Latest news with #RobertGordonUniversity
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Politics
- Scotsman
Why Donald Trump's mother's birthplace has a lesson for Scotland in dealing with US President
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... For anyone requiring a shorthand guide to the character of Donald John Trump, nothing has improved on Anthony Baxter's superb 2011 documentary film 'You've Been Trumped' about how he secured the land and consents required to build his golf course on Menie Estate. It's all there – ruthlessness, vanity, venality, bullying, bombast, contempt for the rights of those he perceives as lesser mortals... None of that is open to dispute. Neither, at the time, was the sycophancy of the Scottish Government or Robert Gordon University, which gave him an honorary degree and then made itself look even dafter by taking it away again. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad That was then and this is now. The personal characteristics show no sign of having changed. Like it or not, however, the same Donald John Trump is now President of the United States, elected for the second time with the votes of 77 million people. We might deplore it from afar but we also have to lump it. The American people have spoken. A rare sign of protest against Donald Trump in Stornoway, Lewis, in April. He is usually just ignored (Picture: Andy Buchanan) | AFP via Getty Images Trump loves denunciations As ever, it is necessary to separate the office from the person and righteous indignation from diplomacy. Self-interest as well as common courtesy dictates that Trump should be treated with the respect his office commands and also that his 'personal visit' should be taken at face value. If we wonder why he is back in Scotland, we should not forget the zeal with which his investment and brand were pursued in the first place. And if he wants to dedicate a memorial garden to his mother, then maybe he should be allowed to do just that with as little politicisation as is realistically possible. Respect, of course, does not mean acquiescence. It just means civility. I suspect that only a pretty small minority of Scots want to see next week's visit turned into a circus and for anyone who plans to make it one, the relevant question is: 'Who gains?' Trump is well accustomed to demonstrations and denunciations. He loves them. What he's much less used to is being ignored. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I am not naïve enough to think that is going to happen and everyone has a right to protest. There are myriad grounds for not liking Trump or his policies. However, there also many reasons why it is the interests of Scotland and the UK to maintain a decent relationship, as events of the past few months have confirmed. Donald Trump is due to visit Scotland next week (Picture: Tasos Katopodis) | Getty Images Jobs depend on diplomacy When Keir Starmer had his initial meeting with Trump in the Oval Office, John Swinney was straight out the traps to denounce the offer of a state visit, a treat for poor old King Charles which is yet in store. That's the difference between grandstanding without responsibility and the realpolitik which diplomacy demands. Starmer was, of course, right to play every diplomatic card in the interests of establishing a relationship which would protect the UK from Trump's trade jingoism at that time. It is greatly to the benefit of Scottish industries that he did so, rather than following more excitable advice, and the trade deal which followed seems to mean that we will escape the worst of tariffs. Not a bad trade-off for the flummery of a state visit. People's jobs depend on diplomacy, not denunciation. There is also the difficulty that if policies could be separated from personality, Scotland's views on Trump might be more nuanced than assumed. For example, the 'Stop Trump Coalition' is 'encouraging all those who can to come to Aberdeen to show Trump exactly what we in Scotland think of him'. But who are these 'we in Scotland' – or more specifically in Aberdeen? Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There are probably far more in the north-east who agree, than disagree, with Trump's insistence that there is life left in the North Sea, which it makes no sense to abandon for as long as we are gas dependent (ie, the Norwegian policy). The fact Trump is saying that does not make it wrong and if his meetings encourage both Scottish and UK Governments to think again, it would be no bad thing. While that does not need to be linked to his irrational hatred of 'windmills', there is no shortage of doubters about whether the 'just transition' which was promised is actually happening. The beneficiaries of failing to acknowledge any of that will be exactly the forces which Trump has aligned himself to in this country, in the person of Nigel Farage, which would doubtless fill the 'Stop Trump Coalition' with equal horror. Learning from Lewis Maybe the rest of Scotland has a lesson to learn from Lewis which has had to deal with the Trump enigma for longer than anyone else. With any less divisive figure than Trump, it would be a matter of great pride that the President of the United States is the son of an economic migrant who followed the American dream while always maintaining her links with the island. The politics of Trump – and not least his treatment of economic migrants – have long since made that impossible. There are no Trump Trails in Lewis, as there might be in Ireland. Cruise liners full of American tourists arrive and leave without any knowledge of the close connection to the White House. It is something that exists but is neither celebrated nor denounced. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Similarly, nobody can deny the authenticity of Trump's connection to Scotland or the possibility that it is something, however deeply concealed, which actually matters to him. The primary purpose of his visit is to dedicate a second golf course and a garden to the memory of his Macleod mother. Maybe just this once, we should cut Domhnall Iain Trump a bit of slack and let the occasion pass.
Daily Record
05-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Scots student devastated after brain tumour returned during exams
Abbie Coull was in her second year studying to be a lawyer when she received the heartbreaking news. A young Scots woman who battled a brain tumour while studying for a law degree has defied the odds to graduate with distinction. Abbie Coull, 23, from Aberdeenshire, has completed her Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Aberdeen – the final step in her journey to becoming a qualified solicitor - despote her health battles. Her determination was tested just a year into her law studies at Robert Gordon University when she received the devastating news that a benign brain tumour, previously removed, had returned. 'I was only 17 when I was diagnosed with a tumour on the hearing and balance nerve just outside the brain,' Abbie explained. 'In 2021, during my second year at university, I found out it was growing back. I had to undergo radiation therapy at the same time as sitting my exams.' Despite undergoing intense treatment – and on three occasions completing exams on the very same day she received radiation – Abbie refused to give up on her goals, reports Aberdeen Live. 'I struggled with fatigue and side effects for a long time, but I was determined to keep going,' she said. Her hard work paid off, graduating with a first-class law degree before moving on to the University of Aberdeen to complete her diploma – a course she has now finished with distinction. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Alongside her tumour battle, Abbie has also faced other serious health challenges. At the age of 12, she underwent major spinal fusion surgery to correct scoliosis, which meant missing school and giving up sports for two years. 'I've learned that things can and do get better,' she said. 'I knew I'd regret it if I didn't try my best, no matter how tough things got.' Abbie credits her family, university support services, and her own strong will for helping her through. 'My parents took time off work to drive me to and from radiation appointments in Edinburgh. I'd study or sleep in the car – their support meant everything. University counsellors were also a great help.' She also found that continuing with her studies helped her mentally. 'Knowing it would take three years to find out if the radiation had worked was incredibly hard. But focusing on my degree helped me stay positive – it was a great distraction.' Now in remission and with her health stable, Abbie is about to begin her first legal role at a local law firm this summer. 'The radiation did what it was supposed to do – the tumour has stopped growing. I still get an annual MRI scan, and while I always get a little nervous, the results have remained good.' Reflecting on her time in Aberdeen, Abbie said: 'The highlight has definitely been the people. From my first day, the atmosphere on campus was amazing – there was such a buzz.' As she prepares to begin life as a solicitor, Abbie has a message for others facing similar battles. 'Reach out and don't be afraid to ask for help. You don't have to go through tough times alone. I hope my story shows that even when life throws challenges at you, it's possible to push through and achieve your dreams.'
Press and Journal
03-07-2025
- General
- Press and Journal
RGU graduate who started uni at 16 begins career in law
Going to university is a big step towards adulthood, especially if you're also moving out of the family home. But while some of us (me) found it hard to make the move at 18, Katie Thomson already had two years under her belt by the time she was that age. The former Mintlaw Academy pupil had a clear plan in her mind from third year, knew what she needed to do, and went for it. And this week, at just 21, she graduated from Robert Gordon University and will now embark upon a career as a solicitor. Lockdown solved the problem of being two years too young to go to the pub with her new uni friends. But how was it moving into a flatshare and starting university at the tender age of 16? With Covid affecting her school years too, Katie nonetheless got five Highers in fifth year – English, maths, history, French and Spanish. After that, she went to university, skipping sixth year, which is not unusual in itself. But because she was young for her year, with a December birthday, she started aged just 16. Katie explained: 'I went into a flat when I was 16. 'I think I was quite a grown-up 16. It was a little bit scary, but not too bad. 'I don't think my parents were too worried – they knew I was only an hour away if anything happened.' And although the social side of things might have potentially been tricky – although not everything at uni revolves around the pub – Covid took care of that. Katie said: 'Because of Covid, no-one was really able to go out anyway, so I didn't really miss out on Freshers Week stuff. 'We got lectures to watch at home and then for the first semester, I was just in for one day every two weeks. 'I would say it was hard to try and get help with things and meet new people.' So in a way it was lucky for Katie that second year became the new first year socially. Lockdown eased then, pretty much when she turned 18. She added: 'Everyone met each other in second year.' Katie, the oldest of seven children, got a 2:1 Honours degree in law last year. And now, she has graduated with her Diploma in Professional Legal Practice. She attended the ceremony with her mum Lisa, dad Peter, step-parents and fiance Logan. Never one to waste time, she started a new job as a paralegal the day after she finished her diploma. And she has a little bit of advice for those planning their next steps. She said: 'I think it's different for me, because I was lucky enough to know what I wanted to do. 'If you know early what you want to so, then just go for it.'
Times
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Times
Charity ‘feared funding cut' over links with gender-critical academic
A Scottish academic has claimed she was compelled to step down from a charity over fears that Scottish government funding would be cut due to its association with her. Professor Sarah Pedersen, dean of the graduate school at Robert Gordon University, said the charity's Edinburgh head office told her it was anxious that funding would be pulled because of her gender-critical views. She declined to identify the charity. After appearing at an Edinburgh University event on trans rights, Pedersen said she endured non-platforming and aggression from students who allegedly compiled a 'dossier' of 'evil things' she was alleged to have done, including retweeting a social media post from Johann Lamont, the gender-critical former Scottish Labour leader. The lecturer has now called for John Swinney, the first minister, to show immediate leadership on the issue of sex and gender in Scotland. • Times view: Kirk fiasco shows SNP must stop dragging its feet on single-sex spaces Pedersen is one of a handful of UK academics who put their name to a UK government-commissioned report by Professor Alice Sullivan, a companion piece of research to a report earlier this year that found health boards, rape crisis services and police in Scotland had failed to record accurate data on sex and gender. They gave evidence that those who have challenged the theory that sex is always less important than gender identity have been bullied, harassed and blocked from career progression. The report, 'Barriers to research on sex and gender', features personal accounts from UK academics, including those from the University of Edinburgh and Robert Gordon University. In what is described as the most extensive research of its kind conducted in the UK, Sullivan has collected and analysed evidence on the impact of a 'hostile culture' that has developed in university campuses over the past decade. Pedersen said she was taken aback by the number of research participants who wished to remain anonymous, demonstrating the 'chilling effect' of discrimination against gender critical academics. Pedersen thought 'long and hard' about whether or not to go on the record but said she was supported by Robert Gordon University, which had encouraged 'academic freedom throughout'. The report contains other accounts of the personal and professional impact of universities tolerating and encouraging the behaviour of a small minority of staff. Campaigns were often co-ordinated through LGBT+ networks, which were embedded in management EDI (equality, diversity and inclusion) structures, it found. One of the most difficult experiences involved Pedersen being invited to step down from the charity she chaired. The organisation's umbrella body in Edinburgh said that Scottish government funding might be pulled due to the charity's association with her. 'I'm not sure how credible a concern that was in reality but I think the fact that it was the head office in Edinburgh that told our committee this made it credible,' she said. • Keir Starmer says trans ruling must be enacted 'as soon as possible' 'It certainly made me feel that I could not continue in my role, because if we didn't get funding, and if the charity had to close or reduce its services, then I would feel tremendously guilty.' Sullivan has made 20 recommendations to the government and academic institutions to defend high-quality research and protect individual academics from professional and personal attack. One of the routes to improvement, Pedersen believes, would be a sense of leadership on the issue from the Scottish government. 'Keir Starmer came out firmly with a position a couple of days ago, but we've not had that lead from John Swinney,' she said. 'And I think that until that happens, things will continue to stall.' The Scottish government has been contacted for comment.
Scotsman
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
Scottish gender critical academic trained in security 'duck and cover' manoeuvres at universities
Universities have allowed the suppression of free speech and enabled violence and harassment of gender critical academics, a new report has found. 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... One Scottish academic has told how she was compelled to step down from a charity over fears the Scottish Government would cease its funding due to the association with her. Professor Sarah Pedersen, from Robert Gordon University, who also endured no-platforming and aggression from students, said the charity's Edinburgh head office said it was afraid funding would be pulled. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The UK government-commissioned report by Professor Alice Sullivan is a companion piece of research to a report earlier this year that found health boards, rape crisis services and police in Scotland had failed to record accurate data on sex and gender. Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. The report, 'Barriers to research on sex and gender', features personal accounts from UK academics, including those from the University of Edinburgh and Robert Gordon University. They give evidence that those who have challenged the theory that sex is always less important than gender identity have been bullied, harassed and blocked from career progression. In what is described as the most extensive research of its kind conducted in the UK, Prof Sullivan has collected and analysed evidence on the impact of a 'hostile culture' that has developed in university campuses over the past decade. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Researchers investigating vital issues have been subjected to sustained campaigns of intimidation simply for acknowledging the biological and social importance of sex,' Prof Sullivan, professor of sociology at the UCL Social Research Institute, said. 'When fundamental issues cannot be investigated or debated openly, this undermines our academic institutions, it hurts individuals and it compromises the integrity of research. 'The suppression of research often harms the very groups that activists claim to support.' Prof Pedersen said she was 'taken aback' by the number of research participants who wished to remain anonymous, demonstrating the 'chilling effect' of discrimination against gender critical academics. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad She thought 'long and hard' about whether or not to go on the record, but said she was supported by Robert Gordon University, which has encouraged 'academic freedom throughout'. Speaking to The Scotsman, Prof Pedersen described her involvement at a situation at the University of Edinburgh, which became notorious because of an attack on the feminist writer Julie Bindel. Prof Pedersen was on the panel alongside Ms Bindel and said that, before the event, the six participants were given a one-hour security briefing. In what the academic said was an unprecedented step, the group was trained in 'duck and cover' manoeuvres and how to exit the stage should they be attacked. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'One of the panellists was so frightened she went out and threw up,' Prof Pedersen said. 'And then, of course, Julie was attacked and I only found out about that as I was walking by myself late at night down to Waverley Station, so that was really frightening.' Prof Pedersen said the same crowd of activists shouting have been seen at various university events she had undertaken. The professor had written a book about the website Mumsnet and she faced attempts to have her blacklisted. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'That was brutal, to be frank with you,' she said, describing people who had never met her or read the book demanding she be removed from panels and events. In some cases, the campaign was successful and invitations were rescinded, Prof Pedersen said. Students at the university put together a 'dossier' of 'evil things' she was alleged to have done, including retweeting a social media post from the gender-critical former Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont. In the report are other accounts of the personal and professional impact of universities tolerating and encouraging the behaviour of a small minority of staff. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Campaigns are often co-ordinated through LGBT+ networks, which are embedded in management EDI structures, the report found. One of the most difficult scenarios involved Prof Pedersen being invited to step down from the charity she chaired. The organisation's umbrella body in Edinburgh said that Scottish Government funding might be pulled due to the charity's association with her. 'I'm not sure how credible a concern that was in reality, but I think the fact that it was the head office in Edinburgh that told our committee this made it credible,' she said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It certainly made me feel that I could not continue in my role, because if we didn't get funding, and if the charity had to close or reduce its services, then I would feel tremendously guilty.' Prof Sullivan has made 20 recommendations to the government and academic institutions to defend high-quality research and protect individual academics from professional and personal attack. One of the routes to improvement, Prof Pedersen said she believed, would be a sense of leadership on the issue from the Scottish Government. 'Keir Starmer came out firmly with a position a couple of days ago, but we've not had that lead from John Swinney,' she said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'And I think that until that happens, things will continue to stall.' The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment. A UK government spokeswoman said: 'We are taking strong action to protect academic freedom and free speech, which are fundamental to our world-leading universities. 'This includes introducing new duties on universities to ensure they are robust in promoting and protecting free speech on campus. 'It also comes alongside the firm steps the Office for Students is already taking, through fines and new guidance, to ensure universities remain beacons of academic freedom.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A Universities UK spokeswoman said: 'We agree that universities must protect and defend academic freedom and freedom of speech.' The organisation added: 'These are complex issues. In practice universities are bound by law to protect the free speech of individuals who have very different views on contentious topics.
