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New partnership to support innovation and entrepreneurship

Edinburgh Napier University, Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh College announce collaboration

A new effort to support innovation and enterprise across the south-east of Scotland has been announced by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU), Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh College, as part of Scotland’s National Innovation Week.

The three institutions have agreed a collaborative partnership with the aim of developing the region’s innovation, enterprise and skills through improved connectivity with academic expertise and support.

The focus of the partnership will be to support innovation and entrepreneurship in line with nationwide plans to boost Scotland’s economic development.

The agreement will enhance work towards ambitions laid out in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland Regional Innovation Action Plan, the Scottish Government’s National Innovation Strategy and its Entrepreneurial Campus Blueprint, by strengthening entrepreneurial skills and networks across Scotland.

There will also be increased collaboration around knowledge exchange and innovation projects, which aim to bring academic expertise to businesses and organisations that could benefit from it.

This new agreement follows the recent expansion of ENU’s enterprise hub Bright Red Triangle (BRT), to offer specialist support to Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh College students and alumni. Since its formation in 2005, BRT has supported more than 1,000 start-ups and freelancers from the ENU community from its Start Up Studio in Edinburgh.

Some of the early collaborative work as part of the partnership will include:

Entrepreneurial support to our collective community of over 60,000 students, building on the successful BRT partnership launched in October 2024
Regional upskilling and innovation to support SME and public sector bodies
Delivery against the Entrepreneurial Campus Blueprint
Pilot of a Knowledge Exchange Concordat across the partner institutions

Professor Gary Hutchison, Assistant Principal (External Engagement) at Edinburgh Napier University said: “We are delighted to commit to this new partnership between our institutions – building on our shared enterprise services by developing an integrated innovation pathway to support the region’s companies and public sector agencies.

“Edinburgh Napier University has a strong track record of supporting entrepreneurs to take their innovative ideas to the next level.

“This collaboration will build on the expertise of all three institutions, with an overall aim of contributing to Scotland’s economic development, while benefiting our students, communities and industry partners.”

Professor Richard Butt, Deputy Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: “We are delighted to be part of this exciting partnership which will elevate the role of skills development as a pathway to innovation – whether that be through support for student, graduate and staff enterprise or research and knowledge exchange collaborations across our HE and FE colleagues, local businesses and organisations.

“The new partnership also allows us to focus on delivering impact in community wealth building, to support the generation, circulation and retention of wealth in our local economy.

“We look forward to working with our Edinburgh Napier University and Edinburgh College colleagues to enhance our collaborative approaches and improve our economic impact locally, regionally and nationally.”

Mike Jeffrey, Vice Principal Corporate Development at Edinburgh College, said: “This new partnership presents an exciting opportunity for Edinburgh College to strengthen our existing support for entrepreneurship and innovation across our student body, alumni network, and wider industry connections.

“In today’s fast-paced economy, it is essential to equip students with entrepreneurial capabilities alongside technical and vocational expertise.

“r4At Edinburgh College, we work with a broad network of organisations to ensure our students are not only prepared to excel in their chosen professions but are also empowered to become the innovators who will shape the future.

“Through collaborating with our university partners to share knowledge, resource and expertise, we look forward to further embedding a culture of knowledge exchange throughout our college community.”

STV cuts: Culture Secretary ‘deeply concerned’ over proposed cuts to news provision

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has written to STV’s Chief Executive Rufus Radcliffe expressing concerns over the company’s cost saving plans and the impact these would have for its Aberdeen newsroom.

In the letter, Mr Robertson said STV is an important part of Scottish identity and culture and has a key role to play in Scottish broadcasting.

Angus Roberson said: “I recognise that STV is facing challenging financial circumstances and working to adapt to a changing environment, however I am deeply concerned that these moves will see significant reductions in news provision and public service broadcasting in Scotland.

“The sustainability of quality news from reliable sources is crucial in the fight against false or misleading information. It is alarming to see decisions to reduce services and resources of news provision across the country, particularly given STV’s public service commitments to invest in news and help tackle misinformation.

“It is also a worrying step backwards when we are seeing these trends throughout the sector in response to advertising downturns and financial challenges.

“While the STV’s internal organisation is a matter for the STV and its Board, the Scottish Government is concerned by proposals that put sustainable Scottish jobs and the outputs of STV services at risk.

“I will continue to champion stronger journalism and a Scottish broadcasting sector and urge STV against any decisions that would result in further reduction in news reporting in Scotland, redundancies of Scottish-based staff and erosion of trust in STV’s operations and output in Scotland.”

Angus Robertson’s letter to Rufus Radcliffe on STV’s cost saving plans:

Dear Rufus,

I would like to thank you for taking the time to write to me and set out this important update on cost saving plans following STV’s interim financial results.

As a Scottish-based public service broadcaster, STV is an important part of Scottish identity and culture and it has a key role to play in Scottish broadcasting.

I recognise that STV is facing challenging financial circumstances and working to adapt to a changing environment, however I am deeply concerned that these moves will see significant reductions in news provision and public service broadcasting in Scotland.

The sustainability of quality news from reliable sources is crucial in the fight against false or misleading information. It is alarming to see decisions to reduce services and resources of news provision across the country, particularly given STV’s public service commitments to invest in news and help tackle misinformation.

It is also a worrying step backwards when we are seeing these trends throughout the sector in response to advertising downturns and financial challenges.

While the STV’s internal organisation is a matter for the STV and its Board, the Scottish Government is concerned by proposals that put sustainable Scottish jobs and the outputs of STV services at risk.

I will continue to champion stronger journalism and a Scottish broadcasting sector and urge STV against any decisions that would result in further reduction in news reporting in Scotland, redundancies of Scottish-based staff and erosion of trust in STV’s operations and output in Scotland.

I welcome the opportunity of a meeting to discuss these important points and to hear more about how STV plans to deliver better for Scotland.

Yours sincerely,

Angus Robertson

NUJ condemns large-scale job cuts at STV

The NUJ has condemned plans announced by STV to make 60 redundancies and significant changes to coverage following a disappointing financial statement to the City.

STV are the current licence holders for the two Channel 3 licences not owned by ITV, which cover central and north of Scotland. They currently employ around 650 staff, including 90 journalists working from their Glasgow headquarters, as well as Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Dundee.

In a meeting with management today (Thursday), staff at the Scottish broadcaster were told that there will be significant job cuts, with a single 6pm news programme across the two STV licences. At the moment STV Central broadcasts from Glasgow, and STV North broadcasts from Aberdeen.

Nick McGowan-Lowe, NUJ national organiser for Scotland, said: ““These are devastating cuts – not just affecting hard working local journalists, but for STV viewers generally, particularly those in the north of Scotland who will face seeing much loved local coverage axed.

“While there is no doubt that STV faces financial pressures and a decline of studio productions, none of that can be blamed on the hard-working journalists at STV News, whose work online and on the news bulletins, including the flagship News at 6, regularly outperforms their competitors.

“These proposed cuts threaten the high quality of local and national journalism produced by STV News staff across Scotland, and we will be meeting both with our members and with STV management to discuss next steps in opposing these cuts and protecting jobs and quality journalism.”

LifeCare Edinburgh Wants to Hear From You!

Local charity LifeCare is shaping its plans for the future — and the team wants your ideas to help guide the way.

They’ve created a short survey with just three quick questions to learn what matters most to people in the local community and those connected to LifeCare.

The survey is open until 31 October 2025 and can be completed here: https://tinyurl.com/LifeCareFuture

Your input will help LifeCare create a future that truly reflects the needs and values of the people it serves.

Thank you for your support!

Plans announced for a £1.5m trail in East Lothian

Archerfield Walled Garden in East Lothian showcased plans for a £1.5m, elements-themed, woodland adventure play trail and learning area, entitled ‘Eldbotle Wood’, at a public exhibition, which is set to create 20 new jobs for the local area.

The hospitality, retail and leisure destination, which was built in 2013, is part of Archerfield Estates Limited, owned by sisters Elly and Annie Douglas-Hamilton, whose family bought Archerfield Estate in the 1960s.

Today, the family, who employ 65 staff, retain around 250 acres of land surrounding Archerfield Walled Garden, which includes regeneratively farmed fields and woodlands managed for native wildlife.

Archerfield Walled Garden, which has continued to expand over the years, currently features a garden café, a lifestyle store, food market, gardens, an outdoor event space and extensive grounds which include a pond, labyrinth, willow and fairy walk.

Ahead of planning being submitted for ‘Eldbotle Wood’, a public exhibition was held at Archerfield Walled Garden recently to unveil the plans, which include a children’s adventure trail with four play zones and an outdoor learning area available for local schools and community groups to use, all inspired by an elements theme.

Award-winning adventure play designers, CAP.CO, who have been commissioned to design and develop the unique attraction, also attended the event to highlight the overall concept.

Elly Douglas-Hamilton, Chief Executive of Archerfield Estates Limited said: “We are delighted that the feedback we’ve already received for our plans to create a magical outdoor play experience, which have been in development for a number of years, has been really positive, especially from local schools and community groups.

“We have worked closely with CAP.CO who completely understood our vision from the very beginning to design a unique woodland adventure trail, rooted in imagination and nature, and are very excited about bringing it to life.”

Forth Awards tickets now on sale to celebrate local heroes across Edinburgh and the Lothians

The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, has announced tickets are now on sale for listeners and fans to join the star-studded ceremony this autumn.

Taking place at The Usher Hall on 13th November 2025, the awards show will feature performances from top names in music and entertainment, whilst honouring and celebrating community heroes.

Tickets now on sale from £28.60 via forth1.com and The Usher Hall Box Office

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult

One of the biggest nights in Edinburgh’s music calendar, The Forth Awards honours local heroes and organisations going over and above for their community, as well as a top-secret line-up of celebrities from across music and entertainment.

Previous winners and performances include Lewis Capaldi, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Deacon Blue, Amy Macdonald, Erasure and Simple Minds, with the line-up kept secret until the day itself.

Hosted by Boogie and Arlene from Forth 1’s breakfast show, the afternoon show is the perfect start to winter festivities, with fans, listeners and guests packing out the Capital’s Usher Hall to enjoy music, comedy and musical theatre performances.

Plus, the awards panel reviews hundreds of listener nominations for categories that recognise those who go the extra mile in communities across Edinburgh and the Lothians – from the best teachers, restaurants and workplaces as well as the Forth Cash for Kids award.

Richie Jeffrey, Commercial Events Manager from Hits Radio Scotland said, “We are so proud that The Forth Awards at The Usher Hall is back again and we can’t wait to reveal a stunning line up and, of course, some wonderful winners.

“Tickets are selling fast as always so if people want to come and join in the fun, they should act now.

“It’s always a spectacular afternoon filled with fun and laughter, and amazing celebrations of outstanding achievement from Edinburgh and the Lothians.”

The Forth Awards 2025 Categories

The Forth Best Artist Award with Victor Paris

The Forth Best Restaurant Award with Saltire

The Forth Contribution to Music Award with The Liquid Room

The Forth Icon Award with The Edinburgh Playhouse

The Forth Fringe Award with Watermans

The Forth Cash for Kids Award with Newtown Décor

The Forth Best Teacher Award with Omni Shopping

The Forth Best Workplace Award with Fuse

The Forth Visitor Attraction Award

The Forth Local Hero Award

Funding long COVID services

£4.5 million a year to address long-term health effects

New year-on-year investment in specialist services will help address long-term effects caused by COVID-19 and other similar health conditions.

The Scottish Government is allocating £4.5 million to health boards this year and in future years on a recurring basis, to recruit skilled staff and develop sustainable services. Patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and similar conditions will also be eligible for referral.

Services could include managing fatigue or breathlessness, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

During a visit to services at the Astley Ainslie Hospital in Edinburgh, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “I recognise the significant impact which the symptoms of long COVID and ME/CFS can have on those most severely affected. I want to ensure these patients are listened to and receive appropriate assessments and referrals.

“Being able to meet professionals involved in Astley Ainslie Hospital’s existing long COVID service, I am heartened to hear first-hand how our funding so far has allowed people living with the condition to be given advice and support to improve their quality of life.

“Recurring funding will enable health boards to develop new support on a sustainable basis and help the retention and recruitment of the skilled members of staff required for the delivery of these services.”

Director of Allied Health Professions at NHS Lothian, Dr Heather Cameron, welcomed the recurring funding and added: “In Lothian, we are taking a holistic approach to supporting people with long-term health conditions such as ME, CFS and Long Covid.

“Our clinical teams work collaboratively across a range of services, including medical, psychology, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy, to provide care and support people to better manage their condition and improve their quality of life.

“This funding is vitally important, and it means that we are able to further develop our services in the longer term to ensure that established care pathways are available when people need it most.”

Lothian MSP backs National Eye Health Week

Scottish Conservative MSP Sue Webber is highlighting National Eye Health Week by visiting local opticians, ClearVue Opticians, on Lanark Road West.

She is backing the awareness week’s key message that going for regular eye examinations, which are free for everyone in Scotland, remains as important as ever in protecting your sight.

Sue Webber, MSP for Lothian, says: “I’m proud to support National Eye Health Week and highlight just how important regular eye examinations are.

“In Scotland, these checks are free for everyone and play a vital role in spotting eye conditions early, as well as identifying wider health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure.

“I would urge people to book an appointment with their local optometrist at least every two years, or more frequently if recommended.”

National sight loss charity RNIB Scotland, and Optometry Scotland, the representative body for optometrists and dispensing opticians in Scotland are promoting this year’s National Eye Health Week which takes place from 22 to 28 September 2025 to highlight the importance of good eye health and the need for regular eye tests for all.

RNIB Scotland Director, James Adams, says: “Regular eye tests are vital, not just for protecting sight but also for detecting a range of wider health conditions at an early stage. We’re encouraged to see more people coming forward for eye examinations, but it’s important that everyone feels confident and comfortable accessing them.

“At RNIB Scotland, we’re here to support anyone who is experiencing changes in their vision and may be worried about what this means. Together with other charities, we can offer advice and guidance to help people make informed choices about their health. No one should face an eye condition diagnosis without the right support.”

Optometry Scotland, says: “During National Eye Health Week we are pleased to collaborate with RNIB to raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations.

“As part of our commitment to public health in Scotland, we want to remind everyone that NHS-funded eye exams are available and accessible to all.

“Eye examinations not only check vision, but also play a crucial role in detecting eye and general health conditions early to support overall wellbeing. We’re also proud to work with RNIB in facilitating MSP visits across the country which help to spotlight the value of eye health at both local and national levels.

“Together, we can ensure more people understand the importance of these services and take proactive steps to protect their sight.”

Vue marks a decade of award-winning musical Hamilton with big screen anniversary

To celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the beloved Broadway phenomenon, Vue is bringing the award-winning Hamilton to the big screen this September.

From 26 September, for three days only, the global stage sensation heads to the big screen at Vue venues in Edinburgh, telling the story of one of America’s foremost founding fathers Alexander Hamilton. The screening brings the show straight from the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway and features the original cast.

Created by and starring Lin-Manuel Miranda, the production first hit stages back in 2015 and since has toured the world, winning over worldwide audiences with iconic and award-winning songs such as Alexander Hamilton and My Shot.

This groundbreaking musical, which packs a score of more than 40 songs in total, can be experienced on the big screen, allowing theatre fans to enjoy all of their favourite moments in this fully immersive experience, all from the comfort of their local Vue.

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Ocean, said: “Since it rocked the theatre world over 10 years ago, Hamilton has gone on to be a legendary musical that fans always eagerly want to see.

“At Vue this month, we’re thrilled to provide audiences a fantastic way to watch this iconic production, complete with the original Broadway cast, up on the big screen for a limited time.”

Tickets are available at www.myvue.com.

“Walk to Work for MND”

Alexander Middleton’s 90 Mile Challenge for MND Scotland

For some people the daily commute to work is a routine part of life. But for Alexander Middleton, a 32-year-old solicitor from Edinburgh, it became an opportunity to raise awareness and vital funds for a charity that supports individuals and families dealing with a motor neuron disease (MND) diagnosis.

Over the course of five days during September, Alexander walked from his home in South Queensferry to his office in Edinburgh. This was a round trip of approximately 18 miles each day with the aim of raising funds and awareness for Scotland’s motor neuron disease charity, MND Scotland.

Alexander is a lifelong rugby player and has seen the devastating impact of MND on figures like Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow, and Ed Slater. He wanted to take on the challenge to help raise funds for families in Scotland affected by the brutal disease.

Alexander said, “I’m young, I’m healthy, and while I can do it, I want to try and raise as much awareness as possible.

“I just feel for people that are suffering from it. If I can do something that helps them, then hopefully that’s me doing something good. For me, I see the challenge as short-term suffering- it’s nowhere near as challenging as MND. That’s what keeps me going”.

Each day, Alexander walked approximately five hours, starting at 5:30am and ending with another long trek home after a full day’s work.

Regardless of the weather, he kept going, driven by the thought of those who no longer have the ability to walk, let alone work: “I’m in a privileged position where I can do it. I can walk and I can speak to my partner. I’m not suffering from the disease.”

There are around 480 people in Scotland currently living with MND. On average almost 200 people are diagnosed each year in Scotland. The average life expectancy is just 18 months from diagnosis.

MND Scotland is the only charity dedicated to directly supporting people with MND, their families and friends across Scotland.

“Health is wealth. It’s opened my eyes to what’s important and not letting things bother you”, Alexander said.

The challenge became a community effort. Friends and family joined him on different parts of the walk, including his 64-year-old mum who trained to take part. Local businesses stepped up too – Rogue Bros in South Queensferry donated pizzas for the final day celebration, and nutrition brand ELEAT provided high-protein snacks to fuel Alexander’s challenge.

His passion doesn’t stop there. He’s already planning his next challenge for 2026. Alexander aims to organise a four-day run from Edinburgh to Newcastle, covering the distance of four marathons. He hopes to engage colleagues from both offices, raise even more funds, and continue building awareness around MND.

“I’d love for Walk to Work to become popular,” he said. “If people are inspired by my challenge and decide to do something themselves, that’s a bonus.”

Alexander believes that small actions can lead to big change. His efforts mirror the commitment of other MND champions like Kevin Sinfield, whose fundraising efforts have inspired thousands, including Alexander.

He added: “If someone’s inspired by my challenge, then that’s a bonus. You never know what’s around the corner, so go and do that holiday, or go and fundraise, do something silly, because you just never know what’s coming.”

Jonathan Mitchell, Head of Fundraising for MND Scotland, said: “We would like to thank Alexander for taking on his incredible “Walk to Work Challenge”.

“MND Scotland is supporting more people in Scotland who are facing MND – and the descent into the unknown – than ever before. The support from people like Alexander means that people in Scotland won’t have to face the unknown alone.

“Whether you decide to follow in Alexander’s ‘footsteps’ by encouraging your workplace to take on a walking challenge in support of MND Scotland or come up with a unique quirky idea of your own, everything you do will be helping to support people affected by MND in Scotland.”

Alexander’s “Walk to Work for MND,” has already surpassed his fundraising target and has raised over £3,800. If you would like to donate to his JustGiving page, please visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/alexander-middleton-1

“Until we find a cure, we need to keep banging the drum”, Alexander said.

For more information about MND Scotland, please visit: www.mndscotland.org.uk, email: info@mndscotland.org.uk, or call: 0141 332 3903.