Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Plan for future of Grangemouth?

Friends of the Earth: Project Willow “does nothing” for the hundreds of people at Grangemouth set to lose their jobs in the coming months

Plans to secure a long-term industrial future for Grangemouth have been stepped up as a feasibility study sets out nine options for its future.

The plan – which is backed by £25 million from the Scottish Government and £200 million from the UK Government – will support jobs, unlock investment and drive growth.

The £1.5 million feasibility study – published today by EY – follows the recent decision by Petroineos to decommission the oil refinery.

It has identified credible long-term industrial options for the Grangemouth site and explored how Grangemouth can build on its skilled workforce, local expertise and long heritage as a fuel leader in Scotland to forge a new path in low carbon energy production.  

The report provides nine proposals likely to attract private investment, including plastics recycling, hydrogen production and other projects that could create up to 800 jobs by 2040.

It follows First Minister John Swinney’s announcement of £25 million to establish a Grangemouth Just Transition Fund, which will support businesses and stakeholders to bring forward investible propositions for the site over the next 12 months, and the Prime Minister’s announcement last month of £200 million to help unlock Grangemouth’s full potential.

First Minister John Swinney said: “We will leave no stone unturned in order to secure the future of the Grangemouth refinery site, and the Scottish Government has already committed or invested a total of £87 million to help do so.

“Grangemouth is home to over a century of industrial expertise and employs thousands of highly skilled workers, placing the site at a massive competitive advantage and creating a unique opportunity for investors.

“Everyone working at Grangemouth’s refinery – and in the wider industrial cluster – is a valued employee with skills that are key to Scotland’s economic and net zero future.

“This report sets out a wide range of viable alternatives for the refinery site, demonstrating that a long term, new industrial future at Grangemouth is achievable.

“We will continue to work closely with the UK Government to realise these opportunities and Scottish Enterprise stands ready to support inward investors looking to progress any of these technologies.”

UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: “We committed to leaving no stone unturned in supporting an industrial future for Grangemouth delivering jobs and economic growth. 

“This report and the £200 million investment by the UK Government demonstrates that commitment. 

“We will build on Grangemouth’s expertise and industrial heritage to attract investors, secure a long-term clean energy future, and deliver on our Plan for Change.” 

To kickstart the process, Energy Minister Michael Shanks and Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin co-chaired a meeting yesterday (Wednesday 19 March) of the Grangemouth Future Industry Board with local industry leaders, Falkirk Council, trade bodies and unions.

Scottish Enterprise and the UK Government’s Office for Investment will work with Petroineos to market the proposals set out in Project Willow and seek investor interest.   

Alongside launching a search for investors, both governments have also committed to review the Project Willow policy recommendations and understand how government funding can be deployed to mature proposals from the private sector. 

The nine projects include: 

  • Waste: hydrothermal upgrading (breaking down hard to recycle plastics), chemical plastics recycling, ABE biorefining (breaking down waste material)
  • Bio-feedstock: breaking down Scottish timber into bioethanol, anaerobic digestion of bioresources and digestate pyrolysis, HEFA (conversion of Scottish cover crops into sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel using low carbon hydrogen).
  • Offshore wind conduit: Replacing natural gas with hydrogen, using low carbon hydrogen to produce methanol and convert it to SAF, producing low carbon ammonia from hydrogen for shipping and chemicals.

Just transition campaigners say Project Willow “does nothing” for the hundreds of people at Grangemouth set to lose their jobs in the coming months, however.

The Project Willow feasibility study, published yesterday:

  • Sets out 9 possible options for the future of Grangemouth, all of which would require private investment
  • States up to 800 jobs could be created by 2040
  • Does not include any support for the hundreds of people set to lose their jobs this year

PetroIneos announced the oil refinery will close by summer 2025. The company instead will import refined oil, effectively offshoring the resultant climate pollution.

Friends of the Earth Scotland just transition campaigner Rosie Hampton commented: “It would be disingenuous to suggest the Project Willow report is a plan for workers and the community at Grangemouth – it’s simply a set of suggestions that would ultimately rely on private investment if they were to happen.

“They haven’t been put together with any involvement from trade unions or workers at the refinery, and it does nothing for the hundreds of people set to lose their jobs when the refinery closes this summer.

“As one of Scotland’s most polluting sites, we’ve known for years that Grangemouth needed a transition plan. There was no excuse for politicians not having the right investment, planning and policy in place, because their inaction has paved the way for the swingeing job cuts by Petroineos.

“It’s welcome that options beyond fossil fuels are finally being considered but the scope of the report has left room for dodgy greenwashing projects which are more about maximising profits for companies than protecting the environment.

“It’s not surprising that a report commissioned by Petroineos using public money doesn’t address that company’s failures to plan for a sustainable future and look after its workforce. The core assumption that private money has to be enticed into investing with government subsidy, for which the public get the risk but not the returns, is a real cause for concern.

“The paper speculates it might be possible to create up to 800 jobs by 2040 but that is 15 years too late for the 400 people at the refinery, and many more across the supply chain, facing the loss of their livelihoods in the next few months.

“The two governments must now set out much tighter criteria for any investments and say how it will build on this to create an actual just transition plan that will protect people and the planet.”

project-willow_pid_v214Download

Men’s Tour de France 2027 to begin in Edinburgh

 TOUR DE FRANCE TO RETURN TO THE UK IN 2027 WITH HISTORIC DUAL GRAND DÉPARTS

In a historic milestone, the world’s biggest bike races, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, will both take place in the UK in 2027, marking the first time both the men’s and women’s Grand Départs will take place in the same country (outside France).

England, Scotland, and Wales are all set to host stages of this famous event in 2027, making it the largest free sporting spectacle in British history with millions expected to line the streets for the return of the Tour de France, and to witness the first ever staging of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in the UK.

The men’s Tour de France will begin in Edinburgh.

Further route details for both the men’s and women’s 2027 Grand Départs will be announced in the Autumn, with the focus on maximising the opportunity to showcase Britain’s diverse landscapes alongside the nation’s enthusiasm for cycling and inspiring as many people as possible through the event.

As a key part of this, a landmark social impact programme will be delivered as part of the build-up to the 2027 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift Grand Départs. The ambitious programme will deliver long-lasting benefits for thousands of people across the country by tackling inactivity, improving mental wellbeing, boosting economic growth and supporting communities to thrive.

The return of Tour de France to the UK is the result of an ambitious and collaborative effort from key partners, including British Cycling, UK Sport, UK Government, Scottish and Welsh Governments, and event stakeholders in a strategic win that will drive lasting benefits for the sport and everyone who rides a bike.

The last time the men’s Tour de France graced British shores was in 2014 when crowds of people cheered from the roadsides of Yorkshire and London for three unforgettable stages, following the race’s previous visit to the UK in 2007.

With its return in 2027, the event offers an unparalleled opportunity to inspire a new generation of cycling fans and riders while boosting cycle tourism right across the country.

HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh led a spectacular celebration at Edinburgh Castle today, marking the official handover as the UK prepares to host the Grand Départ of both the 2027 Tour de France and Tour de France Femme. In a striking moment, the historic landmark was lit in yellow, with pyrotechnics and smoke displays creating a dramatic backdrop to this momentous announcement.

Tour de France General Director Christian Prudhomme, Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, British Cycling CEO Jon Dutton, and Tour de France legend Sir Mark Cavendish were present, alongside, young cyclists, Scottish pipers, and dignitaries from across England, Scotland, and Wales, highlighting the excitement and legacy these world-class races will bring.

Christian Prudhomme, General Director, Tour de France, said: “The Tour de France and the UK share a rich history, and I am delighted to bring the Grand Départ to the country in 2027.

“Britain has always welcomed the Tour with enthusiasm and pride, and this collaboration across England, Scotland, and Wales promises to make the event even more special.”

First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, said: “It is a tremendous honour to welcome the Tour de France to Scotland. We know it is one of the most iconic and inspiring contests in sport, and that Scotland provides the perfect stage for major events.

“Hosting the Tour promises to be a unique opportunity to showcase our country to its many fans around the world as part of a timeline of incredible sporting events in Scotland from 2026 to 2028.”

First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, said: “The Welsh stage of the 2027 UK Grand Depart promises to be a memorable experience for competitors and fans alike. Boasting stunning landscapes, warm and welcoming communities and an ever-growing fanbase of cycling enthusiasts, Wales will provide the ultimate challenge and a unique Welsh ‘Croeso’ for the world’s biggest cycle race.

“We will build on our successful track record of hosting road cycling events, ensuring the Tour De France has a positive and lasting impact on cycling in Wales, by showcasing Wales as a top international destination for cyclists and encouraging more people in Wales to get into cycling.”

Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, said: “The opportunity to host the Grand Departs of both the Men’s and Women’s Tour de France will cement Britain’s reputation as a destination for major international sporting events. This will stimulate growth, attract new visitors and leave a lasting legacy for athletes and fans alike.

“Staging the Tour de France Femmes in Britain for the first time will also be an historic occasion and inspire the next generation of female cyclists while supporting our mission of breaking down barriers for women and girls to get more involved in sport.”

Simon Morton, Director of Events at UK Sport said: “We set out to host the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes because we believe that live sport is a fundamental part of our country’s social fabric, and that we should be hosting events that are accessible to people and communities across the country.

“This will be the biggest free spectator event ever hosted in the UK, offering the public front-row access to world class sport across villages, towns and cities. We can’t wait to share more details later in the year about this truly remarkable route.”

Jon Dutton OBE, CEO of British Cycling, said: “The return of the Tour de France Grand Départ to Britain is an exciting moment for cycling in the UK.

“Hosting both the men’s and women’s races together will be a first, and we believe it has the potential to inspire more people to discover the joy and benefits of cycling. This is not just about the race – it’s about creating a national moment that encourages healthier lifestyles, supports cycle tourism, and brings communities together.”

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker welcome the announcement.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the Tour de France Grand Départ to Edinburgh. With our winding cobbled streets and iconic backdrop, the city provides a dramatic, challenging, and undeniably picturesque start to this legendary race. It’s sure to be a sight to remember.

“This will be an exhilarating event for the city and a major highlight of 2027. Edinburgh’s residents are renowned for offering a warm and unforgettable welcome to millions of visitors each year, and we look forward to extending that same hospitality to the Tour de France.”

Culture and Communities Convener, Val Walker, said: “As the world’s largest annual sporting event, the Tour de France will bring elite cyclists from across the globe to Edinburgh, showcasing exactly why our city is celebrated worldwide as a premier events destination.

“Edinburgh is no stranger to cycling events, and has proudly hosted stages of the Tour of Britian and the UCI Championships in 2023. Beyond the significant benefits to the local economy, the global media coverage will place Edinburgh at the heart of the world’s stage, strengthening our city’s international reputation.

“These events not only allow Edinburgh’s residents to see some of the world’s leading cyclists in action but also showcase the very best of the city to travelling tourists and athletes.

“Cycling in the Capital continues to grow in popularity, so hosting another major event is fantastic news. I’m confident the people of Edinburgh will come out in full support of the riders, and a successful Grand Départ will surely ignite even more passion for the sport.”

To find out more information and keep up-to-date with the 2027 Grand Départs, please visit letourgb.com

Calling Scottish Artists: £10,000 Commission at The Caledonian

The Caledonian Edinburgh is inviting Scottish artists and designers to submit entries for a unique art installation in their newly refurbished food & drinks destination, The Court.

The selected artist will receive a £10,000 commission to create a hero piece that will become a focal point of this iconic space.

About The Court:

Blending vintage luxury with mid-century design, The Court is a vibrant social hub celebrating artistry, culture, and music. The space features a grand cocktail bar, exceptional all-day dining, a patisserie, lounge and also a live music stage.

Brief

While the hotel’s rich history is acknowledged, we encourage artists to think beyond heritage and rail travel themes, creating a unique and engaging work that complements the newly re-imagined space’s energy and atmosphere. Visual excellence, storytelling, conceptual thinking, technical craftsmanship, subject depth, and understanding will be several of the aspects that the judging panel will take into consideration when successfully awarding the commission.

Entries should fit within a wall space of 8200 cm (w) x 3600cm (h), with one piece of art or a series of pieces.

Submission Details:

  • Entry Period: Open until 31st March 2025
  • Eligibility: Open to all Scottish artists (entry is free)
  • Selection Process: Reviewed by The Caledonian Edinburgh’s Ownership and Leadership Team

Artists are invited to visit and view The Court and seek inspiration and insight to their piece.

To submit an entry for the competition, artists can send their proposal, chosen media, length of commission required, and samples of their previous work to marketing@edinburghcaledonian.com and this will be shared with our Team for review.

New tour offers ‘unflinching look’ into one of Edinburgh’s most devastating historical events

Exclusive new Contagion & Carnage: The Plague Tour at The Real Mary King’s Close brings to life one of Edinburgh’s darkest chapters

The Real Mary King’s Close is offering an uncompromising look into one of the most devastating chapters of Edinburgh’s history: the Plague.

Recently revealed as the UK’s favourite tourist attraction and 11th best visitor attraction in Europe in this year’s Tripadvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards – Best of the Best for 2024, this limited-time event promises a compelling insight into the people who lived—and died—through Edinburgh’s darkest days.

The immersive ‘Contagion & Carnage: The Plague Tour’ will take place every Friday and Saturday throughout April 2025, within the atmospheric underground streets of The Real Mary King’s Close. Guests will be transported back to the 17th century during the tour with stories on how the Black Death ravaged the city, as streets were overcrowded and unsanitary.

During the tour, which is not for the faint hearted, guests will learn about figures such as Dr. John Paulitious, Edinburgh’s first official plague doctor, and Lang Meg, a rare female leader of the city’s Foul Clengers—the team tasked with cleaning infected homes and disposing of the dead.

Through storytelling, visitors will witness the impact of the bubonic plague and learn about the desperate measures taken to contain its spread.

Guests will explore the once cramped 17th-century homes, where entire families suffered through illness with little hope of survival. The tour also delves into the gruesome medical practices of the time, from the use of red-hot pokers to treat buboes to the introduction of the now-iconic plague doctor’s beaked mask, an early form of protective clothing.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “The Real Mary King’s Close is a place filled with excitement and mystery, as guests explore what the city was once like.

“The streets encountered some of Edinburgh’s darkest days, and the plague was one of the most devastating events to hit the city as it ravaged the overcrowded streets. We are proud to be able to tell the story of what happened with our new immersive Plague Tour that will not only bring to life what happened but show how it impacted us all today helping shape modern pandemic responses.”

The experience draws striking parallels between past and present, highlighting the evolution of disease control and the eerie similarities between historic quarantines and modern pandemic responses. This gripping exploration of Edinburgh’s plague-ridden past is both educational and thought-provoking, shedding light on a chapter of history that shaped the city’s future.

The Real Mary King’s Close stands as an important part of Edinburgh’s history. It teaches the following generations about the incredible struggles people faced during the plague, the extreme living conditions, and the punishing impact of social hierarchy.

The tours will be running four times per day every Friday and Saturday throughout April 2025. Tickets for the Plague Tour are priced at £30 per person, with availability limited due to the intimate nature of the tour. Given the expected demand, early booking is highly recommended.

For more information and bookings please visit: 

https://bookings.realmarykingsclose.com/book

Spokes Public Meeting, Wednesday 30th April: Cycling as part of Edinburgh’s Transport Policy

A first opportunity to hear Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, the Council’s new Transport Convener, speak on the role of cycling as part of Edinburgh City Council’s transport policy.

Cllr Jenkinson will be accompanied by Deborah Paton, Head of Transport, Strategy and Partnership at the Council. Deborah has considerable previous transport and active travel policy experience, including at Glasgow and West Lothian Councils.

Followed by our always-anticipated one-hour panel QA, chaired by Helen Todd, chair of Planning Democracy and former Ramblers Scotland policy manager.

At the start of his convenership, Cllr Jenkinson said there has been a great deal of consultation and policy development in the last few years, resulting in the Mobility Plan and other excellent policies under Future Streets … and that his priority would now be delivery.

This is a chance to hear what is happening, and to put forward your priorities, ideas and concerns in the QA.

2503 Poster, Cllr Jenkinson mtgDownload

Arrangements

Further information and press queries

Phone, until 7 April: 0131 313 2114 from 8 April: 07982 278936

or email spokes@spokes.org.uk [reply may be a day or two]

The Causey to host first free on-street projection event of the year

This Saturday (22 March), The Causey will be brought to life by Folk Tales for New Scots, a one-off exhibition, live storytelling and on-street projection event courtesy of Beetroots Collective CIC and Causey Development Trust. 

The exhibition will kick off at 7pm at The Causey (outside Buccleuch and Greyfriars Free Church) and is the result of a series of arts workshops for both locals and the immigrant and asylum seeker communities in Edinburgh, carried out in collaboration with storyteller Claire McNicol and aimed at fostering community ties through Scottish folklore.

Then from 7.30pm a bold and bright animation of this work will light up the historic buildings surrounding The Causey, bringing both the space and Scotland’s myths and legends to life. 

Free to attend this is just one in a series of events created by Beetroots Collective CIC, in collaboration with Causey Development Trust, that bring together Edinburgh’s Southside community with locals and visitors from across the city.

The third of its kind in two years the event will also highlight the work of CDT volunteers who have been campaigning for 17 years to transform The Causey into a fine public space that prioritises people and can host community events.

CDT has shovel ready plans to turn The Causey into a safer, greener space that puts the wellbeing of people first with reduced motorised traffic, stylish seating, planters, trees and even a rejuvenated Police Box.

Perhaps most importantly these plans, designed by the award-winning landscape architects Ironside Farrar, will facilitate a much wider range of arts, culture and community events in the future. Members of CDT will be on hand at the event to discuss these plans with visitors.

Sarah Drummond, Chair of Causey Development Trust, said: “We can’t wait to host our first on-street projection event of the year at The Causey thanks to the incredibly talented Beetroots Collective CIC.

“These events exemplify why this space is so important for the well-being of Edinburgh residents, to help foster community spirit and breathe new life into underused parts of our city.

“We are very lucky to enjoy the support of locals and supporters hailing from all kinds of backgrounds and countries, and we are excited to see their work brought to life this Saturday 22 March, at The Causey.”

Drivers warned of rise in moped scammers stealing people’s details

Drivers are being urged to avoid exchanging unnecessary details after an accident, such as pictures of their insurance certificate and driving licence, following a rise in a new crash for cash tactic involving identity theft – warns the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB).

Since last summer, the IFB has discovered over 1,100 fraudulent motor insurance policies were taken out by moped scammers using stolen details of crash for cash victims, which can result in significant emotional distress and financial hardship for those affected.[1]

The issue links to a £75 million insurance fraud scheme, which to date has seen 4,700 innocent road users deliberately targeted by two-wheel scammers in collisions across London, and more recently, in the South East.[2]

To help protect the public from this devastating new scam, the IFB has launched an awareness appeal to urge road users to watch out for the warning signs and report it to CheatLine.

John Davies, Intelligence & Investigations Manager at the IFB, said: ““This latest trend shows just how relentless moped scammers are, as not only are they putting innocent road users at risk and accusing them of causing collisions, they’re now stealing their details to commit financial crime and it’s having a horrendous impact on victims.

“It’s important to remember, if you’ve had an accident and the other driver wants a photo of your insurance certificate or driving licence, that’s a red flag – you only legally need to share your name, address and vehicle registration number. Don’t be pressured into handing over anything else.

“We’re working closely with insurers and the police to stop this fraudulent activity. Anyone who believes they have evidence of a crash for cash or thinks their details have been stolen for an insurance scam, should report it to CheatLine.”

Detective Inspector Marek Coghill at City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), said: “Organised criminal gangs continue to cause collisions with innocent parties’ vehicles for the purpose of benefitting from bogus insurance claims and stealing the identity or policy details of the innocent party.

“These ‘crashes’ often occur at low speed, particularly junctions, incurring minor or no impact, and little damage to either vehicle. The value of the insurance claims is often inflated, for repairs, storage, and replacement vehicles, which makes this lucrative criminal activity attractive for fraudsters. It is important that the public remain alert to this type of fraud, and we encourage communities to share knowledge of this offending.

“If you witness or are involved in a collision and suspect it is Crash for Cash fraud, gather as much information as possible. This could be the make and model of the moped, its number plate, livery, or the clothing that the driver is wearing.

“These details could be invaluable in disproving a fraudulent claim. Report the incident as soon as possible to the Insurance Fraud Bureau’s CheatLine.”

The scale and impact of crash for cash moped scams

Crash for cash moped scams have been on the rise since 2021. They are common across London, and recently there have been growing reports in South-East England; including in Chelmsford in Essex, Hertford, Rickmansworth and St Albans in Hertfordshire.

While anyone can be affected, victims are more often women who are driving alone or with their children, and there have been recent reports of elderly people being targeted.

Unlike traditional crash for cash scams where fraudsters slam on their car brake to cause a collision with the victim behind, moped scammers drive into oncoming traffic. They often hide out of sight in a side road or parking space, then drive into victims as they head towards them, before throwing their moped to the ground, taking photos and accusing the other driver of fault.

In this latest development, moped scammers are exploiting the need to exchange details after a collision, by pressuring victims who may be in a distressed or confused state, into showing a copy of their insurance certificate or driving licence, which is photographed at the roadside.

The fraudsters then steal their details, which can be used in a range of financial crimes. Notably, this includes taking out fraudulent insurance policies, which are used to facilitate bogus claims linked to crash for cash activity.

In one case, a victim of a moped scam who was pressured into showing their details, had over 40 insurance policies taken out using their stolen information, which was discovered after they started receiving letters in the post.

In other instances, the scammers are also using these stolen details to hijack victims’ existing insurance policies and implicate them with fraudulent insurance claims.

The IFB is working closely with the insurance industry and IFED at City of London Police to disrupt the issue, which so far has helped to prevent thousands of fraudulent claims from being paid out. As moped scammers’ tactics continue to evolve and become more aggressive, the public is being urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicions to CheatLine to help bring the fraudsters to justice.

Top tips to stay safe from moped scammers

Look out

Be vigilant of anyone on a moped (or motorcycle) who is lingering unnecessarily or trying to hide out of sight, at the end or sides of roads or behind parked vehicles.

Know the signs

The moped scammer will drive head-on into their victim, may throw their moped down and even drop to the floor to fake an injury, before taking photos of the incident. They might also have an accomplice appear to act as a witness.

Collect information

If targeted, collect as much info about the incident as possible, including details of the other road user, any witnesses, photographs and recordings (local CCTV or dashcam footage).

Do not exchange unnecessary details

After an accident, drivers are only legally required to exchange their name, address and vehicle registration. Do not share further information; including copies of insurance certificates and driving licences.

Report it

If targeted in a suspected crash for cash scam, victims should tell their insurer and contact their local police force. Evidence can be reported to IFB’s confidential CheatLine service via an online form, or phoneline (powered by CrimeStoppers) at 0800 422 0421. 

New sculpture encouraging more women to pursue engineering roles comes to Scotland

Edinburgh Science Festival, the world’s first festival of science and technology, is pleased to partner with the Royal Academy of Engineering to this year host acclaimed artist Kelly Anna’s sculpture ‘What Makes an Engineer?’ which represents engineer Alice Kan who played a key role in the manufacture of the Covid-19 vaccine. 

The sculpture will be displayed at City Art Centre as part of DiscoveryLab, its first display outside of London. Created to mark National Engineering Day 2024, the sculpture was part of an art project to celebrate inspirational engineers and represents Alice Kan, a mechanical engineer who played an important role in the manufacture of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

Starting with a production line and team of one, Alice led efforts to grow the team, develop the process, set up manufacture and produce 100 million doses for use in the UK. Her work continues today developing Ebola vaccines. 

The pivotal question – what makes an engineer? – rings as strongly today as ever before with women still making up only 15.7% of UK engineering workforce – down from 16.5% in 2023 – and a lack of visible role models is seen as a key factor in why fewer women are considering a career in engineering. By showcasing a story as inspiring as Alice Kan’s, Kelly Anna’s sculpture champions the fact that engineering is for everyone. 

The sculpture encapsulates Alice’s remarkable journey, achievements, and personal resilience in engineering and vaccine production.

The central, dynamic figure of Alice stands strong with an empowered posture, symbolizing her resilience, leadership, and unwavering determination. Alice is shown looking upward, representing hope, optimism, and her visionary approach to the future.

The statue is constructed from various blocks and shapes, representing her ability to build teams and overcome obstacles.

These blocks embody persistence and inclusiveness—demonstrating how diverse perspectives come together to create strength.

An accompanying QR code will take visitors to an augmented reality experience created by Atlantic Productions.  

Edinburgh Science Festival is the first and still one of Europe’s biggest science festivals, taking place over the Easter holidays, between 5 and 20 April.

With the 2025 theme of Spaceship Earth, the Festival continues its years-long commitment to Programming for the Planet. It urges everyone to live like an astronaut, a battle to learn from the constraints of living on a space station where resources are impossibly constrained, and every gram of material and watt of energy is precious. 

Edinburgh Science Director and CEO, Hassun El-Zafar said: “When programming our Festival we focus on ways to combine art and science, as art is often the most powerful way to bring science to life.

“By engaging the imagination, complex concepts or scientific achievements become all the easier to understand. We’re delighted that the Royal Academy of Engineering has chosen our Festival to showcase What Makes an Engineer? for the first time outside of London – a chance for all our visitors, young and old, to be inspired by Alice Kan’s work saving lives as an engineer.” 

Dr Hayaatun Sillem CBE, CEO of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “Engineering is driven by countless unsung heroes and teams who shape our world in profound ways every day.

“the UK, modern engineers—despite their remarkable contributions to our society—remain noticeably absent from public statues and artworks. I am delighted we can bring this sculpture of Alice Kan to Edinburgh Science Festival and I hope it will help to inspire young people to join this creative, rewarding profession, which improves lives every day.” 

The worlds of STEM and arts also combine in this year’s Festival programme for a selection of genre-defying events. Hear exclusive first readings at Sci-Fi Futures (8 April), a creative collision of science fiction and science fact, bringing together Scottish writers Martin MacInnes, L R Lam and Eris Young, and Professor of Applied Space Technology and Scotland’s leading space expert Prof Malcolm Macdonald.

This exciting collaboration between Edinburgh Science Festival and Edinburgh International Book Festival commissioned three brand new writings envisioning a utopian future truly living within our means.

Theoretical physicist and industrial musician Prof Bob Coecke is here to open our minds and ears with Quantum Music (10 April). Bob illustrates how the coming quantum revolution can be used to compose new kinds of music and will “play his guitar on a quantum computer”. In The Sound of Galaxies (16 April), an interactive sound-forward session, you’ll listen to galaxy data and gain a deeper appreciation for the innovative ways scientists explore the Universe. 

Can arid lands be spaces for new ecological world-making? Desert Future (11 April) is a film screening of Wanuri Kahiu’s Pumzi and discussion explores climate fiction, environmental humanities, history of science and Black/Africana studies. 

The Edinburgh Conservation Film Festival (19 April) is a celebration of conservation stories from around the world that will inspire, engage, and inform you about some of the many projects helping to protect the world’s biodiversity. 

Visit Dynamic Earth’s Planetarium for Planetarium Lates: Earth From Above (10 – 12 April & 17- 19 April) to enjoy an evening of extra-terrestrial entertainment as they screen some of your favourite science films including Gravity, Apollo 13 and The Martian.

More STEAM highlights here

Edinburgh Science is a world expert in producing live science events and the 2025 Festival is the prime example of the power of bringing people together to explore the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering and maths and arts.

Tickets are on sale now on edinburghscience.co.uk.

2025 programme in a PDF form here

CREATE calm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre on Friday

Join us for CREATE calm, an inclusive play sessions for children, this Friday 21st March at 2.45pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.

Experience the joy of play in a welcoming, supportive space! Our CREATE calm taster sessions are for local families with children aged 0-7 that might benefit from a smaller group and a calm, quieter experience.

This could include children with disabilities or health concerns; autism; neurodivergent; those struggling with school or other learning environments; challenging family or care circumstances; or other social or emotional support needs.

No diagnosis or referral needed – parents, carers, and siblings are welcome!

🌟 Safe, accessible play space

🎭 Activities tailored to sensory needs and interests

❤ Opportunities for family bonding and connection

👩‍👧 Families can explore and play at their own pace

☕ Tea, coffee & snacks provided

To find out more and register, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/neaevents

*By ‘local families’ we mean families living in the community surrounding North Edinburgh Arts, which includes areas of Muirhouse, Pilton, Drylaw and Granton.

Foysol Choudhury MSP: Facing the Invisible Battle 

Addressing Men’s Mental Health and Rising Suicide Rates

As we come into the peak of spring, we as a community must come together to battle suicide and the disparate impact of mental health challenges on men that lingers beneath  the surface of our society (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MSP). 

Mental health remains one of the biggest challenges facing public health in Edinburgh.  Despite breaking away from the jaws of the isolating pandemic, suicide is becoming a sadly  ever-present part of our lives. With over 792 probable suicides registered by the National  Records of Scotland in 2023, an increase of 4% from previous years, the people of Edinburgh  are ready for change. 

Recent observations by NHS Lothian and local community groups in Edinburgh, such as the  Health and Social Care Partnership, point to an alarming trend; men are disproportionately  affected by the ongoing mental health crisis that is contributing to rising suicide rates. 

Although mental health disorders are less prevalent in men compared to women, the impact  on men is typically more severe. Men with mental health conditions are less likely to seek  help, leading to greater risks. They face a significantly higher rate of suicide, with men being  three times more likely to die by suicide than women. 

Societal norms and traditional gender roles contribute to why men are often less inclined to  talk about or seek help for their mental health issues. While it is widely recognised that  gender stereotypes about women can have harmful effects, it is equally crucial to  acknowledge that these stereotypes and societal pressures can also negatively impact men. 

Alongside national and local organisations such as Andy’s Man Club and Lothians Speak Their Name, Lothian is working to focus efforts on addressing the challenges surrounding  suicide and men’s mental health.

For instance, the local community group Lothians Speak Their Name is creating a mixed-media quilt in memory of people that have died by suicide.  Here, we see Lothians residents raising awareness behind the struggles of mental health and  remembering those that have sadly lost their lives to suicide. 

We also see other groups like Andy’s Man Club, whose mission it is to prevent other families  from going through the heartache and grief caused by suicide by encouraging men to speak  openly about their issues through Monday night talking groups. And with the Great Scottish  Run taking place this October, there is plenty of time to support this great initiative. 

Other organisations in Edinburgh, such as iThrive, Change Mental Health, and Samaritans  Scotland are also striving towards facilitating change in the Lothian region concerning men’s  mental health. Furthered by the non-stop work of health care providers in NHS Lothian, we  are determined to bring men together to share their stories. 

While these initiatives are essential in order to tackle the challenges posed by suicide and  mental health challenges, it is crucial that we follow in the footsteps of those seeking  change. We must keep raising awareness of suicide in our region, emphasising more  kindness and open conversation.

In Scotland, men should not feel anxious when it comes to discussing mental health issues,  yet many still do. This shows we have not fully addressed the problem. This situation mirrors  the past, when men were reluctant to talk about prostate health until it was too late, but  attitudes have changed. We have been part of that shift and are proud of it. Now, we need  to drive similar change for mental health. 

We must ask, why do men struggle to open up? The answer lies in the burden of traditional  masculinity, just as it did with prostate health. Our goal is a Scotland where men feel  comfortable seeking help for any health concern. 

We must remember that suicide and mental health can impact anyone, at any time  throughout the year. As a community and for our loved ones, let’s begin to transform the  agenda that mental health is not unmanly; it is a prevalent virus that can affect us all. 

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health issues at any time, remember that  support is available – you do not have to face it alone. 

Call a Samaritan at 116 123 any time for support.

FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MSP