Edinburgh Napier University – Page 2 – The NEN

New partnership to support innovation and entrepreneurship

Edinburgh Napier University, Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh College announce collaboration

A new effort to support innovation and enterprise across the south-east of Scotland has been announced by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU), Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh College, as part of Scotland’s National Innovation Week.

The three institutions have agreed a collaborative partnership with the aim of developing the region’s innovation, enterprise and skills through improved connectivity with academic expertise and support.

The focus of the partnership will be to support innovation and entrepreneurship in line with nationwide plans to boost Scotland’s economic development.

The agreement will enhance work towards ambitions laid out in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland Regional Innovation Action Plan, the Scottish Government’s National Innovation Strategy and its Entrepreneurial Campus Blueprint, by strengthening entrepreneurial skills and networks across Scotland.

There will also be increased collaboration around knowledge exchange and innovation projects, which aim to bring academic expertise to businesses and organisations that could benefit from it.

This new agreement follows the recent expansion of ENU’s enterprise hub Bright Red Triangle (BRT), to offer specialist support to Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh College students and alumni. Since its formation in 2005, BRT has supported more than 1,000 start-ups and freelancers from the ENU community from its Start Up Studio in Edinburgh.

Some of the early collaborative work as part of the partnership will include:

Entrepreneurial support to our collective community of over 60,000 students, building on the successful BRT partnership launched in October 2024
Regional upskilling and innovation to support SME and public sector bodies
Delivery against the Entrepreneurial Campus Blueprint
Pilot of a Knowledge Exchange Concordat across the partner institutions

Professor Gary Hutchison, Assistant Principal (External Engagement) at Edinburgh Napier University said: “We are delighted to commit to this new partnership between our institutions – building on our shared enterprise services by developing an integrated innovation pathway to support the region’s companies and public sector agencies.

“Edinburgh Napier University has a strong track record of supporting entrepreneurs to take their innovative ideas to the next level.

“This collaboration will build on the expertise of all three institutions, with an overall aim of contributing to Scotland’s economic development, while benefiting our students, communities and industry partners.”

Professor Richard Butt, Deputy Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: “We are delighted to be part of this exciting partnership which will elevate the role of skills development as a pathway to innovation – whether that be through support for student, graduate and staff enterprise or research and knowledge exchange collaborations across our HE and FE colleagues, local businesses and organisations.

“The new partnership also allows us to focus on delivering impact in community wealth building, to support the generation, circulation and retention of wealth in our local economy.

“We look forward to working with our Edinburgh Napier University and Edinburgh College colleagues to enhance our collaborative approaches and improve our economic impact locally, regionally and nationally.”

Mike Jeffrey, Vice Principal Corporate Development at Edinburgh College, said: “This new partnership presents an exciting opportunity for Edinburgh College to strengthen our existing support for entrepreneurship and innovation across our student body, alumni network, and wider industry connections.

“In today’s fast-paced economy, it is essential to equip students with entrepreneurial capabilities alongside technical and vocational expertise.

“r4At Edinburgh College, we work with a broad network of organisations to ensure our students are not only prepared to excel in their chosen professions but are also empowered to become the innovators who will shape the future.

“Through collaborating with our university partners to share knowledge, resource and expertise, we look forward to further embedding a culture of knowledge exchange throughout our college community.”

Concern for seabird colonies despite bird flu breeding recovery

New study examines how the HPAI epidemic affected local seabird colonies

Seabirds that survived recent bird flu outbreaks have continued to reproduce, although overall breeding performance remains notably low, according to a new study.

The paper, led by Edinburgh Napier University’s Dr Sue Lewis, in a collaboration with conservation scientists and staff from the RSPB, the Scottish Seabird Centre and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology has been published by the international avian science journal Ibis.

They studied breeding success in Northern Gannets at the Bass Rock in Scotland and Bempton Cliffs in England during 2023.

Bird flu had a devastating effect on seabirds across Europe and North America between 2021-2023, with gannets, known for their spectacular plunge dives, among the hardest hit. Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) occurred at all but one gannet colony across their North Atlantic range in 2022, causing mass mortalities on an unprecedented scale.

For this study, scientists compared the breeding success of birds with black eyes – a striking side-effect of an HPAI infection – and those with normal, pale blue eyes.

Overall, they found that breeding success of birds with black eyes did not differ from birds with blue, suggesting that gannets who survived HPAI infection were able to raise chicks just as effectively as those that showed no sign of a past infection.

Breeding success across both groups in 2023, however, was still markedly lower than long-term records – with nest failure rates almost doubling.

At the Bass Rock – which was home to the world’s largest colony of the species before the epidemic – pairs fledged an average of just 0.56 chicks, compared to 0.78 in the 1960s. Meanwhile at Bempton Cliffs, success averaged 0.62 chicks per pair, down from a pre-epidemic mean of 0.81 between 2009 and 2021.

A black-eyed gannet with a chick. Picture credit: Amy King

The authors of the paper believe the dip could be down to birds having to form new partnerships after the death of their long-term partner and less experienced breeders making up a larger share of the population, in combination with a density of nests after mass mortality. The summer heatwave of 2023 may also have played a role.

The findings highlight the complex consequences of disease outbreaks in wild populations, showing that even when survivors appear healthy, impacts to the wider ecosystem can persist.

Lead researcher Dr Sue Lewis, from ENU’s Centre for Conservation and Restoration Science, said: “While it is reassuring that gannets that recovered from avian flu are able to breed, the overall reduction in breeding success is a serious concern.

“The results suggest that population recovery may be slower than hoped, even if survivors are still able to breed.

“Survivors are breeding as well as their peers, proving that gannets are remarkably resilient birds. But with bird flu still circulating and climate extremes adding new pressures, continued vigilance is needed to ensure that these majestic plunge diving birds remain part of our coastal environment for generations to come.”

Dr Jude Lane, from RSPB’s Centre for Conservation Science said: “HPAI has had a devastating impact on many of our seabird populations, which are already facing increasing threats from development and climate change.

“Long-term monitoring will be key to tracking their recovery and understanding whether HPAI infections have hidden effects on survival or behaviour.

“However, it is essential we also take steps to secure long-term resilience for seabirds, such as protecting feeding grounds and reducing bycatch.”

Gannets diving at the Bass Rock. Picture credit: James Glossop

Emily Burton, Senior Conservation Officer with the Scottish Seabird Centre Conservation Team, said: “Black-eyed gannets are now a common sight on Bass Rock, serving as a reminder of the devastation that was caused by bird flu.

“It’s reassuring that this research has found that these survivors are breeding just as successfully as other gannets.

“However, the slow rate of recovery is deeply concerning, particularly when considered alongside the growing threat to seabirds from climate change and poorly sited offshore windfarms.

“Further action is urgently needed from the Scottish and UK Governments to ensure these special birds are protected, their populations can recover, and their future is secured.”

Edinburgh Napier actors land Fringe award for boxing drama Cornermen

The four-strong cast have completed a knockout Edinburgh Festival theatre run

A group of Edinburgh Napier University acting students have claimed an industry award for an Edinburgh Festival Fringe show that packed a punch.

Starring Daniel John Doherty, Liam Scobie, Arran Hogg and Ruairi Francis McCormack – and directed by Lecturer David Wotton from ENU’s School of Arts & Creative Industries – Cornermen tells the story of a young boxer and the exploitation of his success.

Following a successful run at theSpace on the Mile throughout this month, the cast have been presented with the coveted ‘Bright Spark’ award by The Scottish Theatre Awards on the Fringe.

Awarded every year by the Scottish Arts Club, the prize recognises Scottish actors or theatre-makers just embarking on their career, with the winner selected by a panel of expert judges.

Put on by in-house company Authentically False Productions, Cornermen stood out from the crowd of theatre acts on show across the city during August, drawing praise for its assured performance.

Responding to their award win, Daniel, Liam, Arran and Ruairi said: “We are all absolutely thrilled to have won the ‘Bright Spark’ award at our first foray into the professional theatre world after our training at Edinburgh Napier University.

“The hard work and dedication we put into Cornermen has paid off and we couldn’t be prouder to represent Edinburgh Napier and the Scottish theatre scene in this way.

“Hopefully, this award will be a great kick start to our career. We’ll always remember this moment, this award and this training.”

Cornermen director David Wotton said: “It’s awards like this that highlight our department and the hard work we do to make sure our training actors thrive in such a competitive market.

“This award marks a year of dedication by the cast of Cornermen, Daniel John Doherty, Liam Scobie, Arran Hogg and Ruairi Francis McCormack, and our department.

“Year upon year our course has exceptional National Student Survey results, and industry recognition like this shows that Edinburgh Napier University is a great place for an actor to train.

“Directing these four talented actors has been so very rewarding. It’s great that the industry sees and appreciates the work and dedication shown by both our talented actors and staff alike.”

Cornermen was one of many theatre productions put on by ENU students during the Edinburgh Festivals, which draw to a close this week.

It also follows previous shows such as Everything Under the Sun in being recognised by the industry.

A dram good idea turns whisky waste into packaging

MycoPack is one of 11 projects awarded funding by Scotland Beyond Net Zero

University researchers will help turn whisky production leftovers into compostable packaging in a newly funded collaboration.

The project, MycoPack, is a collaboration between Arbikie Distillery, Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Dundee. MycoPack combines innovation with sustainable design, turning waste into valuable packaging and supporting a circular economy.

It is one of 11 collaborative projects awarded funding by Scotland Beyond Net Zero, a collaboration between Scotland’s universities to support Scotland’s drive to net zero.

Arbikie Distillery have partnered with Dr Dongyang Sun, Edinburgh Napier University and Dr. Wenbin Zhou, University of Dundee, to use mycelium, the root structure of fungi, and distillery by-products like spent grain to create durable, lightweight packaging. The material created is impact-resistant, fire-retardant, and fully compostable, offering an eco-friendly alternative to plastic.

Over the next 10 months the project team will focus on proof of concept, testing the material and the design.

Kirsty Black, Distillery Manager said: “At Arbikie, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our collaboration with Edinburgh Napier and Dundee Universities on MycoPack represents an exciting step forward – combining innovation and purpose to create packaging made from mycelium that’s not only environmentally responsible but deeply aligned with our values.

“Together, we hope to pioneer solutions that respect the planet and inspire change across the industry.”

Funded by Scotland Beyond Net Zero – a coalition of leading climate and sustainability experts from Scotland’s universities – this project is one of 11 new research collaborations aimed at accelerating Scotland’s transition to net zero.

Each project involves cross-sector collaborations to address sustainability challenges in energy, finance, food, the built environment, natural systems, and transport.

Professor Nick Forsyth, Vice-Principal (Research) at the University of Aberdeen and Chair of Scotland Beyond Net Zero’s seed fund panel said: “This is the second round of our seed fund, we have now supported 19 innovative and collaborative projects with a total of around £300k of funding.

“Each project involves at least two of our member universities and one external partner, including community groups, government bodies, and the private sector.

“This collaborative and integrated approach is crucial to us meeting Scotland’s ambitious net zero targets. We cannot achieve these targets in isolation, we must work together to innovative, inform and adapt.”

Other funded projects include a collaboration between Heriot-Watt University, the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh working with Community Energy Scotland, Orkney Housing Association, THAW Orkney (Tackling Household Affordable Warmth) and Teeside University to tackle fuel poverty in rural Scotland.

Typically, energy flexibility involves people having access to advanced technology, but this project explores if it can benefit those in fuel poverty. The idea is to create local energy communities and trading systems, letting residents buy cheaper local electricity.

HI-SCOT, a collaboration between Edinburgh Napier University, Robert Gordon University and Historic Environment Scotland, will focus on integrating photovoltaic (PV) technology into Scotland’s historic buildings, addressing challenges with aesthetics, regulations, and public acceptance.

The initiative will explore how PV systems can blend with historic architecture. Research will explore mimicking traditional materials and using coatings to minimise visual impact, creating guidelines for Scotland’s historic architecture.

To find out more about each of the eleven projects, please visit the Scotland Beyond Net Zero website: www.scotland-beyond-net-zero.ac.uk.

Glimmers films set to spread moments of joy throughout Travfest25

Seven moments of filmed magic to be shared with audiences in the theatre and at home throughout this year’s TravFest.
Partnership with Edinburgh Napier’s Screen Academy Scotland showcases Class Act writers from Scotland, Ukraine, India and Finland
First film released is Grandmother’s Pie, performed by Imani Preyor, with further releases to follow each week through August.

Glimmers: micro-moments of positivity that help us to feel joy, safety and connection. It could be a fleeting sense of safety or love, happiness, or hope. But it leaves a positive lingering feeling.

Glimmers are ephemeral, much like theatre: a swift moment of magic, over too soon, but whose impacts can last forever.

This summer TravFest25 shares Glimmers with audiences and visitors. The series of short films have been penned by some of our brightest young voices, nurtured and discovered through the Traverse’s flagship engagement programme Class Act, then filmed within the Traverse Theatre and given a platform at the world’s biggest performing arts festival.

Voices from across the world – including Ukraine, India, Finland, and Scotland come together in Glimmers, supported by the Traverse’s leading mentors and directors including John Tiffany, Douglas Maxwell, Nicola McCartney, Natalya Vorozhbyt and Gareth Nicholls.

Created and delivered in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University’s Screen Academy Scotland, these wonderful miniature theatre works have become short films to be shared online and within the Traverse itself throughout August.

The first of the seven films is released today – Grandmother’s Pie, a new piece submitted by former Class Act Finland participant Anastasiia, performed by Imani Preyor.

Further Glimmers will be released through the coming weeks, uploaded to enjoy for free via the Traverse Theatre’s Youtube channel as well as popping up on digital screens within the building throughout the month.

The full set of films is:

1 in 2 by Seren (Class Act Dumfries submitted in 2024) – performed by Eloise King Anderson

Grandmother’s Pie by Anastasiia (Participated in Class Act Finland 2023 – Cultura Foundation and Fenix Finland Ry, new piece submitted for Glimmers)– performed by Imani Preyor

One Two Three by Matvey (Participated in Class Act Finland 2023 – Cultura Foundation and Fenix Finland Ry, new piece submitted for Glimmers) – performed by Alexander Tait.

More Like Mum by Jules Risingham (Letters to Our Future Government piece submitted in 2024) – performed by Lawrence Boothman.

Ryoko by Kate (Participated in Class Act Finland 2023 – Cultura Foundation and Fenix Finland Ry, new piece submitted for Glimmers) – performed by Janette Foggo.

The Light by Alisa (Participated in Class Act Finland 2023 – Cultura Foundation and Fenix Finland Ry, new piece submitted for Glimmers) – performed by Eve Buglass and Sydney Mulligan.

Last Chance to Save the Planet by Kayla (Submitted in 2023) – performed by Rebecca Wilkie.

A team of 23 camera, sound, lighting, technical and production staff from Edinburgh Napier University’s Screen Academy Scotland honed theatre capture skills in a short residency at the Traverse Theatre in July.

Camera: Grant Deans (him), Owen McCaffrey (him), Natalie Weir (her), Tony Ross (him)

Sound: Liam Stobie (him), Reece Groves (him), Sherbaaz Khan (him)

Lighting: Marcin Maternik (him), Jimmy Kitson (him)

Production: Ruby Holywell-Walker (her), Olivia Mcardle (her)

Technical support: Francis Todd (him) (Napier staff technician)

Support: Reece Groves (him), Ruby Holywell-Walker (her), Sherbaaz Khan (him), Jimmy Kitson (him), Marcin Maternik (him), Owen McCaffrey (him), Olivia Mcardle (her), Tony Ross (him), Liam Stobie (him), Francis Todd (him), and Natalie Weir (her)

Glimmers films will be available to watch via the Traverse Theatre Youtube channel

Emma celebrates graduation after overcoming shock seizure ordeal

The Business Management student has graduated from Edinburgh Napier with first class honours

A new Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) graduate feels as though she has achieved the impossible by graduating with first class honours – after a series of frightening seizures left her studies in doubt.

Business Management student Emma Sullivan suddenly began experiencing convulsive episodes in the summer of 2022, which became increasingly intense and unpredictable. Months of tests and appointments revealed a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder.

After carefully balancing the condition with her studies, Emma has now been formally presented with her degree at the Usher Hall – where she paid tribute to her family for their support.

The 22-year-old from Edinburgh said: “The weekend before starting second year I experienced two out of control ‘episodes’, which I didn’t know were seizures at the time. Me and my parents went to A&E as we could tell something was wrong.

“After undergoing a couple of tests they were unable to detect any abnormalities, and it was put down to stress. I left the hospital feeling more confused than when I went in, as though I had wasted their time.

“I continued to have these ‘episodes’ every few weeks. They were becoming more intense, and I would be very disoriented before and after them.

“It took around seven months to finally have an explanation of what I was going through. I was referred to a neurologist who diagnosed me with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and explained that I was having functional seizures.”

FND affects how the brain processes signals, with symptoms including seizures, fatigue and pain. Treatments focus on managing and improving the condition through rehabilitation therapy.

For Emma, this meant carefully balancing her everyday life. She left her part-time job to focus on her health and her studies.

She added: “Once I had the diagnosis it helped to give some clarity, but I still had to learn how to adapt to this new reality. Other things in my life needed to take a back seat.

“During flare ups I was having multiple seizures a day, which was both physically and mentally exhausting. Through neuropsychology appointments I learned that pacing myself was extremely important, and this has really helped me to continue my studies.

“It was a constant concern whenever I was out of the house that I might have a seizure, which added an extra layer of stress to everyday activities.

“Alongside the seizures I would also experience limb and muscle weakness, muscle spasms, chronic pain, fatigue and dissociation.

“Two months before the first seizures I was also diagnosed with autism. So alongside navigating this new, massive health change, I was also coming to terms with what the autism diagnosis meant for me.

“It has been a lot to process during the past few years.”

Now that she has achieved her degree, Emma hopes to raise awareness of conditions like hers, while championing disability advocacy and support.

Her dissertation focused on the impact working from home can have on autistic employees – and she shared her findings at the Edinburgh Napier’s ENclusion conference in May.

She said: “There were many times during the past couple years that the thought of graduating and finishing my studies seemed absolutely impossible.

“I am extremely proud of myself for getting to the stage, but I absolutely could not have done it without the love of my family. My mum and dad have been an incredible support and have been with me every step of this journey.

“Although it has been incredibly difficult and challenging at times, these experiences have also helped me to grow in resilience, determination and strength.

“Planning for the future can be very difficult due to the unpredictability of my health, but I remain passionate about raising awareness about both chronic illnesses and autism.

“I would love to be part of a movement that drives positive change and supports others facing similar challenges, and helps to build a more inclusive, understanding society.”

Scottish wheelchair basketball star awarded doctorate

Paralympian first took up the sport at ENU

Pioneering wheelchair basketball star Robyn Love has paid tribute to the place where her sporting career began, after being awarded an honorary doctorate by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU).

Since graduating from ENU with a degree in Biomedical Science in 2013, the 34-year-old from Ayr has represented Great Britain at three Paralympic Games – in Rio, Tokyo and Paris – captained Team Scotland at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and won silver and bronze medals at European and World Championships.

Born with arthrogryposis, a condition affecting muscle development, Robyn took up basketball during her time at ENU, where she was Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association vice president, captain of the women’s basketball team, and president of the LGBTQ+ society.

She has continued to champion equality and accessibility in her roles as a director at Basketball Scotland, an LGBTQ+ ambassador with the British Elite Athlete Association.

Robyn’s honorary doctorate is awarded as she prepares to represent Scotland on home soil in the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

She was formally presented with the degree during a graduation ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on Friday [11 July], celebrating alongside her fiancé and teammate Laurie Williams.

Responding to the award of her honorary doctorate, Robyn said: “I’m deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the very institution where my journey truly began.

“It was here that I first picked up a basketball and discovered wheelchair sport – a moment that sparked a decade-long career representing Great Britain on the international stage.

“Alongside my sporting journey, I’ve been proud to advocate for the LGBT community, striving to create spaces where everyone can be seen, valued and empowered to thrive – much like my experience at Edinburgh Napier.

“This honorary doctorate is not just a celebration of achievement, but a reminder of the power of education, opportunity, and inclusion to transform lives.”

Presenting the degree, Professor Susan Brown, from ENU’s School of Applied Sciences said: “Robyn’s story reflects ambition, professionalism, inclusivity and innovation – each a cornerstone of our university’s values.

“She is a powerful role model for our graduates, reminding us that adversity can be a catalyst for greatness, and that leadership comes in many forms.

“Robyn has broken boundaries and redefined what is possible – not just for herself, but for the communities she represents. Her ambition drives her to excel, her professionalism is evident in her leadership and advocacy, inclusivity is at the heart of all she does, and her innovative spirit turns challenges into opportunities.”

Professor Sue Rigby inaugurated as Principal of Edinburgh Napier

Professor Sue Rigby has been officially inaugurated as Principal and Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University in a ceremony at the Usher Hall.

Professor Rigby took up the post in January, following the retirement of Professor Andrea Nolan. A palaeontologist by background, she was previously Vice Chancellor of Bath Spa University and held roles at the Universities of Cambridge, Leicester, Lincoln and Edinburgh.

Ahead her first graduation ceremony as head of the University, Professor Rigby was formally introduced by Chancellor Will Whitehorn OBE – the first time the tradition has been held since the inauguration of Professor Nolan in 2013.

The event marked the start of ENU’s summer graduations, which saw around 2,300 students cross the stage to be presented with their qualifications over the course of seven ceremonies.

Addressing the audience, Professor Rigby said: “I am very honoured to stand here as the new Principal and Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University and grateful to University Court for putting its faith in me to guide this institution through its next chapter.

“Edinburgh Napier is unique and truly comprised of difference-makers. Staff are passionately committed to the University, and they understand that this is a community not a location or a history.

“They are world leaders in their disciplines but value the opportunity to teach and support learning above all else. They are bound together by passion and by an unswerving moral compass.

“Their driving purpose is to reduce inequality and to improve lives through their research and teaching. They are do-ers as well as thinkers.

“It is right that people challenge universities about their purpose and the value they offer to society. It is up to us to speak to that challenge and to show our worth.

“This is easy in the case of Edinburgh Napier University, and it is what I will do for the duration of my tenure.”

From zookeeper to new teacher: Kirsty celebrates second Edinburgh Napier graduation

A zookeeper turned secondary school teacher is swapping the penguin enclosure for the classroom after ‘coming home’ to graduate from Edinburgh Napier University for a second time.

Kirsty Dow collected a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from the Usher Hall on Wednesday 9 July – exactly a decade on from completing her degree in animal biology!

Having held several roles at Edinburgh Zoo, including as its head of penguins, the 33-year-old from Edinburgh developed a passion for education while putting on tours for groups of young people.

When she decided to retrain as a secondary school teacher to fit her career around her young family, Edinburgh Napier University was the only place for her.

Kirsty said: “I had done bits of education at the zoo – taking tours and showing groups of children around. I found I was becoming much more confident about speaking to large groups and started to really enjoy it. I just thought, ‘hey, I’m quite good at this!’

“Teaching is something which had been in the back of my mind for a few years. However, I’d previously spoken to friends who had done a PGDE and warned that it was challenging, so I’d put it off for a wee while.

“But then I just took the leap and left my job at the zoo.

“Edinburgh Napier was the only place I applied for, because I love it so much. I really enjoyed my time here. It was less scary because it felt like home.

“I had always thought about becoming a teacher but never had to confidence to go for it.

“Even after the first day, I knew it was the right decision. My fellow teachers are wonderful, and I feel like it is my true calling. It is an absolute dream come true.”

Part of Kirsty’s motivation to change career was the expected arrival of her second child – having welcomed her son, Artie, into the world in 2020.

Kirsty added: “When I found out I was pregnant again, I decided that I needed a better life for our children.

“I knew teacher training was going to be tough, and I was worried about telling the University about my pregnancy, but the lecturers couldn’t have been more supportive.

“I completed 6 months of the course and then had to suspend my studies when we welcomed baby Primrose. I had a full year off but kept in touch with University as I had made wonderful connections – I’d go in with Prim to meet them for coffee!

“Resuming studies was extremely intimidating. Especially since I was heading straight into my third teaching placement. But ENU was there to support me, and it was such a personal experience.”

As Kirsty graduates, she is now preparing to start work as a biology teacher at the beginning of the next school year.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the course,” she said. “We were taught how to teach, rather than just the theory of it.

“Right from week six we were in a classroom seeing how it’s done. We got so much practical experience.

“I would advise anyone like me who has had teaching in the back of their mind to go for it.”

Kirsty joined fellow students from ENU’s School of Applied Sciences in celebrating their graduation on Wednesday at the Usher Hall. Over the next three days, around 2,300 new graduates will be formally presented with their qualifications.

Edinburgh Napier launched its PGDE courses in 2018 as part of an effort to train more teachers in Scotland, and now offers students the opportunity to complete the qualification across a range of different subjects.

‘You’d better not let me stop you’: new graduate dedicates degree to late mum

Connor Smith has marked his graduation from Edinburgh Napier University

An Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) student has described how his mum gave him the motivation to complete his degree – as he graduates a few months after losing her to cancer.

Connor Smith, from Loanhead in Midlothian, has become the first in his family to graduate from university after being presented with his degree in Social Sciences at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall today.

The 30-year-old has described how the loss of his mum, Fiona, has given him the drive to use his education to help people. She passed away in January of this year, around seven months after her illness was discovered.

He said: “It happened towards the end of my third year. Mum chummed me along to pick out an engagement ring on a Saturday, then found about her cancer on the Monday.

“I don’t think I really processed it at the time. It didn’t feel real. You always think your mum will be around forever.

“She went from a healthy normal life to passing away from cancer so suddenly. Seeing her at the hospice while I was finishing my degree was near impossible.

“I thought about putting my studies on hold. I spoke to my personal development tutor, who was really helpful at setting out the options that were available to me.

“But I remember speaking to my mum as her health was deteriorating and she said, “you’d better not let me stop you from finishing your degree”. So I decided to keep going.

“She was immensely proud of what I was doing. She was such a selfless person – she’d do anything for her kids and her grandkids.”

Connor was joined at the Usher Hall by his partner and two children, after crossing the stage alongside fellow students from ENU’s School of Applied Sciences.

It marks the end of a six-year educational journey for him, which began at college and took an unexpected path.

He is now hoping to go into education or the charity sector to help others find their passion.

Connor added: “I was stuck in dead-end jobs and feeling really unfulfilled at work. It was when I was doing nightshifts that I decided to try and do something about it.

“I left school with one higher and didn’t think university would be something that I would ever do.

“I initially wanted to do criminology, with an eye on maybe going into the police. But once I started social sciences at college, I found that I really enjoyed it – and decided to keep doing it at Edinburgh Napier.

“I became a dad at 18 and had to grow up very quickly. Since then, my attitude to education has changed completely. Now I feel like I know what I want in life and education is going to help me get there.”

While Connor has become the first in his family to go to university, he won’t be on his own for long.

“My sister is starting her studies at Edinburgh Napier this year,” he said. “She’ll be at Sighthill too – the same campus as me.

“I feel proud to be the first in the family to go to uni, especially as she’s doing it right after me. Mum would be so proud of us.

“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved. I got through it, and that’s the main thing. As long as I know that I’ve tried my best, that’s all that matters.

“I think I’ve shown there’s more than one way to get to university. There’s a lot of pressure when you’re young to choose one thing or another, but I feel like I can help people who are trying to decide their future.”

Edinburgh Napier University’s summer graduation ceremonies are being held at the Usher Hall from 9-11 July.