Category: Inverleith

Plans unveiled for world-class science and tech facility at Edinburgh school

New Science and Innovation Centre to be built on campus at Fettes College

Fettes College has revealed plans to build a new world-class hub for science, technology and innovation following a multi-million-pound donation.

The Science and Innovation Centre will provide students with access to best-in-class modern laboratories, collaborative learning spaces, and cutting-edge technology that will support hands-on scientific exploration and creative thinking.

Designed by award-winning Edinburgh architects Reiach and Hall, the centre will sit in the heart of the school’s city centre campus and replace the existing 1970s facility that is reaching the end of its planned lifespan.

The plans have been unveiled shortly after the opening of the school’s Allardice Centre, a specially designed and sustainable on-campus hub to cater for the physical and mental wellbeing of all students and staff.

New Head of Fettes College, Richard Girvan, joined the school in August. On the new Science and Innovation Centre, he said: “This is a hugely exciting development made possible thanks to a very generous donation.

“The new centre will be world-class and reflect our dedication to fostering a culture of creativity, inquiry and achievement in these vital fields of study. It builds on our vision for Fettes.”

Libby Heathcote, Associate Director, Reiach and Hall Architects, said: “We are thrilled to have been chosen to design the new Science and Innovation Centre at the heart of Fettes College’s stunning and historic campus. 

“Our design focuses on simplicity, adaptability, and sustainability, using a rigorously organised plan to deliver modern laboratories and generous classrooms connected by open and inviting communal spaces.”

The facility reflects the growing importance of science and innovation to Fettes College and its curriculum, catering for both GCSE/A Level and International Baccalaureate (IB) pathways, and will create a focal point for science, technology, robotics and engineering education. 

RIBA Stage 3 Design is now underway and once planning approval has been obtained, a full timescale for construction will be determined.

The institution recently celebrated a record-breaking year for A Level and IB results. The only school in Scotland to offer both IB and A Level pathways in Sixth Form, August’s results were its best ever for combined A Level and IB results.  

The combined A Level and IB results saw 22% of students achieve A*/7; 63% achieve A*-A/7-6; and 89% achieve A*-B/7-5. At GCSE level, nearly a fifth of all grades were at Grade 9 with 40% at Grades 9–8 (A*). 

Fettes is the top IB school in Scotland and a top 10 IB school within the UK.

Christmas at the Botanics brings nature and history to light for a spectacular 10th anniversary trail

Historic illustrations from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s archive collection will be brought to life in a new way this winter as Christmas at the Botanics returns for its landmark 10th anniversary.

Running from 19 November to 30 December, the much-loved trail will celebrate its milestone year by bringing together the Garden’s rich history and living collections. Historic illustrations will be brought to life through art and animation, while 10 remarkable trees from the living collection will be highlighted along the trail to mark 10 years of Christmas at the Botanics.

Returning favourites will also feature, including the iconic Christmas Cathedral and the man of the moment, Father Christmas himself.

At the heart of this year’s trail will be a breathtaking projection across Inverleith House, created by innovative design studio NOVAK. The installation will incorporate botanical illustrations from the Garden’s archive, reimagining the images as luminous forms at scale through light and animation.

The projection will feature illustrations from the work of Pierre-Antoine Poiteau and Joseph Jacob von Plenck, offering visitors a chance to experience part of the Garden’s rich botanical heritage in an entirely new way.

Adam Finlay, Director of NOVAK, said: “Working with the Botanics’ archivist team to source the illustrations for this year’s projection has been a fascinating and hugely rewarding experience.

“Through our experimental creative process, we’ve discovered new techniques to present the illustrations in a memorable way for the audience that complements Inverleith House and celebrates the winter season.”

Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Professor Julia Knights, said: “This year’s trail is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate 10 years of Christmas at the Botanics while shining a light on the extraordinary plants, collections and stories that make the Garden so special.

“From seeing historic botanical illustrations brought to life across Inverleith House to discovering some of the remarkable trees growing here, visitors will be able to experience the Garden from a completely different perspective this winter.”

Visitors who have made a trip to the Botanics during the festive season a tradition over the last decade will also be excited to see several reimagined ‘crowd-pleaser’ installations, including:

  • Pealit Tree – Embellishing the Garden’s impressive Japanese Wingnut, in frosty white pea lights that glisten against the velvet winter night sky. Created by Culture Creative.
  • Flowing Stream of Light – depicting a sweeping stream of dynamic colour-changing pixels that illuminate a ripple effect against the pathway. Created by Culture Creative.
  • Light Sphere – With its luminous colours reflecting off the Pond, this dazzling orb will mesmerise visitors with glowing geometric shapes. Created by Studio Vertigo.

Zoe Bottrell, Managing Director of the trail’s organisers, Culture Creative, said: “Having worked collaboratively with the Garden for 10 years to create a memorable Christmas trail, it is such an honour to be a part of this milestone anniversary.

“Over that time, we’ve built a strong relationship with the Garden and the artists we work with, finding new ways each year to create a festive experience for visitors while reflecting the Garden’s important work.”

For those looking to make an evening at Christmas at the Botanics even more memorable, Signature Festive Dining Packages will also be available to book. Hosted in the Garden’s demonstration kitchen, visitors can indulge in a special festive menu before setting off to explore the trail.

Tickets for Christmas at the Botanics are on sale now. With peak weekend and pre-Christmas dates expected to sell out quickly, visitors are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

MP welcomes opening of £40 million Edinburgh Innovation Hub backed by UK Government investment

Chris Murray MP has welcomed the official opening of the Edinburgh Innovation Hub at Queen Margaret University, a major new centre for innovative businesses which has received £28.6 million in UK Government funding.

Chris Murray MP attended the launch of the new Hub, opened by Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland Melanie Ward and Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn.

The £40 million Edinburgh Innovation Hub is a joint venture between East Lothian Council and Queen Margaret University (QMU), and forms the first phase of the planned Edinburgh Innovation Park.

It is part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal. It is supported by £28.6 million from the UK Government, £1.4 million from the Scottish Government and £10 million from East Lothian Council.

The new facility provides specialist laboratory, office, meeting and conference space for innovative businesses, with a particular focus on life sciences, food and drink, technology, start-ups and related sectors.

The Hub has already welcomed companies including Forge Minerals, Aurora Avionics and Riverwood Ecology, with a further life sciences company recently signing a lease to move around 40 employees into the facility.

The opening represents a significant investment in Edinburgh and the region’s innovation economy and is intended to support the growth of high-value businesses and create highly skilled employment.

Chris Murray MP said: “It was fantastic to be at the opening of the Edinburgh Innovation Hub and to see the businesses already making use of this impressive new facility.

“This part of Scotland has been short-changed for too long, with not enough Government support to create the jobs of the future.

“So as the local MP, I am delighted to see such significant UK Government investment, driven by our brilliant Scottish Labour Ministers. This money will help to create opportunities for innovative businesses to scale up and deliver high-skilled jobs right here in Edinburgh and East Lothian.

“Andy Burnham and the Labour Government are determined to deliver growth and invest in good jobs in the industries of the future, and the Edinburgh Innovation Hub is a great example of what that ambition looks like in practice. 

“We have an enormous amount of talent and potential across Edinburgh and Musselburgh, across life sciences, technology, aerospace, environmental innovation and more. This Hub will allow this talent to build the businesses of the future right here in Musselburgh. 

“I look forward to working with the Hub, Queen Margaret University, the Scottish Government, East Lothian Council and the UK Government to make sure that potential is realised.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland Melanie Ward MP said: “The opening of the Edinburgh Innovation Hub is a vital step in backing Scottish innovation and building a modern, resilient economy.

“Significant UK Government investment of over £28 million is giving start-ups the specialised lab space they need to accelerate breakthroughs, scale up quickly, and create high-skilled jobs across the region.

“This project shows the tangible impact of targeted UK Government support. While the Hub acts as a flagship engine for the regional economy, its impact links directly into communities right across Scotland.

“By connecting cutting-edge innovation with national supply chains – from Scotland’s space sector to freshwater ecology – we are using targeted regional investments to bring growth, high-skilled jobs, and economic opportunities to every postcode across Scotland.”

More information on the Hub can be found here:

 https://www.edinburghihub.com/about/ 

Broughton High School Parent Council announces Annual General Meeting

AGM time!

Come and join other parents and carers at the Parent Council AGM on Thurs 17 September in the school staffroom. We’ll have snacks and chatting from 5.30, with the meeting from 6 to 7.30ish.

You’ll hear from Susan Bennett, one of our acting heads, plus a report on attainment and the latest SQA results.

We are looking for new committee members, but very happy to see people who just want to come along occasionally.

If you’ve anything you want to know or add to our agenda, email: intouch@broughtonhighpc.org

Inverleith aiming for European pétanque glory!

Inverleith Pétanque Club will fly the flag for Scotland at the 28th European Cup in France in November.

The Edinburgh outfit locked horns with Newtongrange, Perth and Fochabers in the EuroCup qualifiers at Carnoustie at the weekend for the right to represent Scotland at the major continental tournament, which brings together top club teams from across Europe.

After a tense two days of competition at Auld Alliance Park, Inverleith came out in a head-to-head decider against Fochabers and will now prepare to travel to Sin-Le-Noble, Douai in the north of France where they will take on the cream of Europe from 5-8 November.

Shena Whelan, Treasurer of Inverleith, said: “The IPC team, and the whole of Inverleith Pétanque Club, are extremely proud to have the opportunity to be representing Scotland again at the European Cup for Clubs (‘Eurocup’) in Douai, France in November. 

“It was a hard-fought win against formidable clubs we consider to be our friends. Thanks must go to Carnoustie Pétanque Club for hosting and supporting us all over two long days of play in the Eurocup qualifier.”

Scottish Pétanque Association (SPA) president David Moxham said: “Congratulations to Inverleith, who now carry Scotland’s colours to France in November.

“It was a terrific weekend of competition and it was fitting it all came down the final two games.

“Beyond the competition itself, the weekend showed clubs coming together to support national pétanque. 

“Carnoustie Pétanque Club provided a warm welcome, with players, coaches and officials well looked after throughout. The club’s home on the old curling rink at Maule Street – the Auld Alliance Park – provided a distinctive setting for the qualifier, and the SPA thanks everyone at Carnoustie who gave their time and effort to hosting the event.”

Colin Sinclair, Carnoustie Pétanque Club chairperson, said it was a real honour to be asked to host this important event in the SPA calendar: “Our committee and members got enthusiastically involved in helping plan the event, and in return were treated to a very high standard of play that we hope to aspire to.

“We were very grateful to both Carnoustie Gala committee and Carnoustie Bowling Club for the use of equipment and facilities. The event ran very smoothly and positive feedback was received from both the SPA and the clubs involved.”

Anyone in the local area interested in trying out Pétanque, can contact the club for more details by emailing carnoustiepetanqueclub@gmail.com.

Popular bridge must be urgently re-opened, say Lib Dems

Edinburgh’s Liberal Democrats are calling for the Council to prioritise re-opening the closed bridge at St Mark’s Park, which is a vital and very popular route for pedestrians and cyclists everyday.

The bridge, which links St Mark’s Park to Broughton Road, was suddenly closed by the Council at the end of June when an inspection report indicated that it wasn’t safe to remain open. However, many residents and businesses have made clear the negative effect that the ongoing closure is having on them.

Yesterday (Thursday, 27th August), Edinburgh’s Liberal Democrat Councillors tabled a call for an urgent re-opening and lodged several questions to the Council Administration on how it’s being handled.

Local MSP for Edinburgh Northern, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie said “A huge number of residents from either side of the bridge have raised this matter with me. Many have commented on how far and accessible the closest diversion is while it remains closed.

“While the inspection lays bare why the Council have closed the bridge, we now need to look at solutions to get access back to the route.”

Speaking on the Motion tabled before Councillors, Leith Walk ward councillor Jack Caldwell said “This bridge is vital for residents, local businesses, Broughton Primary School, commuters, and visitors alike.

“For many residents in the Broughton area, an area with very limited private garden access, residents have effectively been cut off from their local park. Access to nature is one of the things that Edinburgh prides itself on, and that should also be true for residents who live near the city centre.

“The fantastic police box coffee shop by the entrance has also seen footfall significantly down, for reasons completely outwith their control.”

Inverleith ward councillor and city transport committee member Hal Osler commented: “A sudden closure like this wouldn’t have been possible on many bridges across the city.

“This bridge is a vital link for the many people who walked, wheeled and cycled across it daily. If we as a Council are serious about our commitment to sustainable forms of transport, then this is our opportunity to show it.

“It won’t be good enough if we shrug our shoulders. Hopefully we can get cross-party support to prioritise this important project.”

PICTURED: Cllr Jack Caldwell and Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP

BACKGROUND REPORTS 

Brass Among the Blooms

Qatari Police Band visits Edinburgh’s restored Palm Houses

The Qatari Police Band, currently performing at this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, stepped into one of the capital’s most remarkable landmarks as they visited the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s newly restored Palm Houses, offering a rare glimpse inside the spectacular space before it officially reopens to the public on the 2nd of October.

The band’s captivating presence created a striking visual within the towering heritage structure, described as the world’s tallest traditional stone-built Palm House, as two distinct worlds came together beneath its newly renovated glass roof.

The Qatari Police Band are among more than 800 performers taking part in this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, bringing together musicians and performers from across the world for A Call To Gather.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo runs until 29 August on Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade.

Record-breaking results day for Fettes College

Fettes College is celebrating as grades were published nationwide yesterday, with the school’s combined International Baccalaureate (IB) and A Level results breaking previous records.

While predominantly a day marked in the calendar of schools south of the border, the Edinburgh institution is unique in its academic pathway with students opting for either A Levels or IB, the internationally recognised education programme.

In total, 46% of all A Level grades were at A* or A and 80% of entries achieved A* to B grades. There were also 14 students who achieved a clean sweep of A* and A grades and a further six students who achieved 3A*s or more.

Fettes is the only school in Scotland to offer both IB and A Level pathways, and these latest results mark a record-breaking year for combined results: A*/7: 22%; A*-A/ 7-6: 63%; A*-B/ 7-5: 89%.

School leavers are now heading to university places across the UK, including Bath, Cambridge, Edinburgh, King’s College London, Imperial, LSE, St Andrews and UCL. A number have also secured places internationally, at institutions such as Georgetown University, McGill University, UC Berkeley, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Toronto.

Anushka Chakravarty, Deputy Head (Academic), said: “We are incredibly proud of our A Level students and the brilliant results achieved today. They have demonstrated academic curiosity, determination and high aspirations to achieve fantastic outcomes and secure competitive university places.

“Behind the statistics are also some inspiring personal journeys and individual successes, not to mention the staff who have gone above and beyond, offering around-the-clock support sessions, as well as pastoral support in our boarding Houses. Huge congratulations to everyone involved.”

Richard Girvan, Head of Fettes College, said: “As I begin my time as Head of Fettes, these very strong results are a compelling reflection of the ambition and quality of the community I am privileged to join.

“Our leavers depart not only with impressive academic achievements, but also with the confidence, independence, breadth of experience and friendships developed through an education with a range of opportunities that is distinctive in Scotland and stands in comparison with the very best schools across the UK.

“As Old Fettesians, they will continue to draw on those experiences, relationships and opportunities long after they leave us. I congratulate them warmly and wish them every success for the future.”

56 A Level students at Fettes also completed the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) with 23% of EPQ projects awarded the A* grade, 80% achieving A*/A, building further on last year’s outcomes.

£15 million fund to strengthen flood resilience

Funding to support most vulnerable communities

A new £15 million fund has been launched to improve the resilience of communities across Scotland most at risk from flooding.

Funding will be provided to local groups, communities and local authorities to help them improve their flood resilience and preparedness.

The funding will support sustainable drainage, including natural features like green spaces and planting, to reduce flood risk and future proof existing flooding infrastructure. Coastal communities will benefit, with support available for innovative coastal resilience projects to replenish sand dunes and reduce flood risk in towns like Montrose.

Additional support will be available for communities recovering from the impact of recent flooding, while Public Health Scotland will develop a new interactive tool combining flood risk data with population and demographic data to help identify communities and groups most at risk in the future.

A new Flood Advisory Service will support local authorities in delivering major flood protection schemes more efficiently, reducing delays and improving value for public money.

Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action Gillian Martin said: “Climate change means, globally, we are facing an increasing flood risk, and Scotland is not immune to that. We are determined to take action now to protect people, homes and livelihoods.

“This £15 million package delivers on our 100 days commitment to invest in flood mitigation and prevention, with support targeted where it is needed most. By working closely with communities, local authorities and expert partners, we are investing in practical measures that will strengthen resilience and adapt to the challenges of the future.

“From community-led projects and nature-based solutions to better data, improved infrastructure and more effective flood protection schemes, this investment complements our wider Flood Resilience Strategy to help build a safer, more resilient Scotland.”

Broughton High School pupil wins national photograph award

A Broughton High School pupil has won a national photography award after impressing judges in the Scottish Civic Trust’s My Place Photography Competition. 

Eliza G was named winner of the Secondary School Category at Scotland’s Civic Celebration, held in Glasgow and attended by young people, community organisations and civic leaders from across the country. 

The My Place Photography Competition invites young people to explore the buildings, streets and places that matter to them through photography. 

Judges praised this year’s entries for the insight and creativity they brought to Scotland’s built environment. 

Scottish Civic Awards 2026

Joe Traynor, Director of the Scottish Civic Trust, said: “The My Place Photography Competition encourages young people to look closely at the places around them and consider what makes them distinctive. 

“Eliza’s photograph stood out for the quality of observation and perspective it brought to the subject. We are delighted to celebrate this achievement.” 

Eliza received the award during Scotland’s Civic Celebration in Glasgow on Wednesday 29 July, where winners from across Scotland were recognised alongside community-led regeneration projects and civic initiatives. 

The competition forms part of the Scottish Civic Trust’s My Place programme, which encourages young people to engage with their local heritage and built environment. For more information visit: scottishcivictrust.org.uk