Edinburgh Napier University – journalism course is 50
Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) is celebrating 50 years of delivering its pioneering journalism course, the longest-running programme of its kind in Scotland and consistently recognised as one of the leading courses in the UK. A reception was held on Wednesday evening at The Scottish Parliament to mark the occasion.
Since launching in 1975, the course has produced leading journalists across the UK and beyond. From Lee McKenzie, renowned for her Formula 1 coverage on Channel 4 and rugby reporting for the BBC and ITV, to Nick Eardley, the BBC’s Chief Political Correspondent and a trusted voice from Westminster, and Martin Frizell, former Editor of ITV’s flagship daytime programme This Morning – just a few that graduated from ENU.
The need for these trusted, credible voices in the media is more prevalent than ever, and Edinburgh Napier University is committed to nurturing the next generation of journalists with the skills, adaptability and creativity needed to thrive in a fast-changing industry.
Alongside its long-standing undergraduate course, the University also delivers a respected postgraduate programme in journalism and, last year, launched a postgraduate course in Sports Journalism – reflecting its dedication to training aspiring reporters across a range of sectors. Students benefit from expert teaching by leading academics and experienced practitioners, combining the fundamentals of journalism with hands-on newsroom experience.
Professor Sue Rigby, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “At Edinburgh Napier, we are proud to have delivered our journalism course for the past 50 years. While the industry has changed beyond recognition, the need for trusted, credible reporting has never been greater.
“The continued appetite to study journalism shows that the next generation is ready to step up. Our role is to give them the tools, integrity and confidence to thrive, ensuring that the stories that matter are told with accuracy and impact for decades to come.
“This anniversary is not only about reflecting on the past 50 years but also about looking ahead to the future of journalism.”
Edinburgh Napier University is ranked Scotland’s number one modern university in the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings and continues to uphold its reputation for industry-focused, world-class teaching.
https://www.napier.ac.uk/courses/ba-hons-journalism-undergraduate-fulltime
Craigies Farm is set for a spooktacular October with its biggest ever Halloween Festival.
From 1–10 October, families can enjoy Quiet Pumpkin Picking, a calmer experience designed for ASN visitors, younger children, and anyone who prefers a less busy day out.
From 11–31 October, the farm transforms into a full Halloween Festival, featuring:
- Late Night Picking with bar, live music, and food (Fridays & Saturdays)
- Storytelling and spooky barrel train rides
- Giant bale maze, bale towers, and family games
- Pumpkin patch and decorating tent
- Face painting and paintball
- Marshmallow toasting and interactive actors
Director, George Sinclair said: “Halloween at Craigies is all about creating memories. From peaceful pumpkin picking to festival fun with live music and great food, we’ve made sure there’s something for everyone this October.”
An evening with Nicola Benedetti
The violinist and Director of Edinburgh International Festival will appear at Usher Hall on 21 October as part of a nationwide tour. There are very limited seats left in the Upper Circle, but there are other dates in other cities where tickets are still available.
Ms Benedetti has curated a personal and fun programme, as she embarks on her first solo tour of the UK and Ireland in over 10 years. Combining solo performances with storytelling, Nicola will share a selection of shorter works – romantic, virtuosic and some Celtic and folk-inspired. The approach to these concerts will be intimate and personal, with Nicola joined onstage by close colleagues including Brazilian guitarist Plínio Fernandes and accordionist Samuele Telari. This tour is presented by Askonas Holt.
Repertoire will include Paganini’s Caprice Nos 1 and 24; Sarasate’s Carmen Fantasie and Navarra, and Wieniawki’s Polonaise arranged by Steve Goss; Ponce’s Estrellitaand Maxwell-Davis’ Farewell to Stromness arranged by Paul Campbell; Bloch’s Prayer and Debussy’s Beau Soir arranged by Simon Parkin; Maria Teresa von Paradis’ Sicilienne arranged by Juliette Pochin; Jay Unger’s Ashokan Farewell; plus new commissions and arrangements of traditional Scottish music by piper Brìghde Chaimbeul. This full programme will be released on Nicola Benedetti’s next album on Decca Classics to coincide with the tour.
Nicola commented,‘It has been over ten years since my last full tour of the UK, and having recently come off maternity leave, I am particularly excited to perform in so many beautiful venues, reconnect with audiences I haven’t seen in some time, and play for and chat to people in a fun and personal setting. I will be joined by fantastic musicians including guitarist Plinio Fernandes and accordionist Samuele Telari.’
Astley Ainslie Community Trust
The Trust is holding an Oral History exhibition in two places – at Eric Liddell Centre from 11 to 24 October and at Morningside Library from 25 October to 14 November.
Southside Community Council
The community council has put out an appeal for new members as four of their council have been “forced out” of their homes due to the housing crisis. If this is where you live then the council encourage everyone to think of joining them.
