MSPs, brain tumour patients and families who have lost loved ones are marking the first anniversary of Scotland’s first research centre dedicated to brain tumours, established to accelerate the search for new treatments for the most aggressive forms of the disease.
Launched one year ago through a unique partnership between Brain Tumour Research and Beatson Cancer Charity, the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence brings together leading researchers based at the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Working collaboratively, they are focused on identifying the most promising new treatments for glioblastoma – an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer with an average prognosis of 12 to 18 months.
Far too often, innovative ideas in the lab fail to make it to the clinic, so over its first year, the Centre has focused on building the foundations needed to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into potential new treatments. This has included developing more advanced laboratory models to better understand glioblastoma and test new therapeutic approaches – including gene therapy.
Among those marking the Centre’s first anniversary is Shetland Islands MSP Beatrice Wishart, who has long campaigned for improved research and awareness following her daughter Louise Fraser’s diagnosis with a brain tumour in 2012.
Since then, Beatrice has used her platform in both her constituency and at Holyrood to highlight the urgent need for earlier diagnosis, better access to treatment, and increased investment in research for brain tumours.
Beatrice, who is also Convener of the Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Brain Tumours, said: “It’s been a very quick year, and I’m really pleased to see the progress that has already been made in understanding and tackling brain tumours.
“There is a clear emphasis on the importance of sustainable funding and the difference it can make for people across Scotland.
“Through the Cross-Party Group, we have been pressing the Health Secretary on access to research trials and new treatments, and it has been a very positive and proactive group to be part of.
“I see that work as complementary to everything being done at the Scottish Centre of Excellence, and together it gives real momentum to efforts to improve outcomes for patients and families.”
Following her diagnosis, Louise Fraser underwent neurosurgery followed by radiotherapy, and her tumour is now monitored through regular scans.
Beatrice, Louise and their family have raised more than £36,500 for Brain Tumour Research through a range of fundraising and awareness activities, including Wear a Hat Day events at Holyrood, community fundraising in Shetland, and participation in running challenges such as the Edinburgh Half Marathon.
Much of this recent fundraising was carried out in memory of Louise’s husband, Kris Fraser, who died suddenly from a brain haemorrhage in September 2024. Louise and her children – Eve, Kieran and Leighton – took part in the Edinburgh Half Marathon in his memory, with several tiles on the Centre’s Wall of Hope dedicated to Kris.
“It was a very emotional day, particularly as the fundraising has been carried out in memory of my husband, Kris, who was very much at the forefront of my mind,” Louise said.
“I wanted to do something positive with our children following his death, and fundraising for this charity felt like the right way to honour him while supporting a cause that means so much to our family. It’s reassuring to see where the money we’ve raised is going and how Brain Tumour Research is using those funds to support the search for kinder, more effective treatments.
“I hope that the work being done here will mean that, in the future, other families won’t have to go through what we did.”
Also reflecting on the anniversary is Jonny Charles, whose mum Fiona, a retired primary school teacher from Aberdeen, was diagnosed with glioblastoma after months of unexplained symptoms in 2024. Fiona underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy following her diagnosis but sadly died in December 2025. Jonny has since spoken about the devastating reality of glioblastoma and the profound impact it has on patients and families.
Jonny said: “Visiting the Centre on its one-year anniversary was very meaningful, and the lab tour itself was incredibly well organised and genuinely fascinating. What stood out most was the passion and determination of the people leading the work — it was clear that everyone involved is deeply committed to making progress and finding better ways to tackle brain tumours.
“Seeing the work first-hand helped make it clear where fundraising and donations are being directed, and why that support is so important. It was striking to be reminded that treatment options for glioblastoma have changed very little over the past 20 years, which really underlines the need for continued focus and investment.
“I hope the work being done here helps move treatments forward and gives future families better options and clearer answers.”
Bringing together a large multidisciplinary group of glioblastoma researchers from across Scotland, the Scottish Centre of Excellence was established to bridge the gap between promising scientific discoveries and real-world patient benefit, from laboratory to bedside.
Professor Steven Pollard, Co-Director of the Centre, said: “Our priority now is to strengthen the connection between scientific discovery and clinical trials, so that promising new ideas can be developed into treatments that are ready to be tested in patients.
“We know the clinical teams in Edinburgh and Glasgow are ready to evaluate new therapies, and our focus is on building the expertise and infrastructure needed to move new aproaches, including innovative medicines and gene therapy, through to that stage more effectively.
“By doing this, we hope not only to progress our own research, but also to work more closely with industry and other partners to increase the number of treatment options available to people affected by brain tumours.”
