Former NASA astronaut Kathy Sullivan recently visited the University as it marked the launch of the new Edinburgh Space Hub.
During her visit, Ms. Sullivan – the first American woman to perform a spacewalk – learned about the growing importance of space data for a range of industry sectors and Edinburgh’s long-standing excellence in the area.
The new Hub will bring together academics and industry to harness the power of space data to address key global challenges, including climate crises and economic inequality.
Kathy Sullivan also toured the University’s collection of materials from the pioneering marine research expedition undertaken by HMS Challenger in the 1870s.
First Minister John Swinney has announced he will bring forward the Scottish Government’s legislative programme to ensure the country is as prepared as possible to secure its future in the face of the uncertainty facing the global economy.
Speaking during a press conference at Bute House this morning, the First Minister announced the Programme for Government will be presented to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 6 May 2025.
It will set out the actions the Scottish Government will take to ensure resilience and deliver on the four core priorities to eradicate child poverty, grow the economy, tackle the climate emergency and ensure high quality and sustainable public services.
The First Minister also set out plans to immediately begin work with key partners in the business community and trade unions to map out the actions required in Scotland, and the UK as a whole, to respond to emerging economic challenges and ensure the needs of the devolved nations are at the heart of UK decision-making.
First Minister John Swinney said: “I know that this is a time of great uncertainty for people, that many families and businesses are worried about what global events will mean for them.
“We face yet another storm, after almost two decades of knocks and challenges – the financial crisis, austerity, Brexit, Covid, the energy price spike following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the subsequent inflation spike. Each has weakened us in some way, but none has defeated us.
“The Programme for Government will be laser-focused on delivery. It will set out what I believe my government can and will deliver for the people of Scotland over the coming year.
“The economic headwinds are blowing strong across the Atlantic and they demand a response that is both immediate and measured. My Programme for Government will set out what practical steps we will take to strengthen our response to those headwinds and ensure Scottish business and our economy is positioned well to create jobs and grow the economy.
“I want to make sure the UK Government understands where we need them to do much more to protect Scotland’s economic interests.
“As a result, I will be bringing together our key partners in the business community and the trades union movement on Wednesday to map out the actions we can take, here in Scotland, and which can be complemented across the UK, to respond to the emerging economic realities. That work will influence my government’s approach, and I want it to shape the response at a UK level into the bargain.
“A Scotland that is wealthier, fairer, more resilient – that is my ambition. I want people feeling more confident about the future and more secure in the midst of the uncertainties, because they have a government that is fighting Scotland’s corner.
“A government that is bringing people together, so that our response to the challenges we face is rooted in a Scotland that is united, prepared and determined, a Scotland confident in its ability to, once again, weather the storm and come out of that storm a great deal stronger.”
The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) at Ratho has unveiled a new bouldering room designed for children and novice climbers, following the recent addition of new bouldering walls in December.
Situated in the former Tiso retail unit, this new bouldering room offers a comprehensive and progressive facility, providing additional space for junior and adult coaching. It also serves as a warm, welcoming area for casual climbers, members, and coaching clients during the winter months.
The child-friendly environment is perfect for those transitioning from Scrambles soft play and Clip ‘n Climb. Additionally, it will function as an ‘isolation’ zone during regional, national, and international competitions and training camps.
These two new developments—the bouldering walls and the dedicated bouldering room—allow EICA to meet the growing demand for climbing facilities. They provide entry routes for complete beginners and enhance coaching pathways up to the highest levels of world-class competition.
Nic Crawshaw, Climbing Operations Manager at EICA: Ratho, commented: “It’s been a privilege to see this project come to fruition, offering even more opportunities for climbers to push their limits and refine their skills.
“The new developments enable us to expand our world-class indoor climbing facilities for people of all ages and stages, while staying up-to-date with the latest trends. Sport climbing includes three Olympic disciplines – Lead, Speed, and Boulder—and the improved facilities make EICA the only venue with international standard walls for all three disciplines, and one of only a few worldwide.”
Indoor bouldering has become the most widely practiced form of climbing. As the sport has grown in popularity and become an Olympic event, the accessibility and low barriers to participation have led to a surge in the number of bouldering walls globally.
Jamie Smith, Development Manager at Climb Scotland said: “It is fantastic to see this phase of EICA bouldering offer now open to the public.
“This is a great addition to the venue, providing a great first stepping stone in the pathway, introducing new people to our sport, in an inclusive space and environment.
“This space will naturally complement the new arena boulders by offering progression at a grassroots level, feeding into the more challenging terrain and grading found on the arena boulders.
“We are also excited to utilise the new boulders in our forthcoming Scottish Boulder Championships on the 26-27 April, which historically has attracted over 230 competitors from across the UK and internationally.
“The boulder room will likely function as a fantastic warm up area and/or isolation, whilst the main competition takes place on the new world class boulders in the arena.
“We look forward to working with the team at EICA in also attracting potential international competitions and events in the future, along hosting training for our development and national squads, supporting the performance pathway in Scotland for up-and-coming talented climbers.”
The boulders, crafted by leading climbing wall manufacturer Dreamwall in Sofia, Bulgaria, arrived at EICA in October, accompanied by their expert construction team. The holds, macros, and volumes are from the exciting brands in the Serious Climbing stable, which were prominently featured at the Olympics and the IFSC World Cup series.
The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena received £100,000 towards the bouldering redevelopment to enhance opportunities for climbers at all levels. This funding was made possible by sportscotland’s Sport Facilities Fund and National Lottery players, who raise £30 million each week for good causes across the UK.
As the UK’s largest climbing gym and the only international competition venue, EICA has hosted European Championships and World Cup events for Lead and Speed in recent years. The upgraded bouldering facilities now enable it to host all three IFSC (International Federation of Sport Climbing) and Olympic disciplines.
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of the former Braid Hills Nursing Home in Edinburgh.
Braid Hills was formerly a nursing facility registered to care for up to 119 residents. It occupies an extensive detached two-storey 1990s purpose-built property on a circa 3.84-acre plot located within the Liberton suburb of Edinburgh.
Previously owned by Bupa Care Homes, the business ceased trading in July 2024.
Following a sales process with Martin Daw at Christie & Co, the home has been sold to Michael Ladhar of Crown Care Group who plans to extensively redevelop the site, turning the home into a state-of-the-art, future-proof facility. He plans to reopen the home in the next few years.
Michael Ladhar, Owner of Crown Care Group, comments, “Being based in Newcastle, we have long considered the Scottish market as a logical direction for our growth.
“We see that there is an under-provision of best-in-class care homes against a backdrop of growing demand, and this particular home allows us the opportunity to redevelop the site to put our unique stamp on it in its established scenic setting.
“We develop and operate our care homes for the long term, and we look forward to developing this site to match, if not surpass, our previous developments.
We look forward to this being the first of a number of care developments in Scotland. We are still at the design stage but home to have our scheme finalised in the coming months.”
Martin Daw, Senior Director at Christie & Co, comments, “It was great to see that a closed 90’s build care home site will be transformed into a brand-new care facility over the coming years.
“It’s also encouraging to see such an experienced operator with a reputation for delivering high-quality care provision entering the Scottish market, and we look forward to seeing them grow in the years ahead.”
Braid Hills Nursing Home was sold for an undisclosed price.
Nominations close at 4pm on Thursday 17 April 2025.
If you work with networks, groups, or community organisations in any of these areas we would be most grateful if could pass on this information.
Anyone who wishes to stand should complete a nomination form signed in ink, and return it to the Governance Team at Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh, EH8 8BG by the closing date at 4pm on Thursday 17 April 2025. Alternatively, a mobile phone picture or scan of the nomination form can be returned by email tocommunity.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk by the same deadline.
NICEIC, the UK’s leading certification and training body for the electrical industry, is urging householders to avoid DIY electrics during the upcoming bank holidays, as new research reveals that one in three (30%) UK adults have attempted DIY electrical work.
The research, carried out by YouGov and commissioned by NICEIC1 discovered that DIY electrical works are still being carried out in homes across the country despite 89% of UK adults either strongly agreeing or agreeing that undertaking some domestic electrical work could be dangerous or life threatening.
The arrival of warmer weather during the spring and summer months often motivates people to take on home improvement projects, transform their garden or get on top of renovations that went untouched over the winter. Plus, with many of the major DIY stores running promotions over the Easter and May bank holiday weekends, it also makes it a cost-effective time to stock up on essentials.
With nearly 10,000* monthly Google searches for ‘renovation’, social media is also playing a key role in making people more aware of home and lifestyle trends, and driving a new wave of DIYers armed with inspiration and easily accessible ‘how to’ guides.
Many DIY projects can be tackled safely but NICEIC is highlighting the importance of using an NICEIC-registered electrician to carry out any domestic electrical works. DIY electrics can have potentially serious consequences, highlighted by NICEIC’s Don’t Do DIY Electrics campaign.
Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, commented: “Many householders will choose to take advantage of the extended bank holiday weekends to make some home and garden improvements.
“Whilst it may be tempting for householders to do DIY electrical work to keep down costs, ultimately it’s a risk that isn’t worth taking and a false economy which will cost far more to put right.
“Our research indicates that people are well aware of the risks, but some still chose to attempt DIY electrics. I would urge anyone considering electrical work to use an NICEIC-registered electrician to ensure that electrics are installed correctly and prevent any risks to their home and family.”
With this in mind, NICEIC recommends that any electrical installation and repair work is completed by an NICEIC-registered electrician. There are currently over 40,000 NICEIC-certified businesses that are regularly assessed to ensure that they provide quality work in line with up to date electrical standards.
The Young family have also knitted scarves which if tied together would be taller than the Eiffel Tower – all for charity
Three generations of a Midlothian family have raised over £35,000 for charity by knitting 6,500 chocolate ‘hats’.
And as Easter approaches, the Young family are spreading joy once more by knitting their charming chocolate egg covers to raise funds for international school feeding charity Mary’s Meals.
Colin, 67, and Jackie, 64, from Dalkeith in Midlothian, first discovered Mary’s Meals 12 years ago while watching a television programme featuring the charity’s work in Malawi. Moved by the charity’s impact – providing meals to hungry children to encourage school attendance – the couple felt inspired to take action.
Colin recalls: “We were inspired by the transformative power of providing food in schools and how such a simple act can lead to a better life for children.
“Seeing the scale of hunger and poverty was daunting, but we found encouragement in Mother Teresa’s words: ‘If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.’ So, we set out to do just that.”
Mary’s Meals, founded in a shed in the Scottish Highlands, provides daily school meals to more than 2.6 million children across 16 of the world’s poorest countries, including Haiti, Malawi and South Sudan. The charity’s feeding programme ensures that a nutritious meal attracts children into the classroom, where education becomes the key to a brighter future.
Jackie’s knitting journey began when someone offered to pay for a scarf she made as a Christmas present. Instead of accepting payment, she donated the money to Mary’s Meals. That simple act of kindness has since blossomed into an ongoing project, producing more than 410 scarves, 35 baby blankets and an astonishing 6,500 ‘hats’ for chocolates.
Having raised more than £35,000 for Mary’s Meals over the past decade, the couple estimates that if all the scarves Jackie has knitted were joined together, they would stretch from the top of the Eiffel Tower down to the ground.
Fundraising for Mary’s Meals has become a true family effort. Their granddaughter, Lucy, now 16 years old, started helping at just eight years old. Initially assisting with table sales, she now creates crochet animals to sell alongside her grandparents’ knits, raising an impressive £1,000 to date.
Colin and Jackie’s daughter, Laura, 41, has also joined the cause, contributing new, creative ideas and making paper-based crafts that have generated around £1,200 for the charity.
This year, the family hopes to raise £3,000, largely through their Easter and Christmas projects, with support from Beeslack Community High School in Penicuik, Midlothian. Their continued dedication is a testament to how small, heartfelt actions can make a significant impact.
Sally Davidson, Supporter Engagement Officer for East Scotland at Mary’s Meals, says: “Colin and Jackie’s dedication is truly inspiring. Their creativity and generosity demonstrate the power of small acts of kindness in transforming lives. Every stitch they knit helps provide nutritious meals for children who might otherwise go hungry.
“We are incredibly grateful for their support and for the way they’ve brought their whole community together to help Mary’s Meals feed the next child waiting for a nutritious daily meal in a place of education.”
For those feeling inspired by Colin and Jackie’s efforts, there are many ways to get involved. Whether it’s knitting, baking, hosting a fundraiser, or simply spreading the word, every action – no matter the size – can make a big difference.
Visit Mary’s Meals website for more ideas on how to help feed hungry children and find out how Mary’s Meals is providing More Than A Meal for some of the world’s poorest communities.
Scotland will respond to the ongoing global economic uncertainty by highlighting its economic strengths and making clear it is open for business, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has said.
Speaking ahead of a trade and investment visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ms Forbes promised the Scottish Government would do everything it could to promote trade and attract jobs and investment.
The Deputy First Minister is undertaking a three-day programme of engagements designed to build relations with the UAE Government and position Scotland as an investment destination.
She will meet the UAE’s Minister for Investments and Minister of State for Foreign Trade. Alongside Scottish Enterprise, the Deputy First Minister is aiming to help a range of Scottish businesses to secure new export and investment opportunities.
The visit coincides with the UAE’s first Scotland Week, a programme of business activity developed to showcase Scotland’s innovation and expertise across science and technology, the energy transition and food and drink.
The Deputy First Minister said: “The global economic uncertainty we currently face makes it an imperative to send a message to the world that Scotland is open for business and to highlight our remarkable economic strengths.
“While all the economic levers are not in our hands, what the Scottish Government can and will do is stand square behind Scottish business and help open the doors that will deliver jobs and increased investment.
“That is why I will be in the UAE promoting Scottish companies and encouraging greater collaboration. Scotland’s unique strengths, expertise and innovation are recognised around the world, including in the UAE. This is an opportunity to build on that reputation and secure trade and investment opportunities to help the Scottish economy to prosper.”
Prices slashed on 89 foreign products – ranging from pasta, fruit juices and spices to plastics and gardening supplies – over next two years
Cheaper imports will save businesses at least £17 million per year in a further bid to kickstart growth as part of the Plan for Change
Savings could be passed onto families, mixologists and amateur gardeners through lower prices on everyday items and summer essentials
UK committed to economic growth, business security and lower prices through free and open trade
UK businesses and consumers could benefit from lower prices on imports of everyday essentials like spices and juices as the Government takes further action to make the UK the best place to do business and kickstart economic growth.
In a further demonstration of the government’s commitment to free trade and responding to business need, the UK Global Tariff will be temporarily suspended on 89 products saving UK businesses up and down the country at least £17 million a year.
The products include plywood and plastics, which are essential for construction – making life easier for chippies all over the country.
Working in partnership with industry, the government has decided to suspend import tariffs on a whole range of products to lower costs for businesses, tariffs will now be cut to zero until July 2027.
The savings to businesses on products such as pasta, fruit juices, coconut oil and pine nuts could be passed onto consumers just in time for the summer season, meaning lower food prices in supermarkets, restaurants and pubs.
Products including agave syrup, often used in margaritas, and plant bulbs will also see tariffs removed meaning keen cocktail-makers and amateur gardeners could enjoy lowered costs as the warmer weather approaches.
These changes will support key growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing and clean energy to compete with international rivals, supporting the Government’s Industrial Strategy with the Plan for Change.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “Free and open trade grows economies, lowers prices and helps businesses to sell to the world, which is why we’re cutting tariffs on a range of products.
“From food to furniture, this will reduce the cost of everyday items for businesses, with savings hopefully passed onto consumers.
“As we face a new era of global trade, this government is going further faster to make Britain the best country to do business, delivering on our Plan for Change. These suspensions are just another example of that.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “In a changing world we know families are anxious about the cost of living, and businesses uncertain about their future. That’s why we’ve announced lower prices on imports of everyday essentials – helping businesses to thrive and pass on savings to customers.
“Through our Plan for Change we’re supporting British business and putting more money in people’s pockets.”
The UK Global Tariff applies to goods entering the UK that do not qualify for preferential treatment under, for example, a free trade agreement.
Businesses across the UK apply for temporary suspensions on a regular basis by providing evidence of the benefits to themselves, their sector and the wider economy.
CBI Europe and International Director Sean McGuire: “In the face of an uncertain and unpredictable global trading environment, government should be commended for suspending import duties on an array of products.
Measures like these will be important for reducing the financial pressures on firms and help to drive growth for businesses of all sizes across the country.
The UK has already reduced tariffs on certain imported goods, benefitting British consumers with better choice, quality and prices on products like fruit juices from Peru and vacuum cleaners from Malaysia.
The Government is going further and faster in negotiating trade deals with partners including India, the Gulf Cooperation Council, South Korea and Switzerland which will unlock new opportunities for businesses, support jobs, and boost wages.
These measures come as the government acts swiftly to protect UK businesses and workers in a new era of global trade, through increasing flexibility on the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, cutting the red tape and bureaucracy that slows down clinical trials in the life sciences sector, investing up to £600 million in a new Health Data Research Service and backing a £30 million package to support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport which is expected to support 5,000 jobs and boost the economy by £5 billion.
Seven projects will receive a share of funding through Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) Partnership Fund.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced over £3.9 million in funding to seven organisations with a track record of making a significant contribution to Scotland’s historic environment through its latest round of Partnership Fund grants.
The Partnership Fund was created in 2021, replacing HES’s Organisational Support Fund, to better help Scotland’s third sector promote, celebrate and enhance the country’s rich and diverse heritage. It funds organisations that engage with communities and make a national impact on Scotland’s historic environment through targeted activity, national programmes and financial support.
Alison Turnbull, Director of External Relations and Partnerships at HES, said: “Community engagement is at the heart of our work, and what better way to involve communities than by supporting the organisations that serve them?
“Our Partnership Fund has awarded grants to seven projects which reflect our commitment to strengthening the resilience of Scotland’s historic environment in different ways.
“These projects support investment into traditional skills and retrofitting, encourage communities to engage with their local archaeology and places of worship, and help communities adapt historic buildings for social and economic benefit.
“At their core, these initiatives embody the principle of heritage for all, ensuring that everyone can access, participate in, and benefit from Scotland’s rich historic environment.
“And this is just the beginning. We expect the benefits of these projects to have a long-lasting and sustainable impact on the historic environment and communities across Scotland for years to come.”
The largest single award, £1.9 million, was granted to the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) to support its ongoing efforts to help community-led groups across Scotland find sustainable new uses for historic buildings in ways that directly benefit local people and places.
The AHF’s ‘Heritage Developed & Sustained’ project enhances community engagement with historic environments and its use as a catalyst for climate action which supports key HES priorities in supporting Scotland’s journey to net zero.
AHF has a particular focus on supporting groups with developing projects that serve areas of multiple deprivation or involve a building’s energy efficiency or environmental sustainability.
HES has previously provided grant funding for this project through the Organisational Support Fund, the predecessor to the Partnership Fund. Through advice and the financial support that it can offer as a result of the grant, the AHF has helped repurpose buildings to be used as affordable housing, community centres, workspaces and childcare facilities.
Matthew McKeague, CEO of the AHF, said: “We are immensely grateful to Historic Environment Scotland for this renewed and increased investment in our grants and support programme.
“It will extend our valued long-term strategic partnership and will enable us to continue providing funding and guidance over the next three years to support communities across Scotland, to take control of and adapt historic buildings for sustainable social and economic impact.”
The announcement took place at Gracemount Mansion in Edinburgh, a community-led repair project supported by both HES and the AHF.
Further information on the Partnership Fund is available on the HES website. Organisations who are interested in applying to the Partnership Fund can submit an expression of interest no later than 15 August 2025.
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