Tag: Queen Margaret University

Inspiring QMU graduate makes lasting impact

Aisling Thomas, a mother of five who has combined academic excellence with an unwavering commitment to advancing inclusive education, has graduated from Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh with a Master of Nursing with Distinction and a remarkable trio of awards. 

Aisling’s outstanding achievements include the Dean’s Student Citizenship Award, the Joan and Muriel Burnside Award for care of persons living with dementia, and the Students’ Student Award, recognising her invaluable contributions to the university community. 

Aisling began her higher education journey in 2022 in her thirties after years spent balancing family responsibilities and caring roles. As the first person in her family to attend university, she has transformed personal experiences of caring into a passion for nursing and educational leadership. 

Growing up in Prestonpans, university was not something Aisling had always envisaged for herself. However, after completing Edinburgh College’s Routes to Health Professions programme, she enrolled at QMU and quickly became one of the University’s most engaged and influential students. 

Her aspiration to become a nurse was shaped by her own experiences of healthcare, particularly the exceptional care she received from NHS staff when her daughter was born prematurely. 

Reflecting on her journey, Aisling said: “The care my family received during some of our most difficult times had a profound impact on me. It inspired me to pursue nursing and to support others in the same way. Studying at QMU has given me opportunities I never imagined possible, and I’ve been able to use my own experiences to help other students find confidence and succeed.” 

As well as excelling academically, Aisling has made an outstanding contribution to university life through a wide range of leadership and representative roles. These include serving as a Peer Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS) Leader, Class Representative, Academic Board member, Student ChangeMaker, Widening Participation Ambassador and Clinical Skills Teaching Volunteer. 

As one of the first Nursing students to become a PALS Leader at QMU, Aisling played a key role in establishing and developing peer learning within the nursing course. Her sessions have been widely praised for creating supportive, inclusive environments where students feel empowered to ask questions, build confidence and develop academically. 

Aisling has presented at international conferences focused on peer learning and student support, and her work exploring neurodiverse leadership has helped inform the development of training resources for future peer leaders. 

Committed to widening participation and ensuring higher education is accessible to all, Aisling has also worked extensively with prospective students through outreach activities, induction programmes and mentoring initiatives. Her efforts have helped students from underrepresented backgrounds feel welcomed, supported and confident in their transition to university. 

As a Student ChangeMaker, Aisling co-developed QMU’s Neurodiversity Affirming Learning and Teaching Guides, helping to shape more inclusive educational practices across the institution. Drawing on both research and lived experience, the project has contributed to creating learning environments where all students can thrive. 

Aisling’s commitment to professional development has also seen her participate in an international nursing exchange programme in Canada at Trent University, made possible by QMU’s Vice Chancellor’s & Student Development Fund.

The exchange allowed her to explore person-centred nursing approaches across a range of healthcare settings, broadening her understanding of global healthcare systems and contributing to ongoing work examining the value of international learning opportunities in nursing education. 

Ruth Magowan, Head of Nursing at QMU, said: “Aisling has overcome personal adversity while balancing significant family responsibilities to make an exceptional and lasting contribution to QMU.

“Her hard work, leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting others led to her being named a finalist in the Outstanding Contribution from a University Student category at the Herald Higher Education Awards 2026.

“Aisling’s story is a powerful example of how one student’s dedication can make a real and lasting difference to the experience of others across our University. We are incredibly proud of everything Aisling has achieved during her time at QMU. As she joins our graduating class of 2026, we know she has a very bright future ahead of her, and we look forward to seeing all that she goes on to achieve as a nurse.” 

Aisling was able to celebrate her graduation success with her family, who enjoyed being part of an impressive graduation ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, followed by a reception on the University’s campus.  

Aisling said: “When I decided to return to education and pursue a career in nursing, I knew I needed a university that aligned with both my personal and family commitments.  

“What really sold me on QMU was how well the course structure fitted with my family’s needs and how supportive the university’s ethos felt. QMU has always championed accessible education, and I felt that the nursing programme lived up to that legacy by offering a course structure that recognised the complexity of students’ lives. 

“For me, QMU wasn’t just the right choice, it was the best choice.” 

Aisling has recently secured a full-time role in District Nursing in East Lothian, a position she earned following a highly successful placement she completed during her time at QMU – a fitting start to what promises to be a rewarding nursing career. 

Edinburgh graduate helps advance menstrual health and period product choice in Scotland

Having just celebrated her graduation from Queen Margaret University (QMU) last week, Dominique Haig is already making an impact through research that is helping to inform policy and practice around menstrual health and period poverty in Scotland.

Dominique, from Edinburgh, received her MSc in Sexual and Reproductive Health after completing a dissertation that examined institutional barriers to the uptake of reusable period products following the introduction of the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021. Her findings were subsequently developed into policy briefs for educational settings and policymakers and published in the journal ‘Women’s Reproductive Health’.

During her studies at QMU’s Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD), Dominique developed a strong interest in menstrual health and equity. Her research focused on improving awareness, accessibility and choice around reusable period products, recognising the importance of menstrual autonomy and ensuring that everyone who menstruates can access products and support that meet their needs.

Reflecting on her time at QMU, Dominique said: “Studying at the Institute for Global Health and Development at QMU was an incredibly rewarding experience. I was constantly inspired by my lecturers and fellow students, and I valued the opportunity to explore areas of global health that genuinely interested me, with a particular focus on menstrual health.

“The research-informed and experience-based teaching provided a strong foundation for my future work. IGHD created a real sense of community and truly embodied the idea of a global department, bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences.

“The support I received from across the university throughout my studies, and beyond completing my degree, has been invaluable. I learned so much during my time at QMU, and I am incredibly grateful that it was the place where I began my professional journey.”

Dominique’s dissertation explored how institutions are implementing Scotland’s world-leading legislation on free period product provision and identified factors that can affect awareness and uptake of reusable products. By translating her findings into practical policy recommendations, she hopes to support organisations in offering greater choice and improving access to sustainable menstrual health options.

Alongside her menstrual health work, Dominique is currently completing a placement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), contributing to a thematic group focused on substance use in emergency settings – an important but under-researched area of global health.

Looking ahead, Dominique hopes to continue working across research, advocacy and policy, bringing together her interests in menstrual health, equity and global health to improve health experiences and outcomes for people in diverse contexts.

Maria Bertone, Reader in the Institute for Global Health and Development at QMU, said: “Dominique’s work demonstrates the power of research to address real-world challenges and contribute to meaningful policy discussions.

“Her commitment to improving menstrual health equity and her ability to translate academic research into practical recommendations exemplify the values of the Institute for Global Health and Development.

“We are delighted to see her research reaching audiences beyond the university and wish her every success as she continues her career in global health, research and advocacy.”

Dominique and her classmates were in good company at the QMU graduation ceremony on 6th July.

They celebrated their success alongside human rights activist Fatou Baldeh MBE, who was awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her campaigning work to protect women and girls from violence and discrimination, and to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM).

Fatou is also a graduate of QMU’s Institute for Global Health and Development.

QMU honours global campaigner leading fight to end female genital mutilation

Today (6 July 2026), Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh awarded an honorary degree to leading human rights activist Fatou Baldeh MBE, whose work has helped drive the global fight against female genital mutilation (FGM). 

As an educator and campaigner, Fatou has received international recognition for her work, including being named one of ‘TIME’ Magazine’s Women of the Year 2025, honoured by the Clooney Foundation for Justice, and a member of the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance Network, led by Michelle Obama.

In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Queen Margaret University was delighted to award her a Doctor of the University, honoris causa, at the first of QMU’s 2026 graduation ceremonies at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall. 

Fatou’s courage, scholarship and unwavering commitment to justice have transformed lives in Scotland, The Gambia and beyond. She has turned lived experience into leadership, using her voice and expertise to challenge inequality and deliver lasting social change. 

A graduate of QMU, Fatou completed an MSc in Sexual and Reproductive Health in 2013. She went on to work with the Dignity Alert Research Forum in Edinburgh, later becoming Director, where she amplified the voices of marginalised women and strengthened advocacy for minority ethnic communities across Scotland. 

In 2013, Fatou spoke publicly about FGM in Scotland, challenging stigma and denial. The following year, her evidence to the Scottish Parliament helped shape policy and practice, contributing to Scotland’s leadership in prevention and survivor‑centred safeguarding. 

Returning to The Gambia in 2018, Fatou founded Women in Liberation and Leadership (WILL), an organisation dedicated to protecting the rights of women and girls. Under her leadership, WILL has become a powerful force for grassroots advocacy, survivor support and systemic change.

Working with The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission, she has also ensured that the experiences of women affected by sexual and gender‑based violence are recognised, and that justice and healing remain central to national reconciliation. 

Discussing her time at Queen Margaret University, Fatou Baldeh said: “Taking the MSc course at the Institute for Global Health and Development has truly been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

“The course provided not only a solid theoretical foundation in gender, sexual and reproductive health, and rights, but also an eye-opening experience of learning alongside passionate students from diverse backgrounds. 

“The richness of the course lies in the shared insights, lived experiences, and thought-provoking discussions that emerged from this vibrant community. I am grateful for every lesson and every perspective gained.” 

Fatou’s impact has been widely recognised. She was appointed MBE in 2020 for her advocacy for Black and Minority Ethnic communities in Scotland, and has received numerous international honours, including the International Women of Courage Award and the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy’s Women’s Rights Award. 

In 2025, she was named one of ‘TIME’ Magazine’s Women of the Year and listed among the ‘100 Most Influential People in the World’. Her leadership in protecting The Gambia’s ban on FGM has also been recognised by the Clooney Foundation for Justice. She is also a member of the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance Network, led by Michelle Obama, working alongside global leaders to expand opportunities for girls through education. 

Commenting on the award, QMU Principal Sir Paul Grice, said: “What distinguishes Fatou’s leadership is not only its global reach, but its humanity.

“She leads with empathy rooted in lived experience, intellectual rigour shaped by education, and a moral clarity that inspires collective action. She builds bridges between communities and institutions, and between local action and global change. 

“Her work embodies the values at the heart of Queen Margaret University – social justice, inclusion, equality, global engagement and partnership – as well as the transformative power of education.” 

Today, Fatou joined QMU Chancellor Patrick Grant to celebrate the achievements of new QMU graduates. 

QMU to host Healthfest inspiring Scotland’s next generation of healthcare professionals

Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh is set to welcome more than 550 senior school pupils from across Scotland to its popular Healthfest event, designed to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals and support informed career choices. 

Taking place TOMORROW Wednesday 17 June 2026, the festival-style event is aimed at pupils in S4 to S6. Now in its fourth year, Healthfest will see young people – many from schools in Scotland’s disadvantaged communities – take part in a programme of interactive workshops and campus experiences, providing valuable insight into a wide range of healthcare courses and careers. 

With a strong focus on hands-on learning, pupils will have the opportunity to explore both well-known and lesser-known career roles within the health sector. These include occupational therapy, podiatry and speech and language therapy, alongside careers in radiography, paramedic science and nursing. 

Suzanne Ewing, from Queen Margaret University’s Widening Participation and Outreach team, who has helped organise the event, said: “Healthfest has a real science festival feel, with lots of engaging, practical workshops for young people to get involved in.

“Activities range from using ultrasound technology to observe tongue movement during speech production, to CPR demonstrations delivered by paramedics, as well as sessions demonstrating foot injections to improve foot health and discussions around the psychology of food and eating. 

“Pupils can also take part in bespoke campus tours, giving them a first-hand look at our specialist labs and clinical learning environments. This helps them understand what studying a healthcare degree at QMU is really like.” 

Suzanne concluded: “Healthfest continues to grow in popularity because it opens pupils’ eyes to the wide variety of opportunities available within the health sector.

“Importantly, it supports them to make informed decisions about their future education and career pathways as they gain an insight into different professions and learn about the facilities and equipment that they would use as students on healthcare degree courses.  

“In addition, it creates more equality of opportunity for Scotland’s young people – opening up the healthcare sector to a wider pool of young talent.”

Alongside the workshops, pupils can also enjoy creative activities including a themed photobooth, with props such as prosthetics, lab coats and masks, offering a fun and memorable element to the day. 

QMU will host two sessions for schools to choose from: 10.00am–12.00pm and 12.30pm–2.30pm. 

Schools interested in attending this widening participation healthcare festival can contact Suzanne Ewing E:Healthfestteam@qmu.ac.uk for further information. 

QMU launches first Anti-Ableism Challenge Badge for Girlguiding UK

Thousands of young people across the UK are set to learn about disability, inclusion and equality through a new Anti-Ableism Challenge Badge launched by Queen Margaret University (QMU) for Girlguiding UK members. 

Co-created with disabled people, the badge introduces simple, engaging activities that help young members understand disability, challenge stereotypes and take practical steps to make their communities more inclusive. Designed for Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and volunteers, the badge syllabus also builds awareness of disability history, rights and equity. 

Developed by the Toy Box Diversity Lab at Queen Margaret University, the badge has already been successfully piloted in Girlguiding Scotland units in East Lothian. It will now be available as an optional activity alongside the core Girlguiding programme, offering flexible, low-cost or free ways for young people across the UK to explore inclusion and accessibility. 

Dr Siân Jones, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Queen Margaret University and co-founder of the Toy Box Diversity Lab, said: “As a disabled person myself, this new badge represents a really positive step forward in the growing momentum around anti-ableism work with young people.

“Too often, disability is left out of early learning, but this badge helps change that by creating space for reflection, discussion and action. 

“Disabled children and young people often encounter barriers that non-disabled people don’t notice, from inaccessible environments to assumptions about what they can and cannot do.

“Ableism can be subtle, but its impact is significant. By introducing conversations about disability, fairness and accessibility at an early age, we can help create more inclusive communities where disabled people are valued, respected and included. We hope this badge will give girls and leaders the confidence to recognise barriers, challenge them, and become advocates for positive change.” 

Activities that can be completed to gain the Anti-Ableism Challenge Badge include adapting games to make them more inclusive, redesigning spaces to improve accessibility, learning the Braille alphabet, and exploring disabled role models and representation. Girlguiding UK leaders are supported with practical guidance, discussion prompts and information-based resources. 

One of the Anti-Ableism Badge co-creators said: “It has been really affirming to me as a disabled person to be part of the development of these resources. 

“I think it is really important to have these resources for young people to bring it to the forefront of their awareness at a young age. As a former Rainbow and Brownie, I would have appreciated this in my unit.” 

Developed through QMU’s Toy Box Diversity Lab, the Anti-Ableism Challenge Badge builds on the Lab’s wider work addressing inequality, representation and social justice in educational and youth settings. The Lab works collaboratively with communities to ensure disabled people’s voices are at the heart of developing training, resources and inclusive practice. 

Dr Clare Uytman, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Queen Margaret University and co-founder of the Toy Box Diversity Lab, said: “At the Toy Box Diversity Lab, we aim to directly tackle representation and understanding of disability through play, imagination and discovery.

“The introduction of anti-ableism into Girlguiding’s suite of challenge badges is an example of how collaborative work can translate research into tools that support real change in educational and youth settings.” 

More information about the Toy Box Diversity Lab can be found at: 

https://qmutoyboxdiversitylab.com/anti-ableism-challenge-badge/  

To sign up for the Anti-Ableism Challenge Badge, visit: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/GuideAndScoutChallengeBadges

QMU appoints pioneering sports leader Dame Louise Martin as Osteoporosis Ambassador

Dame Louise Martin, pioneering international sports leader and former President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, has been appointed as the first Project Ambassador for Queen Margaret University’s (QMU) Lydia Osteoporosis Project. 

Widely recognised as a trailblazer in global sports administration, Dame Louise was the first woman to serve as President of the Commonwealth Games Federation. Her lifelong commitment to health, wellbeing and active lifestyles strongly aligns with QMU’s ambitions to advance osteoporosis prevention, education and research. 

A distinguished alumna of Queen Margaret University and a former lecturer at the institution, Dame Louise brings both professional expertise and a longstanding personal connection to QMU to her new ambassadorial role. 

The Lydia Osteoporosis Project is a research and public engagement initiative focused on improving awareness, education and prevention of osteoporosis, a health condition that weakens the bones, making them more fragile and more likely to fracture. Dame Louise’s appointment follows the highly successful Lydia Osteoporosis Symposium, held at QMU earlier this May. The event brought together people living with osteoporosis, carers and family members, health and social care professionals, researchers, and the wider community for an inclusive day of learning, discussion and shared experience. 

Over three million people in the UK (including around 300,000 people in Scotland) live with osteoporosis, and the condition is responsible for an estimated 527,000 fractures each year. Yet despite its prevalence and life‑changing consequences, osteoporosis remains widely under‑diagnosed, under‑treated and under‑prioritised within public health and clinical agendas. Dame Louise’s appointment as Project Ambassador represents a significant opportunity to challenge this imbalance.  

In her role, she will support the Lydia Osteoporosis Project team in building strategic partnerships, engaging key stakeholders and championing the importance of bone health at a national and international level. Drawing on her exceptional leadership experience, she will also provide strategic insight and represent the project at high‑profile events – helping to drive awareness, influence policy conversations and ensure osteoporosis is recognised as a serious, preventable long‑term condition that demands far greater attention, visibility and investment.  

Fully funded by donor support, the Queen Margaret University Lydia Osteoporosis Project demonstrates the pivotal role a single committed donor can play in advancing research and improving patient care. To date, over £1 million has been provided by an anonymous donor, enabling Queen Margaret University to establish and sustain a programme inspired by a personal connection to osteoporosis. 

The donor’s support has been central to the project’s development, underpinning work to improve manual handling practices in healthcare, expand osteoporosis awareness, and support PhD research. The project exists and continues to grow because of sustained donor commitment. 

Dame Louise Martin said: “The Lydia Osteoporosis Project is about people – those living with osteoporosis, those at risk, and those who support them. It is about creating understanding, building confidence, and improving lives through shared knowledge and community. 

“The work being done at QMU is innovative, important and life-changing, and I am delighted to champion it. I hope others will join us in supporting bone health and helping people live well with strength, confidence and community.” 

Dame Louise has a longstanding connection with QMU, having studied at the Edinburgh College of Domestic Science (now QMU), where she later became a lecturer. In 2023, she was awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her outstanding contribution to international sport. 

A talented athlete in her early years, she represented Scotland in swimming and reached the finals of the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Perth, Australia. She went on to teach home economics in Edinburgh before embarking on a highly successful career in sports administration. 

Her achievements include becoming the first woman to chair Scotland’s Commonwealth Games Council in 1999, the first female member of the Commonwealth Games Federation Executive Board and later serving as Secretary from 1999 to 2015.

In 2015, she became the first female President of the Federation, a role she held for two terms until 2023. She played a pivotal role in the delivery of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and was awarded a Damehood in 2019. 

Dame Louise Martin said: “Throughout my career, including my time as President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, I have seen how preparation, consistency and strong foundations underpin success.

“The parallels with osteoporosis are clear – regular weight-bearing exercise and good nutrition are essential for building and maintaining strong bones. 

“Prevention is powerful, and the earlier we start, the better the outcomes. Education and awareness are key to empowering people to take action and support their own health. I am committed to working with the Lydia Osteoporosis Project team to turn this focus on prevention and education into action, and to secure recognition of osteoporosis as a public health priority.” 

Professor Sara Smith, Dean of the School of Health Sciences at QMU, said: “Dame Louise brings a powerful combination of leadership, insight and advocacy.

“Her support will be instrumental in strengthening our efforts to improve the understanding of osteoporosis, and drive forward innovation in education, research and practice.”  

Hidden osteoporosis crisis to be addressed at QMU symposium

Queen Margaret University (QMU) will host a major public event later this month to confront the long-standing lack of awareness and action surrounding osteoporosis, and positioning the condition firmly as a public health priority.

Despite affecting millions of people across the UK, osteoporosis remains one of the country’s most overlooked health conditions – often widely under-recognised, under-diagnosed and under-treated, despite its potentially devastating and life-changing consequences.

In response, QMU’s Lydia Osteoporosis Symposium, taking place on Wednesday 20 May 2026, is on a mission to change that by raising awareness of the risks of osteoporosis and equipping people with the knowledge and tools needed to improve bone health and prevent fractures.

The symposium will bring together people living with osteoporosis, family members and carers, health and social care professionals, researchers and members of the wider community for a powerful and inclusive day of learning, discussion and shared experience.

Led by the Lydia Osteoporosis Project team, the event will highlight osteoporosis as a significant but neglected public health issue, while showcasing the latest research alongside practical, evidence-informed guidance on bone health and fracture prevention. All sessions have been designed to be accessible and engaging for all attendees.

The full-day programme will explore a wide range of topics, including lifelong bone health, osteoporosis care, and the role of nutrition, exercise and lifestyle in maintaining strong bones. Alongside expert presentations from leading health practitioners and researchers, attendees will also take part in interactive sessions shaped by both research, evidence and lived experience.

Gemma Stevenson, Project Lead of the Lydia Osteoporosis Project, said: “Too many people are living with the devastating consequences of osteoporosis without enough awareness, support or action.

“It is often described as a ‘silent’ condition, yet its consequences can be devastating, life changing and, in many cases, preventable. This symposium is about breaking that silence – making knowledge accessible, valuing lived experience, and empowering people to take action.

“By bringing communities, professionals and researchers together, we can challenge complacency, shift perceptions and drive the change needed to improve prevention, diagnosis and care.”

The symposium, which will run from 8:30am to 4:30pm at Queen Margaret University, is now fully booked – reflecting the growing demand for better understanding and action around osteoporosis.

QMU’s Community Open Day returns this May

SATURDAY 30th MAY 12 – 3pm

Queen Margaret University (QMU) will welcome local residents and the wider public to its annual Community Open Day on Saturday 30 May, inviting people to explore the campus, enjoy its facilities and take part in a fun, family-friendly afternoon.

Running from 12 noon to 3pm, the free event will feature a wide range of activities for all ages, including drumming workshops, bug hunting, den building, Therapets, face painting, and creative sessions celebrating books and music. Attractions such as a bouncy castle and the Cycling Without Age group from Musselburgh will add to a lively programme designed to offer something for everyone.

This year, the University is also delighted to host a landscape art competition run by Musselburgh Creates. Artists of all ages are invited to capture the University’s distinctive campus setting.

Taking place across the grounds from 11am – 3pm the competition offers a lovely, creative focal point for the day, with participants encouraged to respond to QMU’s architecture, landscaped gardens and natural surroundings. Anyone who would like to participate in the competition should register at 10am and bring their own materials and equipment (no need to book in advance).

Beyond the activities, the Community Open Day aims to showcase the facilities and services QMU makes available to the local community. While children enjoy the entertainment on offer, adults can explore the University’s range of spaces for hire, including meeting rooms, conference facilities, the Sports and Fitness Centre, and Maggie’s Bar and Café.

In addition to its specialist teaching facilities, QMU offers a wide variety of spaces suitable for community events and meetings. These range from small meeting rooms to an attractive conference suite with break-out spaces overlooking the pond, as well as a large lecture theatre seating up to 250 people. The University is keen for local residents, community groups and organisations to benefit from its flexible learning and social spaces.

Lynn Barclay Commercial Manager at Queen Margaret University, said: “Our gardens, Sports and Fitness Centre and Students’ Union bar are already well used by the community, but we want to ensure more people are aware of the full range of spaces and facilities available to local groups and organisations.

“We can support anything from seminars and conferences to voluntary group meetings, AGMs and corporate dinners. With everything from small classrooms and a piano bar to a conference suite overlooking the pond and large lecture theatres accommodating 150 to 250 people, we have something to suit almost every need.

QMU’s Community Open Day takes place on Saturday 30 May, from 12 noon to 3pm. Booking is not required for this free event.

Organisations involved in delivering activities on the day include: Cycling Without Age Musselburgh; Mansfield School of Music; Therapets East Lothian; Scottish Book Trust; Bouncy Castle Man; Event Buddies Scotland; East Lothian Council Arts Service; Seeds of Disruption SCIO; and Musselburgh Creates.

See more details on the landscape art competition by Musselburgh Creates at landscape event.

Frame Running gives people with MS the freedom to exercise

Researchers at Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh have found that Frame Running, an adapted form of physical activity, could offer a safe new way for people with advanced Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to take part in sport and exercise. The results of the study, suggests that Frame Running can help people with walking difficulties stay active in a way that feels both enjoyable and achievable, and which could benefit their health and wellbeing.

Frame Running involves exercise with a purpose-built trike which consists of three wheels and has a saddle and handlebars. The frame is propelled by the athlete’s feet and steered by hands or arms.

Its design offers stability and support while walking or running, which may suit many people with mobility and balance issues, including people living with MS. Frame Running has recently been included as a Para-athletic event in the 2028 Paralympic games in Los Angeles and is increasing in popularity in the UK and worldwide, with local clubs springing up across Scotland in places such as East Lothian, Edinburgh, Dunfermline, Glasgow, Ayrshire, Perthshire and Aberdeen.

The study, funded by the UK MS Society, builds on work by QMU’s Professor Marietta van der Linden, which has explored the potential of Frame Running to support mobility, cardiovascular health and personal confidence in young people with cerebral palsy.

The latest study, now extends that understanding to people living with MS. 

The 12-week research project, which brought participants together for weekly sessions at a local athletics track, offers an encouraging picture. It reveals new possibilities for a group that often encounters significant barriers to physical activity.

Professor Marietta van der Linden, a Human Movement scientist at QMU, said: “People with MS, who experience difficulties walking, often have very few ways to exercise safely outdoors at an intensity that genuinely benefits their health. Frame Running may provide people with these positive health effects, while also offering a sense of speed, freedom and confidence that many thought they had lost.” 

The study, which involved 10 participants, showed that Frame Running enabled most people to reach heart rate levels typically associated with moderate to vigorous exercise. Participants showed strong commitment, attending almost every session, and importantly, no serious safety issues were reported.

Most participants enjoyed the experience so much that they continued attending Frame Running sessions offered by the local athletics club long after the study finished, highlighting its appeal and real-world potential. 

Dr Gary McEwan, Research Fellow at QMU and lead author, added: “Seeing participants reach meaningful exercise intensities was incredibly encouraging.

“These levels of activity are linked to improved fitness, better symptom management and enhanced quality of life – yet they’re rarely accessible to people living with significant disability.” 

CASE STUDY

Helen Isserlis, a former nurse from East Lothian, developed MS almost 30 years ago. With significantly declining mobility, she certainly didn’t expect to be running around a track at 59 years of age.

But she recently stumbled upon Frame Running and its enabled her to take part in intensive exercise for the first time in decades. Her participation in the adapted sport has not only restored her movement, it’s offered a sense of freedom and possibility that she’d thought she’d lost. 

“I can’t hop, skip, jump, and I certainly can’t run. But Frame Running has changed my whole mindset. Instead of focusing on what I can’t do, I look forward to what I can do.”

Helen trains once or twice a week with Team East Lothian at Meadowmill stadium in Prestonpans. 

She said: “It gets your heart rate up, your blood pumping and your legs moving. Afterwards, my hips and legs feel far looser, and my pain is reduced. I can now do intensive bursts of exercise, which would have been impossible before, and I’m working up to a 5k in one go. 

“Frame Running has transformed what is physically possible for me. It’s restored my independence, confidence and joy. It’s made me feel alive again.”

While the study was small and exploratory, the findings mark an important next step in a research journey that has already shown Frame Running to be beneficial for other disability groups.

Caitlin Astbury, Senior Research Communications Manager at the MS Society, said: “Research shows being physically active can improve mobility, muscle strength and mood, and help manage MS symptoms like balance problems and fatigue. But we also know it can be difficult for people with advanced MS to find an exercise routine that works for them.

“This research from QMU provides early but promising evidence that Frame Running could be a safe and enjoyable way for people with mobility difficulties to take part in moderate to intense exercise.

“There are more than 17,000 people living with MS in Scotland, and over 150,000 people in the UK. The condition affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord and impacts how people move, think, and feel. Studies like this help to identify and raise awareness of different types of exercise that people with MS may benefit from. We hope to see more research in this area in the future.”

Dr McEwan concluded: “This study adds to a growing body of evidence showing that Frame Running can transform what is possible for people with mobility impairments.

We would therefore encourage more people with MS and other mobility issues to try Frame Running. We’d also love to see further development of Frame Running groups in the community such as within athletics clubs across Scotland and beyond, so that more people with MS have easy access to the sport, equipment and the joy and camaraderie often associated with being part of a sports club.”

To find out more about the research view the research paper.

QMU hosts third Osteoporosis Community Café to address rising demand for support

Queen Margaret University (QMU) is set to host its third Osteoporosis Community Café, reflecting the growing need for supportive spaces where people affected by osteoporosis can connect, share experiences and access reliable information.

Building on the success of previous cafés, the event will offer a warm, inclusive environment for individuals living with osteoporosis – and those who care for them – to discuss challenges, celebrate progress and learn practical ways to live well with the condition.

In the UK, osteoporosis affects over 3 million people, including 250,000 in Scotland, and contributes to approximately 527,000 fractures each year. Although often associated with postmenopausal women (affecting 1 in 2 women over 50), evidence shows that around 1 in 5 men over 50 are also affected. Because the condition can progress silently until a fracture occurs, many people remain undiagnosed until the disease is already advanced.

Osteoporosis gradually weakens bones due to a loss of bone mass, often without symptoms. A minor fall or sudden impact can lead to a significant fracture, commonly in the wrist, hip, or vertebrae. Spinal compression fractures can occur with little or no trauma, causing back pain, loss of height, and changes in posture, including the noticeable stooped or curved back.

The café will bring together individuals from across Edinburgh, the Lothians and beyond, offering light refreshments and the chance to connect with others, as well as members of the research team at QMU. At the meeting in February, participants will have the opportunity to hear a short talk from a pharmacist.

The Lydia Osteoporosis Project team – established in 2011 by a group of nurses at QMU – conducts research, education, and awareness raising activities around osteoporosis.

Victoria Waqa, Nurse Lecturer for the Lydia Osteoporosis Project, is committed to creating opportunities for people living with osteoporosis to come together and engage in supportive conversations.

Victoria explained. “People are often blindsided by an osteoporosis diagnosis and they may not know how to access helpful information, or make the necessary lifestyle choices that can help in the management of the condition.

“People can feel isolated and often very frustrated by the lack of help that may seem to be available, but there is so much that can be done to live well with osteoporosis. It’s vital to foster communities where people can come together, share experiences and empower one another to manage their condition.

“Sadly, despite affecting so many people, osteoporosis is not a priority for health services in the UK or internationally, and we need to work together to change that.  There is a lack of public awareness about the condition – how to prevent it and how to manage it after diagnosis.

“The purpose of the Osteoporosis Community Café at QMU is to create a welcoming space where people can come together, connect, and share their experiences, while helping us better understand what matters most to them and what they would like to learn more about. We aim to support people with practical, accessible information to help them live well with osteoporosis. This may include guidance on safe exercise, healthy lifestyle choices, and other aspects of day-to-day management.

“We also look forward to sharing updates from our research and keeping attendees informed about our plans for the Osteoporosis Symposium, a national event, which will be held on 20 May at Queen Margaret University.”

The next café will take place on Wednesday 18th February from 2pm – 4pm at Queen Margaret University. 

To secure a place, email: lydiaosteoporosisproject@qmu.ac.uk and if you are arriving by car, please provide your car registration number when booking. Access to the QMU car park is via the A1.

Please include any dietary or accessibility requirements when booking your place at the café.

See details about travelling to the QMU campus www.qmu.ac.uk/location-and-getting-here/get-to-qmu-general-information