Unique knife designs aim to cut misogyny

Olivia Baird hopes Chef Gate could be used to train kitchen staff

A striking set of kitchen knives developed by an Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) student aims to cut the misogyny faced by female chefs.

Olivia Baird drew on her experience of working in commercial kitchens to develop the uniquely uncomfortable utensils as part of her project, Chef Gate.

The 21-year-old from Kirkcaldy hopes they could be used to deliver training exercises for chefs to help them understand the difficulties women face in kitchens. Her project takes on pervasive issues such as sexual harassment and dismissive behaviour.

Chef Gate is on show alongside the work of other students at ENU’s 2026 Degree Show, which opened to the public on Friday (29 May 2026]. 

It features six knives which impair a chef’s movement or force them into awkward positions – and even one which brands them.

Olivia said: “I’ve been working as a chef since my first year, so it has been a big part of my university experience.

“I’d never done any work in hospitality before. It’s been great, but also an eye-opening experience. In one kitchen, I was the only female for around six months.

“It’s a difficult subject to broach, and there isn’t an easy way to solve it. I had a bunch of ideas to start with, but I thought the knives were a good way of trying to talk about it.

“The knives themselves are all quite different as I wanted each of them to convey the various challenges you can face.

“I spoke to other female chefs to ask whether they’d had similar experiences, and they often said yes.”

“I would love to see it go further”

As well as the knives, Olivia’s final display for the Degree Show includes an eye-catching set of graphics describing their purpose and highlighting the challenges faced by women in commercial kitchens.

She hopes the concept could replace online programmes as a way of delivering staff training in the hospitality industry.

Olivia added: “Instead of clicking through a course which is exactly the same every year – and is clearly not working – this would make it an experience that you don’t forget.

“Chefs are often used to more interactive learning, or may have English as a second language, so if you make it a physical experience it could work better.

“It would be good to get the opinions of bigger companies in the industry and see if it is something they would be interested in. I would love to see it go further.”

For Olivia, this project marks the conclusion of her BDes Product Design degree.

She said: “I’ve always been quite creative. I liked the idea of physically making things, rather than just designing them.

“One of my teachers at school actually did the course and was very encouraging. Thankfully that advice has paid off!

“The friendships we’ve made on the course have been great and the lecturers have been really good – so supportive.”

Chef Gate is on display alongside work from Olivia’s School of Arts & Creative Industries colleagues as part of the Degree Show, which runs between 29 May and 5 June at ENU’s Merchiston campus.

You can find out more about attending the 2026 Edinburgh Napier University Degree Show here.

Letter: Celebrating volunteers

Dear Editor, 
 
As we mark Volunteers’ Week (1–7 June 2026), I wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate the outstanding volunteers whose dedication and commitment are vital to the work of RNID.

Their time, skills and compassion make a real difference to the 18 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. 

Through our community activities across the UK, around 600 incredible RNID volunteers take part in a diverse range of activities, helping us make life fully inclusive for people who are deaf or have hearing loss. 

Our dedicated volunteers not only provide hearing aid maintenance, information on hearing loss and tinnitus at our RNID Near You drop-in sessions across the country, they also act as ambassadors by giving talks to local groups and organisations, helping to raise awareness of our work. 

Over the past year alone, RNID volunteers have given more than 18,000 hours of their time, helping us to reach more than 47,000 people across the UK – which is a truly remarkable achievement, and we sincerely thank them for their invaluable contribution. 

This Volunteers’ Week, we’re inviting anyone who wants to make a valuable difference to the lives of people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus to sign up to volunteer with us by visiting rnid.org.uk/volunteer.  
 
Yours sincerely, 
 
Gerard McCoy

Head of Operations (Scotland and NI), RNID 

1 in 5 owners influenced by celebrities when choosing pets

More than one in five UK cat owners (22%) say they were influenced by a celebrity or social media influencer when choosing their cat, according to new research from Cats Protection – as welfare experts warn that “trendy” breeds can suffer from painful lifelong health conditions.

The survey of 2,000 cat owners found the impact of celebrity culture is particularly strong among pedigree cat owners. Over half (55%) of those with Scottish Fold, Persian and Burmese cats said a celebrity or influencer influenced their choice, compared to just 7% of owners of non-pedigree cats.

The findings come as pedigree cats now account for 36% of the UK cat population – a sharp rise from 23% in 2021 – with ownership growing fastest among affluent 18–34-year-olds, the age group most active on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Cats Protection warns that the growing popularity of certain “aesthetic” breeds – often promoted online for their distinctive looks  –  carries serious welfare risks.

Selective breeding for features such as folded ears, flat faces, shortened legs or hairless bodies can lead to chronic health problems, including joint disorders, breathing difficulties and mobility issues.

Scottish Folds, for example, are bred for their distinctive folded ears but suffer from a genetic condition called osteochondrodysplasia, which can cause severe pain, stiffness and early-onset arthritis.

The research also suggests celebrity influence is shaping how people interact with their cats.

Owners influenced by celebrities were more likely to:

  • Walk their cats on leads (27% vs 21% overall)
  • Use transparent “bubble” pet carriers (38% vs 17%)

Cat behaviour experts warn that these trends may expose cats to stressful or unnatural situations, as many are uncomfortable being restrained or placed in unfamiliar environments.

The issue was recently highlighted by photos of celebrity Myleene Klass taking her pet kitten to work in a see-through bubble-style backpack, attracting around 300 likes on X.  

Adele Cullum, 29, from Southend, bought a Scottish Fold kitten after seeing the breed on social media posts by Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague.

“I first saw Scottish Folds on Molly-Mae’s social channels and it made me more interested in the breed,” she said.

“They looked so cute, so I decided to buy one online. For the first few months, Bella seemed fine – but then she stopped putting weight on her back legs and would cry in pain.”

A vet later confirmed Bella likely has breed-related health issues affecting her joints.

“Now she’s on anti-inflammatories and doesn’t walk the same way,” Adele said. “I worry she’ll live a life of pain. I wish I had known more before buying her.”

Adele is urging prospective owners to research thoroughly and consider adopting rather than buying pedigree cats online.

Sarah Merrett, Head of Cat Welfare Engagement at Cats Protection, said: “Celebrities and influencers can have a powerful impact – particularly on younger audiences – by shaping what’s seen as desirable or ‘on trend’.

“But they aren’t necessarily cat welfare experts, and may themselves be following trends.

“We’re concerned that increasing demand for certain breeds is contributing to serious welfare issues, especially where cats are bred for exaggerated physical traits.

“Before choosing a cat, it’s vital to seek advice from a reputable charity, vet or qualified behaviourist and consider what’s best for the animal – not what’s popular online.”

Cats Protection is calling on the UK Government to strengthen protections for cats by introducing tighter regulation of breeding and banning the breeding of cats with extreme physical traits linked to poor welfare.

Photos and video of Adele Cullum and Bella are available here ,

The Amazing Digital Circus heads to the big screen at Vue Edinburgh

Viral internet sensation The Amazing Digital Circus is coming to the big screen this June at Vue Edinburgh.

Created by Gooseworx and produced by Glitch Productions, the popular animated series has become a global phenomenon since debuting online in 2023, captivating audiences with its surreal humour, emotional storytelling and unique visual style. 

The global spectacle comes to its long-awaited conclusion in The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act, which arrives at Vue cinemas from Thursday 4 June.

The feature-length release combines episode eight with an all-new extended ninth episode finale, giving fans the chance to experience the conclusion of the story on the big screen before its wider release.

Set within a bizarre virtual circus controlled by the unpredictable AI ringmaster Caine, The Amazing Digital Circus follows a group of humans trapped inside a digital world with no way to escape. As the circus falls into darkness and long-hidden truths begin to surface, the group confront their past traumas and uncover the secrets behind The Digital Circus itself. 

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh, said: “We always endeavour to bring unique and innovative cinematic experiences to Vue audiences, and we know that fans of the series are excited to watch the finale on the big screen, with the best seat, screen and sound experience.

“A trip to Vue means switching off from everything else and switching on to something bigger – bigger emotions, deeper connections, moments that stay with you and you feel forever. The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act will certainly deliver that experience, for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.”

Elevating Vue’s big screen experience further, the menu includes delicious hot mains and sides including signature hot dogs, stone baked pizza slices, chicken tenders and popcorn chicken, as well as mouthwatering mini doughnuts and mini pancakes desserts.

Tickets can be booked at www.myvue.com.

Get your Leith Festival programme

LEITH FESTIVAL PROGRAMMES ARE LANDING ACROSS LEITH! ❤️

Get your hands on this year’s brand new A5 Leith Festival 2026 Programme — packed with everything happening across Gala Day, Festival Week & the Pageant & Tattoo.

This year’s theme:

EAT. SLEEP. LEITH. REPEAT.

We’ll be out and about across Leith handing out programmes at the following locations:

📍 Tues 2nd June | 2–4pm | Utilita – Kirkgate shopping centre

📍 Fri 5th June | 12–1pm | Utilita – Kirkgate shopping centre

📍 Fri 5th June | 2–4pm | Leith Walk Police Box

📍 Fri 5th June | 5–11pm | Night Market – The Biscuit Factory

📍 Wed 10th June | 2–4pm | Utilita – Kirkgate shopping centre

📍 Fri 12th June | 2–4pm | Utilita – Kirkgate shopping centre

Can’t make it along? No problem 👇

Download the full programme online at:

leithfestival.com

Come say hello, grab a programme, support local businesses, and get ready for an amazing week celebrating everything we love about Leit

EAT. SLEEP. LEITH. REPEAT.

Look out for copies in various locations across Leith.

Missing Man: Body Found

Around 1.20am this morning (Sunday, 31 May, 2026), the body of a man was found in the Colinton Road area.

Formal identification has yet to take place however, the family of Christopher Rodger, 53 who had been reported missing from the area, has been informed.

The death is not believed to be suspicious, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Tomorrow: Community food at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

MONDAY CAFE 1st JUNE

Come along for a hot breakfast roll 9am – 10:30am or how about a lovely freshly made lunch from 11:30am – 12:30pm?

The volunteers are making up a veggie chilli, and there’s lots of other toppings to go on baked potatoes.

One of our amazing volunteers, Toufik, is making his famous orange cake for dessert too!

Sit in or take away, free for everyone to come along!

Pedal on Parliament: Over a thousand people cycle through Edinburgh demanding a cycle-safe Scotland

Over a thousand people joined a mass cycle ride through Edinburgh to the Scottish Parliament to demand safer conditions for walking and cycling in Scotland.

Gathering in the Meadows and cycling to Holyrood along closed roads, Pedal on Parliament’s fourteenth action since it began in 2012 continued their call for safer streets for walking and cycling in Scotland.

The organisation’s manifesto demands action on a wide range of interventions for cycling and road safety, ranging from adequate funding allocation and building on the successes of protected infrastructure already built, to calls for greater enforcement powers for police to tackle unsafe driving, and presumed liability for motorists in the event of collisions.

The ride concluded on the grass outside the Scottish Parliament, hearing from attending MSPs Kate Campbell, Patrick Harvie, and Sanne Dijkstra-Downie. 

Organisers opened the speeches with calls for better treatment of cycling as a normal transport choice, and calling for greater accountability from politicians – before handing over for a powerful and moving speech from Rose Marie Burke, the mother of Glasgow architect and cycle activist Emma Burke Newman who was tragically killed in January 2023 by the driver of an HGV that had encroached on an Advanced Stop Zone or ‘bike box’.

In her speech, Rose said: “Emma had a different kind of vision. She dreamed of having a big family, three children to be exact, cycling them to school on a cargo bike. She saw herself living in a community where cycling is the norm. 

“Instead, she had to cope with a world of unadapted infrastructure, distracted, careless and dangerous drivers, as well as outdated lorries with huge blind spots. In her case, the drivers of the lorries and buses in the three lanes across the George V bridge at the light had breached the bike boxes, the advanced stop lines. It proved to be fatal.” 

The junction in Glasgow where Emma was killed has now been made safer; but speakers observed that the issue of failing to keep bike boxes clear continues to be a safety issue on Scotland’s roads, amongst many other dangerous driving behaviours that largely go unenforced.

Ride participant Kate Campbell, MSP for Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to POP for organising such a wonderful event and to everyone who attended today and sent a very clear message to our parliament.

“As someone who is not a cyclist, but wants to be, I know just how important it is that we make our streets safe for cycling. And I will work hard over this parliament so everyone like me, who really wants the joy of cycling but just doesn’t have the confidence,  can cycle safely on our streets.”

Green MSP Patrick Harvie gave a rousing speech about the need for safer conditions, and his own experiences – throwing his support behind Pedal on Parliament’s manifesto and the need for adequate funding for sustainable transport to make cycling an easier everyday choice.

Speaker and participant Sanne Dijsktra-Downie, MSP for Edinburgh North, said: “Growing up in the Netherlands, I loved having the freedom of being able to cycle to meet friends, play sports or go out.

“I would love kids here to experience that same freedom, and for that we need safer cycling infrastructure that is connected, well designed and fit for purpose.”

For the City of Edinburgh Council, Transport & Environment Convener Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, said: “Pedal on Parliament is an important election year event which showcases the importance of cycling and associated policy across our country.

“Here in Edinburgh, I’m proud that we’ve made real progress over the last few years with schemes like the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL), Roseburn to Union Canal, and the latest phase of Leith Connections making it easier for everyone to get around the city.

“The data here speaks for itself. When we invest in good, sustainable infrastructure then people will use it. I’m committed to continuing this positive work and I hope everyone participating today enjoyed themselves.”

Dr Scott Arthur, MP for Edinburgh South West took part in the mass ride, and said: “I was proud to be taking part in Pedal on Parliament in Edinburgh today alongside so many people from my constituency.

“What struck me most was the sheer number of children involved. I’m not used to cycling surrounded by so many families, and that in itself maybe says something about Edinburgh.

“This year’s Pedal on Parliament comes at an interesting moment. Five years ago, after the last Holyrood election, we stood here with promises of reduced non‑essential car use across Scotland, increased investment in active travel, and world‑leading climate targets.

By the end of that Parliament, those commitments had largely fallen away. “Nonetheless, I remain an optimist. I’m hopeful that Scotland’s new government will show real leadership.”

To learn more about Pedal on Parliament, visit pedalonparliament.org

Former M&S Chief Executive hired to spearhead Government drive to help young people into work

A business leader with decades of experience at the most senior levels has been appointed to drive forward the Government’s Youth Guarantee and ensure all young people have the chance to earn or learn.

  • Marc Bolland appointed Lead Non-Executive Director at DWP, tasked with convening business leaders to help address the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).
  • Bolland – whose charity Movement to Work has helped over 200,000 unemployed young people into work – will help drive delivery of the Government’s Youth Guarantee to ensure every young person can earn or learn.
  • Appointment confirmed after interim findings of the Government-commissioned Alan Milburn review which set out the scale and complexity of the youth unemployment crisis.

Former Marks & Spencer Chief Executive Marc Bolland has been tasked with convening CEOs across sectors to help implement Youth Guarantee reforms, bringing the voice of businesses into policy delivery. This will help create opportunity for young people and tackle the crisis of one million not in employment, education or training (NEET).

As well as leading major companies including Marks & Spencer, Morrisons supermarkets and Heineken, Marc is founder chairman of the charity Movement to Work, which working with the DWP has helped over 200,000 unemployed young people into work.

In his new role as Lead Non-Executive Director at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Marc will convene leading Chief Executives across sectors to help expand opportunity, create clear routes into work and tackle the long-standing challenge of youth unemployment.

He will also advise Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden on the Government’s response to the Alan Milburn Review, which has just released its interim report. In this role he will be asked to place partnership with business and the third sector at the heart of the Government’s approach.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “The number of young people not in education, employment or training is a serious challenge that has been allowed to persist for too long. That is why I asked Alan Milburn to look hard at the underlying causes and what it will take to fix them.

“Marc Bolland’s appointment sends a clear signal that we are serious about tackling that challenge. His track record in business and through Movement to Work make him uniquely placed to bring employers together and open up real opportunities for young people who need them most.

“I’ve also commissioned senior officials in my department to look at how we go even further in the support we provide young people – particularly young people with health conditions. And I’ve asked that that be done together with employers, charities, disabled people’s organisations and young people themselves.”

Marc’s role will:

  • Turbo-charge delivery of the Government’s Youth Guarantee, helping ensure 1 million young people, including those with a disability or health condition, have access to employment, training or education – backed by £2.5 billion investment.
  • Convene employers to business support for youth employment, alongside disabled people’s organisations, charities and young people
  • Advise the Secretary of State on the Government’s response to the Milburn review – putting partnership with business and the third sector and disabled people’s organisations at the heart of Government’s response.

Marc Bolland said: “As founder and chairman of Movement to Work we have, in close cooperation with DWP, brought over 200,000 NEETs into work and I am honoured and passionate to join the DWP now.

“I believe the Government is serious about tackling this generational crisis of youth unemployment, and I know that working hand in hand with business to support young people gives them the best possible chance of success.”

Marc brings experience at the most senior levels of business, having served as Chief Executive of Marks & Spencer plc, Chief Executive of Morrisons supermarkets, and Chief Operating Officer at Heineken.

He also brings a deep passion for improving young people’s lives through work, as demonstrated in his role as founding chairman of Movement to Work, a charity that offers free support to businesses to create youth employability programmes. The organisation has so far delivered more than 200,000 opportunities for 16 to 30-year-olds facing barriers to work.

Marc will help bring business into solving this national crisis – with some employers already stepping in to be part of the solution.

Severn Trent is the latest major employer to back the Government’s Youth Guarantee, which aims to give every young person the chance to earn or learn. Other supporters include the Premier League, Channel 4, Royal Shakespeare Company and Pinewood Studios.

The Government has commissioned Alan Milburn to look into the root causes of youth inactivity and identify what more can be done to support young people into work and learning. Last week, Alan Milburn published his interim findings which highlighted calls for a system reset to support more young people into work.

The report found that, without urgent action, the number of young people who are NEET – not in education, employment, or training – will rise from 1-in-8 to 1-in-6 young people within five years, representing 1.25 million young lives.

The government is prioritising early intervention, ensuring young people are supported before they reach crisis point, identifying and supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), speech delays, and behavioural risks as early as possible to improve long-term outcomes.

Marc is the latest major figure from the world of business brought in by the department to utilise their extensive experience and expertise.

Last year, former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield was asked to lead the Keep Britain Working Review which, with the support of employers, has been looking at ways to help people return to or stay in work.

New showhome launches at West Craigs Green in Edinburgh

A striking new multi-level pop-up showhome has launched at Cruden Homes’ West Craigs Green development in Edinburgh, giving buyers their first chance to step inside the highly anticipated four-bedroom Snowdrop townhouse.

Designed across three levels to reflect the way modern families live today, the newly unveiled showhome highlights flexible living, contemporary interiors and adaptable spaces for entertaining, working from home and multi-generational living.

The four-bedroom end-terrace Snowdrop townhouse has been carefully designed to create a natural rhythm between entertaining areas, quieter retreats and everyday family life, allowing each part of the home to evolve around changing lifestyles and routines. 

At the heart of the home is a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and living area with direct access to the private rear garden, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.

Across the upper floors, the property features four bedrooms, a family bathroom and en-suite, while one room has been styled as a flexible second lounge and guest space to demonstrate how buyers can personalise the layout to suit their own needs, whether for home working, growing families or visiting guests.

The interiors, designed by Get Fully Furnished, take inspiration from the natural surroundings and green landscape of West Craigs, blending warm neutral tones, muted olive shades and terracotta accents to create a calm and welcoming atmosphere. 

Claire Murray from Get Fully Furnished, said: “We wanted to create interiors that feel warm, relaxed and highly adaptable, while still delivering a strong sense of personality throughout the home.

“Because the home is arranged over three floors, it was important that each level had its distinct character while still feeling cohesive overall. We also wanted to demonstrate how the layout can flex around buyers’ lifestyles over time.” 

Located in west Edinburgh, West Craigs Green forms part of one of the capital’s fastest-growing residential neighbourhoods, close to green space, active travel routes and major transport links, including Edinburgh Airport, the tram network and Edinburgh city centre.

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director at Cruden Homes, added: “Our new pop-up showhome really captures what buyers are looking for from modern multi-level living, flexibility, space and a layout that works around everyday life.

“The interiors bring a real warmth and personality to the property while showcasing how versatile the homes can be for families, entertaining, home working or simply creating quieter areas to relax.

“The townhouses at West Craigs Green represent excellent value for money, and the launch of the new showhome gives prospective buyers the opportunity to fully experience the quality, layout and lifestyle on offer at the development.”

West Craigs Green features a mix of high quality, energy-efficient villas, townhouses and apartments within one of Edinburgh’s most popular new residential locations.

The sales & marketing suite and show homes are open Thursday to Monday. Book a viewing online today or get in touch by emailing:

westcraigsgreen@crudenhomes.co.uk

or calling 0131 600 0095.