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Daily Record
10 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Inspirational honorary graduates celebrated at Stirling University's summer graduation
Former Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström, SPFL Trust CEO Nicky Reid, dedicated volunteer Lynda Morrison and events supremo Paul Bush OBE will receive honorary degrees Former Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström, SPFL Trust CEO Nicky Reid, dedicated volunteer Lynda Morrison and events supremo Paul Bush OBE will receive honorary degrees at next week's summer graduation at Stirling University. Margot, a Swedish parliamentarian who pioneered the world's first feminist foreign policy and is a passionate advocate for the environment, will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her outstanding contribution to protecting the environment and championing women's rights at Wednesday's ceremony. Across her illustrious political career, Margot has held a number of senior roles including serving as the first ever Vice President of the European Commission, the first United Nations Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and Chair of the Council of Women World Leaders Ministerial Initiative. The same day, Lynda Morrison, who has volunteered 20 years of her life to helping shape the delivery of social work and nursing education through the University of Stirling's Service User and Carer Group (UNITY), will receive an honorary Master of Arts degree. She will be recognised for her long and meritorious voluntary service to social work and social work education, and to improving the lives of service users nationally and internationally. The UNITY group, which Lynda was instrumental in setting up in 2005, has attracted national and international recognition for being one of the first to involve service users and carers in the design, development, and delivery of teaching to social work and nursing students. On Thursday, Paul Bush OBE, the former director of events for VisitScotland who played a vital role in bringing major spectacles including the Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup and UEFA Euro 2020 to Scotland, will receive an Honorary Doctorate. He will be recognised for his outstanding contribution to sport and to the events industry in the country. He is a previous chief executive of Scottish Swimming and, while in that role, worked closely with the University of Stirling in developing the state-of-the-art National Swimming Academy. Alongside the facility, he built a professional coaching and performance management structure for the sport which led to significant and continuing international success. Paul will be joined by Nicky Reid, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) Trust, who will also be made a Doctor of the University for her outstanding contribution to charity and exceptional leadership qualities. Nicky achieved a Film, Media and Sociology degree from the University of Stirling in 2007 and went on to hold the position of Learning Centre Manager at Falkirk Football Club. Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: 'Summer graduation is always a special highlight in the university calendar, and we are delighted that those celebrating next week will be joined by four inspiring role models. 'Each of our honorary graduates has made a lasting impact in their fields, contributing in powerful and enduring ways to society. We are proud to recognise their achievements and know that they will be outstanding ambassadors for the University.'
Scotsman
07-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Tony Bloom could be Hearts' missing X-factor but I have questions and I know fans who will vote against deal
Majority of Jambos backing Bloom - but some have reservations Sign up to our Football newsletter 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... On the face of it, the announcement that a competition for lower-league clubs in Scotland has acquired a new sponsor and is being renamed has very little to do with Heart of Midlothian Football Club. However, the news on Wednesday afternoon that the Challenge Cup, which has most recently been known as The SPFL Trust Trophy and is currently in the hands of Livingston, will now be reformatted and known as the KDM Evolution Trophy did raise eyebrows as Scottish football digested confirmation of Tony Bloom's intended £10 million investment in Hearts, which has been interpreted as a potential game-changer in some quarters. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster is quoted in the press release thanking the SPFL Trust 'and the donors who support them' for their recent years of Challenge Cup sponsorship. It's been known for some time that the SPFL Trust, a registered charity, were stepping away to concentrate on other initiatives in conjunction with Scottish football's senior clubs. And who knows, James Anderson, whose munificence has supported the Challenge Cup in recent years, may well help fund such projects. From left: Foundation of Hearts Chairman Gerry Mallon with non-Executive Director James Anderson, Non-Executive Director Kevin Windram and Non-Executive Director Donald Cumming during a Heart of Midlothian AGM at Tynecastle Park, on December 14, 2023, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Paul Devlin / SNS Group) | SNS Group But it does pose further questions about the benefactor's future intentions with regards to Hearts and which were initially raised by the latest Bloom-related developments. What does the future look like for the Tynecastle club full stop? As well as Anderson, who along with wife Morag is estimated to have ploughed as much as £25m into the club, there's question marks about how long chairperson Ann Budge plans to stay so directly involved. Now 77, it's a wonder she still has the appetite while having to endure the type of criticism that recently came her way following her 'yesterday's news' comment to a reporter asking her about the previous day's sacking of Neil Critchley. When Hearts were trailing to Ross County in Dingwall last weekend, she was described as yesterday's news herself by jeering fans. Which brings us to Bloom, and the enthusiasm with which confirmation of his plans has been greeted. As well as being the talk of the toon, "The Lizard", as the professional poker player was once known, was also the centre of discussion at Dalmahoy, where Hearts held their golf day on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Bloom awaits to be waved through at Tynecastle. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Nevertheless, it's understandable if some are harbouring initial reservations about Hearts being so eager to get into bed with the Brighton & Hove Albion chairman when they've worked so hard to establish themselves as the UK's largest fan-owned club. Hearts fan will be asked to vote on whether to accept a near £10m investment from Tony Bloom. (Photo by Mark Scates / SNS Group) | SNS Group Some might have felt this claim jarred with the post from the club on Tuesday reporting news that Bloom has made a proposal to invest £9.86m for a 29 per cent stake, though crucially in the form of non-voting shares. As the FoH Board outlined in a missive to members, 'the voting rights of the club's existing shareholders, including FoH as the majority shareholders, will not be diluted as a result of the proposed investment'. Bloom's stake will fall in line with recently redrawn SFA rules regarding multi-club ownership, with Hibs now seemingly reaping the benefits of Bournemouth owner Bill Foley's £6 million investment last February. Depending on who you speak to, Bloom's cash injection is either potentially transformative or a drop in the ocean if 'disrupting' a natural order of Scottish football that has become so well established since 1985, when Aberdeen were the last Old Firm club to win the title, is the ambition. Bloom's is being backed by the FoH, whose chairman Gerry Mallon gave a very persuasive interview on behalf of the majority shareholders outlining the pros of the proposed deal. The cons were not addressed. Quite possibly there aren't any. 'Anyone who doesn't vote in favour of this needs their head examined,' was one of the first comments underneath the video. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Still, nobody should be condemned for advising some caution. What is the point in putting in place a 20-day consultation period if it's not for those affected to discuss, query and, if they still feel unsatisfied, object? Lawrence Broadie, a communications specialist who worked at Hearts prior to 2011, knows the motion will 'sail through' with a more than 50 per cent majority required – he estimates upwards of 98 per cent will be in favour. He is not against the idea of investment from Bloom, who few can argue is a credible and successful operator in football having driven a data-led revolution at home and abroad, where he also has a stake in Belgian club Union-Saint Gilloise. Lawrence Broadie previously worked for Hearts. | SNS Group 'I am not against it,' says Broadie. 'I just have questions.' He knows of a few who have concerns to the extent they will likely vote against the Bloom bid, including 'fan ownership purists' who, regardless of voting rights being maintained, have concerns about the FoH's shareholding being reduced by almost a third. Nothing is guaranteed, as Hearts, who have been healthily backed in recent seasons with no tangible reward, have themselves shown. Nobody had them in the bottom six at the start of the campaign and yet it's where they ended up much to the outrage of their fans. 'Is this what 40 million pounds gets you?' has been the gist of some of their complaints, with the question a particularly pointed one with supporters having contributed almost half that total through monthly donations. Hearts stand accused of wasting a 'golden ticket'. 'On the face of it, someone who is prepared to spend £10 million for the right to put one person on the board, there's been worse deals,' adds Broadie. 'But I think there are some fundamental questions about what the club is trying to do. Because the evidence is that they have not always spent money wisely in the last 11 years.'
Edinburgh Reporter
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Former Hibs striker Simon Murray opens up on son's autism diagnosis
Just a few years ago Murray knew little about autism. Today, it shapes every part of his life through the lens of fatherhood. Since his young son Nova's diagnosis, Murray and his partner have been on a journey of learning, adapting, and embracing a new understanding of neurodiversity. 'Unpredictable is the best way to describe it,' Murray shares. 'There are constant challenges—sensory triggers like noise or light—but we're learning and adapting all the time. It's made me a better father, and that's helped my football too.' Nova was around 18 months old when the family began to notice signs of autism. From communication challenges to navigating everyday unpredictability, the experience has been eye-opening for Murray. 'I knew nothing about autism before Nova. Now I'm always learning. There's more awareness and better understanding these days, which makes a huge difference to families like ours.' When the opportunity arose last summer to return to his hometown, Murray made the move back to Dundee to be closer to Nova and provide the support he needed—especially as he started school. 'Since coming home, it's made a massive difference. I can help with the school run, spend real time with Nova, and be present every day. You can see how much he's come on.' With around 700,000 people across the UK on the autism spectrum—and over two-thirds of autistic people in Scotland feeling socially isolated—the need for awareness and support has never been greater. Football, as the national game, has an unmatched power to bring people together, create purpose, and foster belonging. 'Football should be for everyone,' says Murray. 'There are so many families who don't attend games because of anxiety over what might trigger their child. That's heartbreaking—for the kids and the parents.' Clubs and organisations are responding. The SPFL Trust's A-Team initiative is one example, introducing mobile sensory units and staff training to ensure matchdays are more inclusive. Aberdeen FC has been recognised as Scotland's first autism-friendly football club, leading the way with quiet areas and speedy turnstile options. Murray believes Scottish football must keep going further—and he's happy to be part of that movement. 'We should make it as easy as possible for everyone to enjoy football. Kids on the spectrum deserve that experience too. Football can be a powerful source of confidence, identity, and joy.' This season, Murray is enjoying one of the most successful periods of his playing career, but it's what's happening off the pitch that fuels him most. 'I play for my family now. Nova gives me purpose. After facing real-life challenges, the pressure of a game feels different. Football is an outlet—but also a way to give back.' As Nova nears the end of his first school year, Murray continues to raise awareness, speak openly, and support other families whenever he can. 'I don't have all the answers—I'm still learning every day. But if sharing our story helps even one family feel less alone, it's worth it.' Like this: Like Related
