Eye Health Week | 22–28 September

Your eyes matter. Whether it’s a minor irritation or a serious condition, knowing where to turn for trusted advice is key.

NHS inform offers clear, reliable guidance on a wide range of eye conditions—from conjunctivitis and diabetic retinopathy to deafblindness and eye cancer.

If you or someone you know is waiting for treatment or support, RNIB Scotland ’s Waiting Well service is also available to provide advice.

🔍 Check out the links in our comments and explore symptoms, treatments, and when to seek help!

#EyeHealthWeek

#NHSInform

#EyeCare

#RNIB

Author talk at Stockbridge Library

MONDAY 6th OCTOBER from 6 – 7.30pm

“The devil has trouble sleeping. Caretaking human souls has taken its toll and he is suffering from insomnia. Enter Peter, a human soul and former musician who the devil believes can write music to help him sleep.

‘Peter is under the watchful eye of Balthazar, a demon and the devil’s right-hand man. Their budding friendship will be tested as Balthazar tries to keep the devil’s weakness a secret and fight off an attempted coup.

‘Meanwhile, Peter attempts this seemingly impossible task while adjusting to his new life in hell, and reminiscing about his previous turbulent life.”

Join us for interesting conversation with Leith-based author Ben Docherty about his debut book “Lullabies for Satan”

Green Freeport boost for Highlands

£25 million UK Government investment in Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport unlocked

The Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport has reached a historic milestone in establishing the Highlands a major international hub for the offshore wind and renewable energy sector.

A memorandum of understanding creating a formal framework for co-operation and responsibilities was signed by the UK Government, Scottish Government, Highland Council and Inverness and Cromarty Green Freeport on Thursday. Crucially, the signing unlocks £25 million of UK Government capital funding.

The Green Freeport will support skills growth in the Highlands. Over the next 25 years, it is poised to create more than 11,000 long-term jobs and a workforce equipped with future-ready skills. It will attract over £6.5b of investment to build a legacy for future generations.

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “This is a pivotal moment in the UK Government’s mission to boost economic growth in all parts of the UK.

“The Inverness and Cromarty Green Freeport will transform the economy of the Highlands, as well as playing a key role in our clean energy future.

“Supported by £25m of UK Government investment, and a range of UK Government tax incentives, this important collaboration between governments and local partners will deliver thousands of high-quality jobs and attract billions in investment.”

The signing took place at Aurora Energy Services’ recently opened £1.2m training facility in Inverness on Thursday.

The new centre will train more than 2,000 workers for the renewables sector every year and will become a valuable part of the supply chain needed to deliver the Freeport’s ambition.

Prestigious award presented to University of Edinburgh veterinary student at BVA Day

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has honoured the achievements and dedication of two veterinary professionals at its annual BVA Day.  

The BVA Research Travel Scholarship (Harry Steele-Bodger Memorial Scholarship Fund) was awarded to University of Edinburgh final year vet student Natalie Bubenheim and the BVA Council Impact Award (Bleby Cup) was presented to Dr Veselina Trufcheva-Edwards at the annual BVA members event, held at its London headquarters in Mansfield Street on Thursday (25 September).

The event included the association’s Annual General Meeting and the election of its new President and Junior Vice President. 

Natalie Bubenheim – winner of the BVA Research Travel Scholarship (Harry Steele-Bodger Memorial Scholarship Fund) 

This travel scholarship was established in 1953 to honour Mr Henry Steele-Bodger, President of the BVA 1939-41, in recognition of his great services to the veterinary profession and to agriculture, particularly during the Second World War.

The full award has been granted to Natalie Bubenheim, to assist her towards her contribution to the project ‘Analysis of Performance and Health Indicators in a Commercial Goat and Sheep Herd/Flock in Malawi’. 

Natalie, a final year University of Edinburgh veterinary student, has a strong interest in wildlife and livestock health in low-income regions.

During her first degree, she spent six months studying in South Africa, an experience that inspired her pursuit of veterinary medicine and a commitment to improving animal health in Southern Africa.

She is also a committee member of the Edinburgh Farm Animal Veterinary Society, and a member of the Dick Vet Wildlife and Zoological Society.  

Veterinary student Natalie Bubenheim said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the funding which has made this project possible. Without this support, I would not have been able to travel to Malawi to carry out the research on-site.

“The opportunity to collaborate directly with local students and staff, visit the farms, and understand the real-world conditions is essential to the success and impact of the project.

“This funding is not only enabling valuable research into herd health and productivity but also helping strengthen veterinary education and food security in the Lilongwe community.” 

Dr Veselina Trufcheva-Edwards MRCVS – winner of BVA Council Impact Award (Bleby Cup) 

The BVA Council Impact Award (Bleby Cup) is presented annually to the BVA Council member who has made an outstanding contribution at Council.

This year, the award goes to Veselina Trufcheva.Having qualified as a vet in 2006 from Trakia University in Bulgaria and with experience in both EU and UK practices, she has been working as a small animal vet in the UK for 13 years, most recently as a senior vet in a West London small animal practice.

She was first elected for BVA Council as the representative for London in February 2023 and has since contributed actively to debates, representing the views of West London vets within Council discussions.

Veselina has also hosted many visits for BVA’s team, to give them an invaluable insight into veterinary life, and always takes the time to acknowledge hard work from everyone at BVA HQ. 

Small animal vet Veselina Trufcheva-Edwards said: “I am honoured and at the same time deeply moved to receive the John Bleby Cup.

“I am grateful to be part of an organisation that shapes the future for the veterinary profession and honoured to represent the diverse voices of our London region.

“Working with likeminded and passionate individuals, channelling all BVA tools to support others and representing members at council meetings to shape new policy, has been an empowering experience, both personally and professionally.” 

Outgoing British Veterinary Association President Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “It is such a pleasure to be able to highlight the achievements and dedication of exceptional members of the veterinary profession and these prestigious awards go to worthy winners.

“BVA trustees were really impressed with Natalie’s application and exciting choice of project – they especially liked the fact it combines building her skills, benefits to animal welfare and sharing her knowledge with local students. This is a really special project and we know Natalie has a bright future ahead of her.

“Veselina’s dedication to the BVA Council and her efforts to always represent the voices of those in her region demonstrate her passion and dedication.

“We have also always noticed how she always takes the time to thank people for their own hard work. In a challenging profession, the simple kindness of a few words of thanks goes a long way.”

NHSGGC partners with ICON to support parents through infant crying

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has teamed up with national charity ICON to support new and expectant parents with managing the emotional challenges that can arise when their baby cries.

The ICON programme aims to promote mental wellbeing and provide practical strategies to help parents stay calm and cope during difficult moments. Crying is a normal part of infant development, but it can be overwhelming, especially when parents are tired or stressed. It provides resources for both parents and healthcare professionals.

More than 500 NHSGGC staff have been trained on the ICON programme so far, with a plan in place for this to be rolled out further through various healthcare teams, including midwifery teams, family nurses, health visitors and GPs.

The ICON programme is built around a simple, evidence-based message:

  • Infant crying is normal and will stop
  • Comfort methods can sometimes soothe the baby
  • It’s OK to walk away for a few minutes if the baby is safe and the crying feels overwhelming
  • Never shake or hurt a baby

Shaking a baby can cause Abusive Head Trauma (AHT), which may lead to serious brain injury, disability, or even death.

NHSGGC’s Health Visiting and Midwifery Teams are encouraging all parents and carers to visit the ICON website, which offers a range of resources to help identify reasons for crying and manage stress in the moment.

Laura Gordon, NHSGGC Health Visiting Team Leader, said: ““Parents need to be kind to themselves. Having a new baby can be exhausting and it is fully understandable that tiredness mixed in with a crying baby can be overwhelming.

“What is important, is recognising why your baby might be crying, if it is normal, and how you can remain calm while they’re doing so.

‘What is important is accessing the support from your health professional to recognise why your baby may be crying, discussing a realistic plan, which can support you to remain calm and soothe them while they are doing so.

“ICON is an excellent resource for this. The visual of the ‘normal crying curve’ alone can alleviate some of the parents’ concerns. It shows how babies start to cry more often at about two weeks of age. The crying may get more often and last longer during the next few weeks. It will reach a peak at about six to eight weeks, sometimes a little later.

“Every baby is different but after about two to three months, babies start to cry less and less each week. Knowing that provides parents with reassurance.

“Parents can also download resources for later through the NHSGGC Happy Healthy tots app meaning that they can easily refer to information offline and easily find them in the middle of the night!”

ICON is also highlighting that coping with crying is an issue for both men and women. For some men, finding someone to talk to and calming down before handling a baby can be an even bigger challenge. ICON encourages all parents to recognise the importance of asking for help and planning ahead for those difficult moments.

One simple coping strategy is to cut down on stimulation such as turning off screens, dimming lights, and creating a calm environment for both parent and baby. Families are also being urged to use the ICON Crying Plan: a practical tool to remind parents of what helps them personally to stay calm when stress levels rise.

Dr Suzanne Smith, Nurse, Health Visitor and Founder of ICON, said: “Persistent crying can be extremely stressful for any parent. People often say, ‘just calm down’, but in the moment that’s not easy.

“The ICON Crying Plan helps parents think ahead about what works for them – whether that’s stepping outside for fresh air, calling a friend, or taking a few deep breaths – so that when the crying gets overwhelming, they have a strategy ready.

“No parent is alone in this. Support is available through midwives, health visitors, GPs and online resources. Reaching out for help is a positive step for both parents and babies.”

www.iconcope.org/iconweek2025
https://rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk/happy-healthy-tots/

North Edinburgh Arts: We are the Lions, Mr Manager!

SATURDAY 11th OCTOBER at 7.30pm

We are the lions, Mr Manager! is the story of the Grunwick Film Processing Factory Strike (1976–78) and the inspirational strike-leader Jayaben Desai, one of many newly arrived Gujarati women workers from East Africa.

⭐⭐⭐⭐“The story of Jayaben Desai… makes you laugh, feel and think… a powerful story, powerfully told.” – Clare Brennan, The Guardian

📅 Saturday 11 October, 7.30pm

🎭 Creative Captioning

🎟️ Tickets: £7 – £14

💜 Discounted tickets available for NEA Members

👉 Book your tickets now: https://northedinburgharts.co.uk/…/we-are-the-lions-mr…/

Presented by Townsend Theatre Productions

Scottish charity declares fuel poverty emergency

ALIenergy calls for social energy tariffs as it celebrates 25th anniversary

  • Lynda Mitchell, CEO of energy charity, ALIenergy is calling on the UK Government to back the introduction of targeted social energy tariffs to curb the ‘fuel poverty emergency’.
  • Fuel poverty is at record levels, and the charity fears that more Scots will be afflicted this winter, with the energy price cap set to increase next week
  • The charity is encouraging households to take advantage of the support that is available to them this winter.

ALIenergy is calling on the UK Government to introduce a social energy tariff ahead of the energy price cap rising again next week.

The most recent fuel poverty statistics from the Scottish House Condition Survey and Scottish Government (2023) displayed that overall fuel poverty in Scotland is 34%, up from 31% in 2022.1

On the 1st October, the energy price cap is set to rise again, meaning the average annual price will rise by about £35 per home when compared with last year. As energy prices continue to rise, more people will be affected by fuel poverty.

The introduction of a targeted social energy tariff will help to decrease the burden on low-income families.

The tariff provides a discounted energy price for those who meet the eligibility criteria, such as low-income households and those living with unavoidably high energy costs due to disability or illness.

It supports the previous calls from the Scottish Government for the introduction of a targeted tariff. The Scottish Government established the Social Tariff Working Group, which submitted its final recommendation in April of this year, calling for a unit rate discount or real-time rebate for eligible households.

Following this, the Energy Social Tariff Bill was introduced as a private member’s bill by Labour MP Polly Billington in July. The Bill calls for a requirement for energy companies to provide social energy tariffs for low-income customers.

If introduced, this could pull thousands out of fuel poverty in Scotland.

ALIenergy was established in 2000 to ensure sustainable energy use and generation to the benefit of individuals, communities and the local economy, and to combat fuel poverty.

The charity provides much-needed advice and support to around 2,000 households a year. Initially operating only in Argyll, the charity has expanded its services over the years, branching into the Highlands and increasing its partnerships on local, national, and international levels.

Celebrating its 25th year, ALIenergy is hosting a celebratory event on 25th September, with politicians, revered environmentalists, and fuel poverty activists in attendance. The local MP, Brendan O’Hara and revered environmentalist and poverty activist, Ashok Sinha will be key speakers at the event.

ALIenergy is encouraging households to take advantage of the support that is available to them this winter such as checking their eligibility for the UK Government’s Warm Homes Scheme, a £150 energy bill discount for low income families.

The 25th Anniversary of the charity has been celebrated with motions in both Westminster and Holyrood.

Links to the full text of the motions can be found below:

Parliamentary Motion – UK Parliament, lodged by Brendan O’Hara MP, Argyll and Bute (SNP).

Parliamentary Motion – Scottish Parliament, lodged by Rhoda Grant MSP, Highlands and Islands (Scottish Labour)

ALIenergy CEO, Lynda Mitchell said: “We are delighted to be marking our 25th year, but we are focused on the real issue that we are living through a fuel poverty emergency.

“On a daily basis, we assist people who have to make the terrible choice between eating and heating their homes, and with winter on the way and the energy price cap set to increase yet again, this issue must be addressed by the UK Government.

“Much of the region we operate in is off the gas grid, and residents are often paying up to four times more for their heating.

“To address this, we are calling for the UK government to support a social energy tariff, to aid the most vulnerable in our society and pull people out of fuel poverty.

“I hope our anniversary event will send a message to residents living in fuel poverty across these regions and Scotland as a whole, that they are not alone.”

Ashok Sinha, Environmentalist and CEO of Ashden added: “I am delighted to be speaking at ALIenergy’s 25th Anniversary event.

“I am happy to support them in their fight against fuel poverty and look forward to lending my support to the charity’s call for the introduction of a social tariff.”

Roxy Malik, Argyll and Bute Resident who lives in fuel poverty: “My long-term conditions and the energy crisis are having a huge impact on my physical, psychological and mental health and wellbeing.

“I end up leaving bills, bank statements, important letters and emails unopened because I’m so concerned – how much will I have to pay and how can I pay it?

“It becomes very daunting and overwhelming. Especially when you’ve been independent and worked hard all your life. It’s hard.

“A social tariff seems like a fairer way of doing things; it accounts for what a person needs, such as their health and medical needs. If it could take away the unjust cost of standing charges when you aren’t even using power, that would be brilliant.”

1 Scottish House Condition Survey: 2023 Key Findings

New partnership to support innovation and entrepreneurship

Edinburgh Napier University, Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh College announce collaboration

A new effort to support innovation and enterprise across the south-east of Scotland has been announced by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU), Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh College, as part of Scotland’s National Innovation Week.

The three institutions have agreed a collaborative partnership with the aim of developing the region’s innovation, enterprise and skills through improved connectivity with academic expertise and support.

The focus of the partnership will be to support innovation and entrepreneurship in line with nationwide plans to boost Scotland’s economic development.

The agreement will enhance work towards ambitions laid out in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland Regional Innovation Action Plan, the Scottish Government’s National Innovation Strategy and its Entrepreneurial Campus Blueprint, by strengthening entrepreneurial skills and networks across Scotland.

There will also be increased collaboration around knowledge exchange and innovation projects, which aim to bring academic expertise to businesses and organisations that could benefit from it.

This new agreement follows the recent expansion of ENU’s enterprise hub Bright Red Triangle (BRT), to offer specialist support to Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh College students and alumni. Since its formation in 2005, BRT has supported more than 1,000 start-ups and freelancers from the ENU community from its Start Up Studio in Edinburgh.

Some of the early collaborative work as part of the partnership will include:

  • Entrepreneurial support to our collective community of over 60,000 students, building on the successful BRT partnership launched in October 2024
  • Regional upskilling and innovation to support SME and public sector bodies
  • Delivery against the Entrepreneurial Campus Blueprint
  • Pilot of a Knowledge Exchange Concordat across the partner institutions

Professor Gary Hutchison, Assistant Principal (External Engagement) at Edinburgh Napier University said: “We are delighted to commit to this new partnership between our institutions – building on our shared enterprise services by developing an integrated innovation pathway to support the region’s companies and public sector agencies.

“Edinburgh Napier University has a strong track record of supporting entrepreneurs to take their innovative ideas to the next level.

“This collaboration will build on the expertise of all three institutions, with an overall aim of contributing to Scotland’s economic development, while benefiting our students, communities and industry partners.”

Professor Richard Butt, Deputy Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: “We are delighted to be part of this exciting partnership which will elevate the role of skills development as a pathway to innovation – whether that be through support for student, graduate and staff enterprise or research and knowledge exchange collaborations across our HE and FE colleagues, local businesses and organisations.

“The new partnership also allows us to focus on delivering impact in community wealth building, to support the generation, circulation and retention of wealth in our local economy.

“We look forward to working with our Edinburgh Napier University and Edinburgh College colleagues to enhance our collaborative approaches and improve our economic impact locally, regionally and nationally.”

Mike Jeffrey, Vice Principal Corporate Development at Edinburgh College, said: “This new partnership presents an exciting opportunity for Edinburgh College to strengthen our existing support for entrepreneurship and innovation across our student body, alumni network, and wider industry connections.  

“In today’s fast-paced economy, it is essential to equip students with entrepreneurial capabilities alongside technical and vocational expertise.

“r4At Edinburgh College, we work with a broad network of organisations to ensure our students are not only prepared to excel in their chosen professions but are also empowered to become the innovators who will shape the future.

“Through collaborating with our university partners to share knowledge, resource and expertise, we look forward to further embedding a culture of knowledge exchange throughout our college community.”