CGI, one of the world’s largest business and IT consulting firms in the UK, is pleased to announce Heriot-Watt University as the latest organisation to join its SEEDS (Sustainability Exploration and Environmental Data Science) research programme, supported by the United Nations (UN). This collaboration will spearhead ground-breaking research and solutions in tackling climate change, social inequality, and environmental degradation. 

The partnership will leverage the strengths and expertise of Heriot-Watt’s four global research institutes — iNetZ+, The Lyell Centre, The National Robotarium, and Health and Care Technologies — spread across five campuses in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia. Together, CGI and Heriot-Watt will collaborate to deliver innovative solutions spanning the depths of the ocean, to the frontiers of outer space. 

With a focus on promoting a just energy transition, where a healthy economy and a clean environment can and should co-exist, the collaboration aims to pioneer advancements in carbon capture and storage (CSS), sustainable materials, and alternative fuels. These initiatives will play a critical role in supporting the UN’s global climate goals and improving the quality of life around the world. 

Mattie Yeta, Chief Sustainability Officer for CGI in the UK, said: 

“I am delighted to welcome Heriot-Watt University into CGI’s SEEDS programme. SEEDS is an exciting UN-backed initiative which is fundamentally committed to achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. In joining, Heriot-Watt is bringing a huge depth of academic excellence in research and development, which, combined with our IT and business services expertise, will successfully challenge current thinking and practice around sustainability. This will in turn unlock new ways of driving transformational change in key global industries and sectors such as health, transport, logistics and brewing and distilling.”

David Richardson, Chief Entrepreneurial Executive for Business and Enterprise at Heriot-Watt University, said:  

“Both CGI and Heriot-Watt University have a significant presence across the world. In the case of Heriot-Watt, we have five campuses in three countries and our global network provides huge and innovative opportunities for businesses to collaborate with academia. We believe through this Memorandum of Understanding, and by joining SEEDS, CGI will help us utilise our strengths using new technologies at these campuses to drive larger scale innovation in complex areas such as the energy transition. These innovations will not only support the UN’s global agendas for climate change but also help improve the lives of citizens locally, nationally and  internationally.” 

There was truly something for everyone at Scotland’s largest event, the Royal Highland Show, which took place at Ingliston, Edinburgh, over the last four days.

Friday and Saturday sold out, with general tickets sales up 2.5% from last year*, and over 220,000 event goers attended events across the four-days making the Royal Highland Centre the sixth largest population in Scotland, bigger than Paisley or Dunfermline and with more attendees than Taylor Swift’s recent record-breaking concerts.

Children 15 and under were able to attend the Show for free and over 21,311 children attended over the four days.  Over 9,000 people spent Friday and Saturday evening at the toe-tapping Royal Highland Hoolie, with country and folk music from an array of artists including native Scottish band Tide-Lines and Irish singer Derek Ryan.

David Tennant, Head of Show for RHASS said: “This year we have seen the show return in all its glory, and it has been a true delight to see generations from across the agricultural community come together to celebrate their great achievements, learnings, stories and make new memories, just as it has been to see visitors and families enjoy all that the Show has to offer.

“It’s great to see the ticketing strategy that was implemented in 2022 in its third year produce a record £3.3million gross ticket return. With more tickets available to the general public than ever, it’s fantastic to see the demand has been met with strong ticket sales.

“While the Show is renowned for its historic and traditional aspects, namely the livestock competitions and parades, over the years we have developed it so far beyond that, and every year we build and grow on the last with an ever-increasing focus on sustainability while ensuring we continue to elevate the visitor experience.

“I’d like to thank everyone for playing their part, from our members, exhibitors and competitors to our staff and members of the public, for helping to make the 2024 Royal Highland Show a truly unforgettable event!”

The 2024 Royal Highland Show – facts and numbers:

• 327 prestigious trophies and a prize fund of £208,073 were competed for and awarded at this year’s Show.
• The Queen’s Cup, which was presented by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1960 to commemorate her presidency of the Royal Highland Show was, this year, awarded to the Dairy Section with the Laird family scooping the coveted prize two years back-to-back. They are only the second family to do so and the third to win it for a second time.
• Over 6,000 livestock were welcomed, including 2,500 competitors from across the UK, and visitors from as far afield as Australia and Argentina.
• Over 800 exhibitors, stretching across food, drink, clothing, artisanal crafts and agri-trade were in attendance.
• Some 5,630 school pupils from 215 school groups came along for free through RHET (Royal Highland Education Trust), trying their hand at milking Mabel the (fiberglass) cow and taking part in honey tasting and candle making in the RHET Discovery Centre.
• 9,064 people enjoyed the toe-tapping Royal Highland Hoolie after the Show on Friday and Saturday. Presented by legendary country music promoters, Farmers Bash, the event brought together eight live folk and country music acts, including Tide Lines, Derek Ryan and Nathan Evans.
• This year’s Show also saw a number of prestigious awards handed out.

• • The Sir William Young Award, which recognises exceptional contributions to the world of livestock breeding and celebrates the enduring legacy of the late Sir William Young, was presented to Bill P Bruce.
  • The John Miller Perpetual Challenge Trophy was presented to Catherine Marshall for her outstanding contribution to heavy horse showing and breeding. Catherine attended the Show with her daughter-in-law, grand-daughter and great grand-daughter who attended her first Show at just eight-months old.

• This year’s Show’s new elements:

• • The Scottish Dairy Championships included new milk and cream classes, Champion Milk Exhibit was awarded to Jolly Jersey, and Champion Cream Exhibit to Park Farm Dairy.  This saw 140 types of ice creams and sorbets judged. Equi’s ice cream took home the esteemed titles of Overall Champion Ice-cream and Overall Dairy Produce Champion for their vanilla ice-cream.
  • The Show’s new ladies shearing category was won by Emily Te Kapa.
  • The new Kerry Hill class in the Show’s sheep section included 75 entries and saw Chris Adamson with a ewe take home the inaugural award.
  • The Blade Shearing leg of the 6 Nations Shearing & Woolhandling Competition was won by England.
  • 57 Horse of the Year Show Qualifiers competed ahead of the event in Birmingham in October.
  • A limited number of Super Early Bird tickets went on sale on Sunday at 4pm, for those eager to relive the Show experience again in 2025.

Having run successfully for over two centuries, the Royal Highland Show remains the biggest fundraising event for RHASS, Scotland’s leading agricultural charity. Super early-bird tickets for the 2025 Show are now on-sale. You can buy tickets here: https://www.royalhighlandshow.org

• The degrees are fully funded meaning there are no additional costs for the individual or your employer.
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• A Graduate Apprenticeship allows people to upskill or retrain while learning in a way that’s right for their circumstances.
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Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS)’s 2024 Rocking Horse Ball, sponsored by Thorntons Solicitors, has raised £95,000 (after costs) to help support children with life-shortening conditions and their families.

The annual event, which had an Aladdin ’Whole New World’ theme this year, took place at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh on Friday 7 June.

Guests at the event, which is recognised as one of the capital’s most-loved charity dinners, enjoyed a night of wonder with Aladdin-themed games amongst a backdrop of flying carpets and magic lamps.

Comedian and singer Jess Robinson hosted the event, supported by compere Alex Fleming, who entertained guests throughout evening, including during the live auction, while music was provided by Edinburgh band duo BLEEKER.

Guest of honour at the event was CHAS parent speaker, Andy White from Fife who spoke about the care and support he received from Rachel House hospice in Kinross when his son Leo died in March 2022, aged just six years old.

Leading full-service law firm Thorntons offers a full range of legal services to businesses and private clients across the country, with partners regularly volunteering and raising money for CHAS. Lead partner at the firm’s Edinburgh office, Clare Macpherson, is also a member of the Rocking Horse Ball’s event committee.

Diane Alton, CHAS’s high-profile events manager, said: “We are proud and privileged to have the continued support from Thorntons for a third year for our seventh Rocking Horse Ball.

“With their very generous sponsorship, we were able to wow our guests from start to finish, creating an incredible and memorable event that raised an incredible £95,000 after costs for CHAS.”

Clare Macpherson said: “It’s remarkable and humbling to witness the difference CHAS makes to families across Scotland. We’ve long supported the CHAS Rocking Horse Ball and this year’s event was yet another success, entertaining all who attended and raising funds for a very important cause. We look forward to continuing our partnership with CHAS and supporting its life-changing work.”

Edinburgh’s St Columba’s Hospice Care has, this week, received the final report of an extensive two-day inspection carried out by its regulator, Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS), on 17-18 April 2024. The organisation was graded ‘Exceptional’ for all quality indicators reviewed during the unannounced visit, highlighting a clear vision and purpose, effective leadership, robust processes and procedures and an excellent quality of care delivered both in the Hospice and in the community.  

The focus of HIS inspections is to ensure that independent health services in Scotland are person-centred, safe, well led, and complying with the necessary standards and regulations. HIS evaluates independent health services in Scotland against its Quality Assurance Framework and the National Health Services (Scotland) Act 1978. 

Dot Partington, Deputy CEO of St Columba’s Hospice Care, said: “I am incredibly proud to see this HIS Inspection report for St Columba’s Hospice Care published. Like most organisations, we’ve been through a challenging few years and the exceptional quality of care described in the report, is a result of the dedication, expertise and unwavering commitment of our staff and volunteers. 

“Every day, we focus on supporting the individual needs of people across Edinburgh and the Lothians facing the impact of life-limiting illnesses and their families. To have this care rated as exceptional reflects the compassion and dedication that we all put into our work, so I’d like to thank our outstanding team for their hard work, adaptability and dedication.” 

Jon Heggie, Director of Income Generation, said: “I am delighted to see the results of this inspection, the team work tirelessly to deliver services throughout the community so it’s great to see everyone’s efforts recognised in this way.

“I think it’s important to highlight that with just 24% of our running costs funded by the government, results like this wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our amazing supporters and local community. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to provide our vital services across Edinburgh and the Lothians.” 

HIS report findings conclude; ‘The environment was clean, uncluttered and in a good state of repair. Patient and staff areas were bright and peacefully decorated. Staff working in the service spoke positively about their experience of working there and felt supported and valued. All staff were enthusiastic about the service. A thorough process was in place of recording the patient’s journey while in the care of the hospice. Patients and families told us the care they received was ‘excellent’. 

Registration is now open for the team-building event of the summer – St Columba’s Hospice Care Dragon Boat Race, sponsored by Forth Ports Limited.

Go paddle to paddle with teams from across the capital in this exhilarating, fun-filled competition taking place at Port Edgar Marina on Saturday 7 September.

Interested, but not sure what it involves? Teams of 13-17 people race in dragon boats on a stretch of open water. Each team needs one team member to be a drummer to keep paddlers in time (no previous experience needed!) and you’ll have a qualified helmsman on hand to guide your boat.

It’s a great team-building experience, friends and family are welcome to come along and cheer you on too. Fun team names and fancy dress optional (but highly recommended).

So, what are you waiting for? Round up a team today and get #firedupontheforth for your local Hospice!

Register your interest today – email to asouthey@stcolumabshospice.org.uk.

RHASS Mighty Munro Muster will see all 282 Munros conquered within the same 24-hour window

Scotland’s leading agricultural charity, RHASS (Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland), seeks avid adventurers to participate in an ambitious, and worthy fundraising feat.

Taking place on 21 September 2024, the challenge will involve a group of no less than 600 individuals split into teams of two or more, collectively ascending all 282 Munros within the same 24-hour window.

To succeed, each team is required to reach the summit of their selected Munro and return safely back down before the 24 hours is up, all while raising money for RHASS-funded projects aimed at those living and working in rural Scotland, safeguarding the rights of landowners, and preserving access to Scotland’s breath-taking landscapes.

The challenge is part of the society’s 240th anniversary year. Other activities include a year-long audio and visual storytelling project, 240 Years of Stories, to contribute towards the legacy of Scotland’s agricultural and rural community, and a series of Harvest Thanksgiving services will also take place.

RHASS will work with a range of partners to support participants in the run-up to the event, providing safety advice, training programmes, and guidance to ensure everyone is well equipped to take on the challenge.

Various resources will also be provided to support participants in their efforts to raise funds for the challenge.

In order to make sure all Munro’s are covered, applicants will be entered into a ballot, choosing their desired area and level of difficulty on entry. They will be assigned either their first or second choice of location and a Munro suitable to their abilities. People of all skill levels are encouraged to take part in what will be an exhilarating team challenge.

Alisdair Caulfield, RHASS Director of Advancement said: “The collective effort involved in this challenge will not only be a testament to community spirit, but it will also be a wonderful celebration of Scotland’s rich rural heritage.

“We are aiming to sign up at least six hundred participants to ensure that no one faces the ascent alone, the logistics in that alone will be no easy feat.  Additionally, we have also set ourselves an ambitious fundraising target, which will help RHASS and our partnering beneficiaries drive positive change and leave a lasting impact on rural communities.”

Munro-bagger Hollie Jenkins and her two spaniels Hugo and Spencer (@theedinburghspaniels) stepped up to support the drive for sign-ups, encouraging fellow dedicated hikers to take part in the daring challenge. Hollie met with members of the RHASS team to share her passion for hiking in the Scottish Mountains and discuss the importance of preserving Scotland’s rural heritage. Speaking on the challenge, Hollie said: “As an avid Munro bagger, I am honoured to be part of this remarkable challenge and encourage everyone to take part in the amazing opportunity to celebrate the natural beauty of our country’s landscape.”

Neil McIntosh, editor of The Scotsman, said: “Scotland’s impressive Munros are world-famous and we’re delighted that The Scotsman is the media partner for this challenge. We’re hoping even more people will be inspired to enjoy our country’s stunning landscape, while raising money for worthwhile causes.

“The Mighty Munro Muster is a fantastic way to mark RHASS’s 240th anniversary year and support its projects that help those living and working in rural Scotland. I would urge people to sign up and get their walking boots out to help with this record breaking attempt, while having fun as part of a team.”

Land & Property Partner at Turcan Connell, Grierson Dunlop, said: “As sponsors of RHASS 2024, we are delighted to be part of the society’s assortment of activities and look forward to supporting this ambitious challenge and creative fundraising initiative. The Mighty Munro Muster Is a fantastic opportunity for individuals to help our rural communities prosper, stay active and take in the immense views from our impressive Scottish mountains.

Those who think they can muster up the courage to take part can now sign up online at: https://rhass.org.uk/

Participants will receive a branded event t-shirt to wear during the climb and to capture that all-important selfie at the top. Each team’s summit photograph will be collated and featured by the Scotsman in a special commemorative supplement dedicated to the fundraising event.

Thousands of retail businesses, cafes, pubs, takeaways, hairdressers, wholesale, and distribution centres lease their premises. What happens as the lease comes to an end? Can it be renewed? If not, how much time should the tenant have to find suitable alternative premises? In its Discussion Paper on Aspects of Leases: Tenancy of Shops (Scotland) Act 1949, the Scottish Law Commission discusses these issues and makes proposals.

If unable to obtain renewal on satisfactory terms from their landlord, the 1949 Act allows these tenants (and possibly also restaurants) to apply to the sheriff court to renew their lease for up to one year. The test for the renewal is whether, “in all the circumstances”, it is “reasonable” to renew or “reasonable” to end, the lease. The Act does not limit the circumstances to be taken into account. Cost and delay in processing court applications are an issue.

The 1949 Act was intended to assist small tenant shopkeepers following the Second World War when there was commercial property scarcity. Renewal was intended to allow them time to relocate and stop their business from closing. The 40 day notice-to-quit at the end of a lease was too short.

Market conditions have changed greatly since the 1950s. Nowadays, the Act is rarely used, except apparently by large retail tenants employing the threat of going to court so as to extract favourable concessions from their landlords during renewal negotiations.

The consultation proposes three alternative options for the Act:

• Repeal of the Act: all commercial leases would be treated the same. The tenant would receive a 3 month notice-to-quit at the end of the lease unless a lease clause allowed no notice (or a different notice period);

• Replacement of the Act: retail, food and drink hospitality, hair and beauty tenants would receive a 6 or 3 month notice-to-quit at the end of the lease regardless of any lease clause;

• Reform of the Act: the criteria for one-year renewal would be restricted to these categories of tenant if needing extra time to agree renewal or find alternative premises. A “gateway test” would restrict its availability to “small tenants”. Compulsory mediation before any court application could encourage landlord and tenant agreement without expensive, time-consuming, and uncertain litigation.

Launching the consultation lead Commissioner, David Bartos said:

“The proposals in this Paper affect virtually every let shop, pub or eatery on the High Street, not to mention retail parks and shopping centres large and small. It’s vital that in these difficult economic times the law is as helpful as possible to both tenants and investors. We invite everyone to have their say.”

Consultation runs until 31 July 2024. The Commission’s website has the Paper and a response form. Not all questions in the form need be answered but the Commission is keen to know business’ order of preference for the options.

A group of staff and supporters from Children in Scotland are practicing their strides ahead of this year’s Kiltwalk event, while seeking others to support their fundraising efforts.

The group of walkers, led by Children in Scotland CEO, Dr Judith Turbyne, will take part in this renowned Scottish challenge to raise vital funds for the charity. Some of the group will take part in the Dundee event on Sunday 11 August, while others will meet in Edinburgh for the capital’s Kiltwalk on 15 September.

All funds raised by the charity at Kiltwalk events will be used to further its mission to give all children in Scotland and equal chance to flourish.

Judith said:

“I am so excited to be taking part in the 2024 Kiltwalk, surrounded by such a fantastic group of staff and supporters. It’s always such a fun event with a great atmosphere, and knowing that we are raising such vital funds for Children in Scotland will be a much-needed boost over the finish line.

“Like many organisations in the third sector, we find ourselves in the position of being increasingly reliant on fundraised income to be able to go over and above for the children and organisations we work with. Funds raised at the Kiltwalk will help us to do more to amplify children’s views, provide youth participation and advisory opportunities and membership collaboration and learning, and ultimately move us closer to achieving our Manifesto priorities. We would love to hear from anyone who is up for a really fun walking challenge, while making a real difference to our children’s futures.”

Children in Scotland recently celebrated its 30-year anniversary, which marked three decades of the organisation championing the voices of children and young people, ensuring that they are at the heart of policy and decision making. Their membership brings together more than 450 organisations and individuals from schools, charities and nurseries to NHS Boards, local authorities and community interest groups. The provision of children’s support services like Reach, Enquire and Resolve continues to be a huge focus of their work.

Over the last eight years, the Kiltwalk has raised a staggering £42.5 million for 3,300 Scottish charities. Participants can take part in one of three challenges – the Mighty Stride (21 miles), the Big Stroll (11 miles), or the Wee Wander(5 miles) – across four Scottish cities.

To join the 2024 Children in Scotland Kiltwalk team, please contact Tracy who will organise your entry and provide further information: Thope@childreninscotland.org.uk

True North has today announced the appointment of four new expert advisors to expand its offer as a full-service communications, public affairs, business advocacy and marketing firm.

Ryan Crighton, the hugely respected Director of Policy & Marketing at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, will join the firm as a Senior Partner, launching True North’s new marketing division and taking an ownership stake in the business.

Prior to joining the Chamber, Ryan was Director of Marketing at UK law firm Aberdein Considine and led its PR, marketing and communication strategy throughout a period of rapid growth between 2014 and 2021.

He is also an award-winning writer, commentator and columnist across the Scottish and UK media, having previously served as Chief Reporter and latterly Business Editor at the Press & Journal.

He will be joined by two colleagues – True North’s new Senior Marketing and Events Advisor Cody Mowbray, and Senior Creative Advisor Andrew Taylor. Together they will deliver creative, digital, marketing and events services for the firm’s expanding client base.

All three will move in July and – under a new strategic partnership with the Chamber – will continue to provide expert advice and day-to-day support on a range of services in addition to the policy advice already delivered by True North.

Ahead of the expansion, Allister Thomas has also joined True North as its newest Senior Advisor. The former editor of globally-recognised industry news platform Energy Voice, Allister will lead on communications, business engagement and public affairs activity for energy sector clients.

He brings over a decade of experience as a print, broadcast and multimedia journalist and is highly regarded by industry. He joins the team with immediate effect.

True North was formed by Managing Partners Geoff Aberdein and Fergus Mutch in 2022, and draws upon unrivalled combined experience working at the most senior levels of national government, global businesses and the media. The firm is chaired by Martin Gilbert, co-founder of global investment firm Aberdeen Asset Management.

The four new appointments join former MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford; award-winning writer and former Labour Party advisor Andrew Liddle, who leads on financial services advice, speechwriting and media training; and Aileen Easton, former features editor and senior civil servant of 15 years.

To accommodate the expansion, True North has moved its office headquarters to Neo House on Aberdeen’s Riverside Drive — a vibrant, flexible workspace and home to a growing hub of scaling businesses, including existing clients.

True North retains its Edinburgh office on the city’s Ferry Road, serving a growing base of financial and professional services, construction and third sector clients across the central belt.

Welcoming the new appointments True North Chairman Martin Gilbert said: 

“Under Fergus and Geoff’s leadership, True North continues to go from strength-to-strength and the appointment of these four expert advisors ideally positions the firm for future success.

“The model of hiring experienced advisors who have been there and done it at the highest levels of business, media, marketing and public policy provides our growing client base the reassurance that they are benefiting from very best in strategic advice and support.”

Senior Partner, Ryan Crighton, said: 

“I am hugely excited about joining True North as it launches new service lines and embarks on an exciting new chapter.

“Having worked with Geoff and Fergus for a number of years, I have seen first hand the impact that their strategic advice can have. I look forward to offering my own expertise and experience alongside the rest of the team for the benefit of our clients and the wider Scottish economy.”

Senior Advisor, Allister Thomas, said: 

“It’s been impressive to see the journey True North has been on since its inception and I’m delighted to be coming aboard as it moves into its next phase of growth.

“This is a crucial time for energy transition and I’m excited to help showcase and support the vital work being carried out by True North’s clients who are at the very vanguard of this transformation.”