MONDAY 30 JUNE 10.30 – 1pm at NORTH EDINBURGH ARTS
BOOK YOUR PLACE:
Meeting Centres: Help to develop a dementia-friendly Social Club
Category: Uncategorized
New AI tech company to tackle impersonation scams
Cyber project LastingAsset has become the latest firm to spin out from Edinburgh Napier University
A team of Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) cybersecurity experts have taken their fight against impersonation scams to the next level – after setting up their own company.
Their project, LastingAsset, has become the latest to spin out from the University, joining an illustrious list of cyber firms that began life at the School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment.
LastingAsset started out as a cybersecurity project to protect digital assets, before the founding team adapted the technology to tackle imposter calls.
Their service uses cryptographic encryption and artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent fraud perpetuated by rogue actors who impersonate an organisation or individual.
Almost half of all fraud has an impersonation aspect and criminals are increasingly duping victims by using AI to socially engineer, voice clone and deep fake individuals. These crimes cost organisations across the UK billions of pounds every year.
The cryptography-based verification process developed by LastingAsset can assure client firms and their customers that they are speaking to a legitimate caller.
Having spent recent months developing their product, LastingAsset will now become the latest ENU spin-out company – the term used for new businesses which began life as an academic project.
The project was initially developed by ENU academics Dr Zakwan Jaroucheh and Professor Bill Buchanan. Their team includes co-founder and CEO Nanik Ramchandani, newly appointed Chief Operating Officer Ciara Mitchell and Senior Software Engineer Dmitri Timoshenko.
Since establishing the project more than two years ago, they have been backed by significant funding from Scottish Enterprise’s High Growth Spinout Programme, Innovate UK, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Data Lab. Their work has also drawn award recognition from the likes of Converge – claiming its Cisco Future Tech Award in 2023.
Having developed the technology, the LastingAsset team have begun exploring pilots with early adopter customers – and recently participated in a Scottish Enterprise programme to test the American market.
Dr Zakwan Jaroucheh, LastingAsset Co-founder & Chief Technical Officer, said: “Impersonation scams cause untold misery for people all around the world, and this is a big moment in our effort to fight against them.
“Edinburgh Napier University has a strong track record of supporting projects like ours to become major international companies, and we would like to thank colleagues for their help to get us to this point.”
Prof Bill Buchanan, LastingAsset Co-founder & Chief Innovator, said: “In an era of AI, there are so many opportunities to integrate privacy and digital trust into our online world.
“Our vision is to create systems which respect the rights of privacy of citizens, but where we can still address challenges around financial fraud and identity theft.
“We are aiming to build automated systems which can be trusted from a human and a technical level.”
Nanik Ramchandani, LastingAsset Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, said: “With the rapid development of AI and deepfake technology, it is more important than ever to stay one step ahead of fraudsters.
“We are determined to provide individuals with the peace of mind to confidently continue to communicate with each other knowing that they are secure and not being scammed.”
Fiona Mason, Head of Business Engagement and IP Commercialisation at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “We are delighted with the launch of LastingAsset, the fifth spin-out from the Cybersecurity group within the School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.
“Lasting Asset’s fraud detection is set to deliver significant benefits to people’s lives, by making everyday phone communications more trustworthy for everyone.
“We can’t do this alone – we are incredibly grateful for the support of our vibrant ecosystem which has been instrumental in supporting this project. I’d also like to offer thanks and congratulations to the founding team whose dedication and commitment have brought this vision to life.
“We are so proud of LastingAsset, which exemplifies our ambition to foster innovation, translate our research into real-world impact, and drive economic growth through groundbreaking technology.”
By spinning out, LastingAsset joins an impressive list of companies that began life as projects at the University, including the likes of Cyacomb, MemCrypt, Symphonic Software, ZoneFox, Mercel and Celtic Renewables.
In 2023 ENU was named among the UK’s top ten universities for generating spin-out firms.
Missing Man: Have you seen Keiran?
POLICE are appealing for the help of the public to trace a 25-year-old man reported missing in Edinburgh.
Kieran Maloney was last seen around 0.10am on Sunday, 22 June on Ferry Road near the junction with North Junction Street.
He is described as around 6ft 1ins, of medium build, with short, red hair. When last seen he was wearing a navy blue bomber jacket and jeans.
Inspector Grant McCulloch said: “Concerns are growing for Kieran’s welfare and we want to make sure he is safe and well.
“I am asking anyone who has seen Kieran or knows where he might be to get in touch.”
Anyone who can help should call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 0908 of Sunday, 22 June, 2025.
Community-based charities invited to apply to £275,000 fund
Small Edinburgh charities struggling with rising costs and loss of income are being encouraged to apply to the council for emergency support.
Brought forward by councillors as part of an urgent package of support for the city’s third sector, the £275,000 funding pot aims to support local organisations working to prevent and tackle poverty across Edinburgh.
Small and medium-sized charities based in the city will be able to apply for Phase two of the council’s Third Sector Resilience Fund until applications close at 1pm on Friday 4 July. Grants of up to £10,000 will be made available to support charities between September and March.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “With funding becoming ever scarcer and more people struggling with the cost of living, we can see that many local charities are in a difficult position. We need to find a better way forward for this sector that brings so much good, and our latest funding package is part of the urgent support we’re putting in place.
“Many of the city’s small, local charities are helping those with the greatest need and I urge them to apply quickly.
“Meanwhile, we’ve asked the Edinburgh Partnership to conduct a review of how it supports and works with third sector organisations across the city, to ultimately to find long-term solutions for funding for the sector in future years.”
An information event for interested charities will be held by EVOC at 1pm on 24 June on how to apply for the fund.
An online consultation is also available to take part in, seeking ideas for making collaboration between Edinburgh’s public and third sectors simpler and more stable.
Scottish Government launches Public Service Reform Strategy
- KEY PRIORITIES: Prevention, joined-up services and efficiency
- BlUEPRINT for enhancing lives and communities?
- REFORMS to deliver £1 BILLION of savings in five years
A new Public Service Reform Strategy will deliver the public services that people of Scotland deserve and need in the future, Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said yesterday.
Outlining the strategy to Parliament, the Minister also announced the intention to reduce spending on corporate functions across public bodies, including the Scottish Government, to deliver £1 billion of savings in five years.
The strategy sets out concrete steps that government will take through partnership working, particularly with trade unions, to ensure that every pound of investment is focused on frontline delivery and that there are the right staff in the right roles to deliver real change.
More than 80 actions are set out to drive change and make Scotland’s public services fit for the future, by addressing the challenges caused by increased demand, changing demographics and UK Government financial decisions.
These include leadership and cultural change across the public sector; reducing the number of public bodies to deliver increased efficiency; further review and rationalisation of public sector buildings, working with local partners to remove data barriers that prevent the delivery of programmes; embracing automation and publishing a new Digital Strategy which will set out the acceleration of the digitisation of government.
Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said: “This strategy is grounded in the shared belief that Scotland’s public services are an investment — in people, places and our collective future.
“It builds on the work we’ve done since the Christie Commission which outlined the need for public services focused on prevention, place, partnership, people and performance.
“Public service reform is an integral part of the government’s response to the challenges we face. The strategy sets out a bold, system-wide approach to change centred around three key priorities: prevention, joined-up services and efficiency.
“The aim is to do things better, not do less. Public services are an asset and investment in our collective future. They reflect the society we are, and who we aspire to be.
“We are determined to unlock the full potential of Scotland’s public services — making them more efficient, more joined-up, and more preventative in approach, so that they work better for the people of Scotland.
“It demonstrates that this Government is ready to go further and faster than we ever have to reform our public services.
“We must be bold and brave to deliver real, long lasting and meaningful change.”
Scotland’s Public Service Reform Strategy: Delivering for Scotland – gov.scot
More support for care-experienced young people in Scotland
Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) Bill published
Legislative proposals to improve the experiences of children and young people in Scotland’s care system have been published in a Bill introduced to the Scottish Parliament.
The Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill proposes extending the aftercare support currently available for 16-to-26 year olds who were in care on their 16th birthday to those who had left care before that point – including providing help with accommodation, education, employment and wellbeing.
If passed by Parliament, the legislation would also secure for people with care experience a right to access lifelong advocacy services, ensuring their voices are better heard throughout their care journey.
Minister for Children, Young People and the Promise Natalie Don-Innes said: “This Bill puts the needs and rights of care-experienced children and young people at the heart of our care system.
“By aiming to provide a legal right to access advocacy and expanding aftercare support, we are responding directly to what people with care experience have told us they need.
“This legislation marks a crucial step forward in keeping The Promise by 2030. It will ensure children and young people receive the compassionate and considerate care they need throughout their care journey, so that they grow up loved, safe, and respected.
“I look forward to working closely with MSPs across parties in the months ahead to advance this Bill and ensure we meet our collective pledge to The Promise.”
The Bill, which will now be scrutinised by MSPs, aims to support smoother transitions between children’s and adult services by establishing tripartite accountability between local councils, NHS boards, and integration joint boards for children’s services planning.
The legislation includes proposed reforms of the Children’s Hearings system so it continues to meet the needs of children and families.
It also aims to improve professional recognition of foster carers with a proposed national register to help enhance the quality of placements, alongside taking steps to remove profit from care.
The Scottish Government will also develop new guidance with partners on the language of care to reduce stigma and improve how services communicate with those who have experience of care.
This work will build on the improvements already made for care-experienced children and young people since Scotland first pledged to ‘Keep The Promise’ in 2020.
The Independent Strategic Advisor, Fiona Duncan, responds to the launch of the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill:
Today the Scottish Government officially launch the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill.
It has been clear since the promise was made that there would be a need for legislative change. ‘The Rules’, produced by the Independent Care Review, outlines some of key areas where legislative change is required, including ensuring the legal rights of children are protected and upheld.
Fiona Duncan, Independent Strategic Advisor – the promise, said: “The Independent Care Review was clear that legislation would be needed for Scotland to keep the promise.
“The legal system must ensure families receive the help they need to stay together wherever it is safe to do so, and that children and young people who experience the ‘care system’ grow up loved, safe, and respected — going on to flourish as adults, able to rely on Scotland for the support they might need.
“The Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill represents an important step towards achieving that.
“I look forward to working with Scottish Government and other stakeholders to ensure this Bill creates real change in the lives of children, young people and adults with care experience and their families. And on any subsequent steps needed over the coming five years to make sure that Scotland does keep the promise.”
Drug dealer jailed
A man has been sentenced to two years and eight months in prison in relation to drugs offences in Edinburgh.
Ardit Mazrreku, 27, was sentenced today at the High Court for being concerned in drug dealing in the capital in September 2024.
On 19 September 2024, officers acting on intelligence, officers searched the property on Ratcliffe Terrace in the city during the morning of Wednesday, 25 September and recovered cannabis and cocaine with an estimated street value of £165,000.
Sergeant Mark Walker said: “Police Scotland is committed to removing illegal substances from our communities and we will take all measures to disrupt those involved in the drug trade.
“This arrest and conviction underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.
“Recoveries such as this rely on information from people who do not tolerate the scourge of drugs in their neighbourhoods.
“Anyone with concerns about drugs in their community can contact us via 101, or calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Voting for The Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival talent search is now open!
BBC ALBA and The Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival have once again teamed up with a quest to find the best up-and-coming musical talent from the Highlands and Islands.
The winner of the talent search will be given the opportunity to perform on the main stage at this year’s Belladrum Tartan Heart Music Festival.
Open to solo artists and bands (where at least 50% of its members have a Highland home address) across all genres, one newcomer will be given the opportunity to perform on the main stage at this year’s Belladrum Tartan Heart Music Festival.
Public votes can be cast on the Belladrum website and will be closing at 5pm Friday 20 June, ahead of Belladrum Tartan Heart Music Festival 2025 from Thursday 31 July to Saturday 2 August.
Vote here – https://tartanheartfestival.com/competition-vote
Eight incredible up-and-coming acts are in the running to open the MAIN STAGE at Bella 2025!
- Low Light Listening Lounge
- Falasgair
- The Cherries
- Isla Scott
- The Chosen Lonely
- El Sartel
- Ró Ó hEadhra
- Scott C. Park
Known for its unique and diverse showcase of music and the arts, the festival has grown in popularity over the past 20 years, now attracting thousands of visitors.
As it prepares for its 21st year, with acts including Texas, Supergrass, Paul Heaton, Tom Walker and Natasha Bedingfield confirmed, the team is on the hunt to find the best new homegrown talent to open the main stage at the Hot House Arena on Thursday 31 July.
True to its longstanding support of Scottish artists, BBC ALBA is supporting the search, providing a platform to propel newcomers onto the celebrated Scottish music scene, as well as an additional opportunity for the winner to record an acoustic session in the BBC ALBA studio at the festival.
Find out more about Belladrum and get your tickets at tartanheartfestival.com.
For those unable to attend, BBC ALBA will be bringing the best of the festival to viewers at home with its annual live coverage broadcast across the weekend, available on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer.
Watch live or on demand from Thursday 31 July: Belladrum on BBC ALBA.
New report explores the future demand for healthcare services in Scotland
Public Health Scotland (PHS) has published a new analysis of the possible future demand for healthcare services in Scotland over the next decade.
The analysis, which focusses on unplanned NHS hospital activity and is based on historic trends and projected demographic change, offers a best estimate of future demand if current trends continue.
The report, “Projecting Future Demand for Health and Care Services in Scotland (2024-2034) – A Focus on Unplanned Inpatient Admissions to Acute Hospitals”, estimates an 11.8% rise in unplanned hospital admissions between 2024 and 2034, from approximately 586,000 to 656,000. This projected growth appears to be driven primarily by the impacts of an ageing population.
This latest report builds on the work of the Scottish Burden of Disease study, which has highlighted potential future population health challenges across a wide range of health conditions.
This projected demand for healthcare services is far from inevitable and it is being used to plan for a healthier, better future for everyone. PHS’s extensive modelling of possible future demand has helped to inform the Scottish Government’s Population Health Framework, published yesterday (17 June).
Recognising that people’s health is about more than healthcare, the framework introduces a whole-system, whole-person approach to promoting health, preventing illness and tacking health inequalities.
Dr Fatim Lakha, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at PHS, said: “Our report estimates that, by 2034, Scotland’s NHS could be managing around 1,300 additional unplanned hospital admissions each week.
“A substantial part of this rise is expected to come from people aged 65 years and over, primarily driven by Scotland’s ageing population. Meanwhile, admissions amongst children under 18 years are expected to remain at similar levels, even though the number of people in this age group is decreasing.
“It is important to note that these projections are not inevitable. Every additional admission represents a person whose health issue might have been prevented through earlier action.
“Strengthening the building blocks of health – like secure income, fair employment, quality housing and education – offers the greatest opportunity to improve Scotland’s health and stop these projections becoming a reality.
“Reforming NHS services is also essential to managing rising demand. But without sustained action across both prevention and service redesign, pressures on hospitals are likely to continue, even as the quality of care itself improves.”
Dr Andrew Lee, Whole-systems Lead, at PHS, said: “We celebrate the fact that more people are now living longer, thanks to advances in public health. We must also ensure that, in these additional years, they also enjoy good health and a good quality of life.
“By acting now to improve health and wellbeing across the population, we can support a better quality of life in later years, ease pressure on healthcare services, and help to build a sustainable, future-ready NHS.”
Appeal to trace missing person Adeddamola Adebayo
POLICE are appealing for information to help trace 16-year-old Adeddamola Adebayo, who has been reported missing from Edinburgh.
Adeddamola was last seen on Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh on Monday, 9 June, 2025 and is believed to have travelled to Easter Road, Edinburgh.
He is described as 6ft 4ins tall, of slim build, with black hair. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black jogging bottoms and carrying a red duffle bag.
Inspector Alan Healy said: “Our enquiries to trace Adeddamola are ongoing, and I am appealing to anyone who has seen Adeddamola or who has any information about his whereabouts to contact us.
“We’re concerned for Adeddamola’s welfare and are keen to trace him as soon as possible to ensure he is safe.
“I would also appeal to Adeddamola directly – if you see this, please get in touch.”
Anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference 2724 of 10 June, 2025.