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UK Government unveils AI projects to improve productivity and public services

  • Government forges ahead with plans to improve the lives of working people with cutting-edge technology, supporting 98 AI projects with a share of £32 million.
  • New technology innovations set to improve efficiency of prescription deliveries, reduce train delays and help ensure the UK has a skilled construction workforce.
  • Winning projects span the UK, and funding will benefit over 200 businesses and research organisations.

Companies developing artificial intelligence (AI) to improve safety on construction sites, reduce time spent repairing the railways and cut emissions across supply chains are amongst a number of projects set to receive a share of £32 million in UK Government funding.

Announced today (7 August), almost 100 ground-breaking projects have been awarded financial backing as the government continues its mission to boost productivity and kickstart growth across the economy through AI so everyone is better off.

A total of 98 projects from Southampton to Birmingham and Northern Ireland will receive funding, involving more than 200 businesses and research organisations spanning a range of sectors including public services, driving efficiencies and reducing administrative tasks.

Minister for Digital Government and AI Feryal Clark said: AI will deliver real change for working people across the UK – not only growing our economy but improving our public services.

“That’s why our support for initiatives like this will be so crucial – backing a range of projects which could reduce train delays, give us new ways of maintaining our vital infrastructure, and improve experiences for patients by making it easier to get their prescriptions to them.

“We want technology to boost growth and deliver change right across the board, and I’m confident projects like these will help us realise that ambition.”

Among the projects is V-Lab Ltd, which has received £165,006 to further develop software powered by AI to help people train in the construction sector.

Their system offers immersive, scenario-based virtual simulations of real construction sites to efficiently train workers on risk assessments and safety protocols – helping to ensure the UK has a skilled workforce to deliver the infrastructure the country needs.

As part of the government’s mission to build an NHS which is fit for the future, pharmacies that deliver prescriptions across the country are also set to benefit from this new financial support. A project led by Nottingham-based Anteam will see them working alongside retailers and the NHS to improve the efficiency of their deliveries using AI algorithms.

This technology will match the delivery needs of retailers and hospitals to existing delivery journeys, unlocking under-utilised capacity, cutting carbon emissions and delivering a better experience for patients.

In a transformational change to how our railway network is maintained and inspected, Hack Partners will also lead on the development of an entirely autonomous system which can monitor, manage, and identify defects on rail infrastructure across the country. This represents a significant step forward for the British public, boosting the efficiency and safety of our railway network to deliver a better service for rail users.

The funding announced today will specifically support solutions in ‘high growth’ industries, ensuring AI is at the heart of driving forward greater productivity and efficiency across key areas of the economy. 

Cambridge-based Monumo are part of a team awarded £750,152 to develop improved designs for motors in electric vehicles – their 3D Generative-AI Tool is set to improve sustainability across sectors spanning commercial transportation, flight and power generation.

Work on bringing these new innovations to life is already underway as the winning teams begin to develop their solutions to deliver the cost-cutting, efficiency boosting benefits across the UK. 

In the field of logistics, Robok Limited are setting to work on their SeeGul AI tool, which uses AI to monitor efficiency, improve resourcing, and identify bottlenecks which hamper productivity for businesses operating warehouses and storage facilities.

Meanwhile, Kelp Technologies are collaborating with fashion retailers Depop and Selfridges to develop real-time pricing and market trend analysis to address the complexity of pricing second hand apparel.

The results of the project will save time and money for retailers and play an important role in growing the second-hand clothing market, reducing waste and greenhouse emissions.

Dr Kedar Pandya, UKRI Technology Missions Fund Senior Responsible Owner and Executive Director of Cross-Council Programmes at UKRI’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council said: “These projects will drive AI innovation and economic growth in a diverse range of high-growth industry sectors in all nations of the UK.

“They complement other investments made through the UKRI Technology Missions Fund, which are already helping to boost growth and productivity across the UK by harnessing the power of AI and other transformative technologies.”

The support announced today places UK AI innovation at the heart of the government’s plans to spark economic growth through a productivity revolution. The winning projects are funded through the UKRI Technology Missions Fund to secure the UK’s global leadership in emerging and future AI technologies.

The projects are delivered through the Innovate UK BridgeAI  programme, whose additional support also includes access to training and scientific expertise, expert AI advice and guidance, and greater collaboration between businesses and developers.

It follows the King’s Speech where the government committed to ‘take the brakes off Britain’ through a raft of new Bills, including generating sustainable growth by encouraging investment in industry, skills and new technologies.

A full list of the projects being supported can be found on the UKRI website.

Walking Like a Tortoise Granton exhibition at Central Library

Walking like a Tortoise, a mixed media, walking art exhibition

Edinburgh Central Library, 7 – 9 George IV Bridge, EH1 1EG. Foyer and Display Case on Main Stairs

1 August – 30 September (10am – 8pm Monday to Wednesday; 10am – 5pm Thursday to Saturday)

‘Walking like a Tortoise’ is a range of art work based on a series of walks around Granton on the northern edge of Scotland’s capital city. Using maps of the area from 1870 to the present day, Tamsin Grainger skirted the urban and coastal landscapes of Granton, looking into hidden corners, seeing from unlikely angles and meeting those who live and work there.

Through photography, words, video, textiles and found materials, she asks how the act of slow walking can develop a sense of belonging somewhere, and how mindful noticing of the area on foot, promotes appreciation of and connection to what is home.

Tamsin’s been walking around Granton for 14 years now, alone and with other members of the community, and has become interested in the alterations that people and the climate have wrought.

Although places transform all the time, the built-up environment and natural spaces of Granton have recently been changing at an exceptionally rapid pace and still are: the harbour is now a no-go area; streets and stations have been given new names and functions; and views have disappeared.

Slowly wandering the boundary and making artwork has stimulated a deeper understanding of local history and heritage, but how much of this will soon have vanished?

Is Granton disappearing and being replaced by the Edinburgh Waterfront?

By visiting the exhibition, you are invited to consider: ‘What are the invisible boundaries which define us?’ ‘What happens if the exact edges of our living space change? Is it important to you that things stay the same or do you welcome transformation?’ ‘Do you feel part of the decision-making processes which precipitate such changes?’ and, ‘Is there a link between a sense of who you are and feeling that you belong somewhere?’

Tamsin Grainger is a walking artist who has lived in Granton for 15 years and has extensive experience in the Community Arts in Edinburgh. She was Dance Artist in Residence for the City of Edinburgh, and is currently the Granton Waterfront Heritage Programme Development Worker. This exhibition was first shown at the Granton:hub in 2023.

Police Scotland to offer Rider Refinement courses

A motorcyclist course that gives tips on better riding is now available across the country.

Police Scotland, along with road safety partners, are holding courses to help motorcyclists as part of a holistic approach which also includes educating other drivers to reduce the number of collisions.

Motorcyclist deaths are up 80 per cent (18) this year compared to the same period last year (10).

Rider Refinement East and West is a one-day course, with eight sessions between August 2024 and October 2024 in Glenrothes and Glasgow.

Led by police motorcyclists and accompanied by an observer from the Institute of Advance Motorists, the course will look at key risk factors and provide riders with the knowledge and skills to be safer.

The course involves demonstration rides, observed rides with feedback from officers, vehicle examination checks of riders’ bikes and safety checks that should be carried out before any journey.

Previous courses received positive feedback from riders who changed their riding style and improved their skills as a result of attending Rider Refinement.


Inspector Ally Johnson, head of Police Scotland’s Motorcycle Unit, said: “The course is about engaging with motorcyclists and helping them make better decisions to improve their riding.

“This isn’t about taking the fun out of riding a bike. The course is run by motorcyclists, for motorcyclists.

“On a daily basis we also speak to other road users and highlight campaigns to encourage drivers to look out for motorcyclists, especially at corners and junctions.

“The harsh reality is people are dying on Scotland’s roads and we need everyone to play their part to help us improve road safety.

“I would encourage people to come along, speak to us and try the course for yourself.”

The course is open to any qualified motorcyclist who hold a full cat A or A2 licence; however, priority will be given to those living in central belt of Scotland.

Police Scotland would like to specifically thank Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre and Motorcycle Law Scotland for their continued support with Rider Refinement East and West.

Rider Refinement originally started in the north in 2018, before extending to the East in 2023 and is now rolled out to the West in 2024.

The cost of the course is £40 per rider and includes lunch. Spaces are limited, so providing more than one date for attendance will increase your chances of being able to participate.

Anyone interested in attending the course can email:

operationriderrefinementeast@scotland.police.uk for courses in Glenrothes, or operationriderrefinementwest@scotland.police.uk for courses in the Glasgow area.

The dates the course will be running are:

East, Glenrothes Police Station
Saturday 17th August
Saturday 28th September
Sunday 20th October

West, Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre in Linwood
Sunday 11th August
Monday 2nd September
Sunday 15th September
Saturday 5th October
Thursday 17th October

Police launch Operation Summer City 2024

Police in Edinburgh have today launched their annual campaign to keep people safe throughout the Edinburgh International Festival 2024.

Operation Summer City launches on Friday, 2 August, to coincide with the beginning of The Festival and will be in effect for the duration of the four-week event, which includes the Fringe, Book Festival, Art Festival and Film Festival.

Edinburgh’s population is expected to double to around one million people throughout August and an enhanced policing resource will be in place to engage with

As part of Operation Summer City, local officers from Edinburgh will be supported by colleagues from neighbouring divisions. National and specialist departments within Police Scotland will also be deployed to provide additional support and assistance.

Throughout Operation Summer City, Edinburgh Division’s social media channels will be used to offer a range of advice and guidance aimed at keeping people safe. The public should follow Police Scotland Edinburgh Division on Facebook and @PSOSEdinburgh on Twitter to view these messages.

Chief Inspector Paul Gillespie from Edinburgh Division said: “Edinburgh during the Festival is one of the most exciting places in the entire world and we want to ensure all of those enjoying the festivities remain safe throughout. 

“Over one million people will be within the Capital throughout August and those visiting the city-centre can expect to see a high-visibility police presence who are happy to speak with the public to address any issues they may have, as well as to respond to any reports of crime arising.

“To enhance our presence and ability to respond to any incidents occurring, we will have our mobile police station set up in Cockburn Street and anyone wishing to speak face-to-face with an officer is welcome to drop-in during the station’s opening hours.

“We want everyone to have an enjoyable, memorable and safe Festival and rest assured, we are doing everything we can to maintain Edinburgh’s status as one of Europe’s safest cities to live, work and visit.”

Edinburgh pupil wins top prize in national competition

A P7 pupil from Trinity Primary School has won a national award from leading Armed Forces charity Poppyscotland.

Every year, Poppyscotland runs a competition for schools across Scotland, encouraging learners to explore a different theme. The challenge for this academic year was ‘The Path of the Poppy’, to design a leaflet or poster telling the unique story of the history of the Scottish poppy, from the establishment of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in 1926 to the development of the new plastic-free poppy.

Trinity’s winner in the Primary School category was Katla Longworth, whose colourful poster design was chosen from more than 140 entries to the competition, winning her school £250 in Amazon vouchers. The competition was judged by representatives from charities Poppyscotland, Legion Scotland and Fares for Free.

Connor McKay, Katla’s class teacher, said: “All the children in Primary 7 were fascinated by the history of the poppy and loved having the opportunity to be creative by producing a visual representation of its path through time.

“Katla was very proud of her finished poster, blending an eye-catching design with informative facts about the poppy’s development over the years and she’s thrilled to have won this competition.”

The winning poster and leaflet designs have now been printed and are available at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, where the new plastic-free Scottish poppy is produced, and where disabled veterans make tens of thousands of Remembrance symbols every year.

For full details of the competition winners and more information about Poppyscotland’s resources for schools, visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/learning

Countdown To Opening Night

Redford Barracks hosts final rehearsal for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo cast from this year’s Show, Journeys, continue rehearsal week at Redford Barracks ahead of its official opening night on Friday (2 August).

Continuing until Saturday 24 August, the Show will honour the seafarers who courageously traverse the oceans to connect people and cultures across continents. Joined by the Royal Navy as the lead service, a wide array of talented performers are set to take crowds on an epic journey.

With over 800 performers from across the globe, the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade will be filled with a vibrant celebration of music, dance, visual artistry, and military traditions from the USA, India, Switzerland, Australia and home-grown talent.

To witness these world-class acts, Journeys will run from 2 – 24 August 2024, with tickets available to purchase: edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or by calling +44 (0)131 225 1188.

Teen inspires autism awareness in new BBC ALBA documentary

17-year-old Nuala has spent much of her life fighting for the support she needs as someone on the autism spectrum. BBC ALBA followed Nuala on her mission to pave the way for change, starting in her hometown in the north-west Highlands of Scotland.

Nuala’s push for change was inspired by a trip to Canada’s first autism friendly town in Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland. The simple changes adopted by the town to make life easier for people with autism inspired Nuala to help her own community in Ullapool, and the surrounding area, become autism friendly.

Produced by MacTV this new 30-minute documentary, Saoghal Nuala / Nuala’s World – #MyAutismFriendlyVillage, explores how autism impacts the way people communicate and process the world around them; and follows Nuala working with schools, businesses and organisations to implement small changes to improve the lives of people with autism.

Nuala said: “Initially, before my diagnosis, I thought that I was odd and stupid and couldn’t understand it… It was a relief to get the diagnosis. It was good to see that I wasn’t just… that I was still sane but just in a different way. This also opened a lot of doors for me.

“Everyone was more willing to help me. The teachers were given extra training. There was extra support there and that was so beneficial for me.”

More than one in 100 people in Scotland have autism – all with skills, talents and ambitions. However, many don’t understand autism which is why Nuala wants to create change so that other youngsters don’t face the same difficulties.

Encouraged by the pioneering work of Joan Chaisson – a retired special education teacher and co-founder of the support group Autism Involves Me (AIM) – with schools, hotels, shops, and the hairdresser in Channel-Port aux Basques’, Nuala’s mum said: “They had drawn attention to how people with autism feel and their daily life.

“It was fascinating … It was clear that the whole town supported her plans. Nuala was so inspired by this. We realised that the same could be done in Ullapool.”

Offering viewers a better understanding of the unique perspectives that she and others on the autistic spectrum experience, and in turn, learning what we can all do as a society to make our communities more inclusive, and accommodating for all, Nuala explains: “I want the local businesses to be better informed about autism and also for the community to be autism friendly.

“People with autism will feel more comfortable here and that includes me… You should be proud of yourself and your capabilities.”

Sharing an insight into her skills, from her photographic memory to her understanding of rhythm which helped her win a bronze medal at the 2022 St Ayles Skiff World Championships, she says: “Lots of people ask me if I would rather not have autism. I tell them that I like having autism because I have these superpowers now and I like that. I’m so proud of myself and of my superpowers.

“I would like people on the spectrum to walk with their head held high. That’s very important. I want to be like that and to create a new stereotype. I look forward to that.”

Saoghal Nuala / Nuala’s World – #MyAutismFriendlyVillage, premiers on BBC iPlayer and BBC ALBA and on Monday 5 August at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles).Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0021swp

The Fascinating World of Fungi sheds new light on nature’s hardest worker

Fungi’s role in aiding plant life, conservation and much more revealed in new book

Fungi have long been the subject of stark misconceptions. At times they are labelled as dangerous killers to be avoided at all costs when, without fungi, almost all plant life would perish.

While much of our planet has been explored, it is believed that only 10% of Earth’s fungal species have been discovered. Perhaps the most misunderstood and misrepresented of all groups of organisms, fungi are essentially nature’s unsung heroes, silently shaping our ecosystems for the better.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh will publish The Fascinating World of Fungi on 1st August 2024, providing an accessible introduction to these often-hidden life forms.

A revised edition of the 2010 title From Another Kingdom: The Amazing World of Fungi, this updated book features a new foreword, additional imagery and insightful explanations about fungi.

Fungi are constantly decomposing organic matter and forming symbiotic relationships with plant roots. They are the ultimate recyclers and soil enrichers. With their remarkable ability to break down pollutants and support plant growth, fungi are a crucial component of a thriving and balanced environment.

This new edition, The Fascinating World of Fungi, explores the incredibly diverse impact fungi have on life on Earth.

In the realm of modern medicine, fungi emerge as astonishing allies. From ancient traditions to cutting-edge research, fungi have been harnessed for their medicinal power, offering innovative solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing health challenges. 

With compounds like penicillin leading the charge against bacterial infections, and recent breakthroughs uncovering the anticancer properties of compounds derived from mushrooms, fungi stand as beacons of hope in the quest for novel therapies.

As scientists delve deeper into the intricate world of fungal biology, the future holds promise for even more ground-breaking discoveries, paving the way for a new era of healing inspired by the wonders of the fungal kingdom.

As well as its insights into science and medicine, the book provides links to popular culture, and updated sections on foraging and conservation.

Commenting on the publication of The Fascinating World of Fungi, editor Max Coleman explained: “Fungi are massively misunderstood. While it’s true that some fungi can cause us problems, for the most part fungi play an integral role in the functioning of life on Earth.

“As root partners, they release the essential nutrients needed for plants to flourish. Gaining and recycling nutrients from dead plants and animals, fungi are essential for our survival and prosperity.”

With contributions from the diverse perspectives of 14 authors, the new release from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a fantastic gateway into all things fungi.

The Fascinating World of Fungi is published by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on 1st August 2024 and is available to pre-order now.  

Gorgie Farm Fire: Youth Charged

A 14-year-old male youth has been arrested and charged in connection with wilful fireraising in Edinburgh.

The incident happened at a stable at Gorgie City Farm, off Gorgie Road, shortly after 6.25pm on Wednesday, 24 July, 2024.

No one was injured.

Enquiries remain ongoing.