26/03/2026 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Ideas of tomorrow on display at rare engineering show led by students

Engineering students at one of the country’s leading STEM‑focused universities are offering the public a rare chance to see the ideas shaping the world around us.

Hosted at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus on April 01, the Civil Engineering Degree Show will feature real‑world projects developed by students across all years of learning.

The event centres on new thinking driving the future of transport, sustainable energy, coastal protection, Net Zero buildings and the water systems essential to everyday life.

The exhibition takes place on campus and is designed for anyone with an interest in how Scotland’s infrastructure develops, including industry, schools, local authorities and members of the public.

Rod Macdonald, Associate Professor at the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, who is leading the event said: “This is a unique opportunity for visitors to speak directly with the people who will design and deliver the infrastructure our communities depend on.”

“Our students are already thinking at the scale of Scotland’s major transport links, our future energy needs, our coastal resilience and the systems that support safe, sustainable living.

“It’s been incredibly inspiring working alongside them on their various projects and it’s great to see how they are all thinking beyond today, looking at what society will need decades from now, and translating that into innovative, practical designs.”

The show takes place from 2–6pm in the James Watt Centre Foyer, offering the public the opportunity to meet the students and academics behind the projects.

Eleven exhibitions will be on display, highlighting the breadth of civil engineering work at Heriot‑Watt, from early concept models to complex design projects tackling real‑world challenges.

Projects on display will explore how smarter cities and infrastructure could be designed in the future, while also addressing climate and sustainability challenges, the creation of energy‑efficient infrastructure, improved transport for growing populations and new ways to build communities that are resilient by design.

Shadi Mohamed, Associate Professor at the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society added: “Each exhibition shows a different stage of learning, from first‑year students beginning design work to the final‑year teams completing Professional Design Projects that mirror real‑world industry challenges.

“Visitors will see how our students are planning for future transport, energy, coastal resilience, water networks and Net Zero buildings, all shown through models, visuals and direct conversations with the teams.”

Last year’s Degree Show included a standout project that explored how Edinburgh’s South Suburban Line could be reopened to passengers for the first time in more than sixty years, using low‑carbon tram‑train technology to better connect communities across the city.

The work drew strong public interest and showed how students at Heriot‑Watt apply their learning to real infrastructure challenges facing Scotland.

Events like the degree show reflect the practical approach that prepares graduates from Heriot‑Watt to step into roles with the technical confidence and real‑world experience needed to contribute from day one.

Students also benefit from practical learning opportunities such as ConStructEdScotland, where second years’ 3work alongside professional engineers and tradespeople to build full‑scale structures, gaining early insight into how designs become real projects.

The University’s approach prepares students to understand both local and global challenges, with an emphasis on sustainability, resilience and long‑term community benefit.

These strengths are supported by close relationships with partners such as the Civil Engineering Industry Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from AECOM, ARUP, Balfour Beatty, Halcrow, Jacobs, Buro Happold and WSP Group, ensuring teaching stays aligned with industry needs.

To learn more about the Degree Show, please visit:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heriot-watt-university-civil-engineering-degree-show-2026-tickets-1983870264365

Vivere gain planning consent for Edinburgh’s first community of extra care homes

NEW RETIREMENT VILLAGE WILL PROVIDE 48 HOMES ON FORMER ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL CAMPUS SITE

Vivere Extra Care Group is pleased to have gained a ‘minded to approve’ planning consent from The City of Edinburgh Council for Edinburgh’s first fully integrated community of extra care homes, located on the 2.2 acre Lansdowne House site on Coltbridge Terrace in Murayfield.

Once complete, the new community will provide 48 extra care homes, communal resident’s lounges and facilites, on site parking, landscaped gardens and Edinburgh and Scotland’s first Zero Carbon 5G heat network, located on the vacant brownfield former Lower School Campus site of St George’s School.

The former school campus will be returned to its residential origins since it was originally a grand Victorian villa set in landscaped grounds including a Victorian lodge house and stables, formerly known as Coltbridge Hall, built in 1875, designed by architect T.B. McFadzen.

The new extra care community will help to address the proven demand in Edinburgh for age-appropriate housing with 24/7 care services that supports residents to age-in-place and retain their independence, an alternative to a care home.

Vivere Extra Care Group plan to invest circa £25 million to restore and refurbish the historic buildings on the site and undertake the construction to return Lansdowne House to its residential origins.

During the refurbishment and construction period the new project will contribute to the Edinburgh economy providing over 100 construction jobs including a local builder apprentiship programme for 16-25 year olds.

When the new community is operational, it will support up to 16 full-time jobs on site and local business partners in Edinburgh, contributing almost £625,000 per annual (estimate) to the local economy, with the residents themselves contributing almost £430,000 per annum to the local economy in taxes and spending.

Central to the proposals is a commitment by Vivere Extra Care Group to protect, conserve and sensitively refurbish the listed buildings, alongside new build elements which will be thoughtfully designed to complement the character of the Victorian buildings.

Inside the main two storey Victorian villa (Category C Listed) all the heritage rooms on the ground floor will be fully retained and carefully restored to provide communal lounges and shared amenity spaces for residents.

The high-quality facilities will include a bistro, private dining, a multi-purpose room for a range of activities and a hobby/craft room encouraging socialising. The rooms on the upper floor will be transformed into heritage apartments offering large living spaces and beautiful retained period features.

The scheme will also offer a Health Club, including a full equipped fitness-studio, an activity area for classes such as Pilates and Yoga, a physiotherapy treatment room and post-operative services. The on-site management team will support the residents on a day-to-day basis and estate management services will ensure the maintenance of the buildings and grounds.

In the grounds, the current modern buildings will be replaced with new high quality buildings, with the grounds enhanced with landscaped gardens, including the modern reinstatement of the original sunken garden of 1875, with new planting and existing trees protected in order to enhance the residential character and quality of the place.

The landscaping will enhance the biodiversity of the site by increasing the percentage of usable green space by creating a range of garden types, with green and blue roofs enhancing biodiversity as well as slowing rainwater down before going into the main drainage system.

Scott Curran, Co-Founding Director of Vivere Extra Care Group says: “Vivere Extra Care Group is pleased to have gained a ‘minded to approve’ planning consent from The City of Edinburgh Council for Edinburgh’s first fully integrated community of extra care homes on the 2.2 acre Lansdowne House site.

“We thank The City of Edinburgh Council and members of the local community for working closely with us to help finalise our proposals for the project.”

Vivere Co-Founding Director Beatrix Lehnert adds: “This is an important step in the provision of much needed extra care housing in Edinburgh. Lansdowne is the first of four planned developments we have in the pipeline in Edinburgh over the next five years.

“Our proposals are aligned with the Scottish Government’s ambition to both raise life expectancy in Scotland and the provision of suitable housing and amenities for older people which help to enhance their health and wellbeing.”

For further information on Vivere Extra Care Group visit:

www.vivere-scotland.com

IMAGES: VIVERE EXTRA CARE GROUP

£5.07m community path fund leaves lasting legacy across Scotland

Ian Findlay Path Fund supports projects in Edinburgh

COMMUNITIES across Scotland are celebrating the impact of a £5.07 million investment in local path networks. Between 2022 and 2026, the Ian Findlay Path Fund, funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Walking Scotland, helped 62 projects across 17 council areas.

The fund has supported eight path projects in Edinburgh over four years, including the Dalmeny Path Development, the Coalie Park Improvement Project and the Gyle Park Path Network Upgrade 2023.

These initiatives have supported upgrades to path surfaces, improved accessibility and strengthened connections between local communities and green spaces, making it easier for residents to walk and wheel throughout the city.

Across Scotland, communities have upgraded more than 69 kilometres of path surfaces, created over 16 kilometres of new link paths and improved almost 29 kilometres of routes connecting neighbourhoods with local services and green spaces.

Projects have also removed 28 accessibility barriers, installed 92 seats along community paths and improved lighting, drainage and signage, helping to make routes safer and easier to use throughout the year.

Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer at Walking Scotland, said: “The Ian Findlay Path Fund has left a lasting legacy that people in Edinburgh will benefit from for years to come. These practical improvements make a real difference to people’s daily lives.

“When paths are safe, well-maintained and easy to use, people walk and wheel more. That benefits their health and their communities.

“It also helps the environment, as more people choosing to walk and wheel reduces the number of car journeys and carbon emissions.”

The fund was established in memory of Ian Findlay CBE, former Chief Executive Officer of Walking Scotland, whose work championed the importance of accessible paths and everyday walking and wheeling in building healthier, more connected communities across Scotland.

Kevin added, “The Ian Findlay Path Fund was the perfect way for all of us to pay tribute to Ian. I’m delighted that we can now look back and celebrate its many achievements.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said, “The Ian Findlay Path Fund has been an important part of our commitment to supporting communities across Scotland to create safe, accessible and attractive places to walk, wheel and enjoy their local environments.

“Since its inception, this fund has empowered local groups, who understand the needs and character of their own areas, to lead improvements that make every day active travel easier and more appealing.

“As the fund comes to a close this month, I want to pay tribute to the volunteers, community organisations and partners who have turned small scale, grassroots ideas into meaningful local change.

“Their work embodies the spirit of community led development and complements our wider national ambition to make walking, wheeling and cycling the natural choice for shorter journeys.

“While this chapter concludes this year, the legacy of the Ian Findlay Path Fund will continue in the strengthened connections, safer routes and more vibrant places it has helped deliver across Scotland.”

To find out more about the work of Walking Scotland, please visit:

https://walkingscotland.org.uk/

NHS staff to benefit from World Cup Bank Holiday

Marking the achievement of the men’s national football team

First Minister John Swinney has confirmed that NHS staff will get the one-off national Bank holiday to mark Scotland’s return to the men’s football World Cup for the first time since 1998.

Health Secretary Neil Gray has written to staff representatives at the country’s largest employer to confirm they will have the chance to celebrate the sporting achievement.

The First Minister said: “The bank holiday on June 15 is a chance to get together with family and friends and make the most of the men’s national football team competing in the first World Cup finals for 28 years.

“I want to ensure that our hard-working NHS staff have that opportunity, so I am pleased to confirm all NHS Scotland staff will benefit from the extra holiday.

“The efforts of NHS staff have seen waits of over a year decreasing for eight consecutive months and new outpatient waits over a year more than halving since July 2025. I am deeply grateful for all they continue to do to drive progress and this holiday recognises that.

“Not only is this an historic sporting event, it’s also a chance for Scotland to be on the world stage, to attract business development, create tourism interest and make cultural and sporting connections.”

Measures will be put in place to ensure the NHS will continue to operate as it normally would on public holidays.

Save on Easter childcare egg-spenses in Scotland with Tax-Free Childcare

Working families encouraged to cut the cost of Easter childcare by signing up to Tax-Free Childcare
Latest figures show 36,120 families in Scotland saved on their childcare bills in December 2025
More than £46 million in government cash helped with childcare costs for almost 660,000 children

More than 36,100 families in Scotland saved money on their childcare in December as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) urges families to sign up before booking their Easter holiday childcare.

Working families who sign up to Tax-Free Childcare can make yearly savings of £2,000 off their childcare costs for each of their children up to the age of 11 and £4,000 for disabled children up to the age of 16.

Visit GOV.UK to check eligibility and register for Tax-Free Childcare.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “£2,000 a year off childcare bills can make a big difference to household expenses. There are plenty of childcare providers to choose from to suit your needs and your children’s interests – sign up today to make those savings for the Easter school holidays and for your plans for the rest of the year. Go to GOV.UK to find out more.”

Once a Tax-Free Childcare account has been opened for each child, for every £8 deposited, the government tops it up by £2. A total of £46.6 million in government cash was added to accounts in December, the latest figures show, contributing to the cost of childcare for almost 660,000 children.

A family can save up to £500 every three months for each child (£1,000 every three months if the child is disabled) which can be used to pay for any approved childcare.

Parents can choose from thousands of providers now accepting Tax-Free Childcare as payment including wraparound care or childminders for term time care, or holiday clubs and workshops during the school holidays.

Once an account is open, parents can deposit money to use straight away or keep it in the account for whenever it’s needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time.  

Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they:  

have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11^th birthday. If their child has a disability, they receive up to £4,000 a year to help with higher childcare costs that are often involved, until 1 September after their 16^th birthday
the parent and their partner (if they have one) earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average  
each earn no more than £100,000 per annum  
do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers

Tax-Free Childcare can be used alongside the free childcare hours, subject to eligibility.

Dedicated specialist support for families affected by childhood dementia

Scotland has taken an ‘important step forward’ in recognising childhood dementia by funding specialist support for families affected by it, Health Secretary Neil Gray has said.

The Scottish Government is providing £118,873 to Alzheimer Scotland to support the employment of two childhood dementia development officers – the first country in the United Kingdom to fund this kind of dedicated support.

The development officers will be responsible to raising awareness of childhood dementia, developing understanding amongst professionals, and ensuring a support network is in place for families affected by it.

Childhood dementia is a term used to describe a range of rare, inherited conditions that affect children and young people. Often life-limiting, it can lead to symptoms more commonly associated with adult dementia – including loss of speech, memory, mobility and the ability to carry out everyday tasks.

Mr Gray said: “My sympathies go out to any young people and families affected by childhood dementia.

“Childhood dementia may still be considered rare but for many it can be life-limiting. That’s why we’re doing all we can to maximise life expectancy and to ensure families have access to the support and care they need.

“The First Minister and I recently met with campaigners and families living with childhood dementia. I thank them for sharing their experiences and that meeting had a profound impact on us.

“That’s why I’m pleased we have become the first country in the United Kingdom to provide specialised support, through Alzheimer Scotland, for childhood dementia. It’s an important step forward in recognising the impact of childhood dementia in Scotland and providing the care and advice to those who need it.”

Young journalist from Portobello aims to tackle election misinformation

A new youth-led broadcast project is set to tackle misinformation and disinformation during the upcoming Scottish Elections, giving young people across the country a platform to investigate claims and engage voters with fact-checked reporting.

Launched yesterday (25 March 2026) Future Proof is an innovative initiative led by the Scottish Youth Film Foundation (SYFF). Six young journalists from across Scotland have been recruited to report on election campaigns through the lens of misinformation, disinformation and AI-generated content.

One of the six journalists is Rory Kirkpatrick from Portobello. Rory said: “As misinformation seems to get more and more prevalent, bringing attention to the truth only becomes more important.

“I believe we all must adapt to the ways that the spread of misinformation is changing in the age of social media.

“I’m joining SYFF’s Future Proof newsroom with the aim of helping people stay informed so that they can make decisions based off facts.”

Also joining Rory will be Emilie from Fort William, Robert from Kiltarlity, Rachel and Santi from Glasgow, and Tom from Kirkcaldy. Together, they offer a broad and diverse perspective on the issues affecting young people across the country.

Starting from 8 April, the team will produce four weekly live shows on YouTube, broadcasting every Tuesday at 6pm until 29 April. Each programme will investigate misleading claims, fabricated facts and AI generated content circulating during the campaign, while highlighting the issues that matter most to young voters.

Following each broadcast, the team will host a companion interactive webinar, allowing young people across Scotland to question the journalists directly and engage with expert guests on the key topics shaping the election.

The sessions aim to support engagement among young and first-time voters, while also providing relevant discussion material for teachers and pupils in schools.

David Barras, co-founder of the Scottish Youth Film Foundation, said:
“It’s fantastic that Rory is supporting this really important project. Future Proof puts young people at the heart of one of the most important conversations in modern democracy – how we recognise truth in an age of misinformation.

“By giving young journalists the tools to investigate claims and question narratives, we’re helping ensure that the next generation of voters is informed, confident and ready to engage.

“The project was inspired by a discussion on media literacy and disinformation at the Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics in summer 2025. Building on that conversation, Future Proof invites young people to articulate the issues that go beyond party political priorities and bring their perspectives to the centre of election debate.”

The post-show webinars are being delivered with support from Scotland’s Development Education Centres, working collectively on media literacy as part of global citizenship education under the umbrella of Scotland’s International Development Alliance (SIDA).

The project is being advised by Huw Owen, a former BBC Scotland News Editor who is also the Co-Chair of the Education Committee of SIDA.

Huw Owen said: “The impact of malicious and careless communication via digital and social media is now having a profound effect on all our lives. Supercharged by AI fakes, it is fuelling polarisation and fear within and between many of our communities here in Scotland and beyond. It is a clear threat to civilised debate and long shared democratic values.

“Across the globe, the distortion or misinterpretation of facts about conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and now Iran, or the undermining of well-established research on the climate crisis, must be combated with up-to-date guidance and support to help us turn the tide towards truth, honesty and decency in our politics.

“As a global citizenship community across Scotland and beyond, we firmly believe this effort must start in our schools and other places of learning. We need to reaffirm universal values of fairness and tolerance along with up-to-date tools and techniques to actively combat disinformation.

“This must be an overarching priority for whichever government is elected at Holyrood. It’s not too late to future proof our democracy.”

The initiative also brings together a range of national partners supporting young people’s participation in democratic debate.

Global fact-checking organisation Full Fact will provide training to the young journalists. The organisation has warned about the growing threat of AI-driven misinformation during election campaigns and continues to call for stronger responses to protect democratic processes.

Mark Frankel from Full Fact says: “These elections are taking place against a backdrop of an unprecedented distortion of facts. The public feels ill-equipped to deal with the manipulation of information they see before them and the threat of AI as they see it.

“Things are emerging online which are being pushed to them and they don’t know whether to believe it. It’s clear that this is undermining trust in our politicians, trust in the political system and the future of our democracies.”

Additional partners include Young Scot and the Scottish Youth Parliament, whose report “Young People and Politics” has informed the project and whose networks will help bring young voices into the conversation through guest speakers and participation opportunities.

The John Smith Centre will also contribute guest speakers and provide access to a youth hustings event taking place at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh on 26 April.

Future Proof will stream live on YouTube at 6pm on 8, 15, 22 and 29 April. Each broadcast will be followed by an interactive webinar open to schools, youth organisations and young people across Scotland.

Foysol Choudhury reflects on Parliamentary term

As his term as a Member of the Scottish Parliament comes to a close, Foysol Choudhury reflects on five years of representing the people of the Lothians, highlighting key achievements and defining issues during his time in office.

Since being elected in 2021, Foysol Choudhury has worked to address the most pressing concerns facing constituents, including NHS waiting times and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. He has concluded thousands of constituency cases, the majority of which relate to health, housing, and civil law and rights.

Many of these cases involve highly complex issues that Mr. Choudhury has supported his constituents with over several years.

Healthcare has remained a central focus of his work. Choudhury consistently advocated for improved access to GP services, reduced waiting times, and increased funding for diabetes treatment and brain tumour research. His work in this area contributed to progress in diabetes care and earned recognition through a Holyrood Awards nomination.

In 2025, he led the Parliament’s first Members’ Business debate on access to medical devices, placing patient experience at the forefront of policy discussions and pushing for improved access to essential treatments.

Beyond healthcare, Mr Choudhury supported communities on a wide range of local issues. He campaigned against unsafe housing conditions such as damp and mould, helped residents in Westfield Court pause demolition plans, and worked with communities in Eyre Place Lane to challenge over-scaled developments.

His work also covered infrastructure and local services, where he applied sustained pressure to progress projects such as the Winchburgh train station, supported South Queensferry residents seeking improved access to new housing via Ferrymuir Gait Road, and advocated for the revitalisation of Drylaw Shopping Centre.

He further pressed for faster progress on a new East Calder Health Centre and challenged cuts to health, social care, and community funding, warning of their impact on vulnerable communities.

As the first Bangladeshi Member of the Scottish Parliament, Foysol Choudhury worked to bring issues of racism and inequality to parliamentary debate. He called for stronger action to tackle racism, greater clarity on resources for schools, and supported efforts to promote a more inclusive curriculum reflecting Scotland’s diversity.

Foysol Choudhury also played a key role in advancing a petition on swimming provision, backing his constituent’s campaign and calling for a consistent national approach to ensure all children can swim by the end of primary school, emphasising it as a vital, life-saving skill.

Reflecting on his time in office, Foysol Choudhury said:“It has been a true privilege to represent the people of the Lothians. I am deeply grateful to everyone who placed their trust in me, shared their stories, and allowed me to champion their causes.

“This work would not have been possible without the dedication, care, and tireless efforts of so many: my team, colleagues, organisations, and communities driving change. My sincere thanks to you all.“

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