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.
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.
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.
Musaab Alhourani and his wife Yamameh Alsalhani Husband and Wife team Graduating today at Edinburgh Napier University with family
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.
Musaab Alhourani and his wife Yamameh Alsalhani Husband and Wife team Graduating today at Edinburgh Napier University with family
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.”
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.
Olivia Baird hopes Chef Gate could be used to train kitchen staff
A striking set of kitchen knives developed by an Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) student aims to cut the misogyny faced by female chefs.
Olivia Baird drew on her experience of working in commercial kitchens to develop the uniquely uncomfortable utensils as part of her project, Chef Gate.
The 21-year-old from Kirkcaldy hopes they could be used to deliver training exercises for chefs to help them understand the difficulties women face in kitchens. Her project takes on pervasive issues such as sexual harassment and dismissive behaviour.
Chef Gate is on show alongside the work of other students at ENU’s 2026 Degree Show, which opened to the public on Friday (29 May 2026].
It features six knives which impair a chef’s movement or force them into awkward positions – and even one which brands them.
Olivia said: “I’ve been working as a chef since my first year, so it has been a big part of my university experience.
“I’d never done any work in hospitality before. It’s been great, but also an eye-opening experience. In one kitchen, I was the only female for around six months.
“It’s a difficult subject to broach, and there isn’t an easy way to solve it. I had a bunch of ideas to start with, but I thought the knives were a good way of trying to talk about it.
“The knives themselves are all quite different as I wanted each of them to convey the various challenges you can face.
“I spoke to other female chefs to ask whether they’d had similar experiences, and they often said yes.”
“I would love to see it go further”
As well as the knives, Olivia’s final display for the Degree Show includes an eye-catching set of graphics describing their purpose and highlighting the challenges faced by women in commercial kitchens.
She hopes the concept could replace online programmes as a way of delivering staff training in the hospitality industry.
Olivia added: “Instead of clicking through a course which is exactly the same every year – and is clearly not working – this would make it an experience that you don’t forget.
“Chefs are often used to more interactive learning, or may have English as a second language, so if you make it a physical experience it could work better.
“It would be good to get the opinions of bigger companies in the industry and see if it is something they would be interested in. I would love to see it go further.”
For Olivia, this project marks the conclusion of her BDes Product Design degree.
She said: “I’ve always been quite creative. I liked the idea of physically making things, rather than just designing them.
“One of my teachers at school actually did the course and was very encouraging. Thankfully that advice has paid off!
“The friendships we’ve made on the course have been great and the lecturers have been really good – so supportive.”
Chef Gate is on display alongside work from Olivia’s School of Arts & Creative Industries colleagues as part of the Degree Show, which runs between 29 May and 5 June at ENU’s Merchiston campus.
You can find out more about attending the 2026 Edinburgh Napier University Degree Show here.
People from Kutenholz helped to launch Remembrance and Reconciliation at Edinburgh Napier University
A group of dedicated volunteers from a small German village hope a remembrance exhibition held at Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) will help trace relatives of a Leith-born soldier who died in the Second World War.
Residents from Kutenholz, near Hamburg in lower Saxony, have travelled to ENU’s Craiglockhart campus for the launch of Remembrance and Reconciliation. It tells the story of their effort to connect with the families of those who lost their lives there during the Second World War.
The group of locals, led by Debbie Bülau, have sought to keep their memories alive by identifying remains, establishing memorials and contacting families of those killed in the area.
That endeavour to bring families closure has reached across continents, to England, France, Australia, Canada, Singapore – and Scotland.
In 2022, memorial stones were unveiled in the village to commemorate those who lost their lives, and earlier this year Debbie was awarded a Medal of the British Empire for her efforts.
Their search is continuing too, as they hope to find relatives of a Leith-born soldier. Donald Cameron was killed by an explosion near Kutenholz in April 1945.
Donald died alongside fellow member of the Royal Horse Guards Lieutenant Robin Tudsbery from Edinburgh, whose descendants have already formed a lasting bond with the people of Kutenholz. He is commemorated in his home city by the Robin Chapel, which was built by his parents in his honour.
Descendants of Lieutenant Tudsbery, representatives from the Robin Chapel, and the German Consulate General of Edinburgh were among those present at the launch of Remembrance and Reconciliation, which is on display in the Craiglockhart campus chapel until Thursday [13 November].
Craiglockhart is a fitting setting for the exhibition, given its previous use as a hospital for soldiers returning from the First World War. It is known as the place where poets Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon recovered from their trauma.
Debbie Bülau from the Kutenholz Memorial Group, said: “In 2022, we began researching victims of the Nazis in our home community, so we began extensive research into the deceased victims.
“Many of the families did not know what had happened to their loved ones or where their graves were located. Today, they know where their loved ones are buried and have places to remember them and mourn their loss.
“We now see ourselves as one large international family.
“In Edinburgh, from the very beginning, we have been welcomed and accepted with open arms. This special friendship shows that reconciliation and healing are possible, even after so many years.
“Many hours of preparation have now gone into this project, and we hope that many people will take an interest in our special commemorative work.”
Professor Sue Rigby, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “We are deeply proud to host this exhibition.
“Through years of patient research and quiet determination, the people of Kutenholz have uncovered the stories of those whose voices were silenced by war, who lost their lives far from home.
“From that tragedy, something profoundly human and hopeful has emerged.
“The exhibition gives voice to these stories – stories of suffering, yes, but also of healing, courage, and connection. It reminds us that history is not distant. It is deeply personal. It lives in families, in communities, and in the small acts of remembrance that bring us closer together.”
Professor Gerri Matthews-Smith, Director of ENU’s Centre for Military Research, Education and Public Engagement, said: “Remembrance is never passive. What Debbie Bülau and the Kutenholz community have done, patiently restoring identities and reaching across borders embodies reconciliation in action.
“Here at Craiglockhart, a place shaped by recovery, we’re honoured to host their exhibition and to support the search for relatives of Leith-born soldier Donald Cameron.
“If this work reconnects even one family with their history, it will have transformed loss into lasting human connection.”
Christiane Hullman, German Consul General in Edinburgh, said: “I am delighted that we could bring this special exhibition to Edinburgh.
“The exhibition is about the work of local volunteers from Kutenholz, thanks to whom we now know the exact circumstances of the deaths of British soldiers who lost their lives at the end of the Second World War in that area.
“What makes this exhibition so powerful is that it shows how friendship can grow between peoples who were once enemies through the shared act of remembrance.”
The search for relatives of Leith-born soldier Donald Cameron
The Kutenholz Memorial Group, let by Debbie Bülau, have been able to establish some of the family background of the soldier Donald Cameron, whose relatives they are hoping to find.
Donald Cameron was born on 1 July 1911 in Leith, the son of Donald Archie Cameron and his wife Annie May Cameron, née Spence. Donald senior and Annie May married on 5 March 1908.
Donald grew up with his older sister Mary and his younger sister Jessie, who was born in 1922 and married George Stewart in 1947. Jessie died in 2003.
Mary was unmarried and died in 1970 at the age of 61. Mary was born on 6 October 1908.
Their father, Donald Archie Cameron, worked as a bus driver. Annie May was a housewife. The family lived at 34 Balfour Street in Leith at the time.
On 10 November 1944, Donald Cameron and Catherine Flanagan were married at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Edinburgh. The short marriage remained childless.
Catherine worked as a rubber worker at the North British Rubber Company. During the war, the factory produced rubber boots, gas masks and tyres for army vehicles, among other things. She died in Leith in 1976, and did not remarry after her husband’s death.
Anyone with information about the family, can contact Debbie Bülau via:
New study led by Edinburgh Napier University shows how rough conditions affect faithfulness
Wild seabirds are more likely to split up in windy weather, according to a newly published study led by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU).
The paper, published in the journal Animal Behaviour today (4 November) reveals that environmental conditions before the breeding season appear to have an impact on mate faithfulness – whether birds reunite with the same partner to breed each year, or ‘divorce’ to form a different pair.
Researchers from ENU, the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), and Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland (BioSS) analysed data collected over the course of two decades from more than 1,500 birds on the Isle of May National Nature Reserve, in the Firth of Forth, and compared them with late winter weather records to understand their breeding habits.
The study focused on European shags (Gulosus aristotelis), given their long lifespan and tendency to change partners between breeding seasons. While the birds analysed for this study had a fidelity rate of 45%, this varied markedly from year to year.
Although age and previous breeding success have been established as strong predictors of mate faithfulness, this paper demonstrates how weather conditions in the lead up to the breeding season are also a significant factor affecting seabird mating habits. Out of the weather conditions analysed, wind speeds had the strongest effect on whether couples stayed together.
Importantly, birds that remained with the same partner tended to lay eggs earlier, which is strongly tied to how many chicks they rear.
The findings are significant given that climate change is bringing about warmer and windier weather conditions.
Ecologists are now calling for further investigation into how shifting environmental conditions could disrupt social relationships among wildlife.
“It is a time when adults are returning to colonies and preparing to breed. When conditions are tough – particularly when it’s windier – it appears that ‘divorces’ are more frequent.
“Until now, the effects of pre breeding weather conditions on faithfulness have been largely under-appreciated. Our study suggests that it warrants further consideration.”
Co-researcher Professor Francis Daunt, from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, said: “This study is one of the few to test how changing environments influence social behaviours in wildlife.
“It is excellent to see our long-term data used to tackle these important questions, given the current concerns about the impacts of future climate change.”
Caitlin went into nursing because of the experience
A newly qualified nurse who was inspired by the hospital care given to her gran feels like her journey has come full circle – as she starts work on the very same ward.
Caitlin Tervit has graduated from Edinburgh Napier University’s BN Adult Nursing course, collecting her degree alongside fellow students from the School of Health and Social Care at the Usher Hall.
It marks the end of a remarkable journey for the 32-year-old from Dunfermline, who cites the treatment that her gran, Margaret (pictured below), received while undergoing a liver transplant as the moment which ignited her passion for nursing.
Caitlin said: “It was a really hard time, but what stood out most was the incredible care the nurses gave her they were compassionate, patient and treated her with such dignity.
“I remember sitting in the side room thinking, ‘I want to be like them.’ I even emailed Edinburgh Napier from the ward to ask how I could get in, as I hadn’t stayed at school for my Highers.
“That moment planted the seed for everything that’s followed.”
Several years after that initial inspiration, Caitlin felt a renewed urge to pursue the idea during the Covid pandemic, when the work of nurses drew widespread public acclaim.
She enrolled on an access course at college, paving the way for her to study at ENU.
Caitlin added: “Seeing how nurses worked with such dedication during the pandemic reminded me why I’d wanted to do this in the first place.
“Getting my offer to study at Edinburgh Napier felt amazing – like it was finally my time.
“The course exceeded my expectations. The support from lecturers and classmates was fantastic, and everything clicked when I was out on placement.
“Each experience, whether in hospital or the community, helped me grow in confidence and develop my own nursing identity. I met so many lovely mentors who have really inspired me and shaped the nurse I’ve become.”
Following the completion of her course, Caitlin’s story took a fitting turn, as she was offered a post on the same ward where her gran was treated – the Scottish Liver Transplant Unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh – where she had first enquired about studying at ENU.
“Thinking back to that hospital room with my gran, I could never have imagined that I’d actually get here,” she said. “It feels surreal and emotional.
“It’s been challenging at times, but I’m so proud of myself and grateful for the journey.
“It feels incredibly special like everything has come full circle. That ward will always hold a huge place in my heart, and now I get to work alongside some of the nurses who first inspired me.
“It’s an honour to start my career where my passion for nursing began.”
A mental health campaigner who devoted his career to helping men through difficult times has been named among the winners of this year’s Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) Alumni Awards.
Ian Hounsome (above), who completed both an undergraduate degree and PhD at ENU, has been recognised with the Impact Award for his work with the charity Andy’s Man Club.
Formed in 2016 in honour of Andrew Roberts, who took his own life at the age of 23, Andy’s Man Club has grown into a nationwide network of support groups for men to speak about their mental health.
Ian first attended a meeting in 2021 after fleeing an abusive relationship. He went on to volunteer for the charity, and is now area lead for Edinburgh, Lothian and Borders.
Ian said: “I first came to Andy’s Man Club because I needed help. I was living in a one-bedroom homeless hostel with my teenage daughter and surviving off foodbanks. I was feeling very low.
“I had heard there was a group in Edinburgh for men to talk. I had no idea what it was called but I thought I’d go and have a look from the outside on the way to the pub to drown my sorrows.
“I showed up week after week and began to open up about my problems, and I realised that I was not alone. Understanding that other men have problems really helped me.
“I’m in a much better place now. I’m now clean and sober and have permanent housing with my daughter and we both work full time.”
Edinburgh Napier University’s Merchiston campus is now one of dozens of venues that host Andy’s Man Club meetings every Monday evening. It provides men with a safe space where they feel comfortable to open up about their experiences in a room free of judgment.
The selection panel for the ENU Alumni Awards praised Andy’s willingness to inspire others through his own vulnerability and his efforts to break down social stigmas.
Ian added: “I’m humbled winning this award, but it’s also validating.I sometimes suffer from imposter syndrome, but this shows that I am doing the right thing.
“However, from an Andy’s Man Club point of view, we’re rewarded every time a new guy shows up to a club. When someone turns up and it means they might not take their own life, that’s the best accolade.”
Ian will be presented with his award alongside fellow Alumni Award winners during a ceremony at ENU’s Craiglockhart campus on 6 November 2025.
Excellence Awards
The 2025 Alumni Awards will also recognise five leading Edinburgh Napier University graduates across fields such as biotechnology, product design and computer science – with each receiving an Excellence Awards.
Angela Scott was part of the history-making team that cloned Dolly the Sheep. Since graduating from ENU in 1992, she has worked on key stem cell projects, including cancer research and stroke treatment, and co-founded TC Biopharm.
Angela said: “I’m truly honoured to receive this award because my time at Edinburgh Napier had a big impact. It was a stepping stone to a change in career path that allowed me to do so much more.”
Swapping Merchiston for Hollywood, Product Design alumni Jack Lennie has forged an impressive career in special effects working on a long list of blockbuster films, including Jurassic Park and Wonder Woman.
Alongside his wife and fellow ENU alumnus Kate, he also produces the popular We Are Makers magazine and podcast.
Jack said: “It’s really cool because my wife nominated me without me knowing. I tell people all the time to stop and take stock of all the cool things you’ve done, but I have never done it myself until now.”
Ogochukwu Okoye is a kidney disease expert who completed her PhD at ENU in 2024 – and is now a Visiting Professor. She is the founder of St Linus Renal Care Initiative, a non-profit organisation aiming to support people living with chronic kidney disease in Nigeria.
Ogochukwu said: “My time at ENU imprinted on me the importance of impact.
“It’s always been important, but now it rings in my ears from the start of any activity. To be recognised for my modest achievements and contribution feels really rewarding.”
Advocate Bilaal Shabbir has achieved notable professional success since graduating from ENU in 2018.
After being named Paralegal of the Year, he was called to the Scottish Bar as a member of the Faculty of Advocates in 2023 – and is chair of several major sporting disciplinary panels in football, golf, athletics, cricket and padel.
Bilaal said: “It feels indescribably special because it’s a reminder of the long journey I have taken. All those late nights and all kinds of blessings and prayers have carried me through.”
Computing science teacher Toni Scullion used her passion for encouraging more girls into the subject to set up award-winning charity dressCode.
She is also co-founder of the Ada Scotland Festival, which champions gender balance in tech and computing.
Toni said: “I’m so overwhelmed. I left Edinburgh Napier with more than a degree – it changed the trajectory of my life.
“The University played such a big part in my journey and receiving this award feels like everything has come full circle.”
Rising Star Award
André Agius, a 2021 alumnus of ENU’s MFA Directing programme, has been named the winner of the, which recognises the achievements of a recent ENU graduate who is one to watch in their field.
André has already amassed a burgeoning stage CV – putting on shows in his home country for The National Theatre of Malta and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.
In 2024, a four-week run of Philip Ridley play Radiant Vermin in Brussels earned glowing reviews and standing ovations. This year has seen him direct Lysistrata at the Scottish Institute, followed by Chef which toured around Scotland. He is currently in rehearsals for Blood Wedding in Glasgow.
The Alumni Awards selection panel highlighted André’s outstanding career success so far, and his commitment to supporting the next generation of filmmakers.
Reacting to his award, André said: “I’m very grateful to Edinburgh Napier University for the training they provided me and it’s hugely satisfying as an alumnus to have your work recognised by your alma mater.
“It confirms that I’m going in the right direction.
“I feel like I’m hitting chapter 2 of my career, and this is a good opening sentence.
“The creative industries is an industry of rejection, but ‘no’ is not a closed door. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t fit somewhere else.
“I grew up watching National Theatre Live broadcasts at my local cinema, and it would be a dream to direct a show at the National in London. The Lyceum in Edinburgh also holds a special place for me – I did an internship there whilst studying at ENU.
“To have my name on a poster as director would be incredible.”
You can read more about all the 2025 Alumni Awards winners here.
Communication Studies and Journalism CCTV demonstration 1975.
Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) is celebrating 50 years of delivering its pioneering journalism course, the longest-running programme of its kind in Scotland and consistently recognised as one of the leading courses in the UK.
Since launching in 1975, the course has produced leading journalists across the UK and beyond. From Lee McKenzie, renowned for her Formula 1 coverage on Channel 4 and rugby reporting for the BBC and ITV, to Nick Eardley, the BBC’s Chief Political Correspondent and a trusted voice from Westminster, and Martin Frizell, former Editor of ITV’s flagship daytime programme This Morning – just a few that graduated from ENU.
The need for these trusted, credible voices in the media is more prevalent than ever, and Edinburgh Napier University is committed to nurturing the next generation of journalists with the skills, adaptability and creativity needed to thrive in a fast-changing industry.
Alongside its long-standing undergraduate course, the University also delivers a respected postgraduate programme in journalism and, last year, launched a postgraduate course in Sports Journalism – reflecting its dedication to training aspiring reporters across a range of sectors.
Students benefit from expert teaching by leading academics and experienced practitioners, combining the fundamentals of journalism with hands-on newsroom experience.
Professor Sue Rigby, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “At Edinburgh Napier, we are proud to have delivered our journalism course for the past 50 years. While the industry has changed beyond recognition, the need for trusted, credible reporting has never been greater.
“The continued appetite to study journalism shows that the next generation is ready to step up. Our role is to give them the tools, integrity and confidence to thrive, ensuring that the stories that matter are told with accuracy and impact for decades to come.
“This anniversary is not only about reflecting on the past 50 years but also about looking ahead to the future of journalism.”
Edinburgh Napier University is ranked Scotland’s number one modern university in the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings and continues to uphold its reputation for industry-focused, world-class teaching.
For more information on journalism at Edinburgh Napier please visit:
