
Erin Brockovich joins forces with Scottish university to launch course
Keynote speakers include environmental activist Erin Brockovich.
READ MORE: University releases statement after rector launches legal action amid Gaza row
Brockovich became globally-recognised after an Oscar-winning movie charted her journey as a paralegal, whistleblower and activist after she uncovered groundwater contamination in Hinkley, California, which caused cancer and other serious ailments.
She settled a lawsuit against Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for $333 million in 1996.
Julia Roberts (centre) playing Erin Brockovich (Image: Vue Cinema) A description of the course states: "In a world where one wrong move can go viral - governance is not an option, it is an integral and imperative skill needed to run companies in today's ever changing business environment.
"From environmental crises and global conflict to fast-moving tech, AI advances and boardroom accountability, this programme tackles real-life complex business issues head on, equipping candidates with the tools needed to drive forward successful organisations."
Other high-profile speakers, include:
Phillips O'Brien, Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews, who will discuss geopolitics, whilst sharing insight into the skills required to anticipate risks, drive stability and seize opportunities against the backdrop of Brexit, trade-wars, and an unpredictable geopolitical climate.
Dr Erin Young who will provide a masterclass on how AI is changing business and how to protect companies in the face of constant innovation.
Chair of the Institute of Directors, John Browett and CEO and inspirational speaker, Hamish Taylor who'll cover innovation and global leadership.
Commenting on the collaboration, Professor Mark Brewer, dean of the University of St Andrews business school, said: 'In a landscape defined by geopolitical uncertainty, technological disruption and an accelerating climate crisis, board directors must cultivate both agility and integrity.
"The Global Certificate in Company Direction unites the interdisciplinary expertise of the University of St Andrews Business School with the IoD's governance expertise, equipping current and future leaders with the critical thinking, collaborative networks and practical tools to navigate complexity and drive sustainable impact.'
READ MORE: Meet the 21-year-old asylum seeker who has earned a spot at top Scottish art school
Jonathan Geldart, director general of the IoD added: 'The IoD and the University of St Andrews offers a programme that combines 732 years of learning and leadership. This programme provides valuable insights and proven strategies that have endured over time. Both prestigious organisations honour their rich heritage while looking to the future by empowering the next generation of leaders.'
Upon completion, graduates will receive an official IoD Global Certificate, join the University of St Andrews Business School's alumni network, and be invited to a graduation ceremony celebration in London.
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Edinburgh Reporter
3 hours ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
What's causing the rise of online casinos in Scotland?
The number of online casinos in Scotland keeps growing. Since the Covid-19 pandemic (do you remember that?), the number of gamblers has increased significantly. We suppose it had a lot to do with people being stuck at home. On this page, we're going to take a look at why the number of online casinos in Scotland is on the rise. Remember, the UK has always had a solid gambling industry – one of the biggest in the world. This is all thanks to the hard work of the UK Gambling Commission in ensuring that gamblers are protected. So, online casinos have always been a safe place to gamble. Still, there's got to be a reason why even more people are starting to trust online casinos. Photo by Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash Why online casinos are booming Honestly, the main reason why we are seeing so many online casinos in Scotland nowadays is simply down to the fact that there are many more gamblers. With a larger market available, more online casinos will try to enter the fray to get a slice of that sweet pie. As long as the number of gamblers in Scotland continues to rise, the number of online casinos will also increase. Remember, online casinos in Scotland don't just cater to Scottish customers. They cater to everybody in the UK (and the Republic of Ireland, in some cases). This means that there is a massive market available to these online platforms. The larger number of online casinos means that it won't be hard to find new casinos worth playing at. Just read a few reviews and you'll be ready to roll. More transparency As we said, the UK has always had some great laws for gambling. The UK has often led the pack when it comes to global legislation, and the country has done well in trying to get a blend between allowing online casinos the freedom to thrive while also protecting the gamblers there. We won't go into the laws right now, just know that if you gamble at an online casino located in the UK (one that's properly licensed here), then you should be safe. Online casinos are more transparent in their activities than ever, allowing gamblers to feel safe when gambling there. The idea of being safe when gambling on these platforms has led to more gamblers, and thus more online casinos. A lot of online casinos are now being crystal clear about their return to player (RTP) rates. They are also using provably fair technology, based on crypto technology, which enables players to see that games truly are random. This means that players don't feel as if they're being scammed by an online platform. More games to play Players now have more choice of what games to play, and online casinos are popping up to cater to all those interests. While slot machines and table games (eg roulette and blackjack) have very much become the norm in the world of online gambling, newer games are starting to appear – for example, games like Keno and instant-win games. We are also seeing more live dealer games than ever. Of course, many of these games are appearing on major online casinos, while there are some platforms that are appearing purely to cater to those specific niches. Lower deposits Some online casinos are becoming much more 'casual' gambling places. Gone are the days when you would need to deposit seemingly vast sums of cash into your account to start playing. Now, people can deposit a couple of pounds and get started. We are seeing a sharp rise in the number of online casinos that are catering specifically to the lower deposit demographic, and we like it. There are many reasons for this. The main benefit is that it allows people to gamble smaller sums of cash. This helps people to test platforms, while also reducing the risk of problem gambling. Convenience and accessibility Online casinos are also becoming a lot easier to access than ever. This has allowed more people to gamble. If you've got a phone or tablet computer, then you can gamble online. You wouldn't have been able to do this a decade or so ago. People can now jump into short periods of gambling on their morning commute, for instance. Couple this with the smaller minimum deposits and you've got the ideal casual gambler experience. More investment in marketing and casino bonuses Of course, online casinos really need to compete in what is an increasingly crowded market. This means more cash is being spent on marketing and casino bonuses. The idea is that more people will be drawn to a platform. The increase in marketing expenditure is having a massive impact on the number of gamblers, or those who are aware of online gambling. This contributes to growth. Final thoughts – will the rise continue? We don't see online gambling in Scotland slowing down. It has been growing for a long time, and new people are always turning 18 and enjoying the idea of casual gambling. It would take something serious to crash the market, and we don't foresee that happening. Like this: Like Related

The National
3 hours ago
- The National
Kate Forbes's resignation may be welcome for left of SNP
IN a surprising announcement, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced that she will not be standing for re-election as an MSP at the next Scottish parliament elections due in May next year. First elected as an MSP in 2016 and a fluent Gaelic speaker, she has served as Deputy First Minister of Scotland and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and [[Gaelic]] since May 2024. In her letter announcing that she would not be seeking re-election, she cited her wish to spend more time with her young family. Her daughter Naomi was born in summer 2022. She also has step-children from her husband's first marriage. Her husband Ali's first wife died suddenly in 2014. READ MORE: Highland Council set for by-election after Green resigns seat In her announcement she wrote: "It has been a great honour to serve Highland communities for almost a decade. I am grateful to every voter who re-elected me at the last election with the biggest majority in Scotland. 'I have also been privileged to serve in Government, first as Minister for Public Finance, then as Cabinet Secretary for Finance and most recently as Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic. 'As I reflected over recess, I have concluded that I do not wish to seek re-election for another five-year term in the Scottish Parliament. 'All politicians face a choice at every election to stay on the same path or not. Quite simply, I've decided on the latter. I remain wholly supportive of the First Minister just as when I backed him to be leader of the SNP and I look forward to campaigning for the SNP at the next election – to lead Scotland to independence.' Forbes stood for election as party leader following the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon, coming second behind Humza Yousaf. She scuppered her campaign early on by saying in an interview that she would not have supported equal marriage as recognising same sex marriages runs counter to her religious beliefs. Forbes is a member of the Christian fundamentalist Free Church of Scotland, for which her father was a missionary in India. Her socially conservative beliefs and conservative economic policies put her firmly on the right of the SNP. Her support for freeports left many SNP members feeling uncomfortable. Although she never mentioned her explicitly, Forbes's elevation to the post of Deputy First Minister seems to have been one of the reasons former MP Mhairi Black recently resigned from the SNP, citing her unhappiness with the direction that the party had been taking. Black was not alone. Forbes' resignation has been welcomed on social media by those who believe that in order to win back the trust of younger voters and working-class communities, the SNP needs to promote more assertively left wing, climate-friendly economic policies. They hope that this development will signal a leftward pivot from the SNP, marking a clear political and economic distinction between the SNP and the increasingly right-wing Labour party. READ MORE: From rising star to Deputy First Minister – Kate Forbes' career as she stands down However, whatever your views on Kate Forbes, her standing down will be a big loss to Holyrood and Government, and yet another indication the price on their family lives MSPs representing Highlands and Islands constituencies are expected to pay. First Minister John Swinney paid tribute to his deputy, writing on Twitter/X: "I pay tribute to Kate for her invaluable contribution to public life over the last ten years. The challenges of frontline politics are considerable, and I understand the decision she has made.' He then added: 'Although I wish it was not the case.' Health Secretary Neil Gray also said he was "very sorry" to hear the news but does "understand why". Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: "The pressures on any working mum is considerable but to combine that with senior ministerial responsibilities alongside a young family while serving your constituency is colossal. I wish Kate and her family all the best for whatever comes next." Today's announcement means that the [[SNP]] must run a fresh selection contest to find a new candidate for Forbes's Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency. Forbes's position had been confirmed in April when the SNP revealed that she had been the only nominee to stand in the area, meaning there is no second-place challenger to step in and take her place. READ MORE: What Kate Forbes's exit means for future SNP leadership hopefuls The SNP announced their full slate of nominees for the 2026 Holyrood elections in May, meaning that Forbes's constituency is currently the only area without a confirmed party candidate. In the 2021 elections, Forbes won 56.1% of the vote, while the Tories came second on 19.3%. The LibDems were in third with 15.7%. However, at last year's Westminster election, the Lib Dems took the overlapping [[Westminster]] constituency of Inverness, [[Skye]], and West Ross-shire with 37.8% of the vote against 33.3% for the [[SNP]]'s Drew Hendry.


Scotsman
4 hours ago
- Scotsman
Edinburgh emerges as one of UK's top co-working markets
Scotland is home to 279 flexible workspaces as of Q2 2025 — with Glasgow (61), Edinburgh (55), and Aberdeen (26) all ranking among the UK's top 15 coworking markets. 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... Together, these three cities anchor Scotland's position as a key player in the UK's expanding flexible office landscape. That's according to CoworkingCafe's Q2 2025 State of the Coworking Industry Report, which draws on proprietary data as of July. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The report provides a detailed breakdown of flexible workspace supply at both national and local levels — highlighting the top 15 coworking markets, the largest operators, and median pricing for monthly memberships, day passes, virtual office packages, and meeting rooms. Median Subscription Prices by Country Q2 2025 Median Subscription Prices by Country Q2 2025 Scotland is home to 279 co-working spaces as of Q2 2025, with more than half of them concentrated in the country's three largest markets: Glasgow (#4), Edinburgh (#5), and Aberdeen (#11) in the UK-wide rankings. This urban clustering highlights the regional demand for flexible work solutions, particularly in cities with strong business, academic, and innovation ecosystems. Across Scotland, co-working pricing remains competitive compared to UK averages. The median monthly membership is £150, notably below the UK median of £180. Day passes average £23/day, and virtual office packages are priced at a median of £95/month, aligning with the national median. Meeting rooms in Scotland cost £25/hour on average. Among operators, Wasps is a key player in the region, with 18 co-working locations across various Scottish cities. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Distribution of Coworking Spaces — UK & Ireland Q2 2025 With 61 flexible workspaces, Glasgow ranks #4 in the UK and leads Scotland in co-working availability. It offers a balanced pricing profile: monthly memberships are priced at £160, above the Scottish median but still below the UK benchmark. Day passes cost £23/day, tying Glasgow for the most affordable rate in the UK alongside Newcastle, Nottingham, and Brighton. Virtual office subscriptions, however, are relatively high at £119/month, well above both Scottish and UK medians. Meeting rooms are priced affordably at £23/hour, one of the lowest rates nationwide and comparable to Cardiff. Edinburgh ranks #5 in the UK and second in Scotland, offering 55 co-working locations across the city. As Scotland's capital, it commands some of the highest pricing in the region. Monthly memberships average £192, well above both the Scottish and UK medians. Day passes are priced at £30/day, placing Edinburgh among the UK's top-tier markets, alongside Greater London, Oxford, and Belfast. Virtual offices cost £99/month, slightly above the national median of £95, while meeting rooms are priced at £40/hour, among the highest in Scotland and the UK overall. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Aberdeen ranks #11 in the UK and third in Scotland, with 26 co-working spaces as of Q2 2025. Pricing in the city reflects a mid-range profile: monthly memberships are £160/month, above the Scottish average but still below the national median. Day passes cost £28/day, higher than both Scottish and UK medians, while virtual offices are priced at £95/month, matching the national figure. Meeting rooms in Aberdeen are typically £30/hour, aligning with the UK-wide median. As of Q2 2025, the UK and Ireland collectively host 4,199 co-working spaces, reflecting a broad and mature flexible office landscape. The UK accounts for 3,949 of these locations, with 3,456 in England, 279 in Scotland, 124 in Wales, and 90 in Northern Ireland. Greater London remains the epicenter of activity, with 1,202 coworking spaces, followed by other major hubs such as Manchester (118), Birmingham (68), Glasgow (61), and Bristol (61). In Ireland, there are 250 co-working spaces, with nearly half concentrated in Dublin (119) — firmly positioning the capital as the country's dominant flex office market. You can read the full report at