Tag: awards

Edinburgh innovators land national awards across health, space and technology

EDINBURGH innovators have secured a string of national awards for university-developed ideas spanning women’s health, the creative industries and disease detection.

Leading the region’s success is WombWise, developed by Edinburgh Napier University Data Engineering graduate Emily Youngs, who was crowned winner of the Create Change Challenge at the 2026 Converge Awards.

The system has been developed to tackle the long delays many women face in securing a diagnosis of endometriosis and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere in the body. It affects around one in 10 women of reproductive age, according to the Endometriosis Foundation.

Through combining data from wearable devices such as smartwatches with an AI symptom tracker, WombWise aims to give women objective evidence they can take to their GP.

Emily Youngs said: “What we’re doing at WombWise is using wearable devices that are already on the market, like Oura Rings and Apple Watches, repurposing that data and looking for pain markers.

“We’re tracking women for pain rather than fertility and pregnancy, trying to see if they’ve got potential signs of endometriosis or PMOS and helping them towards a potential diagnosis.

“I’m just so shocked to even be here, never mind win. I’m very happy”

WombWise was joined by fellow winners in the Edinburgh region, Stage Analytics from Queen Margaret University, which secured the Creative Fusion Prize, sponsored by Mark Logan, for technology that helps event venues and producers make better use of their data. Its real-time dashboards streamline information and provide stronger evidence to support decisions around scheduling shows.

Heriot-Watt University also celebrated success through RecoverPX, led by Helen Bridle, which secured the Ventures Lab Prize as well as a Blue Economy Prize for technology designed to help water companies detect potentially harmful contamination more reliably.

Its first focus is Cryptosporidium, a parasite which can contaminate water supplies and the technology has already been tested by several UK water companies.

Winners from universities across the Edinburgh region continued with Pleiades Dynamics, led by Stephen Spice from the University of Edinburgh, who secured the Space Challenge award in the first year of this new category, funded by Space Scotland and the Higgs Centre for Innovation.

The region’s universities also claimed a runner-up place in the Converge Challenge category, with Heriot-Watt University’s TissueMetrics, led by Michael Crichton and Sara Medina-Lombardero, also picking up The Data Lab special prize.

The Data Lab works with Scottish universities to advance innovation and skills in data and artificial intelligence. TissueMetrics is developing technology to help improve the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases, such as eczema.

AI for the Eye, founded by Michaela Thorne, has developed a non-invasive, AI-powered retinal imaging system designed to transform how bovine tuberculosis is detected in cattle. It rounded off a strong showing for Edinburgh region universities across healthcare, the creative industries and animal health.

Michaele Thorne said: ““The money is going to be used to make the retinal imaging prototype for cattle, which means we’ll be able to take the device onto farms and image live animals. It means we can validate the business and push things forward.

“It was unexpected and really exciting to win. It’s going to do a lot of good for the business.”

Juto Bio, represented by Commercial Lead Jude Taylor from the University of Edinburgh, won the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre special prize (IBioIC). The company uses waste from Scottish whisky distilleries to grow tiny algae, which are turned into natural products that help crops grow. It offers farmers a cheaper alternative to treatments made from seaweed.

Adam Kosterka, Executive Director of Converge, said: “Edinburgh has an extraordinary concentration of academic and entrepreneurial talent and this year’s results demonstrate the breadth of innovation emerging from universities across the region.

“WombWise is addressing a significant challenge in women’s health, while the success of Stage Analytics, RecoverPX, Pleiades Dynamics, TissueMetrics, AI for the Eye and Juto Bio shows just how varied university entrepreneurship in the Edinburgh region has become.

“These are very different ventures, but they share our ambition to take strong ideas beyond the university environment and turn them into something capable of delivering real-world impact.”

That ambition sits at the heart of Converge, which works with staff, students and recent graduates to develop the commercial skills, expertise and connections needed to turn promising university ideas into sustainable businesses.

Backed by the Scottish Funding Council, a network of corporate partners and Scotland’s universities, the programme combines practical business support and training with equity-free funding.

Paul Devoy, Interim Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, said: “We’re proud to have been able to support Converge’s impact on Scottish innovation and entrepreneurship for the past 15 years.  

“The Converge Awards are a fabulous way to celebrate the university-led innovation that plays an important part in Scotland’s ambition to be amongst the world’s most innovative nations. 

“All the participants in this year’s programme have contributed to new thinking and entrepreneurship, and this year’s winners and finalists represent exceptional creativity in solving global challenges.”

Formed in 2011, Converge has become a driving force for university-led innovation, supporting more than 1000 academic entrepreneurs who have gone on to establish over 500 companies.

Businesses taking part in the Converge programme have a three-year survival rate of 86%, significantly above the national average. This reflects both the strength of innovation emerging from universities and the quality, support and rigour of the programme.

Building on that milestone, Converge is preparing to launch Converge 2.0 in 2027, an evolved offering which will broaden its support and introduce more tailored, sector-specific pathways for ventures at an advanced stage of development.

Excellent! Scran Academy is Finalist in Qualification Scotland Centre of the Year awards

Edinburgh-based charity Scran Academy has been named a finalist for Centre of the Year at the Qualifications Scotland Excellence Awards 2026.

The charity, which provides vocational education for young people, has been recognised just two years after becoming a Qualification Scotland-approved centre.

The nomination marks a significant milestone for Scran Academy, which was founded in response to the number of young people struggling to engage with mainstream education.

Scran Academy works with young people to provide an education that fits their individual needs and aspirations. Through practical and vocational learning, the charity supports young people to gain qualifications, develop skills, confidence and build pathways towards employment and further opportunities.

Becoming a Qualification Scotland-approved centre two years ago was an important step in developing this work and expanding the qualifications Scran Academy can offer.

For young people the impact can be significant. Jacob, Scran graduate, said: “Scran offered me a place where I didn’t just feel like a number and it was a better alternative to sitting in a classroom doing nothing.

“I like Scran because it’s different to school in the way that it teaches us good qualities that the school system doesn’t.

“Qualifications at Scran were so much better in the sense that it was more hands-on and engaging than schoolwork. All the cooking qualifications helped me to get my job in a kitchen. I’m planning on working full time when I leave school and Scran qualifications are the reason I have the job in the first place.”

For Scran Academy, being named a finalist is recognition not only of the organisation’s work, but of the young people at the heart of it.

Will Bain, CEO says “To be shortlisted for Qualifications Scotland Centre of the Year is huge for us. It’s both a recognition of our track record and an acknowledgement that our relationship-based approach works.

“Young people are equal contributors at Scran – they help to decide what and how they learn, and are given a stake in running our catering social enterprise.

“It’s this rights-based, real-life approach that drives our success and has made this shortlisting happen.”

The Qualifications Scotland Excellence Awards 2026 recognise achievements across Scotland’s education, training and skills sector, with finalists selected across a range of categories.

For Scran Academy, being shortlisted for Centre of the Year comes just two years after becoming an approved centre and represents an important moment in the charity’s journey.

Scran Academy is now looking forward to celebrating alongside the other finalists at the Qualifications Scotland Excellence Awards 2026.

Week one winners of The Besties announced

The Besties awards celebrating the best across Edinburgh’s August Festivals are now in their third year. The Award is a partnership between Radge Media, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland.

The Skinny and Fest, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland are delighted to announce the week one winners of The Besties.

Stanislavski Can’t Save Me From the Apocalypse: The Superpower Agency Award 

This award was selected by the young people who participated in this year’s Superpower Agency critical writing summer camp, a collaboration with the teams at The Skinny and Fest.

Five women went to teach theatre for the summer. They just didn’t know the world would end before camp did. In Stanislavski Can’t Save Me From The Apocalypse, life at a theatre camp in the northern woods of Maine takes a shocking turn when five counsellors suddenly become responsible for more than forty campers after the world ends on the final day of camp. Their artistic dreams collide with the abrupt demands of survival, forcing women who once built imaginary worlds onstage to confront a terrifying new reality offstage.

The young reviewers said, “We really enjoyed this innovative theatre production, set at a kid’s theatre camp in the aftermath of the apocalypse. This is an ambitious show that takes risks with its unconventional structure and pulls them off. They did a lot with a tiny venue, minimal set and a cast who were passionate and talented. The characters were realistic and the show’s depiction of young adult friendship was funny and relatable. A hopeful and meaningful take on a potentially dark subject.”

Ethan and Gigi present The Movement: The Radgie Award

Believing themselves to be revolutionary leaders, two overconfident artists attempt to liberate the masses through the power of theatre. Ethan & Gigi are here to upstage fascist pigs and break legs (literally). The revolution will not be televised, it will be live! Alt-comedian legend Chris Gethard says: ‘These kids are funny, brave, some of the hardest workers I’ve ever met and also might be legitimately unwell in a mental sense. Either way, huge fan. Restores my faith and makes me believe in the connective power of comedy.’

The Skinny/Fest editorial team said: “Ethan and Gigi’s commitment to the bit is what makes this faux so-bad-it’s-good comedy stand out from the rest. A pair of revolutionaries riddled with interpersonal issues but convinced they’re on the brink of an anti-fascist revolutionary movement, the New York clown duo never let you see where they start and the characters end. There are big, insane swings in this show that wears its brashness deceptively lightly; swings that you’re only likely to see at The Fringe.” 

Xhloe and Natasha: Bigfoot Ripped My Dog In Half I Saw It – 

Fringe Legends

Two teenagers perform fake Bigfoot sightings in their Appalachian town, until a neighbour’s dog turns up torn to pieces. Aside from sparking a panic that spirals out of their control, it forces them to question what might actually be terrorizing their under-resourced and already superstitious community. From 2022, 2023 and 2024 Fringe First award-winners and ‘the Fringe’s most dynamic theatrical duo’ (Telegraph), Xhloe and Natasha, comes a Brechtian puppet show ripped in two about conspiracy, misdirection and seeing something with your own eyes.

The Skinny/Fest editorial team said: “It may be early in the 2026 Fringe to declare a legend award, but the judging team could think of no title more fitting for clown duo Xhloe and Natasha. Since their 2022 debut with And Then the Rodeo Burned Down they’ve built a devoted following amongst Fringe-goers in general and the Skinny-Fest teams in particular. This year they’ve returned with their fourth original show, Bigfoot Ripped My Dog In Half I Saw It, and it has once again lived up to the hype.”

Elf Lyons is the woman on the edge: The Heart Award

‘I’m sorry, I’ve said too much…’ Sky Arts Award-winning comedian Elf Lyons is The Woman on the Edge. A completely normal, autobiographical (and in no way complex) – observational stand-up show about love. A perfect show to take yourself to. Inspired by Vertigo, Apollo 13, the opera Pagliacci. Directed by Ingmar Bergman. One of The Telegraph’s 50 Funniest Comedians of the 21st Century.

The Skinny/Fest editorial team said: “The Fringe has practically belonged to Elf Lyons for a while now. Swan was mad; Raven was fit for a King. So to hear, in Elf’s new show, that she had lost herself earlier this year was heart-rending. If someone so singular can lose sight of who they are, what hope is there for the rest of us? By the end of her new hour, there’s no question that that isn’t the case anymore.”

House Fly: The Buzz Award

Bzzzz. Enter the surrealist world of a house fly. She’s come to share her story before she dies! In an astonishing historical first, a house fly has learnt human behaviour. Wanting to warn us about the worldwide insect shortage but getting lost along the way. This is Tess O’Shea’s first show after training at Gaulier clown school – it’s a theatrical exploration on the life of a fly and their cultural history. Come and see a fly’s observations on the absurdity of modern life, inspired by Kafka and the surrealism of Dali. Swatters strictly prohibited!

Fest writer Xuanlin Tham said: “the humble fly is often constituted as nothing more than a filthy pest. Yet carrying on in the grand surrealist tradition of Kafka, Dalí, and also Ratatouille (masterpiece), Tess O’Shea’s House Fly paints the life story of one fly so vividly that the last thing you want to do is swat it away … The buzz is real.” 

Eva Peroni:  Jungled – Emerging Talent Award

At 17, Eva moved from Livingston to Costa Rica on her own. She dropped out of school and moved to Costa Rica a boy-mad wee bam. She came back a bald lesbian without shoes. A fast, brutally funny debut about how you can take the girl out of Livingston, but maybe Costa Rica is too far. ‘One of the best young acts on the Scottish circuit’ (One4Review.co.uk). ‘A rising star’ (List). Support for Kim Blythe, Sam Nicoresti and Susie McCabe.

The Skinny/Fest editorial team said: “Eva Peroni is anything if not precocious. The 22-year-old’s debut Fringe hour is crammed with joke after joke, drawing on themes of identity and belonging and remaining sharp and uncompromising throughout. Taking inspiration from her coming-of-age in Costa Rica, the comic probes questions of national identity and Scottishness, with tongue firmly in cheek…”

Reflecting the broad and diverse coverage both magazines produce every summer and celebrating the breadth of Edinburgh’s Festivals, The Besties span all the festival activity taking place in the city over the month of August, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Edinburgh International Film Festival. 

Winners of The Besties are chosen each week by the editorial teams of The Skinny and Fest, drawing on their cross-festival expertise to celebrate the best work happening anywhere in the festivals. 2026 winners will be announced at weekly ceremonies taking place at Festival Theatre in Edinburgh on 15, 22 and 29 August.

The Besties awards, designed by artist Camillo Feuchter a graduate of Interior & Environmental Design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee, use recyclable plastics gathered by the partners and leftover wood sourced locally. 

The Besties are back this August

The Besties awards celebrating the best across Edinburgh’s August Festivals are now in their third year. The Award is a partnership between Radge Media, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland.

The Besties 2026 design by Camillo Feuchter

The Skinny and Fest, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland are delighted to announce that The Besties are back! 

Reflecting the broad and diverse coverage both magazines produce every summer and celebrating the breadth of Edinburgh’s Festivals,

The Besties span all the festival activity taking place in the city over the month of August, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Winners of The Besties are chosen each week by the editorial teams of The Skinny and Fest, drawing on their cross-festival expertise to celebrate the best work happening anywhere in the festivals.

2026 winners will be announced at weekly ceremonies taking place at Festival Theatre in Edinburgh on 15, 22 and 29 August.

The Besties awards, designed by artist Camillo Feuchter a graduate of Interior & Environmental Design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee, use recyclable plastics gathered by the partners and leftover wood sourced locally.

Edinburgh libraries celebrate success at The British Book Awards

Libraries across Edinburgh are celebrating after being recognised at the prestigious Library of the Year Award at The British Book Awards 2026.

The collaborative work of Oxgangs Library, Saughton Library at HMP Edinburgh and the Mobile Library Service have been named Scotland Regional and Country Winner for Library of the Year.

Their Secret Santa Project saw individuals in custody receive specially selected library books, gift-wrapping them so recipients would have something meaningful to open on Christmas Day.

The partnership will now go forward for the overall Library of the Year Award, with the final winner to be announced at The British Book Awards 2026.

Alongside the regional win, other Edinburgh libraries were also recognised as finalists in the Scotland category.

Kirkliston and South Queensferry Library were recognised for their role supporting children and young people through transition between primary school and high school by working with local schools to promote literacy, encourage reading for pleasure and expand educational opportunities for children and young people in the local areas.

Meanwhile, Craigmillar Library was shortlisted for their work with young people to create a teenage book group, where the young people have not only developed a love of reading, they have also learned new skills in areas such as creative writing and research. 

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve been recognised as a Regional and Country winner for Library of the Year. This achievement is testament to the dedication and creativity of the teams at Oxgangs, Saughton Library at HMP Edinburgh and our Mobile Libraries service, whose hard work has made this possible.

“They delivered a thoughtful Secret Santa initiative that provided gift-wrapped books for people in custody at what can be a particularly lonely time of year. The project not only helped boost participation with the library but brought comfort to so many.

“My congratulations also go to the teams at Craigmillar and Kirkliston and South Queensferry Libraries who were recognised as finalists.

I’m so proud that we have such a fantastic library service across the whole city.”

Abodus Student Living celebrates a landmark year

Multi-award-winning student accommodation sets the benchmark for student living with 98% occupancy rate across its UK portfolio

Abodus Student Living has been named Student Housing Operator of the Year 2025 at The Class Foundation’s PBSA Awards in Lisbon, recognised for delivering an elevated student living experience that goes beyond traditional expectations. The business also secured a clear win in the public vote, demonstrating its strong reputation among residents and industry peers.

The award is one of four major accolades Abodus has achieved this year, cementing its position as a multi-award-winning, best-in-class operator.

In addition to its Lisbon win, Abodus received Investor in Students’ highest accreditation of Gold Operator, was named Most Inclusive Student Accommodation Provider at Property Week’s Student Accommodation Awards, and was Highly Commended in the UK’s Best Operator under 5,000 beds category.

Across its portfolio, residences have also recorded student NPS scores above 70, placing Abodus Student Living well within global top-tier benchmarks for customer experience.

This success reflects the strength of Abodus’ fully independent, end-to-end operating model. The wider Abodus platform spans development, investment and asset management, working alongside its PBSA operating arm, , to deliver a seamless and high-performing service for students, partners and investors.

Two significant new developments launched this year. Martha Street Apartments launched in central Glasgow, offering high-quality accommodation for both domestic and international students as well as co-living residents.

In Newcastle, the opening of Union Square strengthened Abodus Student Living’s position in one of the UK’s most competitive student markets. The company also expanded its senior team, welcoming Brianne Lee as Commercial Manager to help support the next stage of its growth.

Abodus Student Living’s social and environmental efforts has also gained momentum with the launch of its Sustainability Committee.

Over the past year, students and teams donated 374 bags of pre-loved items, raising an estimated £7,854 for the British Heart Foundation, bringing total donations since 2024 to £35,910. Through its work with Ecologi, Abodus Student Living has planted 530 trees to support reforestation and climate action.

Commenting on the award win and the company’s progress, CEO Joss Muirie said: “Winning Student Housing Operator of the Year is a huge endorsement of our team’s continued performance, innovation and commitment to putting students first.

“We’ve delivered another exceptional year, from launching new assets to strengthening our leadership team and achieving 98% occupancy across the portfolio.

“Our recent investment in technology, AI integration and our rebrand means we are exceptionally well positioned for the next stage of our growth journey. With further UK acquisitions in the pipeline, 2026 is shaping up to be another transformative year for the business.”

Looking ahead, Abodus Student Living plans to build on this year’s achievements as it enters 2026. A strengthened leadership team, a growing portfolio and continued investment in technology and customer experience as well as sustainability positions the business well for its next phase of expansion in the UK.

The Student Housing Operator of the Year award serves as a powerful endorsement as Abodus Student Living moves confidently into a new chapter of growth and innovation.

Prestigious award presented to University of Edinburgh veterinary student at BVA Day

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has honoured the achievements and dedication of two veterinary professionals at its annual BVA Day.  

The BVA Research Travel Scholarship (Harry Steele-Bodger Memorial Scholarship Fund) was awarded to University of Edinburgh final year vet student Natalie Bubenheim and the BVA Council Impact Award (Bleby Cup) was presented to Dr Veselina Trufcheva-Edwards at the annual BVA members event, held at its London headquarters in Mansfield Street on Thursday (25 September).

The event included the association’s Annual General Meeting and the election of its new President and Junior Vice President. 

Natalie Bubenheim – winner of the BVA Research Travel Scholarship (Harry Steele-Bodger Memorial Scholarship Fund) 

This travel scholarship was established in 1953 to honour Mr Henry Steele-Bodger, President of the BVA 1939-41, in recognition of his great services to the veterinary profession and to agriculture, particularly during the Second World War.

The full award has been granted to Natalie Bubenheim, to assist her towards her contribution to the project ‘Analysis of Performance and Health Indicators in a Commercial Goat and Sheep Herd/Flock in Malawi’. 

Natalie, a final year University of Edinburgh veterinary student, has a strong interest in wildlife and livestock health in low-income regions.

During her first degree, she spent six months studying in South Africa, an experience that inspired her pursuit of veterinary medicine and a commitment to improving animal health in Southern Africa.

She is also a committee member of the Edinburgh Farm Animal Veterinary Society, and a member of the Dick Vet Wildlife and Zoological Society.  

Veterinary student Natalie Bubenheim said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the funding which has made this project possible. Without this support, I would not have been able to travel to Malawi to carry out the research on-site.

“The opportunity to collaborate directly with local students and staff, visit the farms, and understand the real-world conditions is essential to the success and impact of the project.

“This funding is not only enabling valuable research into herd health and productivity but also helping strengthen veterinary education and food security in the Lilongwe community.” 

Dr Veselina Trufcheva-Edwards MRCVS – winner of BVA Council Impact Award (Bleby Cup) 

The BVA Council Impact Award (Bleby Cup) is presented annually to the BVA Council member who has made an outstanding contribution at Council.

This year, the award goes to Veselina Trufcheva.Having qualified as a vet in 2006 from Trakia University in Bulgaria and with experience in both EU and UK practices, she has been working as a small animal vet in the UK for 13 years, most recently as a senior vet in a West London small animal practice.

She was first elected for BVA Council as the representative for London in February 2023 and has since contributed actively to debates, representing the views of West London vets within Council discussions.

Veselina has also hosted many visits for BVA’s team, to give them an invaluable insight into veterinary life, and always takes the time to acknowledge hard work from everyone at BVA HQ. 

Small animal vet Veselina Trufcheva-Edwards said: “I am honoured and at the same time deeply moved to receive the John Bleby Cup.

“I am grateful to be part of an organisation that shapes the future for the veterinary profession and honoured to represent the diverse voices of our London region.

“Working with likeminded and passionate individuals, channelling all BVA tools to support others and representing members at council meetings to shape new policy, has been an empowering experience, both personally and professionally.” 

Outgoing British Veterinary Association President Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “It is such a pleasure to be able to highlight the achievements and dedication of exceptional members of the veterinary profession and these prestigious awards go to worthy winners.

“BVA trustees were really impressed with Natalie’s application and exciting choice of project – they especially liked the fact it combines building her skills, benefits to animal welfare and sharing her knowledge with local students. This is a really special project and we know Natalie has a bright future ahead of her.

“Veselina’s dedication to the BVA Council and her efforts to always represent the voices of those in her region demonstrate her passion and dedication.

“We have also always noticed how she always takes the time to thank people for their own hard work. In a challenging profession, the simple kindness of a few words of thanks goes a long way.”

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces 2025 Competition Winners

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces winners of this year’s Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence and The Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence Competition

The winner of the Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence is Abdolreza Kahani’s Mortician

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced the winners of its prize for feature filmmaking and its prize for short filmmaking.

The awards were presented at a special ceremony at Cameo Cinema in Edinburgh by Jason Connery on behalf of The Connery Foundation and by legendary film editor Thelma Schoonmaker.

The winner of this year’s The Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence, decided on by an audience vote and funded by The Connery Foundation is Abdolreza Kahani’s Mortician. Ten feature-length World Premieres were presented at EIFF as part of the competition with the winning filmmaker being awarded £50,000 to support their future projects.

In Mortician, a reclusive mortician faces an unusual request from a dissident singer in hiding, their bond providing the beating heart of this disarmingly elegant film. Combining a distinctive, lo-fi visual style, naturalistic performances and familiar wit and humanity, Director Abdolreza Kahani’s film is both utterly distinctive and affecting.

Mortician sees director Abdolreza Kahani return to EIFF following his film A Shrine screening as part of last year’s Festival. Mortician is presented as part of Spotlight Canada 2025, supported by The High Commission of Canada and The Beaverbrook Canadian Foundation.

The other films in competition films were:

Blue Film (Dir. Elliot Tuttle)

Powered by extraordinary performances, a tight script and an elegant visual style, this unusual thriller makes for a shocking and highly compelling cinematic experience.

Concessions (Dir. Mas Bouzidi)

Propelled by a witty and weirdly lyrical script, great performances and some unexpected cameos, this is a fresh, funny and robust ode to cinema in a time of uncertainty over its future.

In Transit (Dir. Jaclyn Bethany)

An elegant, subtle drama with a chilly edge, this is a restrained and emotionally intelligent exploration of selfish desires, hidden motivations and what it really takes to know yourself.

Low Rider (Dir. Campbell X)

Powered by finely drawn characters and a freewheeling narrative, this is a vivid and visually striking queer road movie that has a strong message of self-empowerment at its core

Best Boy (Dir. Jesse Noah Klein)

A bold, original and blackly comic satire that fearlessly skewers social constructs, the nuclear family and toxic masculinity.

Novak (Dir. Harry Lagoussis)

An offbeat, intriguing exploration of idol worship, consumerism and non-conformity in the modern world, this is dark, unpredictable and humorous in equal measure.

On The Sea (Dir. Helen Walsh)

The humdrum contentment and daily routine of a married mussel farmer are thrown into chaos by the arrival of a mysterious stranger in novellist and filmmaker Helen Walsh’s beautiful, erotic love story set on the Welsh coast.

Once You Shall Be One Of Those Who Lived Long Ago (Dirs. Alexander Rynéus and Per Bifrost)

An affecting, gorgeously crafted documentary about the remaining people in Malmberget in north Sweden, a small town slowly collapsing into the mines beneath it.

Two Neighbors (Dir. Ondine Viñao)

A wealthy socialite (Cherry) and a struggling writer (Chalotra) are thrown together at a debauched party in this remarkable satire of greed and excess with a supernatural twist in the tale.

The winner of The Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence Competition is Joanna Vymeris’s Mother Goose. The short film competition winner was also decided on by an audience vote and is awarded £15,000 to support their future projects.

After the death of her husband, Janet decides to distract herself by rearing a goose, which is to be the centrepiece of her Christmas dinner. However, as she grows ever more isolated from her daughter, Janet’s need to nurture the goose becomes an obsession: one which will cost her dearly. A modern day Grimm’s fairy-tale about grief, isolation and a goose.

EIFF 2025, Thelma Schoonmaker Award Winner, Mother Goose; Edinburgh International Film Festival, Aug 2025; Photographer: Kat Gollock © EIFF, Edinburgh International Film Festival All Rights Reserved

The other shorts in the competition are:

​​Love Me, Hold Me, Always (Dir. Hardey Speight)

Forced into homelessness after her release from prison, Chrissie searches for love in the margins of society.

Stray (Dir. Morven Christie)

From nightclub to wilderness, a young girl seeks shelter from a world that feels hostile.

Blondi (Dir. Jack Salvadori)

Can a dog still be man’s best friend if that man is the Führer?

The Golden Squacco Heron (Dir. Edward Smyth)

Two childhood friends search for the fabled golden Squacco Heron.

Fowl Play (Dir. Anabelle LeMieux)

A mother’s quest for a Thanksgiving turkey spirals into chaos.

Backstroke (Sırtüstü) (Dir. Asya Günen)

Burdened by pressure and isolation, a young swimmer finds freedom by reclaiming the water for herself.

She Said So (Dir. Madeline Clayton)

A persuasive teenage girl orchestrates a sleepover that tests her best friend’s sexual boundaries.

Jodie (Dir. Seb Tabe)

Jodie faces a moral dilemma as she contends with the harmful male influences in her life.

Your body in my room (Tu cuerpo en mi habitación) (Dir. Axel Cheb Terrab)

Knowing they will never see each other again, two former lovers are acutely aware of the passing of time.

EIFF Director, Paul Ridd has said: “As the 2025 Edinburgh International Film Festival draws to a close I am once again moved and humbled by the hard work and astonishing effort that everyone has put into making this Festival stimulating, entertaining and fun.

“I am so grateful to all the organisations, teams and individuals who put their hearts and souls into this. These past seven days are testament to our collective belief in the power of film to provoke, to stimulate and to inspire empathy.

“Our two competition winners showcase outstanding work from their respective filmmakers and teams, proving that with formal dexterity, humanity and grace, cinema is alive and kicking.

“I am hugely inspired by all the filmmakers in Competition and beyond as well as all our special guests, who have worked so brilliantly with us to platform their work on the big screen and have been so generous with their time with audiences and with industry who we know very well are hungry for something fresh and exciting. I cannot wait for 2026!”

EIFF 2025 is supported by Screen Scotland and the BFI Audience Projects Fund, awarding National Lottery funding, EventScotland part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, and the industry programme is backed by EXPO funding from the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland.

Edinburgh International Film Festival ran from Thursday 14 to Wednesday 20 August. 

Barnton luxury retirement development announced finalist for third major award of 2025

The Avenue, an exclusive retirement community by five-star home builder Cruden Homes, is in the running for its third major accolade after being shortlisted for ‘Development of the Year’ at the 2025 Herald Property Awards.

This latest nomination follows an impressive award season for The Avenue, which has already scooped Housing Development of the Year (Small, Private Sale) at the 2025 Scottish Home Awards and Private Development of the Year (Medium) at the 2025 Homes for Scotland Awards. 

Located in the leafy suburb of Barnton, just minutes from Edinburgh’s bustling city centre, The Avenue’s boutique offering includes 48 energy-efficient apartments, penthouses, and executive villas, each built to a high specification. 

Designed exclusively for those aged 55 and over, the development combines elegant, hotel-inspired living and thoughtful amenities. Residents can enjoy access to a stylish club lounge and guest suite, and will benefit from a dedicated concierge service. The Avenue’s focus on sustainability, quality and design sets it apart in the retirement living sector.

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “The Avenue offers a truly unique opportunity for those aged 55 and over to live in luxurious, peaceful homes, alongside a lovely community of like-minded neighbours.

“We prioritised quality and innovation from the outset, and it is fantastic to see this commitment recognised with our recent award successes and this latest nomination.”

The Herald Property awards, hosted in partnership with Prime Property Auctions, celebrate Scotland’s most innovative and successful home and commercial builders, developers, agents, interior designers and registered social landlords.

For more information on The Avenue’s luxury retirement living, please visit: 

www.theavenuebarnton.co.uk

Swinney pays tribute to Scottish recipients of The Elizabeth Emblem

First Minister marks lives given in public service

First Minister John Swinney has paid tribute to the eight Scottish recipients of The Elizabeth Emblem.

The emblem is awarded posthumously to family members of those who died in public service. It is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or a terrorist attack.

The First Minister said: “I warmly welcome the awarding of The Elizabeth Emblem to these individuals and their families.

“This recognition enables us to remember their sacrifice and their lives dedicated to public service. They made Scotland a better place for us all and we continue to honour their memory.”

The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray said: “I pay tribute to all of those Scots who have been recognised today. Every one of these brave public servants gave their life to protect others. They are people who stepped forward when most of us would step back, and they paid the ultimate price.

“I am particularly pleased that Dunblane teacher Gwen Mayor has been recognised. No-one will ever forget the horror of the shooting at Dunblane Primary School in 1996, when Mrs Mayor was killed trying to protect her pupils.

“I hope that the families of all those recognised will take some comfort in knowing that their loved ones, and their service, has not been forgotten.” 

The family of Dunblane Primary School teacher Gwen Mayor including her husband Rodney Mayor said: “As a family we are extremely proud and honoured to be receiving this award on behalf of Gwen. We always believed her actions that day deserved more recognition.

“You would have to have known Gwen to know that she would have done whatever trying to protect the children in her care. She paid the ultimate price for that commitment. Finally we now feel that she has been honoured for what happened that day.”

The full list of Scottish recipients of The Elizabeth Emblem are:

  • Joseph Stewart Drake, a Constable with Stirling and Clackmannan Constabulary. He died on 11 August 1967 when a stolen lorry intentionally struck his car at Dennyloanhead as he tried to intercept it. 
  • Gwen Mayor, Primary 1 teacher at Dunblane Primary School died on 13 March 1996 alongside 15 of her pupils when a gunman entered the school.
  • Rodney (Rod) Moore, a retired NHS paramedic from Falkirk with 40 years’ service, rejoined the Scottish Ambulance Service to support its Covid-19 response and died on 21 November 2020 having contracted coronavirus.
  • Roderick Nicolson, a Scottish Fire & Rescue Service firefighter died at Perth Harbour on 4 December 1995. He was attempting to rescue workers who became trapped in a silo filled with five tonnes of sodium carbonate ash.
  • Richard Paul North, a Constable with Tayside Police died on 17 March 1987. He was on duty driving a marked police patrol car when it collided with another vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was under the influence of drink and drugs.
  • William Oliver of the Glasgow Salvage Corps died at the Cheapside Street whisky bond fire on 28 March 1960. He was instantly killed alongside 18 others when some casks ruptured causing a massive boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion.
  • Ewan Williamson, a Scottish Fire & Rescue Service firefighter with Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service. He became trapped in a fire at the Balmoral Bar public house in Edinburgh and died on 12 July 2009.
  • Alastair Soutar, of HM Customs and Excise died of his injuries on 29 July 1996 after he was crushed between ‘The Sentinel’ HM Customs and Excise vessel and the ‘Ocean Jubilee’ smugglers vessel. Mr Soutar, from Dundee, was participating in Operation Balvenie to apprehend drug smugglers.