National Museums Scotland is launching a public call out for personal stories and garments by Jean Muir, Bill Gibb and Zandra Rhodes. A major new exhibition, A Fashion Odyssey (1 Jul – 12 Nov 2028), will explore the work of these trailblazing British designers in the centenary year of Muir’s birth.
It is hoped the public can help locate treasured garments by these designers and share memories and photographs from those who wore and loved their clothes. There is particular interest in stories that demonstrate the impact of Muir, Gibb and Rhodes in Scotland. Members of the public are encouraged to get in touch with the exhibition’s curators by emailing fashion@nms.ac.uk.
The exhibition will examine the personal design identities of Jean Muir (1928 – 95), Bill Gibb (1943 – 88), and Zandra Rhodes (1940 – ).The designers were brought together in the ‘Odyssey’ room in Fortnum & Mason London in 1970.
Between them they shaped a modern concept of fashion that embraced imagination, identity, innovation and difference. These designers provided an alternative version of what fashion could be at the dawn of the 1970s, a moment of pivotal societal change and a time of political activism and liberation.
A Fashion Odyssey:Jean Muir, Bill Gibb, Zandra Rhodes will bring the trio’s work together again, almost 60 years later. It will reveal how these British iconoclasts presented the public with choice, rather than following the fashion of the day, how their individual design statements were enthusiastically embraced by actresses, artists and pop performers, and how they continue to inspire and influence a new generation of designers.
Georgina Ripley, Principal Curator of Modern & Contemporary Design at National Museums Scotland, said: “Opening just weeks before what would have been Jean Muir’s 100th birthday,
“A Fashion Odyssey will reflect on a pivotal moment in her early career and in the history of British fashion. Reuniting Muir with Gibb and Rhodes will illustrate how each crossed over into the others’ design territories, and how they interpreted themes within fashion in their own unorthodox and individual ways.
“We’re asking the public to help bring this exhibition to life. We know there are beloved garments by these designers hanging in the back of cupboards in Scottish homes, and wonderful stories to be told.”
National Museums Scotland’s internationally significant fashion and textiles collection includes the Jean Muir archive. The archive consists of around 18,000 objects which fully document the design, making, and promotion of her collections from 1962 to 1995.
The collection includes paper patterns, sketches, fabric samples, jewellery and accessories, as well as around 400 finished garments, including some of her personal clothing.
A Fashion Odyssey: Jean Muir, Bill Gibb, Zandra Rhodes Saturday 1 July – Sunday 12 November 2028 National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
“This is a proud day for Scotland’s young people and our education system“
POVERTY-RELATED ATTAINMENT GAP CLOSES FURTHER
Helpline Ready to Support Thousands of Young Scots on Results Day.
Màiri McAllan MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic was in Glasgow today meeting SDS Results Helpline careers advisers ahead of exam results day. Pictured with L to R: Lesley Niven, Lisa Dunn and Greig Paterson
A dedicated results helpline will open today (Tuesday, 4 August at 8am) to support around 148,000 Scottish pupils and students as their Qualifications Scotland results certificates are delivered.
Pass rates for National 5, Highers and Advanced Highers have all increased again, including a record number of National 5 passes. Learners have also achieved a record number of vocational and technical qualifications, up by 121% on pre-pandemic levels.
Congratulating everyone receiving their results today, Education Secretary Màiri McAllan welcomed a narrowing of the poverty related attainment gap compared with both last year and pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Results Day data, published by Qualifications Scotland for the first time, shows:
a record 269,115 National 5 passes and an increase in Grade A percentages
a second annual increase in the pass rate for all three graded national qualifications – National 5 (pass rate 79.2%, up by 0.8 percentage points), Highers (76.7%, up 0.8 points) and Advanced Highers (77.6%, up 0.9 points)
an increase in the pass rate compared with 2019 for National 5 (up 1 point) and Highers (up 1.9 points)
a narrowing in the poverty related attainment gap for A-C passes across the graded national qualifications, with attainment having gone up for both the most deprived and least deprived areas
increases in pass rates and the percentage of A grades for learners with additional support needs across National 5 and Highers compared with last year and 2024
more than 120,000 vocational and technical qualification awards, a record high and a 9.1% increase on last year.
The Education Secretary said: “This is a proud day for Scotland’s young people and our education system.
“My congratulations go to everyone receiving their results. I know how much hard work and resilience it takes to get here and you all deserve enormous credit.
“These are incredibly positive results across the board, with academic passes up at every level – National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher – as well as record numbers of vocational qualifications. This is testament to the breadth and strength of Scotland’s education system, the professionalism of our teachers and school staff and the hard work of our young people.
“It is particularly pleasing to see another narrowing in the attainment gap between the most and least deprived areas.This builds on similar progress in the gaps for literacy and numeracy levels, as well as for the number of young people entering initial positive destinations, which has narrowed by almost two thirds since 2009-10.
“This is welcome progress but we will not be complacent and will continue to do all we can to close the poverty related attainment gap even further, having empowered headteachers and invested £1.75 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge over the past decade, with up to £200 million being invested this year as well.
“Curriculum for Excellence aims to prepare young people for their future in life, learning and work, and today’s results show that it is doing that. The diversity of qualifications – whether they are gained through academic study, vocational and technical learning or work-based opportunities – is equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to flourish in the modern world. And the range is wider than ever, with qualifications in sports, creative industries, childcare, engineering and journalism among others.
Helpline Ready to Support Thousands of Young Scots on Results Day.
“For those young people who may be disappointed with their results, I would urge them to remember that there is no wrong path. Teachers, as well as services such as the Skills Development Scotland helpline and Qualifications Scotland Learner Support Hub, are there to help plan your next steps.”
Skills Development Scotland’s Results Helpline is now taking calls for anyone that is unsure on the next steps, whether that is in work, training or further study.
More than 148,000 learners across Scotland will receive their results today – enabling them to progress onto their next stage in education, training or employment.
In its first year of delivering results for National Qualifications and Awards, Qualifications Scotland confirmed that the 2025-26 session resulted in:
Overall attainment rates at A-C increasing at all levels of National Qualifications (National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher)
The poverty-related attainment gap narrowed at all levels of National Qualifications (National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher)
Total number of vocational and technical qualifications – the skills-based awards that unlock training and career opportunities – continuing to increase to more than 120,000
Learners are achieving more National Qualifications and vocational and technical qualifications – but not to the detriment of one over the other
All learners will receive the traditional envelope through the letterbox containing their results and qualifications certificate. More than 67,000 of them have already received their results via email or text from 8am today, having signed up for the My Qualifications Scotland digital service.
Donna Stewart, Scotland’s Chief Qualifications and Examinations Officer, said: ‘Scotland’s learners should be proud of what they have achieved today – we are certainly very proud of them.
‘These results are a testament to their hard work and commitment. The rise in overall attainment at all three National Qualification levels and the increasing attainment in vocational and technical qualifications will rightly be welcomed in classrooms and staffrooms across Scotland.
‘The diversity of qualifications being achieved today is further evidence of the appetite for skills-based, practical qualifications along with traditional subjects, which give learners a variety of options to develop skills and build work experience that employers are looking out for. It is encouraging to see the number of vocational and technical qualifications continuing to grow to over 120,000.
‘The results for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses are evidence of the stable state of the awarding system with assessments working as intended, ensuring that learners were able to demonstrate what they know and can do.
‘I also want to thank my fellow teachers and lecturers; not only the thousands of them who play a critical role as markers and so make Results Day possible but every educator for the work they do every day to support learners, alongside support workers, parents and carers across Scotland.
‘Today is our first Results Day as Qualifications Scotland, and everyone takes our responsibility to deliver for Scotland’s learners very seriously and we feel privileged to have delivered these results to them today.’
Edinburgh College is hosting an Exam Results Day Drop In event this Thursday (6th August) at its Sighthill Campus. The event will give prospective students the chance to speak to lecturers about their applications and course options ahead of the 2026/27 academic year.
From 10am until 1:30pm, the College’s knowledgeable staff will be on hand to discuss potential options following the release of exam results, allowing students to secure places on courses for the upcoming session. Those students who have changed their mind about their original course choice, or are yet to submit an application for college but would like to study this year, are also encouraged to come along.
The Student Services team will also be available to provide advice on funding as well as the access to learning support available at Edinburgh College.
The College offers a wide variety of courses covering a range of subject areas within the Creative Industries, Construction and Engineering, Health, Wellbeing and Social Sciences, as well as Tourism, Hospitality and Business. Courses are delivered in a variety of study modes too, including full-time and part-time options, offering flexibility for students.
If you’re unable to make the event but would still like to discuss your options, the College will have a dedicated clearing phoneline open from the 4th of August until the 14th, from 9am to 4pm, which can be reached on 0131 297 8300.
National charity Independent Age is distributing £1.5 million in funding to projects supporting carers aged over 65 who are living on a low income, and is encouraging local Edinburgh organisations to apply.
The focus for this round of Independent Age’s Older People’s Fund is on improving access to community-based and in-person advice for older carers on a low income, which can make a significant difference to their financial wellbeing.
This funding is aimed at organisations that understand the financial challenges that caring can bring for older people, including reduced income, increased costs, housing issues and barriers to support. The funding is dedicated to support both older carers and the older people they care for, recognising the impact of caring across whole households.
Funding is also available to organisations in the following locations:
Birmingham
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Dorset
Cornwall
Leeds
Grants are for a three-year period, and eligible organisations can apply for:
up to £150,000 (£50,000 per year) for individual applications
or a shared total of up to £210,000 (£70,000 per year) if applying in partnership
This is the third round of this grant funding. In each round, the Older People’s Fund aims to support older people who are more likely to face financial hardship in later life. The previous rounds funded projects to support older women from racially minoritised groups and older private renters.
This round is focused on supporting older carers and the people they care for, as they are at high risk of experiencing financial hardship due to the costs of caring, the impact of being a carer during working age on income in later life, and the complexity of the social security system for older carers.
Morgan Vine, Director of Grants at Independent Age, said:“Being a carer for someone close to you can be physically, mentally and emotionally demanding, and it can often feel isolating.
“Caring can also bring additional costs that many people would not otherwise face. Yet we know that too many older carers miss out on the financial support and advice available to them.
“That’s why we have chosen to focus this round of our Older People’s Fund on improving access to support services for older carers on low incomes, helping them to access the financial support they need.
“We know there are incredible community organisations in Edinburgh already carrying out vital work, and others who may want to reach older carers but don’t have the means to do so. This £1.5 million investment will help them continue and expand the valuable support they provide, ensuring more carers can access trusted advice and services in their local communities.
“We encourage organisations that meet the criteria to visit our website or contact our Grants team to find out more and apply.”
Applications will be held in two stages, starting with an Expression of Interest (EOI). The closing date for submissions for the EOI is 2pm on Wednesday 26th August 2026. Successful EOIs will then be invited to submit a more detailed application for the Independent Age grants panel to consider.
Independent Age is the national charity focused on ending financial hardship in later life. We want every older person to be able to afford to live well.
Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on.
Independent Age has provided more than 140 grants since 2021 to local organisations working directly with older people across the UK,
This support has impacted nearly 55,000 older people.
The charity uses the knowledge and insight gained from our services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.
Patients having blood samples taken at NHS Lothian’s two Emergency Departments (A&Es) are likely to be tested for blood-borne viruses as part of a national initiative to save lives by diagnosing and treating infections earlier.
The testing – which is safe, confidential and optional – will be provided to Emergency Department patients aged 16 and over who are assessed at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh from 4 August, and at St Johns Hospital in Livingston from 1 September.
People may have no symptoms and be unaware they are living with an infection. Of the three viruses that will be tested for, hepatitis C can be cured, and hepatitis B and HIV can be managed with effective treatment so that people can lead long and healthy lives. But if left untreated, these can result in serious illnesses and, in some cases, death.
With around half of Emergency Department patients having blood samples taken as part of their care, the additional tests will enable early detection. If a test is positive, the patient will receive a telephone call within 2 weeks to discuss highly effective treatment options.
Any patient who does not wish to be tested can opt out by letting a member of staff know. This decision will not affect the care they receive.
The initiative, funded by the Scottish Government, follows an NHS Lothian trial. In testing elsewhere in the UK, 1 in 180 patients tested positive for hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV and received specialist follow-up care.
Susan Webb, Director of Public Health, NHS Lothian, said: “This testing is a positive step for public health in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
“It will ensure patients are diagnosed and treated far sooner than they otherwise would have been.
“Early diagnosis improves the clinical outcomes for these patients, and reduces ongoing transmission across our communities. This ties in with the Scottish Government’s drive to eliminate hepatitis C, end new transmissions of HIV and treat people living with hepatitis B – continuing the progress that has already been made.
“The tests are safe, confidential and optional, with the initiative designed to protect and improve health.”
The tests are only for adults attending NHS Lothian’s Emergency Departments because they need emergency care.
Posters about this initiative will be displayed throughout the Emergency Departments, with further information about blood-borne viruses and testing available on the NHS Inform website. All this reminds patients that if they wish to opt out, they should tell a staff member.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to a blood-borne virus should seek advice and testing as soon as possible from their GP practice, or from sexual health services at the Chalmers Centre or its local clinics.
Good luck to all students receiving their Qualifications Scotland results today.
Results Day is a chance to celebrate success through more pathways than ever.
Whatever your results, there is no wrong path.
Over 148,000 young people will receive results today
Certificates will be issued for a wide range of knowledge and skills-based qualifications
A free appeals service and a dedicated support hub will be available for learners
Over 148,000 learners across Scotland will receive the results of their Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers, and Skills for Work Awards on Tuesday 4 August. Learners completing National Progression Awards, National Certificates, and Awards are also certified on Tuesday 4 August and throughout the year.
All learners will receive a copy of their Scottish Qualifications Certificate delivered to their home address by first-class post, while everyone who signed up for and activated a My Qualifications Scotland account will also receive their results by text and/or email the same morning. If learners do not receive their certificate with their post, they can contact their school, college or training provider, who can provide results.
These results will allow young people to take the next step on their learning journey; either continuing at school, moving on to college or university, or entering employment or a workplace-based training programme.
Many of those receiving certification have completed vocational and technical qualifications, and apprenticeships in schools, colleges and other training centres, including Skills for Work Awards, National Progression Awards, and National Certificates, in areas such as Cyber Security, Employability, Hospitality, and Sports Education.
Helpline Ready to Support Thousands of Young Scots on Results Day.
Màiri McAllan MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic was in Glasgow today meeting SDS Results Helpline careers advisers ahead of exam results day. Pictured with L to R: Lesley Niven, Lisa Dunn and Greig Paterson
A dedicated results helpline will open today (Tuesday, 4 August at 8am) to support around 148,000 Scottish pupils and students as their Qualifications Scotland results certificates are delivered.
Annette McKenna, Senior Operations Manager at Qualifications Scotland said: “Learners should feel proud knowing their qualifications reflect the effort, knowledge, and skills they’ve worked hard to develop. Colleges, universities, and employers can equally trust in the high standard and integrity that underpins every result.
“If you’re unsure about next steps or just need some support on Results Day, our helplines are there for you. Whatever the outcome, there are plenty of routes forward and many ways to build the future you want.”
With results for Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers and Skills for Work Awards being issued on Tuesday 4 August, Dr Marguerita Magennis, psychologist, parenting consultant and psychology tutor at FindTutors, shares her advice for helping young people feel supported, whatever the outcome. Manage your own expectations before the day:
Results day can be emotionally charged for parents as well as young people. It is important for parents to recognise their own hopes, fears and expectations before the day arrives.
Children are highly attuned to the emotions of those around them and can quickly absorb parental anxiety, often feeling responsible for managing not only their own emotions but those of their parents too. Remaining calm and keeping the focus on unconditional support helps create an environment where children feel valued regardless of the outcome.
Regulate your own reaction before you respond
The first few moments after results are opened may be remembered long after the grades themselves. Before speaking, parents should take a moment to regulate their own emotional response. Young people instinctively look to trusted adults to judge how serious a situation is. Calm body language, a relaxed posture and a reassuring presence help communicate emotional safety, allowing the child to begin processing their disappointment without feeling they have also disappointed those they love.
Do not rush to reassure or solve the problem
When children experience disappointment, they first need their emotions to be acknowledged rather than redirected.
Well-intentioned reassurance or rushing into practical solutions can unintentionally minimise what feels like a significant loss to them.
From a psychological perspective, emotional validation helps regulate the nervous system and enables clearer thinking. Once a child feels understood, they are usually far better placed to consider solutions and future options.
Give them space while keeping the door open
Children and young people process disappointment differently. Some need to talk immediately, while others require time to make sense of their emotions before they feel ready to engage.
Respecting that need for space demonstrates trust rather than indifference. Parents can remain emotionally available without placing pressure on their child to talk before they are ready, recognising that conversations often happen once emotions have had time to settle.
Choose your words carefully
Parents should focus on acknowledging their child’s feelings, reassuring them that their worth extends far beyond academic performance, and reinforcing that disappointing results do not define their future.
Equally important is avoiding comments that minimise emotions, assign blame or compare them with siblings, friends or classmates. While these responses are often intended to motivate or reassure, they can increase feelings of shame and reinforce the belief that love or approval is conditional on achievement.
Wait until emotions have settled before discussing next steps
Immediately after receiving disappointing news, emotions often override logical thinking. Parents should allow time for those initial feelings to settle before introducing discussions about appeals, alternative pathways or future plans.
A child is usually ready when they begin asking questions, expressing curiosity about their options or engaging more openly in conversation. Allowing emotional processing before practical planning encourages more thoughtful decision-making.
Avoid comparing your child with others
Comparison can be deeply damaging because it shifts the focus away from individual strengths and reinforces the idea that success is measured against someone else’s achievements.
Every young person develops at their own pace, with different abilities, challenges and aspirations.
Supporting children to value their own progress rather than competing with others helps build resilience, confidence and a healthier sense of self-worth.
Put social media celebrations into perspective
Social media can magnify disappointment by presenting a carefully curated version of success. Young people may mistakenly believe that everyone else has achieved the outcomes they hoped for, when in reality they are only seeing selected moments.
Parents can help by encouraging perspective, reminding children that social media rarely reflects the full picture and reinforcing that their own journey does not need to mirror anyone else’s to be meaningful or successful.
Celebrate commitment, not just grades
When rewards become closely linked to grades, children may begin to associate love, approval or self-worth with achievement rather than effort and personal growth.
This can contribute to perfectionism, fear of failure and increased anxiety around future performance.
Where possible, celebrations should recognise the commitment, perseverance and resilience shown throughout the examination process rather than being determined solely by the final outcome.
Remember that results do not define a young person
As a psychologist, I would encourage parents to remember that results D=day is not simply about grades, it is about identity, self-esteem and hope for the future.
The way parents respond can have a lasting influence on how a young person interprets both success and disappointment.
Examination results may shape the next step in their journey, but they do not define their potential, their character or their value. Feeling accepted and supported, regardless of the outcome, is one of the greatest protective factors for a young person’s emotional wellbeing.
About Dr Marguerita Magennis
Dr Marguerita Magennis is a psychologist, parenting consultant, early years specialist and psychology tutor at FindTutors with more than 25 years’ experience working with children, families and educators.
She works with schools, preschools and parents to support children’s learning, emotional development and wellbeing, with a particular focus on neurodivergence and early childhood development. Professional profile is here.
Six top ski destinations – Chambery, Geneva, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Turin and Verona go on sale today, giving access to the best ski resorts in Europe
Over 42,000 ski seats are on sale for Winter 27/28 from Edinburgh Airport
Jet2.com has great news for Scottish ski and snowboard fans as customers can now book flights from Edinburgh Airport for Winter 2027/28 to the best slopes in the French, Austrian, Swiss and Italian Alps, as well as the Tyrolean Mountains.
The leading leisure airline will operate an unrivalled Ski programme to six top ski destinations next winter – Chambery, Geneva, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Turin and Verona. The services will operate from mid-December 2027 and throughout the winter season.
The launch of the programme today means skiers and snowboarders in Scotland can book great-price ski flights early and plan their alpine escapes in advance.
When travelling to the best ski destinations in Europe with Jet2.com, customers can look forward to friendly flight times, 10kg hand baggage allowance and great value hold luggage* and ski carriage* each weighing up to 22kg each.
Jet2.com’s full Winter 27/28 Ski programme from Edinburgh Airport is detailed below:
Chambery – a popular area for winter sports, Chambery serves as a gateway to world-famous ski resorts in the French Alps, including Courchevel, the host of the 2023 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. Weekly Saturday services from Edinburgh Airport, offers customers quick and easy access to some of Europe’s best slopes.
Geneva – up to two weekly services (Saturday and Sunday) are now on sale for Winter 27/28. Surrounded by the Alps, Geneva is a great gateway to some of the most popular French and Swiss ski resorts, including Tignes, Flaine, Verbier, Zermatt and the Three Valleys.
Salzburg – Edinburgh Airport offers an exclusive weekly Saturday service to Salzburg. The perfect location, straddled between the Austrian-German border is key to hundreds of ski resorts, including Kaprun, Mayrhofen and Obertauern.
Turin – this Italian gateway gives skiers endless options and with top resorts, such as Pila, Vars, Le Corbier and Val d’Isere easily accessible, the region is a popular choice for skiers and snowboarders. Jet2.com operates an exclusive route to Turin from Edinburgh Airport to this Italian city, with weekly Sunday ski services available.
Innsbruck – with incredible ski resorts right on its doorstep, Innsbruck is the city of choice for many snow-worshippers. Skiers and snowboarders can access the Tyrolean capital from Edinburgh Airport with weekly Saturday services available in Winter 27/28.
Verona – Not just the City of Love, Verona is also the city for lovers of snow sports as the host of the 2026 Winter Olympics and the perfect location to visit the Dolomites. The exclusive route to Jet2.com will operate weekly Saturday services so that ski enthusiasts can unlock resorts in Verona for their ski escape.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “We enjoyed another successful ski season last winter, and with skiers and snowboarders already looking ahead to Winter 27/28, we have responded by launching our ski programme for next winter from Edinburgh Airport.
“With perfectly timed flights at the most popular times and a range of airports to fly into, we are certain next year’s ski programme will be our best yet.”
Stephanie Wear, Chief Commercial Officer at Edinburgh Airport said: “We like to give our winter sports enthusiasts plenty of time to plan ahead, so it’s great to see this programme go on sale today.
“With a fantastic range of destinations on offer, we’re expecting a flurry of activity as passengers hit the slopes and get their winter adventures booked.”
Ahead of bringing his brand-new stand-up show Project Holy Moly to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, leading political comedian and satirist Matt Forde announces a nationwide tour, visitingThe Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh onFriday 2nd July 2027.
“a sensational start to the Festival…the most topically incisive impersonator on the block…exemplary in its vocal accuracy and political acumen. It’s laugh-a-minute stuff, underpinned by the kind of wisdom and natural resilience our leaders could learn from. He was always impressive, but he deserves his inevitable standing-ovation as never before.” Dominic Cavendish, The Daily Telegraph ★★★★★
“flying the flag for satire…succeeds in seamlessly weaving together the personal and the political in a meaty hour of impressions, gags and reflections. Forde is brilliant…so much to admire here. But you come away admiring the man as much as the performer” Mark Wareham, Mail On Sunday ★★★★★
“An outstanding hour…nobody else serving up party-political humour at this level…the greatest set piece of the evening, perhaps the best routine in town. Stunning.” Dominic Maxwell, The Times ★★★★
Ahead of bringing his brand-new stand-up show Project Holy Moly to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, leading political comedian and satirist Matt Forde (The Royal Variety Performance, Spitting Image, Have I Got News For You, British Scandal) announces a nationwide tour running from 19th March to 4th July 2027, visitingThe Royal Lyceum Theatre EdinburghonFriday 2nd July 2027.
Following its Fringe run at The Pleasance, Beyond from 5th- 30th August at 8pm, Matt will take Project Holy Moly to over 40 theatres across the UK, including London’s Bloomsbury Theatre on 24th April and a homecoming gig at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal on the 21st May.
As the UK welcomes its seventh Prime Minister in ten years, Matt’s new hour will see him embark on a mission with impossible odds: find joy amid the domestic and global political turmoil, the rising tide of populism, and his own ongoing health challenges – several years on from a bone cancer diagnosis.
Since launching in 2013, Matt’s Political Party podcast has brought Parliament to life through stand-up and lively debate with some of politics’ most powerful figures, including Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch, Zack Polanski, Tony Blair, Nicola Sturgeon, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Angela Rayner, Michael Heseltine, Anthony Scaramucci, Alastair Campbell, Gordon Brown, and Gary Neville. Matt is set to extend his West End live Political Party podcast residency for the fifth time through June 2027, returning to The Duchess Theatre on 9th November 2026 with Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Liz Kendall kicking off the new season. The podcast has amassed over 14 million downloads, earned multiple nominations from award bodies including the British Podcast Awards and Chortle Awards, and is regularly featured in the press.
Elsewhere in audio, Matt recently completed the second series of his ARIA Award-nominated BBC Radio 4 political comedy show The Matt Forde Focus Group, in which he is joined by politicians, comedians and subject experts to discuss current issues and the ideas shaping them. He also co-hosts the British Podcast Spotlight Award-winning British Scandal podcast with Alice Levine, and Down The Dog with Jon Richardson, alongside hosting Absolute Radio’s Rock ’n’ Roll Football Show.
Matt hosted four series of Unspun with Matt Forde on Dave, receiving several nominations at the Broadcast Digital Awards, and has numerous other broadcast credits including: Spitting Image (ITV/BritBox), Have I Got News For You (BBC One), The Royal Variety Performance (ITV), Mock The Week (BBC Two), 8 out of 10 Cats (Channel 4), Hypothetical (Dave) Rory Bremner’s Coalition Report and Rory Bremner’s Election Report (BBC Two), Question Time (BBC One), This Week (BBC One), Newsnight (BBC Two) and Daily Politics (BBC Two).
What The Press Said About Matt’s Stand-Up:
“our foremost satirical stand-up…Whatever your politics, you’ll find excellence here”
★★★★ Stephen Armstrong, The Sunday Times
“tremendous performance, encapsulating the politics of modern day Britain”
★★★★★ Lewis McKenzie, The Herald
“the excellent Matt Forde…even more accurate than Starmer’s needling voice”
Lloyd Evans, The Spectator
“Is there a better political comic than Matt Forde currently working in the UK? I can’t think of another to touch him”
★★★★½ Jay Richardson, Chortle
“Matt Forde never fails with his state-of-the-nation address, a mix of bang-on-the-money political takedowns and spot-on impressions”
Before the schools go back, we’re having one more get together, and we’d love to see you there!
Tuesday 4th August
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Escape Room Day!
Come along for an afternoon of:
Teamwork and fun challenges
Getting to know one another
Buffet food
Activities for the kids
A chance to relax and connect with other families
If you’ve been thinking about joining SASS4US, this is the perfect opportunity to come along, meet some of our workers and attendees, and find out what our Tuesday support group is all about.
Whether you’re already part of SASS4US or are interested in joining us after the school holidays, everyone is welcome. We look forward to meeting you!
Russia is reported to be proactively engaging in sabotage and military provocations across Europe, while Europe retaliates with its ‘Readiness 2030 plan’ and increased spending on re-arming.
Will these measures lead to a more united Europe?
And how will the USA fit into this?
Join panellists from @univofstandrews, @StirUni, the University of Edinburgh, and @ohiou at Festival of Politics event ‘Are we at war?’ to be part of the discussion.
In partnership with the Scottish Council on Global Affairs
Russia is reported to be waging a proactive campaign of sabotage, airspace incursions, cyber intrusions and military provocations right across Europe. In retaliation, Europe is re-arming with an estimated budget rise of 100 billion euros and war preparedness set out in the ‘Readiness 2030 Plan’.
Will these existing threats and challenges forge a more united Europe as it sits in the grey zone of WWIII, or will Europe splinter under pressure? And what about its NATO ally America, and President Trump’s claim on Greenland? Can, and will, Europe fight on two fronts and how ready is it for war?
Professor Kristen Harkness is the Director of the Institute for the Study of War and Strategy and teaches in the School of International Relations at the University of St. Andrews. In 2023-24, she served as the Thematic Research Lead for International Affairs and National Security with the UK Parliament.
Professor Holger Nehring is Professor of Contemporary European History at the University of Stirling. He specialises in the history of post-1945 Western Europe, in particular the history of the Cold War, the history of social movements and sub-national diplomacy. He has held visiting positions at Stanford, EHESS in Paris and the Mershon Center at Ohio State University. He co-authored the book Cold War Scotland.
Emile Chabal is Professor of Contemporary History at the University of Edinburgh, with a particular interest in the political and intellectual life of post-war Europe. His latest book is The Age of Hobsbawm: The Life of a Revolutionary Historian.
Scott Milburn is an Executive-in-Residence at Ohio University in the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs where he focuses on leadership development for state and local public sectors.
Previously he held senior positions at the White House, a presidential campaign, the U.S. House and Senate, and for two Ohio governors.
SASS4US Summer Get Together! 
Tuesday 4th August
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Escape Room Day!
Teamwork and fun challenges
Getting to know one another
Buffet food
Activities for the kids
A chance to relax and connect with other families