Apple has chosen one of Scotland’s smallest education authorities to help lead its Inspire Academy initiative—an incredible achievement for Scottish Borders Council.
Three years ago, the council rolled out iPads to every secondary school pupil, and it’s clearly paying dividends. Apple is now actively collaborating with Borders schools, bringing direct lessons from Apple IT experts on app development and even virtual connections with Apple HQ in California.
Seven Borders teachers have now graduated as Apple learning specialists, while Selkirk High, Kelso High and Broomlands Primary have all earned the prestigious Apple Distinguished School status.
It’s fantastic to see pupils being immersed in STEM education like this—especially with support from one of the world’s most successful tech companies. And for teachers, this also means access to upskilling opportunities, which is a major bonus.
Elsewhere in Scotland, we’re seeing innovation too—North Lanarkshire’s partnership with BT introduced the first 5G immersive classroom, where entire walls become interactive digital projections. This helps visualise complex concepts in ways that traditional classrooms never could.
Some schools are even using MinecraftEdu to teach history and art by letting pupils build historical landmarks in-game. It might sound unconventional, but it’s a powerful way to bring learning to life.
Investing in these kinds of skills is essential. Coding, design, and problem-solving are in demand like never before. If I were at school again, I’d jump at these opportunities.
Scotland is taking bold steps to prepare pupils for the digital economy. Programmes like this could well produce our next generation of tech leaders—and that’s exciting.
Scottish Leather Group Powers Ahead with Hiring Boost
Amid turbulent times, it’s great to hear some good news from the Scottish business scene.
Scottish Leather Group is ramping up hiring, with 60 new roles created following a 75% surge in demand. It’s a brilliant recovery for a business that only recently reported a pre-tax loss.
Based in Bridge of Weir and Paisley, the company supplies high-end leather to luxury clients like Rolls-Royce, Ryanair, Emirates and Aston Martin.
Their recent investment in a waste water plant is also a strong move towards greater sustainability. It’s proof that even legacy industries can innovate and modernise.
They’ve turned things around quickly—and are now proof of Scottish manufacturing’s global strength.
It Made Me Laugh
Yes Sir, Ice Can Boogie! Gritter Names Return
It’s that time of year again—Scotland’s salt gritter naming competition is back.
Last year’s entries included punny favourites like “Yes Sir, Ice Can Boogie”, “Sir David Attenbrrrrr”, and “Sweet Child O’Brine”.
Amey, the motorway maintenance company, is inviting the public to name its new fleet again, and I can’t wait to see what people come up with this time.
It’s a bit of light-hearted fun during winter—and who doesn’t love a clever pun on wheels?
It Made Me Weep
TUI Loses Age Discrimination Case over Redundancy
TUI has been ordered to pay over £6,500 to a former air steward from Glasgow after losing an age discrimination case.
Karen Irving had worked for TUI’s parent group for over 20 years, but was made redundant on the basis of not having long enough service—despite her tenure.
The tribunal found that using length of service as the main redundancy criterion unfairly disadvantaged older staff.
While tough calls have to be made during downturns, this is a reminder that redundancy processes must always follow employment law. TUI’s mistake here was costly—and entirely avoidable.
