Edinburgh Napier University – The NEN

Students go behind the scenes at Royal High School restoration

The University has agreed a new partnership with the Royal High School Preservation Trust

Engineering students from Edinburgh Napier University went behind the scenes at the £70 million project to restore Edinburgh’s former Royal High School, as part of a new partnership with the Royal High School Preservation Trust (RHSPT).

Twenty students visited the historic Calton Hill building to see first-hand the scale and complexity of the restoration project to preserve and restore Thomas Hamilton’s neo-classical masterpiece and transform it into Scotland’s new National Centre for Music.

On the day, the students were able to see first-hand some of the unique challenges facing engineers and construction teams as they work to restore and adapt the building, including the need to work with and around the ancient bedrock of Calton Hill into which Hamilton’s original design was built.

The new partnership between Edinburgh Napier University and RHSPT is also supported by a legacy gift made through the Edinburgh Napier University Development Trust.

The gift comes from the legacy of the late philanthropist Dr Ian Tomlin, who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by the University in 1995 and was known for his love of music and his support for musicians in the early stages of their careers.

Kate Smith, Chief Executive and Development Director of the Royal High School Preservation Trust, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome students from Edinburgh Napier to the site to see the progress being made and hear about the innovative approaches being taken to preserve and restore this extraordinary building.

“The students were able to learn about challenges involved in a project of this scale and complexity and how this building will be transformed into a new National Centre for Music.

“We are also delighted to receive this legacy gift through our new partnership with Edinburgh Napier University, a university known for its strong, industry-focused music programme, breadth of specialisms and strong links to Scotland’s professional music scene.”

Thanking the RHSPT and Robertson Group for the visit, Professor Zack Moir, Professor of Music at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “This is a really exciting project for us because it allows us to work with the Royal High School Preservation Trust and the National Centre of Music, and be part of such an exciting venture for the city.

“We have been able to do this through the bequest of Dr Ian Tomlin, to support performance and ongoing music education for students at Edinburgh Napier – in addition to the support he offered throughout his life.

“It really gives our students the opportunity to be part of the cultural fabric of Edinburgh.”

The group of Civil Engineering students also found the opportunity ‘priceless’, as they gained insight into a unique project which poses a range of unique challenges.

Riona Sorianosos (20) said: “When I heard we were doing a site visit I thought we would be viewing things from afar, but to actually get down amongst the works and see what they are doing up close was really valuable.

“So was hearing about the way they have had to adapt to the building and the landscape, bringing in mini-excavators and equipment that can fit through the doors and how all of this equipment runs electrically on site.”

Kyle Forgan (20) continued: “I have never been to a site this big before and to see it in-depth was really quite breathtaking.

“It was really interesting to talk through the challenges of working on a listed, protected building of this size and scale and hear the roadblocks that have appeared on the way and how efficiently they have been handled.”

Julia Krzeszewska (21) added: “Hearing about how they have adapted during the course of the build was very valuable, as was seeing the excavations up close.

“It is one thing hearing about something in a lecture or learning about it in a book but actually seeing it, especially in a unique design like this, one that they have had to work around, has been really special.”

Syrian student who fled civil war celebrates graduation

Mohamad Nour Alhoulani and his family came to Scotland a decade ago

A decade after arriving in the city without a penny, an Edinburgh Napier University student who escaped civil war in Syria has celebrated his graduation as an engineer.

Mohamad Nour Alhoulani and his family were forced to flee the sudden outbreak of armed conflict in 2011 – travelling over mountainous routes to neighbouring Lebanon as their homeland was destroyed.

Following years in a refugee camp, they were offered the chance to move to Scotland through a UN programme in 2016. They made their home in Edinburgh, where Mohamad began taking English classes – which led to college and later university.

Now, the 31-year-old has graduated from Edinburgh Napier with a BEngElectrical & Electronic Engineeringdegree, which he celebrated alongside is parents, wife and three children at the Usher Hall.

Mohamad said: “The revolution began when I was 16 years old. Like many other people, my family and I were forced to leave our home. It was destroyed piece by piece, and we had to keep moving to avoid the bombing.

“We went to Lebanon, where we lived in a refugee camp. Life there was extremely difficult, and I had to work in very hard jobs to earn money and support my family.

“When I was 21 years old, I was given the opportunity to come to Scotland through the United Nations resettlement programme. It was a new beginning for me, but it was also a huge challenge.

“I arrived with zero money. I had three dollars in Lebanese lira, which I used to buy a bottle of water in a Turkish airport on the way.

“When we got here I didn’t understand people when they spoke, or the culture. But I wanted to learn quickly. A local organisation called The Welcoming helped me to take language classes at the local community centre. I started volunteering with them soon afterwards.

“I would never have imagined I would go from that situation to be graduating today.”

Once Mohamed got used to life in Scotland, he decided on a new career path – engineering.

He completed several courses at Edinburgh College, while also working and raising his young children, before being accepted to study at Edinburgh Napier University.

Mohamad added: “I decided to study electrical engineering because I wanted to develop a professional career, find stable employment and create better opportunities for my children.

“We had the opportunity to come to Scotland, so I also want to be able to do something to make a positive difference for people here.

“I took to it pretty quickly. I remember one project where we made a little robot car – and I was so happy when it worked! I found I enjoyed solving problems.

“Today, I look back at it all with satisfaction and gratitude. I am thankful for the opportunities I have received in Scotland, for the people who supported me, and most importantly, for the chance to continue learning.”

Mohamad graduated alongside fellow students from Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment.

JJ Chalmers recognised by Edinburgh Napier for extraordinary career of service

The broadcaster has collected an honorary doctorate from the University

TV presenter and former Royal Marine JJ Chalmers has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Edinburgh Napier University for a remarkable career, which has taken him from military service to many of the world’s biggest events.

Born and raised in Edinburgh, John-James began his career as a teacher, while also taking up his journey of service, which led to the Royal Marines with 42 Commando.

Since sustaining life-changing injuries during a tour of duty in Afghanistan, he has made his name as an athlete at the Invictus Games and latterly become a widely known broadcaster.

Viewers will know him from his presentation of major sporting events, including TV coverage of the Olympics and Paralympics, while has also co-hosted the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, fronted documentaries, and even appeared as a contestant of Strictly Come Dancing.

In 2018, JJ also delivered an address as part of Edinburgh Napier’s Chancellor Talks series, entitled Finding Your Commando Spirit. His lecture gave an account of his personal journey, reflecting on how he confronted and overcame profound adversity.

JJ has been honoured by Edinburgh Napier University in recognition of his extraordinary service and his ongoing contribution to public life.

The award of Doctor of the University was presented during a ceremony for students from ENU’s School of Health and Social Care on Thursday [29 October 2026].

JJ Chalmers said: “It’s a huge privilege. I love what I do for a living, so to be recognised for doing the thing I love is an unbelievable privilege.

“I am aware that I’ve been very fortunate to have a platform as a result of my profession, and I like to think that some of the stuff that I’ve done might have made some sort of impact on the world.

“To have that recognised today just reminds me to keep going, to keep doing everything I possibly can to help others.”

Presenting his honorary degree, Professor Gerri Matthews-Smith, Founder and Director of ENU’s Centre for Military Research, Education & Public Engagement, said: “JJ Chalmers stands as a living testament to resilience, adaptability and service, embodying the principle that adversity can serve as a catalyst for reinvention.

“His journey illustrates that true leadership is defined not solely by rank or title, but by the capacity to inspire others through courage, perseverance, and example.

“Reflecting on his story, we are reminded that the measure of a life is not determined by the challenges one encounters, but by the will to rise beyond them and the ability to guide others toward hope, purpose and renewal.”

Double delight as new mum celebrates graduation with baby twins

Daniela Rea Keegan completed her Masters at Edinburgh Napier University

A new mum who submitted her final piece of coursework two days before giving birth to twins has celebrated her graduation with her baby sons.

Daniela Rea Keegan discovered she was pregnant shortly after beginning her Masters in Real Estate Management & Investment at Edinburgh Napier University.

The 29-year-old from Glasgow continued with her studies, passing her final exam while her boys, Matteo and Lorenzo, were just three months old.

They joined Daniela at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall where she collected her degree, which she completed with distinction.

It is her second graduation with ENU, having previously studied for a BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology, which she completed in 2019.

Her graduation marks the end of a whirlwind time for Daniela, having also married her boyfriend of 10 years shortly before she returned to university.

Celebrating her graduation, Daniela said: “There were definitely moments when it would have been easier to put my studies on hold, but becoming a mum made me even more determined to finish what I had started.

“I was determined to continue with my degree, although my pregnancy became increasingly challenging. I attended regular clinics and had to manage my studies remotely, while also dealing with the demands and uncertainty of a twin pregnancy.

“I wanted to achieve the degree for myself, but also to show my boys one day that even when life takes an unexpected turn, you can still keep working towards something that matters to you.”

The final, defining moments of Daniela’s studies arrived in quick succession. She submitted her last piece of coursework just two days before the boys were born by emergency caesarean section.

Because of the birth, she was unable to sit her final exam at the original time, returning to complete it when her sons were just three months old.

She also continued working on and eventually submitted my dissertation while caring for the two newborns.

Daniela added: “Being able to graduate after such an intense and life-changing journey, with my twin boys there to see it, makes the occasion incredibly special.

“Looking back, it has been a year of huge change, challenge and determination, and completing my Masters with distinction is something I will always be proud of.”

Daniela graduated alongside fellow students from Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment.

ENU’s autumn graduation ceremonies are being held at the Usher Hall between 27-30October 2026.

Former Holyrood Presiding Officer honoured by Edinburgh Napier University

Alison Johnstone receives an honorary doctorate

A former Lothian MSP and Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament has been recognised by Edinburgh Napier University for her commitment to democratic inclusivity.

Alison Johnstone was awarded an honorary doctorate during a graduation ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall yesterday [Tuesday 27 October 2026].

The award recognises a political career which began in 1999 as an assistant to Robin Harper, the first Green Party politician elected anywhere in the United Kingdom, and culminated in a five-year term as Holyrood’s figurehead.

Throughout her time in politics, Ms Johnstone also served as a City of Edinburgh Councillor and co-convener of the Scottish Green Party, before being elected as a Lothian region MSP from 2011 to May of this year.

During this period, she was instrumental in establishing the Scottish Parliament’s Women’s Caucus, which seeks to address barriers facing women in politics.

Ms Johnstone’s spell as Presiding Officer, the neutral speaker of the debating chamber, coincided with the unprecedented restrictions of the Covid pandemic.

Her stewardship ensured democratic participation remained accessible throughout, including remote engagement and consideration of those with caring responsibilities.

Receiving her honorary degree, Alison Johnstone said: “I’m delighted to be awarded an honorary doctorate from Edinburgh Napier University.

“It’s extremely special to be awarded alongside so many students celebrating the fulfilment of their hard work.

“The impact of Edinburgh Napier’s teaching and research is recognised globally and I am thrilled to be awarded such an honour by an institution that I hold in the highest regard, and which has such a significant influence on the life of the region I have lived in and represented throughout my working life.

“I first became actively involved in politics when I joined neighbours campaigning to save school playing fields, just a few minutes from ENU’s Craiglockhart Campus.

“I have been privileged to serve as a City of Edinburgh Councillor, as a Member of the Scottish Parliament and as Presiding Officer. I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with others determined to ensure that all voices are heard and that barriers to equal representation and participation are removed. A thriving democracy demands this.

“This honour will drive me on and I will continue to do what I can to help ensure that those who may struggle most to be heard, have that opportunity.”

Formally presenting Ms Johnstone with her award of Doctor of the University, ENU Strategic Advisor Thomas Feige said: “Throughout her career, Alison Johnstone has demonstrated a profound belief that democracy is strengthened when all voices can be heard.

“Her leadership has helped to foster respectful debate, support democratic accountability and promote a more inclusive political culture.

“In doing so, she has made a lasting contribution to Scottish public life and has become an inspiring role model for future generations, and particularly for women seeking leadership roles in public service.”

Alison Johnstone received her honorary doctorate during a graduation ceremony for students from Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Arts and Creative Industries and School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment.

ENU’s autumn graduation ceremonies are being held at the Usher Hall between 27-30October 2026.

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.

Scottish post-punk icon Malcolm Ross collects honorary doctorate from Edinburgh Napier University

He was a member of Josef K, Orange Juice and Aztec Camera

Post-punk guitarist and singer-songwriter Malcolm Ross has been honoured by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) for his remarkable career in music.

Malcolm shot to fame in the 1970s and 80s as a member of Josef K, Orange Juice and Aztec Camera, bands which came to define the new wave sound of independent Scottish label Postcard Records.

His music career saw him perform and record alongside numerous artists, while also releasing three solo albums.

Beyond his early years in the industry, Malcolm went on to work across music, film, theatre, sound installation and interdisciplinary arts practice. His film work included a role musical consultant on the Beatles biopic Backbeat and he contributed original music to the soundtrack for the Jonny Depp film Chocolat.

Born in Malawi and raised in Edinburgh, Malcolm was formally made a Doctor of the University during an ENU graduation ceremony at the city’s Usher Hall.

Reflecting on his honorary graduation, Malcolm Ross said: “It’s special. I’m getting near the end of my career I suppose, and it’s lovely and flattering to receive some recognition from an institution I’ve always admired.

“I didn’t really expect to be offered something like this. I was surprised, but pleasantly surprised.

“Because I grew up in Edinburgh, Napier was always in my awareness, even when I was still at school. So it has brought back memories.

And his advice for ENU’s new cohort of music graduates? “Make music you’d like to listen to, always. Make music you’d like to listen to.”

Presenting Malcolm with his doctorate, Zack Moir, Professor of Music at ENU’s School of Arts and Creative Industries, said: “Malcolm’s career reminds us that our professional lives rarely follow a singular path.

“They are shaped by collaboration, adaptability, and a willingness to remain open to new ideas and opportunities.

“At a time when our turbulent world increasingly needs more creativity, imagination and human connection, Malcolm Ross stands as an example of what it means to sustain a lifelong commitment to creative practice.

“His contribution extends beyond the wonderful music that first brought him recognition. It can be found in the collaborations he has fostered, the projects he has helped realise, and the opportunities he has created for others to participate in and benefit from the arts.”

ENU’s summer graduation ceremonies were held at the Usher Hall between 8-10 July.

Madison blazes trail in construction as she celebrates birthday graduation

A student who has laid solid foundations for a career in construction has two reasons to celebrate – after graduating from Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) on her birthday.

Madison Smith, from Glenrothes in Fife, collected her BA (Hons) Business Management at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh yesterday [Thursday 9 July], the day she turned 22.

As the first member of her immediate family to go to university, she has become used to blazing her own trail.

Madison’s degree has already proved to be life-changing, as a work placement at BAM Construction as part of her studies led to a full-time job with the firm.

Reacting to her graduation, Madison said: “I would not have thought I’d be here four years ago.

“There was no pressure on me to go to university, neither side of my family have.

“It was daunting because I wanted to make them proud – although that pressure was all from myself, not mum and dad.

“Seeing their faces makes it all a bit emotional. Graduating on my birthday is extra special – a two-in-one celebration.

“University has really exceeded my expectations. My lecturers were so helpful during my whole time here. Whenever I struggled, I got support. I’ve loved it.”

Madison’s role at BAM, which focuses on sustainability, has offered her on-site involvement in several major projects.

She credits her course at ENU with providing her the skills to make an impact straight away.

She added: “When I was looking at what to study, I really liked the Edinburgh Napier programme. It seemed fun and modern.

“I really liked the sustainable business development module – it’s closely linked to what I do now, so it applied by university learning to my job really well.

“I didn’t really consider that I’d end up going into construction before I started.

“It was intimidating at first as I was the only girl on site, but everyone was so lovely.

“I remember first applying to university and thinking ‘what am I actually going to do?’. I’m so glad it has worked out this way because I love my job now.”

Madison graduated alongside fellow students from The Business School at Edinburgh Napier University.

ENU’s summer graduation ceremonies are being held at the Usher Hall between 8-10 July.

Syrian couple who built new life in Scotland celebrate architecture graduation together

Musaab and Yamameh studied for the same degree at Edinburgh Napier University

Musaab Alhourani and his wife Yamameh Alsalhani Husband and Wife team Graduating today at Edinburgh Napier University with family

A husband and wife who came to Scotland from war-torn Syria without a word of English are celebrating the new life they’ve built together – as they both graduate with degrees in architectural technology.

Musaab Alhourani and Yamameh Alsalhani studied simultaneously for the BSc Architectural Technology at Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) and graduated together at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall today [Wednesday 8 July 2026].

The couple, alongside their two children, were forced to flee their homeland following the outbreak of civil war and spent four years at a refugee camp in Lebanon.

Through the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) they were offered the chance to come to Scotland, arriving in North Berwick in July 2017.

Now settled in Edinburgh with three children, their graduation marks a major milestone in their journey.

45-year-old Musaab said: “The situation in the camp was very bad. When the UNHCR gave us the opportunity to move on, we were desperate to take it.

“My English was zero. We had to work hard at the start to learn the basics – how to greet people, go shopping, learn the numbers.

“We spent hours on YouTube watching videos on how to improve our English.

“After a while we started volunteering in North Berwick, collecting clothes and shoes for people back in Lebanon and Jordan.

“Through that, we had a handful of local people we would speak to every day. We asked them to correct us if we said anything wrong!

“To go from that point to graduating today makes us very proud.”

Having got to grips with the language, with Musaab working as a driving instructor, they decided to enrol together for an HNC at Edinburgh College – which earned them entry into the degree programme at ENU.

Yamameh, who is 41, said: “My background is in education – I even used to teach refugee children in camps – but I love design and asking how a building can be made.

“This gave us a strong foundation for our studies at Edinburgh Napier.

“Musaab persuaded me to do it at the same time. At first it was a huge balancing act alongside caring for our children and my mother as well.

“Strict time management played a big part. We were often studying at night when the kids went to bed.”

Musaab added: “We did it because we love it. When you love something you can work hard for it.

“The teachers at Edinburgh Napier were very, very good. They have a lot of passion and we felt truly supported.”

Now that they have graduated with distinction, the pair are hoping to continue their higher education journey together, studying for a Masters and a PhD.

They have paid tribute to all the teachers, lecturers and colleagues who helped them along the way.

“We want to return the favour to this country,” Musaab said. “The people in Scotland are very friendly.

“Our children love it here and we have made so many friends.

“When we look back on how we got here, we know it has been tough, but we did it all together.”

Musaab and Yamameh graduated alongside fellow students from Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment.

ENU’s summer graduation ceremonies are being held at the Usher Hall between 8 – 10 July.

Veterans’ contribution marked in armed forces event

Scotland’s Veterans Wellbeing Alliance Big Day Out held at Edinburgh Napier University

An event celebrating the contribution of the armed forces community was held at Edinburgh Napier University yesterday.

Scotland’s Veterans Wellbeing Alliance Big Day Out came to ENU’s historic Craiglockhart campus on Saturday 20 June and among the highlights were a welcome from Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, pipers, and a dog show run by veterans’ support charity Bravehound.

As well as music and a range of crafting activities led by Veterans Tribe Scotland, Alliance partners such as Help for Heroes, Combat Stress and Sight Scotland hosted stalls highlighting the opportunities and support available to veterans and their families.

The winners of the Alliance’s ‘My Service My Scotland’ Veterans Voices in Art competition were announced and there was also a talent competition.

The event marks the culmination of the ‘Sunray Two Six’ tour – a veteran-led tour of the Highlands and Islands designed to meet veterans where they are, sparking informal conversation, reflection and peer support.

The Big Day Out was held as part of Armed Forces Week, a national campaign to build public understanding and support for the Armed Forces community.

Scotland’s Veterans Wellbeing Alliance is led by Edinburgh Napier University, through its Centre for Military Research, Education & Public Engagement (CMREPE).

CMREPE Director, Professor Gerri Matthews-Smith, said: “We are delighted to be hosting what promises to be a remarkable event, highlighting the extraordinary contribution of our armed forces community.

“It is also a fitting conclusion for the Sunray Two Six tour, which has proved to be a powerful veteran-led programme.”

Scotland’s Veterans Wellbeing Alliance Strategic Lead Dr Linda Irvine Fitzpatrick said: “We are delighted that so many our partners are able to join us for this afternoon of fun.

“Everyone is welcome and I’m sure we shall identify some rising stars through our “You’ve Got Talent competition.”

Edinburgh Napier’s armed forces roots

This event bolsters Edinburgh Napier University’s strong historical links to the armed forces, which date back to Craiglockhart’s use as a military hospital during the first world war.

The site drew fame as the place where poets Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen first met – and visitors on Saturday can take tour of its War Poets Collection.

ENU continues to lead pioneering research into life for military personnel and veterans – including the recent evaluation of the impact achieved by the charity Bravehound.

In November, Craiglockhart also played host to a remarkable remembrance event, telling the story of the residents of the German village of Kutenholz and their effort to connect with the families of those who lost their lives there during the Second World War.