Latest news with #QueenMargaretUniversity
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Queen Margaret University named Higher Education Institute of the Year
Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh has been crowned Higher Education Institute of the Year at the prestigious Herald Higher Education Awards 2025, held in Glasgow on 29th May 2025. Coming in QMU's 150th anniversary year, this accolade celebrates the institution's enduring commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, inclusion, innovation and student support. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, 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 university impressed judges with its outstanding achievements across multiple categories, securing wins for 'Outstanding Contribution from a Staff Member' - honouring podiatry lecturer Evelyn Weir for her decades-long service to Scotland's homeless community - and 'Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community' for its pioneering Wooden Spoon Frame Running Equipment Hub, the first of its kind in Scotland. QMU was also shortlisted in four additional categories, reflecting the University's innovative approach to education, inclusivity, and public service. The judging panel praised in particular the University's holistic impact. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Queen Margaret University's Principal, Sir Paul Grice, said: 'We are over the moon to be awarded Higher Education Institute of the Year – particularly in the year that we celebrate our 150th anniversary. This accolade is a testament to the passion and dedication of our staff, students, and partners, and reflects our mission to make a real difference in the world, enabling people and communities to flourish.' QMU team win Institution of the Year Sir Paul continued: 'It was particularly pleasing to see Evelyn Weir, Senior Lecturer in Podiatry, recognised for her outstanding contribution. Evelyn has dedicated 30 years of her life to supporting the homeless community and has encouraged our students and graduates to work alongside her in the running of specialist foot clinics for people living on the streets. She is also a staff member who goes 'above and beyond' - particularly for our care experienced students. She has never wavered in her personalised support of students – providing the extra care, encouragement and financial guidance required to ensure students have a transformative university experience, reaching their potential during their time at QMU and beyond graduation. She epitomises the values of QMU in her education and support of students, and in her drive to be a force for good within the university, the wider community and the podiatry profession.' QMUs pioneering role in advancing Frame Running for disabled athletes was formally recognised with the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community Award. Frame Running, a sport that utilises specially designed three-wheeled frames, empowers individuals with limited or no walking ability to experience the freedom of independent movement. The Wooden Spoon Frame Running Equipment Hub, based at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, is the first of its kind in Scotland - and is believed to be the first dedicated facility of its kind anywhere in the world. This ground-breaking initiative has been made possible by support from the Wooden Spoon charity, and is the result of a collaborative partnership between QMU, Neil's Wheel Charity, Frame Running Scotland, and ACE Frame Running, in conjunction with Scottish Athletics and Scottish Disability Sport. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Hub forms part of QMU's wider commitment to shaping the future of Frame Running. Through its research into athlete classification for para sport, the University is helping to build the foundations for fairer, more inclusive competition. The creation of the Hub reflects this broader ambition - translating academic insight into real-world impact for athletes and communities. QMU team winning Institute of the Year Sir Paul concluded: 'In such a special year, we are delighted that a record number of our entries made it into the finals of the Herald Higher Education Awards. The Award of Higher Education Institute of the Year allows us to honour our past, celebrate our present, and continue to lead with purpose - demonstrating that education can be a powerful force for good. 'Our thanks go to the Herald Scotland, and all of the college and university award winners, who together showcase so much of what is good about the education sector.'
Scotsman
3 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Queen Margaret University named Higher Education Institute of the Year at Herald Awards 2025
Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh has been crowned Higher Education Institute of the Year at the prestigious Herald Higher Education Awards 2025, held in Glasgow on 29th May 2025. Coming in QMU's 150th anniversary year, this accolade celebrates the institution's enduring commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, inclusion, innovation and student support. 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 university impressed judges with its outstanding achievements across multiple categories, securing wins for 'Outstanding Contribution from a Staff Member' - honouring podiatry lecturer Evelyn Weir for her decades-long service to Scotland's homeless community - and 'Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community' for its pioneering Wooden Spoon Frame Running Equipment Hub, the first of its kind in Scotland. QMU was also shortlisted in four additional categories, reflecting the University's innovative approach to education, inclusivity, and public service. The judging panel praised in particular the University's holistic impact. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Queen Margaret University's Principal, Sir Paul Grice, said: 'We are over the moon to be awarded Higher Education Institute of the Year – particularly in the year that we celebrate our 150th anniversary. This accolade is a testament to the passion and dedication of our staff, students, and partners, and reflects our mission to make a real difference in the world, enabling people and communities to flourish.' Evelyn Weir wins Outstanding Contribution from a Staff Member Sir Paul continued: 'It was particularly pleasing to see Evelyn Weir, Senior Lecturer in Podiatry, recognised for her outstanding contribution. Evelyn has dedicated 30 years of her life to supporting the homeless community and has encouraged our students and graduates to work alongside her in the running of specialist foot clinics for people living on the streets. She is also a staff member who goes 'above and beyond' - particularly for our care experienced students. She has never wavered in her personalised support of students – providing the extra care, encouragement and financial guidance required to ensure students have a transformative university experience, reaching their potential during their time at QMU and beyond graduation. She epitomises the values of QMU in her education and support of students, and in her drive to be a force for good within the university, the wider community and the podiatry profession.' QMUs pioneering role in advancing Frame Running for disabled athletes was formally recognised with the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community Award. Frame Running, a sport that utilises specially designed three-wheeled frames, empowers individuals with limited or no walking ability to experience the freedom of independent movement. The Wooden Spoon Frame Running Equipment Hub, based at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, is the first of its kind in Scotland - and is believed to be the first dedicated facility of its kind anywhere in the world. This ground-breaking initiative has been made possible by support from the Wooden Spoon charity, and is the result of a collaborative partnership between QMU, Neil's Wheel Charity, Frame Running Scotland, and ACE Frame Running, in conjunction with Scottish Athletics and Scottish Disability Sport. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Hub forms part of QMU's wider commitment to shaping the future of Frame Running. Through its research into athlete classification for para sport, the University is helping to build the foundations for fairer, more inclusive competition. The creation of the Hub reflects this broader ambition - translating academic insight into real-world impact for athletes and communities. Wooden Spoon Frame Running Equipment Hub wins Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community Sir Paul concluded: 'In such a special year, we are delighted that a record number of our entries made it into the finals of the Herald Higher Education Awards. The Award of Higher Education Institute of the Year allows us to honour our past, celebrate our present, and continue to lead with purpose - demonstrating that education can be a powerful force for good. 'Our thanks go to the Herald Scotland, and all of the college and university award winners, who together showcase so much of what is good about the education sector.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant to become uni chancellor
Great British Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant is to become the next chancellor of Edinburgh's Queen Margaret University. The designer will be installed in his new role at the first of the university's graduations at the Usher Hall on 7 July. The chancellor is the ceremonial head of the university, presiding over graduation ceremonies and performing an ambassadorial role. Brought up in Edinburgh, Grant has developed an international reputation as a champion of UK textile manufacturing, supporting local communities while producing high-quality, long-lasting garments. Celebrity chef becomes uni chancellor Having been educated in both Edinburgh and Barnard Castle, he went on to study a degree in materials science and engineering at the University of Leeds, followed later by an MBA from the University of Oxford. Pamela Woodburn, chairwoman of the Court of Queen Margaret University, said: "Patrick's career and achievements resonate strongly with the university's strong social justice ethos, and with our commitment to building strong communities and acting as a force for good." Past chancellors at the university have included celebrity chef Prue Leith and Sir Tom Farmer, who died earlier this month.
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Sewing Bee judge to become Queen Margaret University chancellor
Great British Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant is to become the next chancellor of Edinburgh's Queen Margaret designer will be installed in his new role at the first of the university's graduations at the Usher Hall on 7 chancellor is the ceremonial head of the university, presiding over graduation ceremonies and performing an ambassadorial up in Edinburgh, Grant has developed an international reputation as a champion of UK textile manufacturing, supporting local communities while producing high-quality, long-lasting garments. Having been educated in both Edinburgh and Barnard Castle, he went on to study a degree in materials science and engineering at the University of Leeds, followed later by an MBA from the University of Woodburn, chairwoman of the Court of Queen Margaret University, said: "Patrick's career and achievements resonate strongly with the university's strong social justice ethos, and with our commitment to building strong communities and acting as a force for good."Past chancellors at the university have included celebrity chef Prue Leith and Sir Tom Farmer, who died earlier this month.
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Patrick Grant named as Queen Margaret University's new Chancellor
Patrick Grant, the designer, entrepreneur, writer, and advocate for sustainability and sustaining communities, is to be the next Chancellor of Queen Margaret University, (QMU) Edinburgh. The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the University, presiding over graduation ceremonies and performing an ambassadorial role. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, 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... A prominent figure in the British fashion industry, Patrick has become a household name through his role as a judge on one of BBC One's favourite shows, 'The Great British Sewing Bee'. However, his TV success is based on extensive recognition of his dedication to traditional craftsmanship and sustainable practices. As founder of the social enterprise Community Clothing, Patrick 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', which was published in 2024 and is a Sunday Times Bestseller, details his commitment to reducing consumption and embracing circular, regenerative fashion. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 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. Patrick Grant His passion for British manufacturing took a new turn in 2015 when he rescued the historic Blackburn-based clothing factory Cookson & Clegg from closure. This experience inspired him to launch Community Clothing in 2016, a pioneering initiative that has earned him widespread recognition for revitalising the UK garment industry. Community Clothing's mission is to sell exceptional quality everyday clothing at a fraction of the price of other premium brands and, by making all its clothing in the UK, sustaining and creating jobs and helping to restore local economic prosperity and pride. Beyond fashion, Patrick is a familiar face on television. In addition to the 'The Great British Sewing Bee', which was nominated for a BAFTA in 2022, he has presented the award-winning documentary 'Coronation Tailors: Fit for a King'. He has appeared on BBC Radio 4's 'Desert Island Discs', won BBC One's 'Celebrity Mastermind', and written extensively for publications including The Financial Times, The Times, and GQ Magazine. Patrick has strong connections with Edinburgh, where he grew up and where Queen Margaret University is based. With family still living in the city, he continues to be a regular visitor to the Scottish capital. Having been educated in both Edinburgh and Barnard Castle, Patrick went on to study a degree in Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Leeds, followed later by an MBA from the University of Oxford. He holds honorary fellowships at a number of universities. He is an ambassador for The King's Foundation, which works globally to create sustainable communities through placemaking projects and practical education programmes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Pamela Woodburn, Chair of the Court of Queen Margaret University said: 'Patrick's career and achievements resonate strongly with the University's strong social justice ethos, and with our commitment to building strong communities and acting as a force for good. He is someone who uses his intellect, skill and passion to solve problems, most notably in his work building community wealth through revitalising the UK garment industry, and in his promotion of sustainable consumption. Taking up his post during Queen Margaret University's 150th anniversary, his story mirrors that of our founders, who, to quote an old motto of our institution, acted 'with head, heart and hand' in creating our institution to deliver practical solutions tackling social and economic problems.' Patrick's example of combining entrepreneurialism, skill and people-focused thinking to build thriving communities aligns with QMU's purpose of shaping a better society through teaching and research in health and rehabilitation, education and social science, the creative industries, and sustainable business. Patrick will be installed as Chancellor at the first of QMU's 2025 graduations on 7 July 2025 at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh.
