On Monday 19 January, the Edinburgh Union will host a landmark debate on the motion: This House Has No Confidence in the Scottish Government Ahead of the Holyrood Election.
With the Holyrood election fast-approaching, this debate will examine the legacy of nearly two decades of SNP governance and assess the Scottish Government’s record across key policy areas. The event will bring together MSPs and election candidates from across Scotland’s major political parties to debate the motion and put their arguments directly to the audience.
Alongside guest speakers including Paul McLennan MSP, Katherine Sangster, and Alex Cole Hamilton MSP, student speakers from the University of Edinburgh will also take opposing sides in the debate.
The audience, comprising students and academics from across Edinburgh’s universities, will have the opportunity to question speakers and ultimately vote on whether they retain confidence in the Scottish Government ahead of the upcoming election.
This debate marks the beginning of the Edinburgh Union’s summer term programme. Following a series of sold-out events last semester, the Union continues its mission to provide a platform for open, rigorous debate on contemporary political and cultural issues in Scotland’s capital.
The forthcoming term card includes debates on whether immigration is the biggest issue facing the UK, and if NATO can solve modern security challenges – as well as a Varsity debate against the Cambridge Union.
Each debate takes place in Rainy Hall, New College, and offers audience members the opportunity to engage directly with speakers from across the political spectrum in a traditional Union-style format.
Finn Tyson, President of the Edinburgh Union, said: “With the Holyrood election approaching, this debate gives students and the wider academic community the chance to assess the record of the Scottish Government and directly question candidates seeking to govern Scotland.
“The Edinburgh Union exists to foster open, challenging, and respectful debate. Our events are open to all students, and we are proud to bring together voices from across the political spectrum to start this semester with an event centered on democratic engagement and rigorous discussion.”
The EIS is developing a new education resource, in partnership with Civic Digits, which aims to provide educators with tools to engage learners in a better understanding of, and how to challenge, misogyny.
The new resource, ‘Many Good Men: Changing the Story about Online Misogyny’, will be the focus of an event at the Scottish Parliament on 20th January 2026.
The resource is based on a participatory theatre project, led by Civic Digits. Between 2023 and 2024, the project culminated in two groups of young participants, co-creating two different plays that explored misogyny, mental health and masculinity. The fictional characters within these stories are explored further within the education resource, which is aimed at upper Secondary and FE students.
Civic Digits also want to create more theatre projects with groups of young people across Scotland – empowering them to author their own solutions and make performances for their own communities.
Commenting on the new education resource, EIS General Secretary, Andrea Bradley said, “Every young person deserves to be safe, to be themselves and to flourish. Unfortunately, their ability to do so can be negatively impacted by misogyny.
“The influence of online spaces and algorithms is enabling the rapid spread of content that aims to perpetuate rigid gender stereotypes and justify harmful attitudes.”
EIS President Adam Sutcliffe said, “With rising violence and aggressive behaviours towards women workers, and with more and more women and girls feeling unsafe due to sexism, and boys and men under significant pressure to uphold misogynistic attitudes, a shift is urgently needed.
“These topics can be difficult to talk about, and learners can feel vulnerable, embarrassed or even withdrawn if asked to share their own experiences or opinions. Educational approaches that use fictional characters can open up the space for discussion and for exploring difficult topics and ideas, empowering learners to imagine how they might change the story.”
The resource is comprised of an educator pack with guidance, and a learning pack with activities for the classroom. The resource is just one part of the EIS’s wider work to address misogyny and gender-based violence in educational establishments and in society.
The EIS believes it is important that all educators are supported with designated time for professional learning and equipped with the confidence, skills and tools necessary to navigate these topics within their settings.
Adaptive fashion is clothing designed to be on trend while including features that make dressing easier and more comfortable, including for people with disabilities.
Edinburgh College curriculum team manager, Kim Gunn, said: “We have seen some amazing transformations.“This project showcases exactly what can be done with imagination, creativity and flair.
“I’m proud of the students, of their focus on sustainability and their enthusiasm. It’s been great to collaborate with Cancer Research UK. So many families are touched by cancer so it’s a charity close to all our hearts.”
HND student Calder Ferguson, 35, designed a two-piece skirt and top by combining a dark windbreaker, a pair of blue leggings and a high-vis vest.
His focus was on creating an eye-catching outfit that would make dressing easier for someone with limited mobility. He was inspired by a student he met while on work placement in Brazil.
Calder said: “The client has low finger dexterity so magnet closures and an elasticated waistband were chosen to avoid fiddly fastenings.
“I’ve really enjoyed working on the project and it’s great to see the outfits on show in the shop. I lost my uncle to brain cancer and I know so many families are affected by the disease. It’s good to be able to give something back.”
Freyja Lavender, 19, from Portobello, created a maternity outfit by repurposing a trench coat, a pair of men’s trousers and summer hiking shoes.
Freyja said: “The outfit is designed to make the wearer feel confident, sleek and comfortable all the way through their journey with pregnancy and I hope they’d be able to wear it after the baby was born too.
“Sustainability is important. There are so many clothes already out there in the world. It’s much better for the environment to repurpose clothes rather than buying new clothes all the time. We have a responsibility to do everything we can to protect the environment.”
Mature student Sandra Cameron of Edinburgh made an adaptive garment, specially designed for people with dementia.
The outfit was in memory of her mum, Lily Bathgate who died from dementia in March 2025. It was created using a handbag, shoes, jacket and trousers.
Sandra said: “Dementia robs people of so much of their personality and dignity. “My mum was a vibrant lady who loved colour.
“The clothing items I was given were dark so the first thing I wanted to do was put colour back in by dyeing them. I used magnetic buttons to make the outfit as accessible as possible.”
In Scotland, around 34,800 people are diagnosed with cancer every year*.
Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen cancer survival in the UK double in the last 50 years.
Money raised in the charity’s shops helps scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease – to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
Cancer Research UK shop manager, Suzy King, said: “We’re excited to showcase these designs in our Stockbridge shop.
“The students have shown creativity turning donated items in to something special.”
Last year Cancer Research UK spent more than £38m in Scotland on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.
For more information about Cancer Research UK’s shops, visit: www.cruk.org/shops or follow @CRUKShops on Instagram.
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The Edinburgh Union will host its second debate on Monday (6 October), with a panel of politicians and medical experts debating the motion: This House Welcomes the Legalisation of Assisted Dying.
The debate will feature Kenneth Gibson MSP representing the case for assisted dying. He will be opposite Dr Fiona MacCormick, the Scotland Representative for the Association for Palliative Medicine of Great Britain and Ireland (APM) and Dr Gordon Macdonald, CEO of Care Not Killing, representing the case against.
Two student speakers will also join the debate, taking opposing sides on the motion and bringing the perspectives of Edinburgh’s student body directly into the discussion.
This second event follows the success of the Edinburgh Union’s first debate on Scottish Independence last month, in which a panel of senior Scottish politicians debated to a full audience. This week’s debate is set to be a similar hit, with all 100 tickets selling out in just 4 hours.
The debate takes place just months after the Scottish assisted dying bill passed its first vote in Holyrood in May this year.
Founded in 2025, the Edinburgh Union, which is part of the Edinburgh Political Union, is the University of Edinburgh’s newest debating society. It seeks to provide an apolitical platform dedicated to open dialogue.
With political and social conversations growing increasingly polarised, the Union’s mission is to develop an environment where ideas can be challenged constructively and where participants from all backgrounds feel empowered to engage in discussion.
This semester, the Union will host fortnightly debates in Edinburgh’s iconic Rainy Hall at New College, bringing together speakers from across the political spectrum. Upcoming motions include This House Regrets Brexit and This House Believes Traditional Masculinity is Damaging to Men and Society.
Each debate will offer audience members, comprising students and academics from across Edinburgh with the opportunity to debate and challenge guest speakers from across the political spectrum.
As stated by Founder Finn Tyson:“The Edinburgh Union seeks to spark open dialogue in the capital city of Scotland.
“We want to give students and staff the chance to engage in-person with big ideas, challenge perspectives, and form their own views through reasoned debate – all in a way that reflects the diversity and voice of Scotland’s student population.
“ One of modern Britain’s most profound ethical, legal and personal questions is the legalisation of assisted dying. Despite fierce opposition Scotland, England and Wales stand on the brink of legalisation. This highly controversial issue is rooted in decades of public discourse, poignant personal stories, and evolving legislative efforts.
A group of engineering students from Heriot-Watt University are ready to put their studies to the ultimate test when they compete against teams from 21 countries at the prestigious Monaco Energy Boat Challenge in July – the most advanced university competition on water.
Organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco, the Challenge brings together more than 1,000 students, engineers, and industry leaders to showcase the very latest sustainable innovations in maritime technology.
Competing teams must design and build boats powered by renewable energy sources such as solar, hydrogen, or synthetic fuels. The goal is to push the boundaries of sustainable propulsion and contribute to the maritime sector’s transition to a carbon-neutral future.
The Heriot-Watt University Scotland PlusZero team is competing in the Sealab category, with a vessel powered by green hydrogen generated through electrolysis. This innovative approach converts stored energy back into electricity for propulsion, offering a forward-thinking solution for sustainable marine travel.
Central to its success is the use of solid-state hydrogen storage and recharging technology, developed through Heriot-Watt’s Decarlog project. This advanced system offers higher energy density and safety compared to traditional lithium batteries.
Reflecting on the journey so far, team member Dominic Chapman from the Scottish Borders, who is in his fifth year studying Mechanical and Energy Engineering, highlighted the rigorous, hands-on engineering experience gained at Heriot-Watt, which has been instrumental in preparing for the challenge.
“Our studies have given us extensive practical exposure,” he said. “The combination of coursework, renewable energy studies, and real-world industry collaboration has allowed us to take on this ambitious project with confidence.”
The project is backed by a host of key industry partners. Forth Ports, the team’s headline sponsor, is providing financial support as well as access to testing facilities at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh along with marine safety and operational expertise and guidance. Meanwhile, PlusZero, a specialist in green hydrogen solutions, has equipped the team with the raceboat as well as technical expertise and cutting-edge metal hydride technology to enhance its performance.
The state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel cell has been provided by specialists in emission-free technologies, TCP eco (Taylor Construction and Plant), while EPTechnologies have provided the batteries and battery management system, and the Lynch Motor Company has equipped the team with a cutting-edge electric motor and controllers to power and direct the vessel. Helping to fund the project is the Scottish-based cryptocurrency, Scotcoin.
The team has also benefitted from the guidance offered by the national networking organisation, Hydrogen Scotland.
The students have housed their technology within a monohull winged powerboat measuring around four metres in length and capable of carrying two passengers. Named, the Experiment of Leith H2 – in homage to an 18th century five-mast catamaran of the same name – the vessel has a range of 20 nautical miles with zero emissions.
While this marks the first time Heriot-Watt has entered the competition, expectations are high.
“We believe we have a strong chance in the technical presentation category, as our approach to metal hydrides is unique within this competition,” said Dominic.
“We are also optimistic about the manoeuvrability race and the Communication Prize, although we are up against some highly experienced teams.”
Joining Dominic on the Heriot-Watt team are fellow students Kate Sinclair from Sunderland, Logan Taylor from Fife, Andrei Muntean from Romania, and Emilin Isgin, who has both Turkish and Colombian heritage.
Looking beyond the competition, the team intends to continue refining their design, using the boat for further testing and development in the coming years. The knowledge gained from this experience will not only benefit future university teams but also contribute to the broader conversation on sustainable maritime innovation.
The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge represents an exciting opportunity for Heriot-Watt to showcase its engineering talent on an international stage. With a focus on sustainability and technological advancement, the team is poised to make a lasting impact in the field of green energy for marine applications.
The Challenge is the latest initiative showcasing the collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and Forth Ports. In a separate venture, the University also serves as a skills partner in the Forth Green Freeport, where Forth Ports plays a central role as a core partner and key site operator.
Stuart Wallace, Chief Executive of Forth Ports, said: “We are continuously exploring how alternative fuels can drive decarbonisation for our ports business and we are keen to support any technological advances in this area.
“We were impressed with the commitment and drive of the team who developed this innovative fuel technology to power the vessel and we wish the team every success at the event in the summer.”
The Heriot-Watt team will travel to the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge to showcase their work between the 2nd and 5th of July at the Yacht Club de Monaco Marina.
Spencer Ashley is Director of Engineering at PlusZero and is looking forward to the Challenge. He said: “PlusZero are excited to enable such a motivated and collaborative team to demonstrate the hydrogen potential of Scotland on the world stage in Monaco alongside the most exciting technology from around the world, Go Team Scotland!”
The Heriot-Watt team is part of the University’s Global Research Institute for Net Zero and Beyond (iNetZ+), a global centre of excellence and Institute for research, innovation and teaching in its field. The institute collaborates closely with industrial partners, governments, and local communities to address global sustainability challenges.
Professor Peter Cummings is the academic co-lead of iNetZ+.He said: “We are very excited to be the internal sponsor of the H2-Watt Club’s entry in the 2025 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge.
“iNetZ+ is focused on interdisciplinary approaches to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions and beyond. H2-Watt is a great opportunity for students to become involved with the goals of iNetZ+, and we are ready to assist them in any aspect of their entry in the Monaco Challenge.
“We wish them all the very best in their efforts to demonstrate the potential of hydrogen as a maritime fuel. These students are making Heriot-Watt proud.”
For more information on the team’s progress and to follow their journey in Monaco, stay tuned to Heriot-Watt’s official channels.
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Punching and threats not seen as abuse to a quarter of respondents
A new study highlights a significant lack of awareness among university students about the abuse experienced by older people, according to recently released findings from lead researcher Dr Jennifer Storey with support from leading abuse prevention charity Hourglass.
Researchers Dr Jennifer Storey, Rhianna O’Brien and Dr Silvia Fraga Dominguez have found in their work that 25% of those surveyed (predominantly university students) did not view punching, kicking, threats, or theft towards older people as acts of abuse.
Likewise, over 1 in 4 (29% and 28%) respondents did not see taking an older person’s precious items, or spending an older person’s money without consent, both forms of economic abuse, as abusive acts. While 25% did not view sexual advancement without consent towards an older person as abusive.
Hourglass is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to calling time on the abuse, harm and exploitation of older people and the charity is calling for major improvements to the public’s understanding of the abuse of older people.
Recently released research from Hourglass suggests that the abuse of older people costs the UK economy over £16 billion every year and if current trends continue, the figure could rise to as much as £25 billion by 2050.
Danny Tatlow, Research and Policy Officer from Hourglass, said:“A lack of public understanding of the abuse of older people forms a key barrier to help seeking by older victim-survivors. Inadequate support solutions for older people, and a corresponding perception amongst older people that there is no alternative to abuse, or fear they will not be believed, helps continue violence and abuse.
“The abuse of older people continues to remain a taboo policy area, forgotten by politicians and the public. It’s time that we gave older victim-survivors their due and that they receive the same recognition as other demographics”
The study builds upon the findings from Hourglass’ 2020 ‘Growing Old in the UK’ survey, which identified low public understanding of abusive behaviour towards older adults.
Veronica Gray, Deputy CEO and Director of Policy of Hourglass, said: “Whilst, on the face it, the fact that young people having less of an understanding around abuse of older people seems obvious, this is actually a deeply worrying issue. This shows that the very people we are seeking to educate around this growing epidemic of abuse are less aware than ever.
“However, younger people are not alone. Data from a 2024 follow up to our “Growing Old in the UK” survey, which we’ll release in full in 2025, indicates that awareness and understanding of abuse remains critically low among all adults, not just university students.
“Our report found that 23% of people surveyed across the UK did not view ‘inappropriate or unwanted sexual comments or acts’ as abusive to older people. A quarter of respondents did not find ‘taking items from an older relative’s home without asking’ as abusive either. This is extremely worrying and adds a new level of concern in dealing with the issue.”
Lead researcher on the project Dr Jennifer Storey, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at the University of Kent said:“We were taken aback by our findings; everywhere that I have presented them I’ve been met with shock and concern from fellow researchers and practitioners. Knowledge and practice in the area of older adult abuse lags other forms of violence.
“I hope that this study can help to call attention to this issue, the work needed, and the importance of education and safeguarding for the older adults that we care for and will one day become.”
Engineering students from Heriot-Watt University are spearheading calls to reopen a rail route that last served neighbourhoods in the south of Edinburgh over 60 years ago.
The six-strong team of civil engineers, based in Edinburgh, are behind an online petition urging policymakers to integrate Edinburgh’s South Suburban Line into the city’s existing tram network paving the way for a new transport corridor in the Capital. In addition to the petition, which has already gathered almost 1500 signatures in the last week, the students carried out a public survey revealing significant support for their proposals from local communities and potential passengers.
Opened in 1884, the line – commonly known as the Sub – closed to timetabled passenger services in 1962.
Spanning 12.3km, the line links Murrayfield stadium in the west of the city with Portobello on its eastern boundary, passing through the key neighbourhoods of Craiglockhart, Morningside, Newington, Cameron Toll, Craigmillar, Fort Kinnaird and Brunstane. It currently has six platforms lining the route which the students acknowledge require renovation. Their plans also propose a further four new platforms at Portobello, Fort Kinnaird, Niddrie Bingham and Cameron Toll.
While the line is maintained by Network Rail and used today for freight transportation, the students argue it is underutilised asset, capable of assisting Edinburgh City Council in meeting its target to reduce car miles travelled by 30% by 2030.
Caitlin Cummings is working on the project as part of her final year coursework in Civil Engineering. She said: “Breathing new life into Edinburgh’s South Suburban Railway will make travel easier for all and encourage people to leave their cars at home in favour of this transport link.
“We do have a second phase to this project that would see a separate line extend from Portobello to Leith using a disused railway line. This would also reduce public disruption by preventing roads from being dug up and minimise impact to business and the environment while helping encourage people onto public transport.”
Efforts to reopen the Sub line have been discussed before but dismissed due to high costs related to increasing capacity at the stations. But with Edinburgh’s population increasing and placing greater demands on existing public transport services, the students believe they have found a ‘practical and cost-effective’ solution.
After months of research using the knowledge gained through their studies, they have tabled a proposal to introduce Scotland’s first battery-electric tram-train network. Tram-trains have been in use in Europe for decades and already operate in Sheffield with more planned elsewhere in the UK.
Tram-trains are a type of light rail vehicle that meet the standards of a light rail system – such as a tram network – and also national mainland railway standards. Tramcars are capable of operating on streets like an urban tramway as well as alongside mainline trains.
It’s a proposal the campaign group hope will trigger interest from the Scottish Government, Edinburgh City Council and Network Rail.
Final-year MEng Civil Engineering student, Corey Boyle said: “The system we propose is called discontinued electrification. That’s an alternative to a full route electrification like we see used on the Edinburgh trams.
“As they’re battery electric vehicles, they can run on sections using battery alone and then switch to overhead lines at certain points. This way, it helps keep costs down and gets round any potential obstacles, such as low bridges that might otherwise prevent a tram train from receiving power.
“It is a low-carbon and viable transport option that would see greater connections between homes in the south of the city with the city centre and beyond.”
The group say their proposal will help alleviate capacity concerns at Edinburgh’s two busiest railway stations, Waverley and Haymarket.
Corey, continues: “Ultimately, we want our work to result in the commissioning of a new feasibility study which looks into reopening the South sub.
“The last one was in 2008, which was before the trams were even opened and it never looked into the use of tram trains. Since then, there’s been a lot of new developments and there’s a strong case for a new feasibility study to be carried out.”
Edinburgh City Council’s Transport and Environmental Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson thanked the students for organising the petition and supported calls for Edinburgh to have an interconnected public transport system.
He said: “The South Suburban Railway network has been an issue that has appeared many times over the years and represents a potential future opportunity for development.
“Edinburgh requires an efficient, innovative and interconnected public transport system to allow us to deal with projected population growth, fulfil our climate responsibilities, drive economic growth, and accelerate developments to respond to our housing emergency.
“I’ve been clear that the North-South tram route is a key part of this and I’m looking forward to seeing the final Strategic Business Case when it is ultimately presented to committee. In addition, we are working with partners on how a North-South tram route can connect with other public transport options across the city and the surrounding local authorities and South Suburban Railway is part of this.
“We’ll continue to keep Edinburgh moving and encourage all our residents and visitors to use public transport wherever possible.”
If you wish to add your name in support of the campaign, you can by visiting Change.org.
Feeling overwhelmed? Starting college or uni can be both exciting and stressful. Remember you don’t have to face any worries alone – help is available. 
On Campus Support – Many unis or colleges offer in-house mental health services. Search the ‘Think Positive Hub’ to see what’s available near you.
NHS inform – Explore guides and resources:
Need to talk? Reach out to Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or webchat. Experienced advisors are available to listen and offer information and advice.
Urgent help?
