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Edinburgh Reporter
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Fringe 2025 – four shows by an Edinburgh-based producer
Local theatre producer and director, Emma Ruse, is behind four shows on the Fringe this year. Funding is a big part of all theatre productions – but it is particularly brought to the fore when we hear that some of Emma's shows have been rehearsing in Glasgow since it is cheaper to travel there by train than it is to secure rehearsal space in the capital. This is one of the hidden costs to staging a Fringe production, although we have heard of others rehearsing in London for similar reasons. Although Emma wanted to be an actor when she was younger, she feels that becoming a producer has been the most accessible route into theatre. After studying at Edinburgh College from 2015 she has never left Edinburgh and now lives in Musselburgh. After graduation she found that she was more curious about what goes on behind the scenes 'and in making things happen for people with that sort of oversight rather than being the person on stage delivering the performance'. So she left acting behind completely – although joked that she may find herself doing am-dram in 20 years time in a production of Les Mis. But she does not envy actors the haphazard existence involving auditions often organised at the drop of a hat. She is quite modest about her role saying it is 'in many ways a glorified project manager and in many ways so much more than that. It is basically everything that you don't see. So, it's all the scheduling, it's the fundraising, it's the bringing people together, finding the right jigsaw pieces to make the creative magic happen.' Emma Ruse Fundraising In June a fundraiser performance at Leith Arches included 15 -minute excerpts from all four shows. Mary: A Gig Theatre Show had a short run at the Traverse last December with its all female cast which includes the writer, Rona Johnston, who are mainly Queen Margaret University (QMU) graduates. Mary is the only one of the four productions which is self-funded along with a bit of support from QMU's Santander Fund. The others are helped by a mix of crowdfunding and some backing from Creative Scotland's Open Fund. On the thorny issue of the Creative Scotland (CS) Open Fund, Emma is diplomatic, saying: 'I think it's really challenging. It's public money, so there needs to be a due diligence done to make sure public money is being used in the appropriate way. And I think Creative Scotland have a really hard job because there is a lot of great art, and not enough funding for the arts. So I think it's almost impossible for them to be able to win.' But the Leith Arches fundraiser was a good opportunity to see all four productions side by side. Emma said: 'It was really magical actually. When you work on everything so separately, it is brilliant to bring it together and the audience were very warm and very excited about it.' Emma was also pleased that Jumper Bumps received funding from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society's Keep it Fringe fund, and that in relation to r/Conspiracy Creative Scotland stepped up 'with a bit of funding'. Homo (Sapien) is written by an Irish writer and the show premiered in Dublin in May with a bit of funding from the CS Open Fund. Emma was notably included on the 2024 30under30 list compiled by The Young Women's Movement. Part of the reason for her recognition is that the East Lothian producer spent eight years as a member of the National Youth Arts Advisory Group for Scotland – advising on cultural strategy and supporting the way that youth arts funding was distributed. The Young Women's Movement seeks to 'celebrate young women, girls and non-binary people in Scotland who are making changes in their lives, communities and wider society'. The day job involves running Emma Ruse Productions and also Framework Theatre Company which she set up with a few friends providing bespoke support to emerging Scottish theatre makers. Emma credits Framework as being the start to her career. Although she prefers working on stories told through a feminist or queer lens and anything which supports those considered underrepresented, her work also involves directing some work and also producing plays written by others. Being a local Emma agrees that being able to produce four shows locally is a great opportunity, but asked whether the Fringe is a truly great launching pad for the work she considers her reply carefully. She said: 'I think you have to be so strategic. I think a lot of what I see is people not thinking strategically about what sort of work they're bringing, and expecting all sorts of work to be able to achieve the same things at the festival. So as much as I do have four shows, and that might feel like a lot, but they're four shows that I feel really strongly have a space and have an audience at the Edinburgh festival. So I think you have to be strategic with what you're bringing and realistic with your expectations. I am not expecting any of these shows to be Fleabag. 'I think they're all brilliant. I think they have the potential to do that sort of thing. But I think a lot of people go into Fringe with these really high expectations based off Fleabag, based off Baby Reindeer. And it's just so unlikely with the wealth of work that is happening that yours will be the one in every five years that gets picked up that way. 'So I think for us what's really useful is it's a chance for our work to be seen. It's a chance to do a long run, which is practically unheard of in Scottish theatre unless you're in one of the big venues, and it's a chance to learn your craft that way as well. You learn so much from doing a show 25 times that you will never learn when you do it for three nights and then that's the end. So I think in these ways it's a really useful platform.' And her advice on how to get through the Fringe? Emma said: 'My top tip is that you cannot do everything. You cannot see everything no matter how much you might want to and you cannot talk to everyone you want to meet. At some point you have to say that is it for today, that's all I can do. It's a marathon not a sprint.' The shows Her thoughts on the four shows are that they are all 'a bit different' but held together by the same values. She said: 'Homo (Sapien) is a very overtly queer piece. It's about growing up gay in Catholic Ireland. So that one definitely fits in. And Jumper Bumps is about a woman's right to choose in coercive relationships, and the challenging political climate we live in at the moment. So that feels really strongly feminist in theme. 'But then you have shows like r/Conspiracy, which on the surface is potentially not fulfilling either of those, but kind of does both of them because it's really rare to see a woman on stage talking about Reddit and existing in those sorts of internet sleuthing spaces. So it does it in a potentially more subverted way. And Mary is definitely a feminist retelling of Mary's story which feels really exciting and important and the music in that show is truly phenomenal. I saw it at the Fringe last year and fell in love with it. They were self-producing last year so I was delighted to come on board and we got a short run at the Traverse before Christmas which sold out. It felt right to bring it back to the festival on a bigger scale and give more audiences an opportunity to engage with the work.' The shows Homo (Sapien) by Conor O'Dwyer – 'Joey is a Bad Gay™. He's never had sex with a man, not even once. But tonight is the night, and he is determined to make sure he will not die a virgin. Filled with Catholic guilt, internalised homophobia and fear of the local GAA lads – Joey embarks on a hapless quest to 'get his hole' before it's too late. Homo(sapien) is a joyful, queer, coming-of-age one-man show about overcoming your fears. The debut play from Conor O'Dwyer – an Irish playwright and performer based in Edinburgh.' Tickets here. r/Conspiracy – 'r/Conspiracy is a play for messy girls, hungry sleuths, and the chronically online. Alex tumbles headfirst into the rabbit hole when she spots a Reddit thread documenting a man with a machete roaming her local park. But the harder she digs, the deeper she falls… A timely reminder of the flaws of the internet, and a virtual mystery romp for 20-somethings with too much time on their hands, and the weight of the world on their shoulders, r/Conspiracy is written and performed by Ella Hällgren, and directed by Emma Ruse.' Tickets here. Jumper Bumps – 'What happens when the thing you wished for your whole life turns out to be your worst nightmare? Eris wants a baby. Atlanta doesn't. They're best friends with very different views of motherhood. Eris sees it as a chance to create a better version of herself. Atlanta sees it as the opposite, an end to her freedom. As similar as they are different, their friendship is stretched when Eris finds herself pregnant. The debut play by Amelia Rodger about a woman's right to choose, coercive relationships and female friendship.' Tickets here. Mary: A Gig Theatre Show – 'Through powerful original music and spoken word, a folk-rock band retells Mary Queen of Scots' story. The bold gig theatre show searingly questions what Mary faced at the hands of men, offering a mesmerising and riotous response. The hit show is back for 2025, following acclaimed sold-out runs at the 2024 Fringe and the Traverse Theatre in December.' Tickets here. Like this: Like Related
Scotsman
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Edinburgh Festival Fringe: 'Affordable' performer accommodation almost a fifth empty days before festival
The accommodation is being offered as a partnership between the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society and Queen Margaret University Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Almost a fifth of rooms in 'affordable' accommodation provided by the Fringe Society are still available for performers with just days to go to the festival's launch. The single rooms in halls of residence at Queen Margaret University's (QMU) Fringe Village have been made available to artists taking part in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which starts later this week. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Around 80 rooms, rented at a cost of £294 a week - a total of £1,176 a month - are still believed to be available for booking. This is out of a total of 500 rooms at the site made available through the partnership between the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society and QMU. The Fringe Society has now opened up bookings to a wider group, including visiting media, in a bid to fill the available accommodation, which is located on QMU's campus on the outskirts of Edinburgh. The move comes amid an ongoing fear the soaring cost of accommodation in Edinburgh is pricing out performers from attending the Fringe and other festivals. An email sent out by Fringe staff on Monday said rooms were still available at the campus. The correspondence said: 'Queen Margaret University is providing affordable accommodation to artists throughout the festival period. Due to room availability, this offer has now been opened up to accredited industry and media professionals. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We have single, en-suite rooms available, which are located within three, four and five-bedroom flats, with each having a communal kitchen and living space. Each single room is available for a four-week period.' One Fringe performer said he had been put off staying at the QMU Fringe Village due to the requirement to book the entire month. An increasing number of artists are cutting short their Fringe runs and opting not to take the full month of the Fringe in a bid to cut costs. The QMU campus has been opened up as Fringe accommodation. 'I'm only doing a two-week run this year, so it didn't make sense for me to book an extra two weeks of accommodation I didn't need,' the performer said. 'I ended up paying a similar amount for two weeks in the city centre, but it felt like a better option.' The single en-suite rooms are located within an apartment. Each room is equipped with a single bed and a private en-suite shower pod, as well as access to a shared kitchen/diner. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A six-minute train is available from the campus near Musselburgh to shuttle performers into Waverley Station in the city centre. There are also Fringe-specific events held on campus, including a welcome reception for performers and complementary networking breakfasts during the month.
Scotsman
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Honorary degrees for actress, food entrepreneur and cultural leader at QMU graduation
The Scottish actress and narrator, Ashley Jensen; entrepreneur and Director of Genius Foods, Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne; and the former Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Fringe Society, Shona McCarthy; were honoured at a ceremony in Edinburgh's Usher Hall. The three inspirational women joined the newly installed Chancellor of QMU, Patrick Grant – designer, entrepreneur and judge on BBC's 'The Great British Sewing Bee' – to celebrate the achievements of hundreds of new QMU graduates. Ashley Jensen, most recently known for her leading detective role in BBC's much loved crime drama 'Shetland' was awarded Doctor of the University for her contributions to the arts. Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne, the visionary founder of Genius Foods, a UK-based company specialising in gluten-free bakery, received a Doctor of Business Administration for her contribution to food development and innovation. Shona McCarthy, former Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Fringe Society, was honoured with a Doctor of the University for her visionary leadership in the arts and her profound impact on Scotland's cultural landscape. Ashley Jensen Ashley, best known for her leading role as DI Ruth Calder in the hit TV drama, 'Shetland' and her time playing Maggie Jacobs alongside Ricky Gervais in the comedy series 'Extras' was brought up in Annan, Dumfriesshire. Her time studying drama at what was then Queen Margaret College (now Queen Margaret University) laid the foundation for a career marked by versatility, emotional depth, and authenticity. Her success in TV's Extras, for which she earned two British Comedy Awards and a BAFTA nomination, introduced her to a global audience. She went on to star in the American hit TV show 'Ugly Betty', where producers embraced her Scottish identity, rewriting her character to match her accent. Her work spans stage and screen, from early theatre roles with Glasgow's Citizens Theatre and Edinburgh's Traverse Theatre, to leading roles in Sky One's 'Agatha Raisin' and Shetland. In her recent starring role in Shetland, she brought a fresh perspective and emotional nuance to a beloved series, reaffirming her ability to lead and evolve. Ashley's voice has also become a familiar presence in animated films like 'How to Train Your Dragon', as well as in documentaries such as Channel 4's 'Embarrassing Bodies' BBC 2's 'Designing the Hebrides', and national campaigns. Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne Lucinda, the visionary founder of Genius Foods, trained as a chef at the Leith School of Food and Wine, a prestigious cook school founded by QMU's former Chancellor, Dame Prue Leith. But when her son was diagnosed with multiple food allergies and a severe intolerance to gluten, Lucinda embarked on a challenge to create gluten-free bread that would not only meet the dietary needs of her family, but also satisfy the taste buds of consumers everywhere. In 2009, she founded Genius Foods, which quickly became a global leader in gluten-free products. Her relentless innovation and commitment to quality have improved the lives of millions living with coeliac disease and other dietary restrictions. Lucinda's influence extends beyond product development. She is a published author, educator, and advocate for food allergy awareness. Her books, including 'How to Cook for Food Allergies', have empowered home cooks and professionals alike. Lucinda's recent appointment as Executive Chair of the New Town Cookery School in Edinburgh, will see her help shape the future of culinary education. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and founding member of the Gluten Free Industry Association, Lucinda is also an Innovate UK ambassador. Her leadership has driven progress in food science and industry standards. Shona McCarthy The University also recognised the exceptional leadership and transformative impact that Shona McCarthy has had on the arts. For nine years, Shona led the world's largest arts festival with vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to inclusivity. Under her leadership, the Fringe thrived through economic shifts and the pandemic, whilst becoming more accessible and representative. She championed emerging artists, expanded international collaborations, and introduced initiatives such as performer bursaries and relaxed performances, ensuring the Fringe remained a vibrant, welcoming space for all. Shona's influence extends far beyond Edinburgh. As Chief Executive of the Culture Company, she led Derry-Londonderry's landmark year as the first UK City of Culture in 2013. She has also held senior roles with the British Council Northern Ireland, Imagine Belfast, and the Northern Ireland Film Council, and led youth-focused film festivals including Cinemagic and the Foyle Film Festival. Her contributions to the arts have been recognised with a NESTA Cultural Leadership Award and an Eisenhower Fellowship, connecting her to a global network of changemakers. She has also served as Chair of 'Walk the Plank' and Belfast's 'Oh Yeah Music Centre'. Sir Paul Grice, Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: 'In the year that Queen Margaret University celebrates its 150th anniversary, we are delighted to recognise the contribution of these three inspirational women. From the arts to food innovation, we are proud to honour the mark they each have made on the world and their work striving to be a force for good.' Discussing Ashley Jensen, Sir Paul explained: 'Aside from Ashley's impressive artistic achievements, she has remained a passionate advocate for the arts in Scotland. She has used her platform to support emerging talent, promote diversity in casting, and champion mental health awareness within the creative industries. Her commitment to these causes reflects values we cherish at Queen Margaret University - compassion, courage, and community - and she is a shining example of what our graduates can achieve when they combine talent with tenacity, and creativity with integrity.' Sir Paul continued: 'Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne's dedication to quality and innovation has set a new standard in the gluten-free market, making Genius Foods a household name and a trusted choice for consumers around the world. Her work has brought joy and dignity to those with special dietary needs and inspired a new generation of food entrepreneurs. We recognise the significant contribution that she has made to innovation in the food industry and the entrepreneurial landscape in Scotland.' Discussing Shona McCarthy's exceptional contribution to the arts, Sir Paul concluded: 'Shona embodies QMU's values of creativity, social responsibility, and community impact. Her career is testament to the power of the arts to inspire, connect, and transform lives. As our graduates begin their own journeys, Shona stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through passion, purpose, and fearless leadership.' 1 . Contributed Lucinda Bruce Gardyne with Patrick Grant Photo: Submitted Photo Sales
Scotsman
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Honorary degrees for actress, food entrepreneur and cultural leader at QMU graduation
On the 8th July, Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh awarded honorary degrees to an acclaimed Scottish actress, a food innovator and an Edinburgh Fringe leader at its 2025 graduation ceremonies. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Scottish actress and narrator, Ashley Jensen; entrepreneur and Director of Genius Foods, Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne; and the former Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Fringe Society, Shona McCarthy; were honoured at a ceremony in Edinburgh's Usher Hall. The three inspirational women joined the newly installed Chancellor of QMU, Patrick Grant – designer, entrepreneur and judge on BBC's 'The Great British Sewing Bee' – to celebrate the achievements of hundreds of new QMU graduates. Ashley Jensen, most recently known for her leading detective role in BBC's much loved crime drama 'Shetland' was awarded Doctor of the University for her contributions to the arts. Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne, the visionary founder of Genius Foods, a UK-based company specialising in gluten-free bakery, received a Doctor of Business Administration for her contribution to food development and innovation. Shona McCarthy, former Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Fringe Society, was honoured with a Doctor of the University for her visionary leadership in the arts and her profound impact on Scotland's cultural landscape. Ashley Jensen Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ashley Jensen, Shona McCarthy, Patrick Grant, Lucinda Bruce Gardyne and Principal of QMU, Sir Paul Grice Ashley, best known for her leading role as DI Ruth Calder in the hit TV drama, 'Shetland' and her time playing Maggie Jacobs alongside Ricky Gervais in the comedy series 'Extras' was brought up in Annan, Dumfriesshire. Her time studying drama at what was then Queen Margaret College (now Queen Margaret University) laid the foundation for a career marked by versatility, emotional depth, and authenticity. Her success in TV's Extras, for which she earned two British Comedy Awards and a BAFTA nomination, introduced her to a global audience. She went on to star in the American hit TV show 'Ugly Betty', where producers embraced her Scottish identity, rewriting her character to match her accent. Her work spans stage and screen, from early theatre roles with Glasgow's Citizens Theatre and Edinburgh's Traverse Theatre, to leading roles in Sky One's 'Agatha Raisin' and Shetland. In her recent starring role in Shetland, she brought a fresh perspective and emotional nuance to a beloved series, reaffirming her ability to lead and evolve. Ashley's voice has also become a familiar presence in animated films like 'How to Train Your Dragon', as well as in documentaries such as Channel 4's 'Embarrassing Bodies' BBC 2's 'Designing the Hebrides', and national campaigns. Lucinda Bruce Gardyne, Ashley Jensen, Patrick Grant and Shona McCarthy Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lucinda, the visionary founder of Genius Foods, trained as a chef at the Leith School of Food and Wine, a prestigious cook school founded by QMU's former Chancellor, Dame Prue Leith. But when her son was diagnosed with multiple food allergies and a severe intolerance to gluten, Lucinda embarked on a challenge to create gluten-free bread that would not only meet the dietary needs of her family, but also satisfy the taste buds of consumers everywhere. In 2009, she founded Genius Foods, which quickly became a global leader in gluten-free products. Her relentless innovation and commitment to quality have improved the lives of millions living with coeliac disease and other dietary restrictions. Lucinda's influence extends beyond product development. She is a published author, educator, and advocate for food allergy awareness. Her books, including 'How to Cook for Food Allergies', have empowered home cooks and professionals alike. Lucinda's recent appointment as Executive Chair of the New Town Cookery School in Edinburgh, will see her help shape the future of culinary education. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and founding member of the Gluten Free Industry Association, Lucinda is also an Innovate UK ambassador. Her leadership has driven progress in food science and industry standards. Shona McCarthy Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The University also recognised the exceptional leadership and transformative impact that Shona McCarthy has had on the arts. For nine years, Shona led the world's largest arts festival with vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to inclusivity. Under her leadership, the Fringe thrived through economic shifts and the pandemic, whilst becoming more accessible and representative. She championed emerging artists, expanded international collaborations, and introduced initiatives such as performer bursaries and relaxed performances, ensuring the Fringe remained a vibrant, welcoming space for all. Shona's influence extends far beyond Edinburgh. As Chief Executive of the Culture Company, she led Derry-Londonderry's landmark year as the first UK City of Culture in 2013. She has also held senior roles with the British Council Northern Ireland, Imagine Belfast, and the Northern Ireland Film Council, and led youth-focused film festivals including Cinemagic and the Foyle Film Festival. Her contributions to the arts have been recognised with a NESTA Cultural Leadership Award and an Eisenhower Fellowship, connecting her to a global network of changemakers. She has also served as Chair of 'Walk the Plank' and Belfast's 'Oh Yeah Music Centre'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sir Paul Grice, Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: 'In the year that Queen Margaret University celebrates its 150th anniversary, we are delighted to recognise the contribution of these three inspirational women. From the arts to food innovation, we are proud to honour the mark they each have made on the world and their work striving to be a force for good.' Discussing Ashley Jensen, Sir Paul explained: 'Aside from Ashley's impressive artistic achievements, she has remained a passionate advocate for the arts in Scotland. She has used her platform to support emerging talent, promote diversity in casting, and champion mental health awareness within the creative industries. Her commitment to these causes reflects values we cherish at Queen Margaret University - compassion, courage, and community - and she is a shining example of what our graduates can achieve when they combine talent with tenacity, and creativity with integrity.' Sir Paul continued: 'Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne's dedication to quality and innovation has set a new standard in the gluten-free market, making Genius Foods a household name and a trusted choice for consumers around the world. Her work has brought joy and dignity to those with special dietary needs and inspired a new generation of food entrepreneurs. We recognise the significant contribution that she has made to innovation in the food industry and the entrepreneurial landscape in Scotland.' Discussing Shona McCarthy's exceptional contribution to the arts, Sir Paul concluded: 'Shona embodies QMU's values of creativity, social responsibility, and community impact. Her career is testament to the power of the arts to inspire, connect, and transform lives. As our graduates begin their own journeys, Shona stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through passion, purpose, and fearless leadership.'
Scotsman
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
British Sewing Bee judge installed as Chancellor and forensic scientist honoured at QMU graduation ceremony
On 7th July '25, the designer, entrepreneur and TV judge, Patrick Grant, was officially installed as the Chancellor of Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh at the University's graduation ceremony. Patrick, who became a household name following his appearances as a judge of BBC One's 'The Great British Sewing Bee', was joined by Carol Rogers, Scotland's leading forensic scientist. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Carol, who is best known for her work on serial killer Peter Tobin's case, was awarded an honorary degree for advancing the field of forensic science, particularly in relation to investigations of sexual offences across Scotland. Both Patrick and Carol joined 2000 students, families and guests at an impressive ceremony in Edinburgh's Usher Hall. Patrick Grant A prominent figure in the British fashion industry and founder of the social enterprise Community Clothing, Patrick Grant is an advocate for sustainability and building strong communities through entrepreneurship. Brought up in Edinburgh, he has developed an international reputation as a champion of UK textile manufacturing, supporting local communities while producing high-quality, long-lasting garments. His book 'Less', published in 2024 and a Sunday Times Bestseller, details his commitment to reducing consumption and embracing circular, regenerative fashion. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Carol Rogers, Patrick Grant and Sir Paul Grice Over the past two decades, Patrick has built a distinguished career in the fashion industry – working with global brands including Cartier, Rolls-Royce, BMW, Barbour, and Alexander McQueen, and always advocating for craftsmanship and quality. He revitalised Savile Row tailor Norton & Sons, relaunched men's tailoring brand E. Tautz - winning Menswear Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards - and led Debenhams' most successful designer collaboration with Hammond & Co. In 2015, his passion for British manufacturing resulted in the rescue of Blackburn-based clothing factory Cookson & Clegg. This experience inspired him to launch Community Clothing in 2016, a pioneering initiative that earned him widespread recognition for revitalising the UK garment industry. Community Clothing's makes and sells UK clothing at a fraction of the price of premium brands, and has a strong focus on sustainability, job creation and building local economic prosperity. Patrick has also become a familiar face on television. In addition to the 'The Great British Sewing Bee' (nominated for a BAFTA in 2022), he presented the award-winning documentary 'Coronation Tailors: Fit for a King', appeared on BBC Radio 4's 'Desert Island Discs', and won BBC One's 'Celebrity Mastermind'. He has written for a variety of publications, including The Financial Times, The Times, The Sun, The Daily Mail and GQ. Sir Paul Grice, Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: 'Patrick has had a meaningful and hugely impactful career as a designer, entrepreneur, writer and sustainability champion. His work resonates with the University's strong social justice ethos, and our commitment to building strong communities and acting as a force for good. His passion for combining entrepreneurialism, skill and people-focused thinking to create thriving communities aligns with QMU's purpose of shaping a better society through teaching and research.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Carol Rogers – Forensic operation lead - Major Crime (Sexual Offences) As National Lead Forensic Scientist for Sexual Offences with the Scottish Police Authority's Forensic Services, Carol Rogers has advanced forensic science, bringing justice to countless victims of sexual offences. As one of the most respected experts in her field, Carol has dedicated over two decades of her life to the meticulous and often harrowing work of forensics. Working in major crime, she has led forensic investigations in numerous major cases, including murders and serious sexual offences. Recently, her work was highlighted on the BBC Scotland crime documentary 'The Hunt for Peter Tobin' where she discussed the painstaking investigation of the serial killer's crime scene – work which led to his successful conviction. Carol's expertise in blood pattern analysis, body fluid analysis, damage interpretation, and DNA interpretation has been instrumental in solving some of Scotland's most notorious crimes. Her ability to provide expert testimony in court has been crucial in securing convictions and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable, bringing closure to victims and their families. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sir Paul Grice, Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: 'We cannot underestimate the impact that Carol Rogers' progressive work has had on the profession of forensic science, and on the thousands of individuals and families' lives affected by leadership of teams has helped set standards in forensic services, and her work has been pivotal in advancing forensic techniques and methodologies, ensuring the profession evolves and improves. She has also drawn on her expertise as a forensic scientist and expert witness, working on cases from 'crime scene to court', to assist Queen Margaret University in the development of its PgCert Advanced Forensic Practice. Launched in 2021, this specialist course enables already experienced forensic practitioners to work at an advanced level in Police Custody and Sexual Assault Referral Coordination Services (SARCS).'
