Police Scotland have released images of two men who may be able to assist an enquiry into a serious assault which took place on West Granton Road, at around 10.15pm on Saturday, 23 August, 2025.
The first man, pictured below, is described as white, aged 35 to 45-years-old with dark hair and beard. He was wearing a black Under Armour T-shirt and Adidas jogging bottoms.
The second man, pictured below, is described as white, aged 18 to 25 years-old, wearing glasses, a black hooded top with an Adidas Original logo and black jogging bottoms.
Detective Constable William Doughty, of Corstorphine CID said: “I would encourage these men or anyone who may recognises them to get in touch.”
Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3999 of 23 August 2025. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
New law will provide greater legal clarity and support economic growth
Digital assets like Bitcoin will have greater legal clarity under new legislation that will help support Scotland’s growing financial technology sector.
The Digital Assets (Scotland) Bill provides clear legal recognition that digital assets can be objects of property under Scots private law. This marks a significant step forward in helping to ensure Scotland’s legal framework is fit for the digital economy. Currently, businesses, investors, and individuals dealing with digital assets may choose to invest in other jurisdictions offering greater legal certainty.
The new legislation creates robust legal foundations around digital asset ownership and acquisition helping Scotland to remain an attractive destination for financial technology companies and providing greater confidence for individuals. Scotland has around 260 FinTech companies employing more than 11,300 people and the sector is worth £14 billion to the Scottish economy.
Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “This legislation provides the legal clarity that businesses and investors need to thrive in Scotland’s digital economy.
“By clarifying how digital assets are treated under Scots property law, we are building strong foundations for innovation and ensuring that Scots law can accommodate these innovations.
“Scotland’s world-class legal system and vibrant financial sector are experiencing huge growth. We want to be a FinTech global powerhouse and legislation such as this will help meet that commitment.”
GOVERNMENT MUST TAKE ACTION OR MISS FUEL POVERTY TARGETS
Scotland is extremely unlikely to meet its fuel poverty targets for 2030 according to a new report from the Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel.
The Panel says the Scottish Government’s first three-year update, Tackling Scottish Fuel Poverty 2021–24, shows that fuel poverty rates have risen sharply since targets were first set in 2019.
It says that greater emphasis must be placed on the monitoring and evaluation of progress towards fuel poverty targets.
The latest figures paint a stark picture: more than a third of households in Scotland (34%), approximately 861,000, are now classed as living in fuel poverty.
A household is in fuel poverty if, after housing costs have been paid for, it needs more than 10% of its remaining income to pay for its energy needs and if after paying for its energy the household is left in poverty.
It’s considered in extreme fuel poverty if they have to spend more than 20% of its remaining income. Almost one in five (19.4%) or 491,0001 households are in extreme fuel poverty, a long way from the Scottish Government’s goal of reducing the figures to 15% for fuel poverty and 5% for extreme fuel poverty by 2030.
Matthew Cole, Chair of Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel said: “We’re calling for the existing Fuel Poverty Strategy to be revised as a matter of urgency, or Scotland will not only miss its 2030 targets but is also unlikely to meet its 2035 targets.
“There is also need for a fuel poverty delivery plan that links boosting household income directly to meeting fuel poverty targets, and this delivery plan should be robustly monitored.
“While meeting the 2040 target of just 5% in fuel poverty and 1% in extreme fuel poverty is still possible, it will be a massive challenge requiring a whole new strategic approach. There are far too many people still having to choose between heating their homes and feeding their families.”
He said the Panel has heard some harrowing stories from energy advice agencies and other partners on the frontline across Scotland: “We have heard of people resorting to extremes so that they can access heat and power, with a resident in the Western Isles developing hypothermia after disconnecting the heating because they were unable to pay their bill.
“We have even heard reports of someone ripping up the floorboards in their home so that they could burn them as a heat source. These findings are shocking on their own, but are even more so when we consider the longer-term impacts living in fuel poverty can have, including on physical and mental health.”
The Panel’s new report acknowledges that the world is a very different place since the original targets were set in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis driven by the war in Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.
It also acknowledges that although household energy rates are not within the Scottish Government’s direct control, the escalation of fuel poverty levels in Scotland means that tackling fuel poverty should be a greater priority than ever.
The report recognises that some progress has been made by the Scottish Government over the last three years, particularly in efforts to improve the energy efficiency of housing. There has been a measurable improvement in recent years with 56% of homes rated EPC band C or better in 2023 – an increase of around 3% from 2022.
There has also been significant Scottish Government support to increase income for low-income households, with some interventions directly related to annual assistance with energy costs.
However, there is still a long way to go to achieve the targets. The Panel has made a series of recommendations to the Scottish Government urging it to:
Fulfil its commitment to revising its current Fuel Poverty Strategy by December 2026.
Accelerate the rate of improvements to make housing stock more energy efficient.
Increase awareness of how energy is used in homes to reduce waste and make costs clearer, as many households may be on unsuitable tariffs, paying more than necessary without realising it.
Set a clear vision for the GB energy market, push for reforms that take account of the needs of Scottish consumers, and protect those at risk of fuel poverty.
Target island and remote rural communities with tailored, co-ordinated action to cut fuel poverty where it hits hardest.
On behalf of the Panel, the Chair emphasised: “It is essential that the revised strategy includes a clear, credible plan to cut fuel poverty and meet statutory targets.
“That means closer monitoring, better evaluation, and flexible policies that respond quickly to stalled progress or heightened need. We look forward to seeing the Scottish Government’s response in the coming weeks.”
Gillian Campbell, Director of the Existing Homes Alliance (EHA), said: “The Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel highlights that the number of households in fuel poverty rose from 24.6% in 2019 to 34% in 2023. This rising level of fuel poverty in renewables rich Scotland is deeply concerning.
“Poor energy efficiency remains one of the main drivers of fuel poverty, yet we know Scotland already has excellent fuel poverty and energy efficiency programmes that can make homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to heat. However, the scale of existing programmes doesn’t match current levels of need.
“The Scottish Government must commit to scaling up these effective schemes and providing long-term funding certainty so local authorities and partners can maximise their impact. Without that commitment, too many people will continue to face the impossible choice between heating and eating this winter.”
Pedigree cats continue to be the pet of choice for cat owners in Scotland with the scale tipping further in favour of breeds rather than moggies, according to Cats Protection.
The charity’s Cats and Their Stats (CATS) Report 2025 revealed that between March 2024 and 2025:
126,000 cats were acquired in Scotland
59% were pedigrees vs. 32% moggies
In the previous year: 37% were pedigrees vs. 51% moggies (out of 120,000 cats)
Pedigrees now make up 37% of Scotland’s total cat population of 840,000 and alarmingly 6% of cats acquired in Scotland in the last 12 months are breeds with traits which can be described as being extreme, including Sphynx, Scottish Fold, Savannah, Munchkin and Bully cat.
Alongside this increase, the proportion of ‘bought’ cats in the total Scottish cat population acquired over the past 12 months has increased by 4% (to 41%), bringing the percentage higher than the UK as a whole where 38% were bought rather than adopted or obtained by other means.
Sarah Elliott, Cats Protection Central Veterinary Officer, says: “In the UK cat acquisition is increasingly skewing towards pedigree cats and purchase over adoption.
“We therefore need to motivate Scottish cat owners to help reverse the increasing popularity of buying and become enthusiastic adopters by championing the moggy, as well as highlighting all the benefits of adoption – including the adoption of pedigree cats from rescue organisations, when they occasionally become available.
“When adopting from Cats Protection, like many other animal welfare organisations, not only does your pet come neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and with a clean bill of health, but there is also the huge satisfaction of giving a home to a cat that really needs one.”
Elsewhere in the report a picture of Scottish owners shows them to be ‘cat focused’. Owners across the country are researching the needs of their cats more, and still primarily turning to their vet for advice.
Nonetheless, social media and video content are a pull for younger owners, and the charity advises them to ensure they are following reputable sources and continue to consult their vet. There has additionally been an increase in owners keeping their cats indoors as they fear them getting hurt or lost and in line with the rest of the UK, companionship is still the leading reason for Scottish people to own a cat.
Vet engagement remains consistent in Scotland, however for the first time stress for either cat or owner has become the primary reason for Scottish owners not visiting the vet as much as they would like.
Alice Palombo, Cats Protection Advocacy and Government Relations Manager, says: “The increase in pedigree cats acquired over the past 12 months in Scotland, particularly those with extreme characteristics is a worrying trend.
“To safeguard cats’ welfare, we are calling for the licensing threshold for cat breeding to be lowered to two litters and would like to see more breeds of concern included in the government’s guidance offered to local authorities including exotic hybrid cats like Savannahs.
“It is notable that despite the increase in pedigrees acquired in Scotland, our recent Freedom of Information request revealed just 28 registered cat breeders across the country, compared with 249 dog breeders.
“This suggests perhaps breeders are not being incentivised to apply for cat breeding licences or there is a lack of enforcement which raises strong concerns about the health and wellbeing of the cats involved.”
Elsewhere in the report a picture of Scottish owners shows them to be ‘cat focused’. Owners across the country are researching the needs of their cats more, and still primarily turning to their vet for advice.
Nonetheless, social media and video content are a pull for younger owners, and the charity advises them to ensure they are following reputable sources and continue to consult their vet. There has additionally been an increase in owners keeping their cats indoors as they fear them getting hurt or lost and in line with the rest of the UK, companionship is still the leading reason for Scottish people to own a cat.
Vet engagement remains consistent in Scotland, however for the first time stress for either cat or owner has become the primary reason for Scottish owners not visiting the vet as much as they would like. Cats Protection has tips for making vet visits less stressful which can be found at www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/how-to-make-vet-visits-less-stressful-for-your-cat
Alice Palombo, Cats Protection Advocacy and Government Relations Manager, says: “The increase in pedigree cats acquired over the past 12 months in Scotland, particularly those with extreme characteristics is a worrying trend.
“To safeguard cats’ welfare, we are calling for the licensing threshold for cat breeding to be lowered to two litters and would like to see more breeds of concern included in the government’s guidance offered to local authorities including exotic hybrid cats like Savannahs.
“It is notable that despite the increase in pedigrees acquired in Scotland, our recent Freedom of Information request revealed just 28 registered cat breeders across the country, compared with 249 dog breeders.
“This suggests perhaps breeders are not being incentivised to apply for cat breeding licences or there is a lack of enforcement which raises strong concerns about the health and wellbeing of the cats involved.”
Ecclesiastical Insurance is encouraging customers to take precautions to help prevent damage to property after the Met Office named its first storm of the season this weekend.
Storm Amy is expected to arrive on Friday (3rd) bringing very strong winds and heavy rain to many northern and western areas of the UK – with a number of warnings already having been issued.
Although there is some uncertainty as to the route of the storm, the Met Office anticipate gusts potentially reaching as high as 80 miles an hour and a risk of localised glooding as a result of intense downpours.
The warning serves as a reminder to those responsible for property to prepare for extreme weather.
During the 2024/25 season there were six named storms compared to 2023/24 where there were a record-breaking 12 named storms.
Jo Whyman, Risk Management Director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “Since the Met Office started naming storms in 2015 it’s always caught the public attention. Storms can have a massive impact on our customers, so this announcement is a timely reminder for them to take steps to prepare for the winter.
“As ever, our expert risk teams are on hand to deal with customers’ risk management queries. Our website also has a wide range of advice on how to prepare for a storm.”
Property owners can help to prevent damage by carrying out basic steps before the storms arrive:
Before a storm - Prepare a recovery plan that covers how to deal with severe weather events, carry out maintenance of buildings and any trees or bushes, remove loose roof materials, repair damaged guttering, and clear any blocked rainwater gullies
Met Office alerts – Sign up to receive weather warnings from the Met Office to help prepare for storms
Storm warning – If the Met Office declares a storm warning make sure to secure loose objects in the grounds, close and securely fasten doors and windows
During the storm - Do not visit the property to repair any damage while the storm is in progress. If you have to go into the premises or are in the building during a storm, make sure to enter and leave the building through doors on the sheltered side, closing them behind
After the storm - When the storm has passed if there is damage immediately contact your insurer who will be able to help you.
Ecclesiastical has a network of specialist contractors it works with to help customers recover following extreme weather.
The specialist insurer helps to coordinate clean-up operations for affected customers and works with loss adjustors who will provide onsite help to get customers and businesses back on their feet.
Jeremy Trott, Claims Director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “Unpredictable and extreme weather is becoming more prevalent in the UK, from heatwaves to flooding, so it’s important that we are ready to support customers.
“Despite a dry first half of the year, storms are unpredictable and in recent years we’ve seen a record-breaking amount of money paid out by insurers for weather related claims.
“Our message to customers is that our claims handlers will be able to support them if they are affected by storms this winter – whether that’s as a result of wind, rain, burst pipes or snow. We are here if customers need us.”
Edinburgh’s International Poetry Festival, Push the Boat Out (PTBO), returns to Edinburgh this November (20–23, 2025) holding court in a new venue at the Pleasance, Edinburgh with a packed cross-art form programme promising to provoke, entertain and inspire.
The full programme is announced today Thursday 2 October, to mark National Poetry Day.
PTBO’s 2025 programme will bring together over 120 artists for a weekend of poetry, performance, music, and art. Setting sail on three thematic streams – Poetry is Punk reminds audiences that poetry can be raw, rebellious and DIY, the Anthropocene reflects on the human impact on our planet and species whilst The Unseen World dives deep into the mystical, esoteric, and spiritual—exploring belief and imagination beyond the everyday.
For 2025, 63 events will showcase some of the most exciting voices from Scotland and around the world. Audiences can look forward to appearances by acclaimed poets and performers including Leena Norms, Luke Kennard, Anthony Anaxagorou, Marjorie Lotfi, Zinnie Harris, Karen McCarthy Woolf, Victoria Chang, Lorna Goodison, Anthony Vahni Capildeo, Najwan Darwish, Noor Hindi, Roseanne Watt, Michael Mullen, and Scotland’s Makar, Peter MacKay, among many others.
This year’s festival launches in unforgettable style aboard Leith’s floating hotel,The Fingal,with a pre-festival event on 8 November featuring acclaimed poets Hollie McNish and Michael Pedersen, who will read from their latest works: Virgin and Muckle Flugga. Celebrations continue as part of the main festival with highlights including:
New commissions of cross-disciplinary work from poets such as Iona Lee, Taylor Dyson, Craig Aitchison and Garry MacKenzie in association with the National Theatre of Scotland under the theme ‘Anthropocene: the Human-Altered World’.
Original 1980s ranting poet Tim Wells and punk slam champ Jay Mitra will get rebellious, raw and political in a night of anarchic energy with The Ranting Poets.
The four winners of the 2024 Royal Society of Literature Jerwood Poetry Award will premiere new collaborations co-conceived with musician Kathryn Williams, unearthing myths from the British Isles with themes of elegy, absence and joy.
What Now? – a new theatre collective will premiere bold new work responding to today’s geopolitical climate with new commissions from Hannah Lavery, Zinnie Harris, and William Letford. The event is supportedby compelling spoken word from acclaimed poet Anthony Anaxagorou, and live music from Carla J. Easton.
Scots poet Len Pennie will discuss her fiercely honest new collection of poems that confront ideas of patriarchy, gender-based violence and societal injustice.
Two of Scotland’s standout spoken word poets, RJ Hunter and Gray Crosbie willshare new work in a Scratch Night supported by an electrifying performance by Harry Josephine Giles and the Edinburgh Trans Choir.
Expect sublime soundscape from headliners Lord Of The Isles &Ellen Renton andEdinburgh-based poetic ensemble, Acolyte, with an alternative gig night of poetry, pedals and synths.
Tinderbox Orchestra sees out the festival with a glorious finale of rappers, poets, heavy bass and drums – transforming preconceptions of what an orchestra and poetry can be.
Around town, it’s scents and sensibilities with bespoke fragrance events in partnerships with Lush Cosmetics that explore perfume, memory, and metaphor.
For the art lovers, one of Scotland’s most distinctive and internationally recognised poets, Ian Hamilton Finlay is celebrated with an exhibition that will run for the duration of the festival.
Emma Collins, Director of Push the Boat Out, said: ‘From high-energy poetry slams and late-night scratch performances, to thought-provoking panel discussions, immersive workshops, development days and genre-blurring collaborations, PTBO continues to push poetry far beyond the page.
“We’re really looking forward to delivering this year’s programme at the Pleasance, one of Edinburgh’s most beloved festival venues and once again, the billing offers variety through its cross-art form experiences.
“The 2025 festival reaffirms its commitment to showcasing iconic poets, fresh voices, radical perspectives, and unexpected intersections between poetry and other art forms, including spoken word, music, and theatre.
“Whether you’re a lifelong poetry lover or a curious newcomer, there are multiple ways to engage with the poetic form via a true celebration of words on and off the page across the weekend.’
For 2025 PTBO continue their community engagement work with partners across the city, including SCOREScotland, Tinderbox Collective, AmnestyInternational UK, and Simon Community Scotland. For those unable to attend in person, the programme also sees a curated line-up of online workshops, discussions, five free live-streamed events and a full broadcast schedule in collaboration with EHFM radio.
Alan Bett, Head of Literature & Publishing at Creative Scotland, said: “This is a creative programme that pushes the boundaries of poetry as an artform, working in the spaces where it meets music, visual art and performance.
“At its core is a diverse range of voices from across Scotland and beyond, showcasing poets at every stage of their creative journey including the likes of Gaelic language poet and National Makar, Peter MacKay, and the current Scots Language Scriever Taylor Dyson.
“Push the Boat Out brings this all into the heart of Edinburgh, inviting everyone – from curious newcomers to seasoned poetry lovers – to experience something unforgettable.”
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham, said:“Edinburgh has long been recognised as a hub of culture and creativity, and festivals like this are testament to that legacy.
“With 63 events featuring fantastic voices from Scotland and beyond, Push The Boat Out adds to the city’s diverse and thriving festival scene that we are proud to host.
“I’m very much looking forward to a weekend that brings together poetry, performance, music, and art in such an exciting way.”
The full programme and line-up can be found at: www.pushtheboatout.org For full programme and event listing PDF – please see here
Over £5.5 million for local renewable energy projects
An Island solar farm, community ice rink and a small community wind farm are among almost 50 projects to benefit from more than £5.5 million funding.
Supported through a combination of Scottish Government and Great British Energy funding, the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme’s (CARES) Community Energy Generation Growth Fund will enable 46 community groups to install local renewable energy schemes such as wind turbines and solar panels, to meet local needs.
Energy Secretary Gillian Martin confirmed the 2025 allocations for the Fund whilst at a visit to an Edinburgh Solar Co-op site in southwest Edinburgh, during Scotland’s Climate Week.
The community-run group have been offered more than £480,000 funding to install further solar panels on schools, community centres and leisure facilities across the city generating free electricity for the buildings and a fixed return on investments for local supporters.
Among the projects awarded funding are:
Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op receives £484,500 for Edinburgh Solar Co-op phase 3
Arran Community Renewable’s work on building community-owned Glenkiln Solar Farm
Eigg Electric to support their work towards decarbonising the island by 2030
Huntly Development Trust’s project to generate up to 20MW of potential wind, solar and green hydrogen
It brings the total number of funding offers through the Fund up to 69 since it first launched last year, supporting 57 different community energy projects.
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy Gillian Martin said: “Scotland is fast becoming a global renewable energy powerhouse, and it is vital that communities share in the benefits from this transition.
“This funding, for stand-alone generation projects, responds to the needs of local groups and has the potential to lever in significant funds for communities by providing the ability to earn money from their projects by, for example, selling the excess energy generated back to the grid. It will also play a key role delivering a just transition to net zero, whilst supporting a greener, fairer future for Scots.
“To further ensure communities see the benefits of the renewable energy transition, we know more can be done. That is why we are calling on the UK Government to go further by mandating offers of shared ownership and to introduce a mandatory community benefits scheme for mature onshore technologies.
“We will continue to work with our partners to grow the community energy sector and, crucially, ensure that the delivery of renewable energy comes with benefits for people in Scotland, as well as supporting progress towards net zero.”
UK Government Minister for Energy Michael Shanks said: “Great British Energy is empowering communities across Scotland to take a stake in their own energy, whether it be investing in solar projects on the Isle of Arran or community wind farms in Aberdeenshire.
“This is our clean energy superpower mission in action – putting communities in the driving seat of energy generation and making sure working people and businesses profit.”
Local Energy Scotland Manager Chris Morris, said: “Congratulations to the community groups and charities who’ve worked hard to develop these inspiring projects and proposals. We’re looking forward to working with them and to see the lasting impact they’ll make, locally and across the country.
“This funding marks a step forward for community-led renewable energy in Scotland. Through CARES, we’re enabling local groups to turn ambition into action, developing energy projects that not only reduce carbon emissions but also directly benefit communities with long term social and economic value.”
The 2025 Soundhouse Winter Festival returns from Thursday 27 November to Monday 1 December at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
The festival showcases musicians either from, or based in Scotland, and runs over St Andrews Day and the Fair Saturday weekend. The programme includes some of Scotland’s finest jazz, and trad musicians, a showcase of emerging new musicians, music workshops for adults and young people, and a silent film accompanied by live music.
Headliners include experimental folk band Constant Follower led by songwriter Steven McAll playing tracks from their latest album Let the Healing Begin which has recently been added to the long list for the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) award, 2024’s Scottish Jazz Vocalist of the Year Niki King; genre blending spoken word artist, rapper, and rising star Bee Asha; andguitarist Chris Amer and his Sextet (Matt Carmichael, Fergus McCreadie, Gus Stirrat, Stephen Henderson and Mhairi Marwick) performing music from their new collection Making Peace With What Is.
In addition, award-winning Scottish composer and guitarist Graeme Stephen will present his score for the 1927 silent film Metropolis, performedby Stephen on guitar and a classical string quartet lead by Fiona Winning on viola.
The quartet is completed by Tom Hanky (violin), George Smith (violin) and Robert Irvine (‘cello). Graeme will also be giving a non-participatory masterclass in Developing Concepts for Composition, Improvisation and Practice, for learners to explore creative ways to turn their ideas into compositions.
Other highlights over the weekend include harpist and lead vocalist Dara Dubh performing fan favourites and new tracks with Tony McVey on drums, Eve Simpson on keys/vocals and Brad Phillips on doublebass.
Multi-instrumentalist and folk singer Cahalen Morrison performing songs from his forthcoming album with his freshly minted trio; and jazz saxaphonist Rachel Duns, whose music ranges from blues and soul, to thepsychedelic sounds of the 1960s.
Over the weekend, audiences will also be treated to an afternoon concert from Scottish/Egyptian instrumentalists and composers The Ayoub Sisters who rose to stardom after their debut album premiered at No.1 in the Official Classical Charts.
Plus, three emerging artists playing in this year’s Spotlight concert, showcasing the very best up and coming jazz musicians in Scotland.
They include guitarist and double bass player Timmy Allan who won the BBC Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year Award in 2024 and this year’s Alan McAuley Jazz Award; The Ewan Johnston Trio formed of pianist Ewan Johnston, Christopher Quinnon on bass and Roan Anderson on drums; and the Milele Collective a young five-piece making waves on the Scottish scene with their jazz, latin and afro grooves.
In addition, cellist and improvisor Simone Seales will be giving an Improvisation Workshop for beginners on how to make sound without musical notation, open to amateur or experienced instrumentalists, vocalists or musicians from any other discipline.
Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers said:“After last year’s multi-genre celebration of the Scottish music scene, we are delighted to be back for our second annual Soundhouse Winter Festival.
“We’ll be presenting jazz, pop, rap, classical, soul, funk, folk, trad, and many points where those categories intersect. It will be heartwarming, life affirming and a great antidote to the November blues. We extend a warm welcome to all: come and be part of Edinburgh’s great music-loving community.“
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotlandsaid: “The closes and wynds of the capital are about to come alive as the Soundhouse Winter Festival returns to Edinburgh with another excellent array of rising stars and familiar faces.
“This compact and perfectly curated programme offers plenty of opportunities to discover new talent across an extended weekend in November, with must-see gigs each and every day.
“Organised by the same people as Edinburgh’s rejuvenated Tradfest, the quality of music is guaranteed to be top-level, with something to suit all tastes.”
Communication Studies and Journalism CCTV demonstration 1975.
Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) is celebrating 50 years of delivering its pioneering journalism course, the longest-running programme of its kind in Scotland and consistently recognised as one of the leading courses in the UK.
Since launching in 1975, the course has produced leading journalists across the UK and beyond. From Lee McKenzie, renowned for her Formula 1 coverage on Channel 4 and rugby reporting for the BBC and ITV, to Nick Eardley, the BBC’s Chief Political Correspondent and a trusted voice from Westminster, and Martin Frizell, former Editor of ITV’s flagship daytime programme This Morning – just a few that graduated from ENU.
The need for these trusted, credible voices in the media is more prevalent than ever, and Edinburgh Napier University is committed to nurturing the next generation of journalists with the skills, adaptability and creativity needed to thrive in a fast-changing industry.
Alongside its long-standing undergraduate course, the University also delivers a respected postgraduate programme in journalism and, last year, launched a postgraduate course in Sports Journalism – reflecting its dedication to training aspiring reporters across a range of sectors.
Students benefit from expert teaching by leading academics and experienced practitioners, combining the fundamentals of journalism with hands-on newsroom experience.
Professor Sue Rigby, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “At Edinburgh Napier, we are proud to have delivered our journalism course for the past 50 years. While the industry has changed beyond recognition, the need for trusted, credible reporting has never been greater.
“The continued appetite to study journalism shows that the next generation is ready to step up. Our role is to give them the tools, integrity and confidence to thrive, ensuring that the stories that matter are told with accuracy and impact for decades to come.
“This anniversary is not only about reflecting on the past 50 years but also about looking ahead to the future of journalism.”
Edinburgh Napier University is ranked Scotland’s number one modern university in the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings and continues to uphold its reputation for industry-focused, world-class teaching.
For more information on journalism at Edinburgh Napier please visit:
