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 Librarywas 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.”
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.
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 (BlebyCup) 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 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 isAbdolreza 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’sMortician. 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.
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.
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:
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.
Edinburgh-based talent take home top accolades at industry event
The winners of this year’s prestigious Gaelic short film competition, FilmG, were revealed on Friday night in front of a packed audience of 500 filmmakers, industry professionals and FilmG enthusiasts at the SEC in Glasgow.
Hosted by BBC ALBA’s Siobhan Sutherland, the 17th annual ceremony showcased an impressive range of films, including drama, documentary, and comedy, in separate under-18 and over-18 competitions.
The competition’s expert judging panel awarded top prizes based on originality, storytelling, technical execution, and overall impact.
Edinburgh-based production company Riochdachadh Rambling Celt (Rambling Celt Productions) won Best Comedy 18+ for their film, A’ Cluich, which sees two musicians compete for a prime spot on an Edinburgh street.
Director, Róise Nic An Bheatha, who hails from Edinburgh, incorporated a number of her family members into the production, with her younger siblings even playing the lead roles. Róise’s recent bilingual Gaelic and Irish short film Le Chèile has also collected multiple awards after being screened at festivals worldwide.
Rob MacNeacail, also from Edinburgh, collected the individual Technical Excellence Award 18+ for his audio production of the film.
Best Drama (-18) went to Parker Dawes for Air Choire, marking another milestone for the young filmmaker, whose first commissioned film, Dà Sgadan, aired on BBC ALBA at Christmas – all while still in high school. Parker is the most successful individual winner in the history of FilmG, with this being his sixth win.
Parker Dawes expressed his excitement: “Winning Best Drama means so much to me. I loved making Air Choire, and to see it recognised in this way is amazing. FilmG has played a huge part in my journey, and I’m grateful for the support and inspiration it has given me.”
In the 18+ competition, the coveted Best Drama award went to AllanWith1Eils for their thrilling short, Falach-Fead, a twist on hide and seek that gripped the audience. Filmmaking couple Allan Crook and Eilidh Johnson are frequent FilmG entrants and similarly collected the top award two years ago.
Eilidh Johnson said: “We’re thrilled to win Best Drama! FilmG gives us a creative outlet, and it’s an honour to be recognised by the judges again. We always try to surprise the audience, so I’m really happy that’s worked, and hopefully, we can surprise them again in the future.”
Public votes determined the FilmG Choice Awards, with Glen Urquhart High School’s Am Blà… taking the under-18 prize for their witty spoof of BBC ALBA’s An Là, while content creator Lauren Smith won in the over-18 category for Gàidhlig, a’ Choimhearsnachd agus Mise, an intimate exploration of her personal connection to the language.
FilmG Project Director Murdo MacSween said: “It’s inspiring to see over 500 attend the awards to help celebrate Gaelic short films, and we’re excited to see what the future holds not just for the winners but also those who might be spurred on by what they saw.”
Maggie Taylor, Head of Publishing at MG ALBA, which owns FilmG, added: “A huge congratulations to all our nominees and winners and a special thank you to Siobhan for keeping the audience captivated throughout the evening.
The FilmG Awards continue to highlight the importance of Gaelic voices in Scotland’s storytelling landscape.”
UK’s largest tour operator receives good news to start 2025, after receiving prestigious status in five categories – Beach and Resort Holiday Providers, Solo Holiday Providers, Family Holiday Providers, Tailor-Made Holiday Providers and City Breaks Providers
Jet2’s brands named Which? Recommended Provider in seven categories in total!
Jet2holidaysis starting this year on a high, having been named a Which? Recommended Provider in an unprecedented five categories.
The UK’s largest tour operator has once again been praised for its customer first approach and received the prestigious status in the Beach and Resort Holiday Providers, Solo Holiday Providers and Family Holiday Providers categories, as well as in a brand-new category for Jet2holidays – Tailor-Made Holiday Providers. Jet2CityBreaks is also recognised as a City Breaks Provider once again.
For the first time, Jet2holidays has received recognition in the consumer champion’s Tailor-Made Holiday Providers category which involved surveying almost 13,000 Which? Connect panel members who had discussed their holiday requirements with a travel advisor and had their specific holiday needs catered to or had been provided with recommendations on destinations or hotels. After being highly praised for its customer service and value for money of their holiday overall, Jet2holidays was awarded a customer score of 81%.
Adding to its success, Jet2holidays also received Which? Recommended Provider status in the Beach and Resort Holiday Providers category for the seventh year running. This accomplishment comes after respondents to the survey rated their beach and resort package holidays based on their customer service, accommodation, description matches reality, organisation, transport to and from destination and value for money, seeing Jet2holidays score an impressive 82%. Assessing Jet2holidays, Which? concludes ‘For a short-haul European beach break, Jet2holidays’ quality and wide number of destinations make it unbeatable.’
There was cause for even further celebration, as the company has also been named as a Which? Recommended Provider in the Family Holiday Providers and Solo Holiday Providers categories for the third year running. This recognition was achieved after customers rated the package holiday specialist highly in both categories, with Jet2holidays receiving a total score of 78% in the ‘Solo Holiday Providers’ category and 80% in the ‘Family Holiday Providers’ category.
Jet2CityBreaks has also been named a Which? Recommended Provider for City Breaks for the fourth consecutive year, after receiving a customer score of 80%.
In addition to these latest successes, Jet2.com is also a Which? Recommended Provider for Airlines and Jet2Villas is a Which? Recommended Provider for Villasand Holiday Lets Abroad. It means that Jet2’s brands are recognised as a Which? Recommended Provider in seven categories in total. These are: Beach and Resort Holiday Providers, Tailor-Made Holiday Providers, Family Holiday Providers, Solo Holiday Providers, City Breaks (Jet2CityBreaks), Villasand Holiday Lets Abroad (Jet2Villas) and Airlines (Jet2.com).
In further recognition for providing customers with industry-leading products and customer service on their well-deserved holidays, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays also secured the title of Travel Brand of the Year for the third year running at the prestigious Which? Awards2024.
To help holidaymakers secure their well-deserved holiday for even less this year, Jet2holidays has launched a promotion giving customers £90 per person off all holidays that depart between now and 15th November 2026.
The tour operatorhas also announced that customers with a myJet2 account can access an even bigger saving – with a whopping £100 off per person on all holidays. To take advantage of this saving, customers can sign up quickly and easily for a myJet2 account at https://www.jet2holidays.com/myjet2
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “This is fantastic news to start the new year. We are extremely proud to receive Which? Recommended Provider status once again and to be repeatedly recognised for our commitment to delivering outstanding customer service.
“This in-depth study carried out by the consumer champion, which is based on the experiences of paying customers, demonstrates who holidaymakers and independent travel agents can trust and look to when booking their next holiday, as we enter the peak booking season.
“With no fewer than seven Which? Recommended Provider accolades, this recognition reflects the hard work we put into delivering our industry-leading customer service.
“Whatever type of getaway a customer is after, they can be assured that Jet2.com and Jet2holidays will go above and beyond to deliver their much-deserved holiday. We are looking forward to even more successes in 2025.”
To view the findings of the survey, please follow the links below:
THE SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE SECURES THREE MAJOR AWARD WINS
The Scotch Whisky Experience, an internationally renowned whisky tourism destination by Edinburgh Castle, has achieved an exceptional series of wins at three major award ceremonies: The Scottish Thistle Awards, The Scottish Whisky Awards and The World Drinks Awards.
The national Scottish Thistle Awards named The Scotch Whisky Experience Scotland’s Best Visitor Attraction. The organisers, VisitScotland, describe the award as recognising “attractions which provide world class service with an authentic, memorable Scottish experience” and commended The Scotch Whisky Experience for “helping the world fall in love with Scotland and Scotch Whisky.”
This distinction places The Scotch Whisky Experience among past honourees such as the Burrell Collection, underscoring its contribution to Scotland’s global cultural appeal.
The Scottish Whisky Awards also recognised The Scotch Whisky Experience as Tourism Destination of the Year. Completing the hat trick, on 5 December The Scotch Whisky Experience won the major category of Visitor Attraction of the year at the World Drinks Awards’ Icons of Whisky 2025.
Chief Executive Susan Morrison, said, “Each award reinforces our mission to provide an unforgettable experience for every visitor, connecting them with Scotland’s rich whisky heritage.
“I am especially grateful to the visitors, partners and our dedicated and passionate team for making all these achievements possible”.
In addition to the organisation’s recognition, Marketing Director Julie Trevisan-Hunter was named one of the Top 100 Women in Tourism, an accolade recognising leadership and influence in Scotland’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
Adding to the trophy cabinet, Annika Schneider, PA to the CEO, was named Rising Star at the regional Scottish Thistle Awards.
Chief Executive Susan Morrison also received The Scottish Whisky Awards’ Jim Swan Award, which honours lifetime contributions to the whisky industry.
James Robertson, Chair of the Scottish Whisky Awards, explained: “Susan represents a vital part of the success of Scotch whisky and that is our tourism economy. She leads a team which inspires newcomers to whisky and teaches ways to appreciate and learn about Scotch.”
Susan Morrison reflected on the evolution of whisky tourism over her career: “During my career I have seen the Scotch whisky and Scottish tourism industries come ever closer together, celebrating the best aspects of Scotland and, in my view, the best people.
“To have been part of this journey has been a true honour. The absolute icing on the cake is seeing so many people – both visitors and team members – who established their love of Scotch with us at The Scotch Whisky Experience.
“We look forward to helping visitors from around the world fall in love with Scotch whisky in 2025.”
Emily Carr from Kier Construction takes home Local Hero award for Scotland at this year’s Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is delighted to announce the winners for the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards 2024. Congratulations to Emily Carr from Kier Construction, who took home the Local Hero award for the Scotland.
The awards ceremony, which celebrates and honours the outstanding individuals within the sector, took place on 30 September at Birmingham’s Burlington Hotel at the start of UK Construction Week.
The Awards Ceremony was hosted by National Federation of Builders, and showcased the influential women that work in construction, making female and non-binary role models more visible and accessible to inspire others, and demonstrating that the sector is open to everyone.
The category winners were:
Local Heros – exceptional women from nine different regions across the United Kingdom who are currently working at an operational or site level role in construction
Scotland: Emily Carr, Kier Construction
Northern Ireland: Melanie Dawson, Origin7
Wales: Katherine Evans, Bold as Brass
North East: Denise Cherry, YIRTG
North West: Melissa Fazackerley, Dimension H&S Ltd
Midlands: Kayleigh Merritt, Winvic Construction Ltd
East of England: Suzanne Moss, Ringway Infrastructure Services
South East: Chloe Xidhas, Independent Consultant
South West: Danielle Haskings, MCS
Women on the Tools – for those working within a specific trade within the industry who have or are striving to inspire the next generation of construction workers
Nettie Taylor, Eliza Tay Lady Decorators
The Influencer – for those who have made a considerable and real impact at an organisational or national level within an organisation in one of three sub-categories (client, designer and contractor)
Allies – the only category that recognises people, no matter the gender, within the industry who are acting as key influencers in supporting inclusion and change
Alice Brookes, On the Tools
Claire Brown, Turner & Townsend
Clare Yelland, Friel
Gail Farley, HMS Works
Jason Newton, Redrow NW
Joanna Strahan, C2C Group
Lade Ogunlaja, Turner & Townsend
Magdalena Stefanick, Tilbury Douglas
Tony O’Sullivan, CPI Mortars Ltd
Kelly Cartwright, Core Recruiter
One to Watch – for industry newcomers leading the way in championing equality, diversity, inclusion and equity
Kynleigh Parker, Lovell Partnerships
The Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction were also unveiled at the awards with the UK’s Most Influential Overall accolade awarded to Katherine Evans from Bold as Brass.
Danny Clarke, Engagement Director, England at CITB, said: “Congratulations to our award winners and to all of those who were shortlisted for the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction. We are delighted to recognise the incredible women and allies who are driving real change in the construction industry.
“The award ceremony and Top 100 shortlist celebrate the women that work at every level within the sector and their phenomenal achievements, while inspiring others and encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in this field. We are proud to showcase those who are leading in our industry and hope to see more even more applicants next year.”
Richard Beresford, Chief Executive Officer at National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “It was a privilege to attend the Top 100 Most Influential Awards event and celebrate the outstanding women and allies that have gone above and beyond this year.
“It is testament to the positive changes taking place in the industry and we must build on its success and continue to empower and support women in construction.”
