Tag: shortlist

Booker Prize 2024 shortlist films announced

  • Well-known faces from Harry Potter, Sex Education, Game of Thrones, The Bear, His Dark Materials and more star in new films showcasing Booker Prize 2024 shortlist.  
  • Produced by globally renowned Merman Television, the films are directed by one of UK television’s fastest-rising stars – writer, director, and producer Sebastian Thiel. 
  • Previous films showcasing the Booker Prizes’ shortlisted novels have been viewed over 50 million times and high-profile performers include Dua Lipa, David Harewood, Caitriona Balfe and Alfred Enoch. 
  • Novels written by authors from five countries feature on this year’s shortlist and five of the six are written by women, a first in the prize’s 55-year history.  

@TheBookerPrizes | #BookerPrize2024 | thebookerprizes.com

For the fifth time in three years, the Booker Prizes have partnered with Sharon Horgan and Clelia Mountford’s production company Merman Television on a series of short films featuring well-known performers reading extracts from the shortlisted books.

Their release has become one of the most highly anticipated moments in the Booker Prizes’ calendar, with some of the UK’s leading acting and filmmaking talent keen to take part. The previous set of films, published in April, were viewed over 32 million times across the Booker Prizes’ social media channels. 

The new films, which showcase the 2024 shortlist for the Booker Prize, the world’s most influential award for a single work of fiction, are directed by writer, director and producer Sebastian Thiel, one of UK television’s fastest-rising stars. His directing credits include the International Emmy-nominated BBC Three comedy Dreaming Whilst Black, and the recent Netflix series Supacell.  

The performers featured are: Adelayo Adedayo (The Responder, Some Girls), Nonso Anozie (Sweet Tooth, Game of Thrones), Chipo Chung (Silo, His Dark Materials), Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter, The Death of Stalin), Will Poulter (Dopesick, Midsommar) and Tanya Reynolds (Sex Education, The Decameron). 

The films will premiere at a Booker Prize shortlist event at the Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival at 10.30am on Saturday, 12 October, and will be published on the Booker Prizes website (thebookerprizes.com) and social channels (@thebookerprizes) the same day. They will also be shown at the Booker Prize 2024 ceremony, which will be held at Old Billingsgate, London, on Tuesday, 12 November. 

The trailer for the films can be watched here. 

Gaby Wood, Chief Executive of the Booker Prize Foundation, says: ‘Over the past three years the films we make with Merman have become not only one of the highlights of the Booker year, but works of art in their own right: a project that world-class actors and filmmakers want to be a part of.

‘We couldn’t be more grateful to everyone involved for the impact they have in inspiring more people to read some of the century’s greatest books. 

‘Watching extraordinary actors bring fragments of the Booker shortlisted books to life is a huge thrill, and seeing the love the films get from the public once they’re out in the world proves how vivid these stories can be for everyone. We receive countless comments from people saying they want to buy and read the whole book as a result. 

‘This time round the six films have been conjured by the artistry of Sebastian Thiel and his talented crew, including Director of Photography Evelin van Rei. Along with the brilliant producers and casting director at Merman, a true dream team! 

‘We hope you enjoy these films as much as we have.’ 

Sebastian Thiel, Director of the film, adds: ‘It was a privilege to direct Booker’s latest videos and be part of a project that celebrates such great literature.

“Working with these remarkable texts and talented actors in an intimate setting inspired me creatively, allowing me to focus on simple yet meaningful visuals. It’s been a truly rewarding experience, bringing these powerful stories to life.”

More about the shortlist

The £50,000 Booker Prize is awarded annually to the best sustained work of fiction written in English by authors from anywhere in the world and published in the UK and/or Ireland.  

The 2024 shortlist features five women for the first time, and authors representing five countries, including the first Dutch writer to be shortlisted and the first Australian in a decade. It features stories which transport readers around the world and beyond the Earth’s atmosphere: from the battlefields of the First World War to a spiritual retreat in rural Australia; from America’s Deep South in the 19th century to a remote Dutch house in the 1960s; from the International Space Station to a cave network beneath the French countryside.  

The six books – and the performers reading extracts from them in the films – are as follows:  

James by Percival Everett – read by Nonso Anozie 

Orbitalby Samantha Harvey – read by Will Poulter  

Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner – read by Adelayo Adedayo  

Heldby Anne Michaels – read by Jason Isaacs 

The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden – read by Tanya Reynolds  

Stone Yard Devotionalby Charlotte Wood – read by Chipo Chung  

The winner will be announced on Tuesday, 12 November 2024. The announcement will be broadcast live in a special edition of BBC Radio 4’s Front Row at 9.30pm, and livestreamed on the Booker Prizes’ social channels. 

More about the Booker Prizes’ films

The Booker Prizes have worked with Merman on its shortlist films since 2022. The previous sets of films were directed by Charlotte Hamblin, Hannah Berry George and Kevin Thomas, and featured performances from Dua Lipa, Eleanor Tomlinson, David Jonsson, Tobias Menzies, Anya Chalotra, Antonia Thomas, Anna Friel, Jarvis Cocker, David Harewood, Nikki Amuka Bird, Prasanna Puwanarajah, Sharon Horgan, Adjoa Andoh, Aisling Bea, Jessica Brown Findlay, Toby Stephens, Michelle de Swarte, Osy Ikhile, Caitríona Balfe, Alfred Enoch, Bel Powley, Paterson Joseph, Susan Lynch and Nina Wadia.  

The most recent set of films, produced for the International Booker Prize 2024 and directed by Charlotte Hamblin, was viewed over 32 million times across the Booker Prizes’ Instagram and TikTok accounts. The films produced for the Booker Prize 2022, directed by Kevin Thomas, won in the Culture category of The Drum Awards for Marketing EMEA 2023.  

The director of photography for the new films is Evelin van Rei, a Dutch autistic artist working in photography and cinematography. Evelin is a full member of BAFTA and the Netherlands Society of Cinematographers, and received the Angénieux Special Encouragement Award at Cannes Film Festival in 2022. The executive producer is Joshua Buckingham. 

South Morningside Primary School in the running for top marks

Education Convener Councillor Joan Griffiths has welcomed the announcement that an Edinburgh primary school has been shortlisted in the annual Times Educational Supplement awards.

Cllr Griffiths said: “Congratulations to the dedicated staff, pupils and the whole school community at South Morningside Primary who should all take great credit for this recognition.  

“As a Gold Rights Respecting School they focus on the individual learners and in their recent inspection they were praised for being sector leading for their tailored support for each child and the tracking of pupils to ensure they are all successful. 

“It’s a great honour for them to be in the running for the best primary school in the UK and they are the only Scottish entry in that category. Their accolade follows on from Firrhill High School being nominated in last year’s awards and demonstrates the high quality of learning and teaching in our schools.”

Grant Gillies, Head Teacher at South Morningside Primary School, said: “We are so excited to be shortlisted for the TES Primary School of the Year.

“A good school is not one person, it is a community working together to support generations.

“South Morningside Primary is at the heart of a very vibrant community with a fantastic team and this represents their hard work and efforts. Like all schools in Edinburgh , we have high aspirations for our children and families. “

Magnificent Seven: Honours shared out evenly at UK Car of the Year Awards 2024

  •  Shortlist for UK Car of the Year 2024 announced – seven cars from 45 contenders
  •  Electric vehicles dominate with five category wins
  •  Fisker triumphant for the first time at UK Car of the Year Awards
  •  Overall winner to be announced on 8 March 2024

Electric vehicles have led the way after the first round of voting at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2024, with five of the seven winners powered by batteries.

No manufacturer picked up more than one accolade, with each of the seven awards being claimed by a different company.

For Fisker, it was a first UK Car of the Year Award, after its Ocean came out on top in the Medium Crossover class. Another all-new electric model claimed the Small Crossover prize when Volvo’s EX30 triumphed over the competition. The third of three crossover categories at the Awards went to Kia, whose EV9 was named the best Large Crossover.

Away from EVs there were UK Car of the Year Award wins in 2024 for more familiar models, with the Renault Clio voted the top Small Car, while the sought-after Performance Car category was given to the Honda Civic Type R.

Completing the set of winners were two companies who have previously won the overall UK Car of the Year Award. BMW – which won the inaugural title in 2014 and then triumphed again in 2015 – claimed the Executive Car category with the i5. Finally, Hyundai, whose IONIQ 5 was named UK Car of the Year 2022, claimed the Family Car prize for the IONIQ 6.

Celebrating 10 years in 2024, the UK Car of the Year Awards now has the biggest and best ever judging panel, comprising 30 motoring journalists based all over the UK. The group selected their winning cars in categories ranging from Small Car, to Medium Crossover, to Performance Car.

The top model in each of the segments has now qualified for the next stage – the category of UK Car of the Year 2024, which will be revealed on 8 March 2024.

The UK Car of the Year Awards is run in association with heycar, which has sponsored the awards since January 2022.

Karen Hilton, CEO at heycar, commented: “Another year with an excellent range of models, from a variety of manufacturers, winning at the UK Car of the Year Awards and getting the recognition they deserve.

“It’s especially great to see so many electric vehicles take the win! heycar is very pleased to be sponsoring the UK Car of the Year Awards for another year. Congratulations to all of the category winners!”

Full list of UK Car of the Year Awards 2024 category winners:

Small Car – Renault Clio
Family Car – Hyundai IONIQ 6
Small Crossover – Volvo EX30
Medium Crossover – Fisker Ocean
Large Crossover – Kia EV9
Executive Car – BMW i5
Performance Car – Honda Civic Type R

For more information about the UK Car of the Year Awards, go to ukcoty.co.uk or follow @ukcaroftheyear_ on Instagram or @UKCOTY on Twitter.

Edinburgh chef is in the running for this year’s Andrew Fairlie Scholarship

Rachel Bremner, Commis Pastry Chef at the Balmoral, is a finalist

The Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland is proud to announce five finalists for the fourth annual Andrew Fairlie Scholarship. The event will take place on Wednesday 22nd November 2023. 

Five talented chefs have been shortlisted to compete in a skills test for the chance to become an Andrew Fairlie scholar and take part in once-in-a-lifetime culinary educational experiences. 

Among them is Edinburgh’s Balmoral Commis Pastry Chef Rachel Bremner (above).

The Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is an invaluable opportunity for chefs seeking first-hand experience within some of the world’s most renowned establishments, offering the ultimate education for up-and-coming chefs. 

Launched in 2019, the late Andrew Fairlie was a key figure behind the scholarship initiative. The scholarship is offered in partnership with HIT Scotland, an industry charity with which Andrew was closely connected.

Now in its fourth year, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is supported by HIT Scotland, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Perth College UHI and The Gleneagles Hotel. 

The five skilled chefs competing for this ‘ultimate scholarship’ are: 

  • Daniel Robb, 27, Chef de Partie at Gleneagles  
  • Rachel Bremner, 34, Commis Pastry Chef at the Balmoral 
  • Darren Seggie, 35, Lecturer of Culinary Arts at City of Glasgow College 
  • Spud Henderson, 34, Sous Chef at Craig Millar @ 16 West End 
  • Rita Varga, 31, Chef de Partie and kitchen departmental trainer at Voco Grand Central Hotel. 

Competition details 

On Wednesday 22 November, Perth College UHI will host the skills test and judging portion of the day, with the winner’s announcement being made at Gleneagles. This year, the finalists have been challenged to create a dish with potato as its star ingredient, as well as incorporating Scottish dairy. 

An all-star panel of the country’s finest chefs will judge the 2023 competition. 

Stephen McLaughlin, Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, will be joined by fellow 2 Michelin starred Chef Sat Bains, 1 Michelin star Head Chef at Cail Bruich and winner of Great British Menu, Lorna McNee, and Masterchef winner and National Chef of Scotland, Gary Maclean. 

The winner of this year’s Scholarship will be taken on an incredible 2-day educational trip to France with Grand Cuisine, and gain hands-on experience at the 2-Michelin star Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, the 3-star Core by Clare Smyth in London, an international stage, as well as receiving a bespoke chef’s jacket.

These highly informative experiences will be taken over two years, allowing the scholar to develop their learnings over a period of time. 

David Cochrane, Chief Executive of HIT Scotland, said: “This is a unique opportunity for chefs in Scotland to not only hone their culinary skills but to also carry forward the remarkable legacy of Andrew Fairlie.

“It is a gateway to a world of fantastic industry opportunities that can enhance their careers and personal development.  

“We remain committed to showcasing the exceptional talent in Scotland while continuing to champion Andrew’s incredible legacy. Best of luck to all of our finalists!” 

Stephen McLaughlin, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie Head Chef and lead judge, said: “Our five finalists have earned their rightful place in this year’s Andrew Fairlie Scholarship final.

“I can feel how they have all been inspired by the brief – they have challenged both themselves and the humble potato to be as good as they can be. 

“I often talk about simple things that are brilliantly done and they have all shown their understanding of this in their well thought out recipes. I now look forward to seeing the chefs recreating these dishes on finals day.”

Finalist Darren Seggie commented on being shortlisted: It is an incredible honour for me to have been shortlisted for the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship.

“Andrew Fairlie as a chef, the restaurant and Gleneagles as a whole have always been held in the highest regard to me, it holds a special place in my heart and to be associated with it in any way is a dream come true.”

Finalist Daniel Robb said: “Being shortlisted will give me the chance to showcase my skills and capabilities to the judges and having the opportunity to show my creativity and passion through my dish is something I’m really excited about.

“I’m very excited to be a part of the final and make my family, colleagues and myself proud.”

Finalist Rachel Bremner added: “I am incredibly proud and grateful to be shortlisted. I could not have done this without the support from everyone at the hotel, both past and present.

“I am looking forward to meeting everyone else who was shortlisted and seeing what they came up with in their interpretation of the brief.”

Finalist Rita Varga said: “Being shortlisted for this prestigious scholarship is fantastic. I am happy that I can be part of it because I highly respect the work HIT Scotland does and how they bring hospitality together.

“This is also an opportunity to learn and develop. It makes me feel lucky that I have a chance to show my skills.”

Chef Spud Henderson – speechless!

Edinburgh plumber reaches semi-final of Screwfix Top Tradesperson Award

  • Ian Chapman from Edinburgh has reached the semi-final of the national award.
  • The plumber is amongst 27 semi-finalists shortlisted for this stage of the Screwfix Top Tradesperson Award 2023.
  • Ultimate trade bundle of tools, tech, and training worth £20,000 to be awarded to the champion at Screwfix LIVE in September.

Ian Chapman, a plumber from Edinburgh, has reached the semi-finals of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2023.

Ian, 46, is the co-director of Chaps Heating & Plumbing and has been working in the trade for 28 years. His initial application highlighted Ian’s professionalism, dedication, and commitment to supporting the future of the industry, securing him a place in the semi-finals for the coveted award.

Ian is committed to learning and has invested in additional training for himself, as well as the apprentices he employs, to ensure they have wide-ranging knowledge on emerging heating technologies, such as hydrogen and heat pumps.

He will now compete against 26 other top tradespeople from across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, who were selected from over 1000 applications, for the chance to be shortlisted as a top 10 finalist.

The top 10 will participate in a one-day final event at Screwfix LIVE, on Friday 22nd September, where a panel of esteemed industry experts will interview the finalists before deciding on who is this year’s champion.

The overall winner will be crowned Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2023, and take home the ultimate trade bundle of tools, tech, and training worth £20,000.

Ian comments: “I’m thrilled to get through to the semi-finals of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2023, particularly knowing how many incredible tradespeople I would have been up against. Reaching the national final in September and winning the award would be great recognition for me and my business.

“I hope to impress the judges with my commitment to expanding my knowledge and supporting the next generation of tradespeople to do the same. As a father to three daughters, I would love to play a part in encouraging more women into the trade too.” 

Now in the 14th year of the prestigious award, Ian aims to join the Top Tradesperson Hall of Fame, alongside reigning champion Toby Peacock who won the competition last year.

Toby, an electrician from Cambridge, has shown himself to be a true ambassador for the trade, launching his podcast ‘Tearoom Talks’ which focuses on improving mental health in the trade.

Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix, said: “We know there are many exceptional tradespeople out there who show passion and dedication day in, day out. When choosing our champion of the trade, we look for inspirational tradespeople that go above and beyond for their customers, as well as acting as an ambassador for the industry to encourage the next generation of tradespeople.

“Through this national award, we hope to recognise the fantastic work of tradespeople who are invaluable to our economy and the communities they serve.

“A huge congratulations to all our semi-finalists – I wish them the best of luck and look forward to meeting our finalists in September!”

To find out more about Screwfix Top Tradesperson, please visit screwfix.com/stt

Scottish Charity Awards 2023 Finalists Announced

Vote for your favourite Scottish Charity Awards finalist!

Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector.

This year’s shortlist includes 32 individuals and organisations from charities and voluntary groups across the country. Among those nominees are West-Pilton based Fresh Start, who have been shortlisted in the Community Action category.

While a judging panel will determine the winners under nine distinct categories, members of the public can have their say by voting for their favourite overall entry in the People’s Choice Award – by visiting scvo.scot/vote – before 5pm on Wednesday 24 May 2023.

The full shortlist includes:

Campaign of the year

  • Feniks – Shed Your Armour, Show the Scars
  • Brain Health Scotland – My Amazing Brain
  • Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity – Jack’s Wee Snowman with the Big Heart
  • Western Isles Violence Against Women Partnership – Safer Outer Hebrides

Volunteer of the year

  • Andrii Zhehestovskyi – Libraries & Information Services Dundee
  • Garry Duthie – Camphill School Aberdeen    
  • Gordon Harkin – Cancer Support Scotland

Pioneering project

  • Quarriers
  • SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health)
  • GEMAP
  • Capability Scotland
  • Cycling Without Age Scotland

Employee of the year

  • Man On! Inverclyde – Peter Canevale
  • Children’s Hospices Across Scotland – Charlie Leavy
  • Beatson Cancer Charity – Paul Sheerin

Community Action

  • Fresh Start Scotland
  • Golden Friendships
  • Maryhill Integration Network

Climate Conscious

  • YouthLink Scotland
  • Edinburgh Science
  • Climate Action Strathaven

Trustee of the year

  • Disability Snowsport UK – Carmel Teusner
  • Amma Birth Companions – Vongayi Mufara
  • Glasgow East Alcohol Awareness Project – John Strange
  • RSABI – David Leggat MBE

Digital Citizens

  • Simon Community Scotland
  • Scottish Union of Supported Employment
  • North East Sensory Services (NESS)

Charity of the year

  • Team Jak Foundation
  • Maslow’s Community
  • Diversified
  • Community Food Initiatives North East

Winners will be announced on 23 June 2023 in a celebratory awards ceremony hosted by broadcaster Sally Magnusson at the Sheraton Hotel, Edinburgh.

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive, SCVO said: “The Scottish Charity Awards are a fabulous opportunity to celebrate the exceptional individuals and groups within our vibrant sector.

“This year’s record-breaking number of nominations underlines the strength of Scotland’s voluntary sector, and the crucial work that we see from charities and voluntary organisations across the country.

“The hard work and dedication of people and organisations like these 32 finalists are making Scotland a better place to live and work.

“There is still a chance to have your own voice heard by voting in the People’s Choice Award. Don’t be late – participate!”

Edinburgh bar shortlisted for Gaydio Pride Award

The inaugural Gaydio Pride Awards with Hilton announces the shortlist for 10 categories, honouring charities, people & organisations championing Pride across the UK

Today, Gaydio has announced the shortlist for its first ever Gaydio Pride Awards with Hilton, which will celebrate the extraordinary efforts that bring Pride to every corner of the UK, honouring the LGBTQ+ members & allies making the biggest impacts. Planet Bar, Edinburgh has been nominated for Venue or Event of the Year.

Shortlisters will be honoured at a glitzy ceremony next month, at Manchester’s Hilton hotel. Guests will enjoy an evening of celebration for those shortlisted, topped with entertainment from top 10 selling artist Raye, a set from dance-legend Sigala, a showstopping performance from Danny Beard, winner of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK (Season 4), all hosted by Gaydio’s breakfast show presenters Paris & Dave. 

Each person, charity or organisation shortlisted will be invited to attend for no cost, with their space at the prestigious new event sponsored by the Gaydio’s commercial partners. 

Categories at this year’s awards include Grassroots Pride of the Year, Major Pride of the Year, LGBTQ+ Champion of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, LBGTQ+ Venue or Event of the Year, LGBTQ+ Charity of the Year, Pride Network of the Year, LGBTQ+ Club or Sports Team of the Year, Music Artist of the Year, plus the Lifetime Achievement award. 

The full shortlist for the Gaydio Pride Awards in 2023 (as revealed today, 12th January) includes: 

Major Pride of the Year

  • Manchester Pride
  • Pride in London
  • Birmingham Pride
  • Brighton + Hove Pride

Grassroots Pride of the Year

  • UK Black Pride 
  • Trans Pride, Brighton 
  • Prestwich Pride 
  • Chesterfield Pride 
  • Salford Pride 

Volunteer of the Year 

  • Michele Ralph (Crawley Pride Volunteer)
  • Joel Mordi (Nigeria’s First Ever Pride Organiser) 
  • Charlie Watts (Pride in Surrey Volunteer)

LGBTQ+ Club or Sports team of the Year

  • Gay Outdoor Club
  • Leicester Diamonds Baseball Club
  • Manchester Village Spartans
  • Outdoor Lads
  • Trans Radio UK Football Club

Employee Pride Network of the Year

  • Proud at Deloitte
  • Birmingham women’s and Children’s NHS Trust LGBTQ+ Staff Network
  • Proud @ Shell UK
  • JET & Proud – Just Eat Takeaway.com’s global LGBT+ Network
  • Co-op respect
  • Bruntwood’s LGBTQIA++ Network

Venue or Event of the Year 

  • Arch, Clapham 
  • Swagga, Manchester 
  • Filthy Gorgeous, The Brewers, Manchester
  • The House of Bridget’s, Bury 
  • The Werkroom, Stoke-on-Trent 
  • Planet Bar, Edinburgh 

Charity 

  • Spencer Trust
  • Fighting with Pride 
  • George House Trust 

LGBTQ+ Champion 

  • Carley Owen 
  • Sab Samuel / Aida H Dee / Drag Queen Story Time 
  • Janusz Domagala (Finalist of Great British Bake Off) 

Kriss Herbert, Network Content Manager for Gaydio, “Gaydio is Where Pride Lives and it feels only right that we celebrate the people, organisations and charities who work so hard to support the LGBTQ+ community all year round.

“We think this shortlist really showcases the huge impact people, charities and communities are making all over the UK, and we can’t wait to announce our winners at the first ever Gaydio Pride Awards with Hilton on 10th February.”

Gaydio listeners and members of the public were asked to nominate the people, charities, and organisations they felt were making a real difference in their area, with the nominees then shortlisted by dedicated community panels, to ensure winners are chosen as fairly as possible, and represent the very best LGBTQ+ people and charities from all over the UK. 

The winners of the awards will be revealed at the Gaydio Pride Awards ceremony at Manchester’s Hilton Hotel on Friday 10th February, and revealed on air shortly after. 

Gaydio recently launched its station in Edinburgh, where listeners can now expect the best in upbeat dance and pop, and chat from an LGBTQ+ perspective across the city.

For more information and to buy tickets for the Gaydio Pride Awards, head to gaydioprideawards.co.uk and keep an eye on social platforms @gaydio for more exciting announcements.

Edinburgh Napier child mortality project shortlisted for prestigious award

Partnership between Edinburgh Napier University and charity Newborns Vietnam is a finalist in the PraxisAuril Knowledge Exchange (KE) Awards 2022

Edinburgh Napier University has been shortlisted for a respected knowledge exchange (KE) award in recognition of its efforts in sharing expert knowledge and research, through a partnership with the charity Newborns Vietnam – which is helping reduce new-born mortality through improved neonatal nursing care and education.

The project, which began in 2018, has led to the development of a 16-week neonatal training programme, which aims to empower and upskill nurses at a hospital in Hanoi.

This teaching provides staff with crucial in-depth knowledge about theory and evidence-based practice, enhancing their confidence and improving their communication and leadership.

Maggie Reid, Business Development and Relationship Manager at Edinburgh Napier University, who supported the coordination of the knowledge exchange activities, said: “Since launching the partnership and education programme, we have witnessed a reduction in infection rates, an improvement in infection control practices, and most importantly, a 42.2% reduction in infant mortality at the VNC hospital and it continues to reduce as we teach.

“To date, over 70 nurses have taken part in the programme, and are finding their voice and have become excellent advocates for the babies in their care. They say this course has given them not only knowledge and deeper understanding, but also the confidence to speak up in the best interest of the babies and their families.

“In a very short time, these nurses have flourished through education and are making a real difference and have ensured there are systematic changes in clinical practice to the benefit of the baby and mother. These shared efforts for positive change have also received recognition from the Ministry of Health in Vietnam.

“This collaboration and the projects that stem from it, really highlight the power of partnerships and the importance of the role of the knowledge exchange professional in allowing this partnership to realise its objectives. The positive societal impact of knowledge exchange cannot be underplayed.”

The PraxisAuril KE Awards celebrate the people who initiate and deliver impact from research through a diverse range activities.

Edinburgh Napier has been shortlisted in the Place-based Knowledge Exchange Initiative of the Year category, an award that recognises the success of a place-based KE initiative which demonstrates the value it can have locally. This award also highlights and acknowledges the importance of the KE teams that support the academics and industry partners to realise these projects.

Linda Wallace, Head of Knowledge Exchange at Edinburgh Napier University said: “This knowledge exchange partnership has been a real success story for Edinburgh Napier and has demonstrated the wide reach and positive impact our knowledge exchange activities and partnerships can have on a global scale.

“This project supports Edinburgh Napier’s mission to advance knowledge and deliver impact that influences professional practice and policy and drives key societal change. We are delighted that since this KE partnership was initially established, we have secured further KE projects, with a further three neonatal courses in the pipeline and two more within midwifery.

“The success of this knowledge exchange model has allowed other academics and leadership teams at Edinburgh Napier to see the impact and benefits knowledge exchange projects can make to the individual, the school and the institution, as well as those within their community and further afield. We are delighted this project is receiving national recognition by being shortlisted for a PraxisAuril KE Award.”

The KE Awards are supported by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and work with Government Office for Technology Transfer (GOTT), the TenU, the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) and SETsquared to increase support and publicity for the important and impactful achievements of the KE profession.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony that will celebrate and showcase the KE sector in Manchester on 29 November 2022.

Port of Leith’s Heron Place shortlisted for housing award

Sustainable Granton waterfront development in the running for award  

A key element in Edinburgh’s on-going waterfront regeneration programme has been nominated as Scotland’s Best Affordable Housing Development at the prestigious Herald Property Awards ceremony to be held next month in Glasgow. 

The Heron Place development at Granton Harbour, completed by Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) and its subsidiary Persevere Developments in 2021, consists of 46 homes for social rent, including two wheelchair accessible flats, and 58 homes for mid market rent.  

The development is being recognised for the finish of the homes, the stunning views it affords of the water and Edinburgh Marina, and its sustainability. It has achieved the lowest possible Environmental Impact Rating, contains high quality insulation and is fitted with air quality monitors throughout.  

Heron Place’s contractor was CCG and the architect was Hackland + Dore. Bayne Stevenson Associates were the structural engineer, and The Keenan Consultancy was the M&E engineer. 

Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive, Port of Leith Housing Association, said: “We’re all very proud of the extent to which Heron Place has already become a thriving element of the rapidly evolving Granton waterfront community, providing first-class, sustainable affordable homes and brilliant communities.

“Being shortlisted for Best Affordable Housing Development at the Herald Property Awards is the icing on the cake for us.” 

Manuela Molendini, Associate Director, Hackland + Dore Architects, said: “We are delighted with the shortlisting of Heron Place, a successful outcome of productive team working and community engagement, resulting in a comprehensive regeneration and improvement of the site and of wider Western Granton.

“The mixed-tenure development provides a well-integrated placemaking solution that meets housing targets, delivers a strategic environment and a sustainable neighbourhood where communities feel connected and can thrive.” 

The development is a key element of PoLHA’s ambitious plans to deliver more than 600 high-quality, affordable homes by 2025. You can read more about this in its strategic plan polha.co.uk/2025. 

Another one bites the dust …

Tugendhat eliminated from Tory leadership contest

TOM Tugenhadt was the latest candidate to be eliminated from the Conservative Party leadership contest when results of yesterday’s ballot was announced last night.

FOUR candidates now go through to the next round of voting. They are:

KEMI BADENOCH (58)

PENNY MORDAUNT (82)

RISHI SUNAK (115)

LIZ TRUSS (71)

The next round of voting takes place today – we’ll know the result at 3pm – and the shortlist will be reduced to two candidates before parliament breaks up on Thursday. Tory Party members will then choose between these final two candidates in a ballot that will take place over the summer recess.

The winner – and the UK’s next Prime Minister – will be announced on 5 September.

3pm UPDATE

KEMI Badenoch is the latest candidate to be eliminated following today’s vote. Exactly where Ms Badenoch’s votes go now will be crucial in determining which two of the final three candidates will fight it out for the votes of Tory party members over the summer to become our next Prime Minister.