The Library Blog

Edinburgh Napier University Library blog. Filled with useful and fun blog articles on using the Library, the University, Edinburgh and many other fun topics.

Author: julietkinsey (Page 1 of 19)

picture of well decorated by flowers for Wells and Springs: A Fascinating History

Wells and Springs: A Fascinating History

30/06/2026 / / 0 Comments

Wells and Springs: A Fascinating History

From time to time, we hear of water supply disruptions caused by burst pipes or contamination. Affected users are sent to collection points to get free bottled water to use until the issue is resolved. This usually only lasts a maximum of a few days. In the past, however, our ancestors would always have to go to fetch water from a collection point, most often a well or spring, as they did not have water piped to their homes. Towns and villages grew up around wells and springs as water was needed for everyday tasks and for personal cleanliness.

Well Dressing

The tradition of well-dressing is practised in parts of England throughout the summer. What is well-dressing? It’s a tradition in which wells, holy wells and springs are decorated with natural materials attached to wooden frames placed around and over them. Flowers, mosses, cones and seeds are used to create a decorative design which will be of religious significance at the holy wells. The custom is most relevant in the Peak District of Derbyshire. Many of the towns which take part in the custom owe their existence to the reliable water supply provided by the well or spring. The village well or spring would have once been a focal point for the community because most households had to visit them regularly. Well dressing may have started out as a pagan custom or a celebration of the water’s purity for those who survived the Black Death. There are local legends surrounding many of the wells suggesting that taking the waters could bring good health, good luck or happiness. Up until the late 18th century, the decorations were limited to bows and simple floral garlands, but the decorations became more elaborate in the 19th century, and nowadays there is also an emphasis on using only sustainable decorations.

Edinburgh wells and springs

Here in Scotland, there is no tradition of well dressing, but there is no shortage of wells and springs. Several holy wells and mineral springs can be found in Edinburgh.

St. Bernard’s Well – This grand well can be found beside the Water of Leith between Stockbridge and the Dean Village. It was discovered in the 18th century and developed a reputation for having restorative properties. It was designed to resemble the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, and although it is now rarely opened to the public, it is still in working order.

St. Margaret’s Well – This well is situated in Holyrood Park, where at one point there were seven holy wells. Most of them have dried up or are lost, but St Margaret’s Well, which was moved to its current position in 1859 to avoid railway works, still contains water.

Balm Well – Situated in Liberton, this well is known for an oily substance that coats the top of the water. The area was known for being the location of a leper colony and may have been chosen due to its proximity to the well as the oily substance could be applied to open wounds to help relieve them. Although the well has been used for many centuries, the current structure is believed to be from the 19th or 20th century.

Penny Well, The Grange – Situated at the east end of Grange Loan on the north side of the road, you will find a marker stone for the Penny Well. It is thought to be one of Edinburgh’s holy wells. The name may arise from people dropping pennies into it in the hope of gaining good health from the spirit of the water. It fell into disrepair, and a drinking fountain was installed sometime between 1830 and 1850. This was then replaced with a more ornate drinking fountain complete with a cup on a chain. Now all that remains is a deteriorating plaque on the wall where the fountain stood.

Nor Loch

What is now known as the Old Town of Edinburgh grew up around Edinburgh Castle. With no loch or river to supply water, the locals collected rainwater for their needs. The Nor Loch below Edinburgh Castle was created in 1460 by damming the Tummel Burn, but was polluted and did not provide drinking water for the growing population. Later, as the population grew further, so did the need for a more plentiful and fresh supply of water. In 1624, an act of parliament allowed fresh water to be brought into the city for the first time. This was done using pipes made of hollowed-out tree trunks which were connected to springs in the Pentland Hills to the south of Edinburgh, creating a gravity-fed system. The water was collected in a reservoir on Castlehill at the top of the Royal Mile, then flowed to twelve wells around the Old Town. Some can still be found, and two of them are still in their original locations in the Grassmarket and outside John Knox’s House .

Comiston Springs

Comison Springs Wellhouse, which sits on Cockmylane in the suburb of Comiston, was built to guard the four springs in the area which helped to provide the fresh water supply to Edinburgh. Inside it pipes from the springs poured into the collection tank, which filtered out debris before the water flowed down to Edinburgh. Originally there were four main springs which were all given the name of an animal – fox, swan, hare and peewit (lapwing). A model of each animal was used to mark the pipe from that spring flowing into the collecting tank. Fox Spring and Swan Spring still survive on the map as street names, and all the models can be found in the Museum of Edinburgh . Around Comiston square stone structures can be found which covered vital spring water that bubbled up from the ground. They are no longer in use but remain in various locations, some in residents’ gardens! Listen carefully, and you can still hear water running underneath. Now Edinburgh’s water is supplied by several reservoirs situated in the Pentland Hills, so although the method of delivery is different, the source is still the same as it has been for hundreds of years. Next time you turn on the tap, just think about how easy it is and how lucky we are to have a reliable supply of clean, fresh water at our fingertips.

Edinburgh Napier University

Water remains an important area of study at Edinburgh Napier University today. Through its civil and environmental engineering programmes, students examine topics such as water resource management, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), wastewater management and the resilience of water infrastructure in the face of climate change. As increasing pressure is placed on water supplies through population growth, ageing infrastructure and extreme weather events, the University’s work reflects the continuing need to understand, manage and protect this vital resource.

Find lots of great information on Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk

By Vivienne Hamilton

Read more from Vivienne:

A History of St Andrew

International Women in Engineering Day image of woman doing some engineering

International Women in Engineering Day

23/06/2026 / / 1 Comment

International Women in Engineering Day

Celebrating Women Engineers: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures

Every year on 23 June, we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day. First launched in the UK by the Women’s Engineering Society, it’s now a global movement. It shines a light on the achievements of women in engineering and encourages more girls and young women to see this as a path for them.

The numbers are improving, but slowly. According to EngineeringUK, women make up 16.5% of the engineering workforce. In 2010, it was just 9%. There’s progress, but much more work is needed.

So, why does it matter?

Diverse teams are better at solving problems. They bring fresh ideas, challenge assumptions, and drive innovation. In engineering, where solutions shape lives—that matters. Gender diversity isn’t a tick-box exercise; it’s essential for future-ready industries.

The UK is home to many trailblazers. Dr. Nike Folayan MBE, co-founder of the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE-UK), champions inclusion across STEM fields. Professor Sarah Hainsworth, a forensic engineering expert and senior leader at the University of Bath, is another standout figure. Their stories are powerful. But for many young women, engineering still feels out of reach.

Education

To get women into engineering, we need to start with early education. A 2022 WISE report showed that girls are much less likely to choose A-level physics, despite doing just as well as boys in GCSE science. Why? A lack of role models. Limited exposure. Persistent stereotypes.

This is where schools, universities, and employers can make a real difference.

Edinburgh Napier University and Women in STEM

At Edinburgh Napier University, change is happening. The School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment offers strong support for women entering technical fields. From dedicated mentoring schemes to outreach in schools, the university actively promotes gender balance. Female lecturers and researchers at Napier lead projects in sustainable energy, transport systems, and digital engineering.

Take for example, the work of female PhD students at Napier who are developing smart materials for construction or working on green transport solutions. Their research not only contributes to global challenges but also inspires the next generation of engineers.

Sarah Taylor, a lecturer at Edinburgh Napier University, has been conducting research in smart, light-emitting textiles since 1995. Her work involves integrating optical fibres into woven textile structures, contributing to advancements in smart materials applicable in various fields, including construction.

In 2023, a team of Edinburgh Napier University students participated in a pioneering construction project in Guangxi, China. They collaborated with local universities to build the world’s first bamboo-timber composite gridshell structure. This innovative project aimed to explore sustainable building methods to combat climate change. Among the participants were female students like Devika Vijayan, Alice June Davyson, and Zara Anam Rafiq, who contributed their expertise in architectural technology and civil engineering. The project was led by PhD student Yanghao Pei and supervised by faculty members, including Dr. Ahmed Mohamed.

Women in Engineering  campaigns

Elsewhere in the UK, campaigns like Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, run by EngineeringUK, and events such as She Can Engineer at UCL, continue to highlight female success in the field. INWED itself is packed with virtual events, talks, and case studies—many of them accessible to teachers, students, and parents.

At the same time, the industry is evolving. Companies like Arup, Rolls-Royce, and AtkinsRéalis are investing in inclusive hiring, leadership development for women, and mentoring programmes. But culture still matters. A welcoming workplace—where all voices are heard—makes it easier for women to succeed and lead.

And it’s not just about big firms. Start-ups and SMEs across Scotland and the UK are building inclusive teams, often led by women who studied at universities like Edinburgh Napier.

So, what can you do this International Women in Engineering Day?

  • Share a story of a woman engineer who inspires you.

  • Encourage a girl to explore STEM subjects.

  • Attend a local or virtual event through WES or your local university.

  • Support or volunteer with STEM outreach programmes.

  • Thank the mentors, colleagues, and leaders who make a difference.

Small actions lead to big changes.

Because the future of engineering isn’t defined by gender—it’s built by collaboration, creativity, and courage. Edinburgh Napier University and institutions across the UK are proving that when you back women in engineering, you’re backing innovation for everyone.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more on women in Science on our blog here: Scottish Women in Science

Image of surfers at scottish beach for artice Scottish Surfing: Riding the wave from Tahiti to Edinburgh

Scottish Surfing: Riding the wave from Tahiti to Edinburgh

23/06/2026 / / 0 Comments

Scottish Surfing: Riding the wave from Tahiti to Edinburgh

Surfing isn’t probably the first thing you think of when you think about Scotland. Cold north seas and a people known for their kilts rather than their wetsuits come more to mind. Still, there’s a surprising popularity for the sport here and a growing uptake to ride the Scottish waves. Admittedly, the latest waves are in an old quarry, but it counts. Read on to find out more about Surfing, Scotland and the latest wave technology,

Surfing History

Surfing began in Polynesia more than 1,000 years ago, where Pacific Islanders rode waves for sport, status, and spiritual practice. Hawaii took the tradition furthest, developing it into something closer to an art form. There, surfing was called heʻe nalu, meaning “wave sliding,” and it carried real social weight. Chiefs proved their right to lead by riding the best waves on the finest boards, while commoners surfed too, but on simpler equipment and lesser breaks.

Captain Cook’s crew witnessed surfing firsthand in the 1770s, and Joseph Banks recorded Tahitians riding waves as early as 1769. Soon after, missionaries arrived in Hawaii and disapproved of the sport, viewing it as immodest and disruptive. Their influence took hold, and surfing nearly disappeared by the late 1800s.

Then came the revival. Hawaiian waterman Duke Kahanamoku helped restore the sport in the early 1900s, carrying it to California and Australia along the way. His name is still woven into surfing’s modern identity.

Britain’s Unlikely First Surfer

Britain’s first surfer was not a beach bum, but a middle-aged agricultural professor named John Wrightson.

In September 1890, two Hawaiian princes, David Kawānanakoa and Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, were studying at Wrightson’s college in Wiltshire (please check out their excellent moustaches). Their guardian took them to Bridlington on England’s east coast as a reward for good schoolwork. There, in the grey North Sea, the princes built boards from local timber and surfed, and Wrightson joined them, reputedly becoming the first Briton ever to surf.

A letter from Prince Kūhiō survives today, written to the Hawaiian consul about the trip. In it, he described the rough seas and noted how quickly Wrightson was picking up the sport.

There is a Scottish thread here too. The princes’ cousin was Princess Victoria Kaʻiulani, heir to the Hawaiian throne, who was half Hawaiian and half Scottish, with a father from Edinburgh. So Hawaiian and Scottish royalty were connected decades before anyone surfed a Scottish wave.

Surfing Arrives in Scotland

Scotland’s surf scene grew slowly, then quickly, a bit like catching a wave. In the early 1970s, surfers explored the coastline, trying Machrihanish first before pushing north toward Bettyhill near Thurso. Scotland held its first surfing championships at Bettyhill in 1973, and soon after, a surfer named Pat Kieran discovered the reef at Thurso East and wrote home about it, drawing more surfers north.

Thurso transformed from a quiet fishing town into a coldwater surfing destination, and today it ranks among the best right-hand reef breaks in the world. Surfers founded the Scottish Surfing Federation in 1975, and it still operates today under the name Scottish Surfing. Spots emerged across the country, from Fraserburgh in the east to Tiree in the west, and because Scotland’s waters stay cold year-round, its surfers tend to be hardy and committed.

Lost Shore: A Wave Without an Ocean

Scotland recently added something its coastline could never offer on its own: a perfect wave, on demand, just outside Edinburgh.

Lost Shore Surf Resort opened on 11 November 2024 in Ratho, in a former quarry about 25 minutes from the city centre. It cost roughly £60 million to build, and it is the UK’s first inland surf resort and currently Europe’s largest wave pool. Wavegarden Cove technology powers the lagoon, generating up to 1,000 waves an hour across more than 20 wave types, suited to beginners and elite athletes alike. The resort also includes lodges, camping pods, a sauna, and restaurants.

The numbers are striking. In its first year, Lost Shore drew over 100,000 visitors, created more than 130 jobs, and added around £11 million annually to the local economy. I personally cannot wait to get out there and have a go at surfing now the summer is here.

Edinburgh Napier University and the Surf Lab

Lost Shore did not stop at building a wave pool. It partnered with Edinburgh Napier University to create something new called the Surf Lab.

The Surf Lab officially launched in October 2025, and it is described as the world’s first research collaboration between a university and a commercial wave pool. The idea began years earlier, when Lost Shore founder Andy Hadden and Napier academic Dr Brendon Ferrier first discussed it back in 2017. The lab focuses on several areas, including surf therapy, high-performance coaching, adaptive surfing, and equipment design.

The lab has already produced real results. Researchers tested nine different wetsuit brands under controlled conditions to find the warmest option for Lost Shore’s customers, and the winning suit was made from Yulex, a plant-based rubber. As a result, Lost Shore now runs the largest plant-based rental wetsuit fleet in the world.

Edinburgh Napier’s interest in surfing predates the resort itself. In 2022, the university completed what is claimed to be the world’s first PhD study in surf therapy, and the Surf Lab builds on that foundation. It gives researchers a fixed base inside Europe’s biggest wave pool, where students, athletes, and industry partners can all use the space. The university hopes the lab will support business growth and community wellbeing, alongside its sporting goals.

It is a fitting partnership. A university built on research and knowledge now extends that work into a converted quarry, and Ratho has become both a surf destination and a genuine site of academic study.

A Sport Still Finding New Shores

From Tahiti to a Yorkshire beach to a quarry near Edinburgh Airport, surfing keeps adapting. Scotland’s relationship with the sport began almost by accident, through royal holidaymakers in the 1890s, and grew through decades of hardy surfers braving freezing reefs in the north. Now, with Lost Shore and the Edinburgh Napier’s Surf Lab, Scotland is not just catching waves. It is helping shape where the sport goes next.

Library Resources

Why not check out the book The Science and Culture of Surfing by David Kennedy, available as an eBook. We also have articles like Surfing and Modernity in the North of Scotland and Surfing in Caithness and Sutherland: Environment, Tourism and Tension. Plus so much more on Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk

Read more articles from the blog on Sport and our Sport resources:

Physiotherapy and Sports & Exercise Science Resources

By Juliet Kinsey

Image credit: Paul Byrne on Unsplash

Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival image of fire on top of a hill with people all around it

Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival

30/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival

Your Complete Guide to Scotland’s Ancient Celtic Celebration

Every year since 1988, the Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival draws up to 15,000 people to Calton Hill for a spectacular celebration marking the arrival of summer. The Beltane fire festival honours an ancient Celtic tradition that began on the evening before May 1st, featuring dramatic performances, sacred fire rituals, and mythological characters like the May Queen and the Green Man. What is Beltane, exactly? The Beltane holiday represents the transition from winter to summer through the powerful symbolism of death and rebirth. Over 300 volunteers now bring this ancient tradition to life, investing approximately 10,000 hours into rehearsals, costumes, and props. read on to explore the festival’s Celtic origins, key rituals and characters, and everything you need to attend.

What Is Beltane? The Ancient Celtic Fire Festival

Origins of the Beltane Holiday

Beltane translates to “bright fire,” referring to the bonfires central to this ancient celebration. The name derives from the Celtic god Bel (also known as Beli or Belinus), whose cult stretched from the Italic Peninsula across Europe into the British Isles. Historically observed in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man, Beltane is one of four main Celtic seasonal festivals, alongside Samhain, Imbolc, and Lughnasadh.

The festival’s roots date back approximately 6,000 years, to when hunter-gatherers across Northern Europe transitioned to agricultural lifestyles. This ancient agrarian calendar predates the arrival of the Celts by millennia. Originally, Beltane was celebrated midway between the spring equinox and summer solstice, falling astronomically around May 5 or 6. Eventually, calendar codification fixed the celebration on May 1, aligning it with other European spring festivals like Floralia and Walpurgisnacht.

Traditional Beltane Celebrations Across Scotland

Communities gathered on hilltops where cattle pastured, cutting a round trench and leaving a central turf platform for the bonfire. The night before, villagers extinguished all hearth fires in their homes. On Beltane morning, priests or community leaders kindled the sacred “need-fire” using ritual methods, with traditional fires sparked from flint or friction.

Cattle were driven between two bonfires or made to leap over flames for purification and fertility blessings before being put to summer pastures. People themselves walked around or between the fires, jumping over flames for good luck, protection, and fertility. Following these rituals, the community relit their household fires from the Beltane bonfire, connecting everyone through the sacred flame.

The Meaning Behind the Sacred Fires

Fire served as purification, cleansing, and protection from supernatural harm, disease, and witchcraft. The flames symbolised the sun’s power, meant to ensure sunshine for people, animals, and plants while burning away harmful influences. These protective qualities extended to milk production, crops, and overall community well-being for the coming year.

Beltane’s Connection to Summer and Fertility

Beltane marked the beginning of the pastoral summer season, celebrated as “first of summer” when livestock moved to fresh pastures. The festival honoured the sacred union of masculine and feminine energies through figures like the May Queen and May King. Like Samhain, Beltane represented a liminal time when the veil between worlds grew thin, making it one of the two most sacred Celtic festivals.

The Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival: How It All Began

The 1988 Revival on Calton Hill

On April 30, 1988, a small group of enthusiasts brought Beltane back to Edinburgh after centuries of dormancy. Angus Farquhar of the musical collective Test Dept led the revival alongside choreographer Lindsay John, dancers from Laban, and Gaelic ethnologist Margaret Bennett. The School of Scottish Studies at the University of Edinburgh provided academic support.

The revival emerged from political resistance during the Thatcher era. Farquhar sought something beyond the “black/white narrative” of political battles, researching Beltane to create a public ritual that flew in the face of the idea that “there is no such thing as society” (Margaret Thatcher). That first event faced harsh conditions with a £500 budget, pouring rain, and gale-force winds, yet roughly 30-40 volunteers created a procession around the hill that culminated in communal firelighting.

From Arthur’s Seat to Calton Hill

Arthur’s Seat historically hosted Edinburgh’s Beltane celebrations. Organisers originally intended the revival to take place there, but practical considerations prompted a location change. Calton Hill offered better accessibility and centrality while maintaining a connection with nature.

The choice carried symbolic weight. In the 1980s, Calton Hill had a reputation for sex, drugs, and served as a no-go area connected to queer counterculture. Organizers aimed to reclaim that space for the community through celebration.

The Beltane Fire Society and Community Involvement

The Beltane Fire Society was formed in 1988 for the second festival as a registered charity run by democratically elected volunteers. All performers volunteer, joining through word of mouth or advertised open meetings. Senior performers lead workshops covering event production, prop construction, character performance, percussion, and health and safety.

How the Festival Has Grown Over the Years

From a core of a dozen performers and a few hundred audience members, the Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival grew to several hundred performers and over 10,000 spectators by 1999. The event now involves over 300 voluntary collaborators. Originally free and lightly stewarded, capacity constraints and funding requirements led to ticketing in recent years.

Key Characters, Rituals, and Performances

The May Queen: Mother Goddess of Summer

The May Queen embodies the maiden aspect of the Triple Goddess, presiding over the transition from spring to summer. The role passes to a performer for several years, with each May Queen crafting her own costume annually to reflect the festival’s theme. This goddess figure entices the Green Man during the ritual, uniting with him to rule over summer together.

The Green Man: Death and Rebirth

The Green Man represents life growing on earth, an archetypal figure appearing in folklore across Britain. During the ritual, he exposes his winter side to the May Queen in her maiden form, realising he must change to be with her. He surrenders his life, and the May Queen gives him life energy, bringing him back in his new summer form. This death and rebirth mirrors ancient fertility myths where spirits must die to ensure renewal.

The White Women and the Blues

The Blues serve as elder volunteers who hold knowledge and are respected within the community. They provide space for storytelling about the May Queen and Green Man’s narrative, acting as bridges between past and present traditions. The White Women protect the May Queen, representing order and discipline.

Fire Performances and Drumming

Performers, including acrobats, drummers, dancers, musicians, and puppeteers, create the striking display. The Processional drummers lay down beats that drive the march forward behind the May Queen, their rhythms carrying across Calton Hill. Torch Bearers dress head to foot in black with covered faces, trusted to carry purifying flames.

The Procession and Sacred Rituals

The May Queen leads the procession to the hilltop, with drummers alerting witnesses to their approach. The core narrative remains largely consistent, though additional elements emerge as new performers bring their own influences.

The Bonfire and Dawn Celebration

Fire plays the central role in the ritual, with torch bearers carrying flames and fire arches representing gateways between earthly and spirit worlds. The bonfire marks summer’s arrival, with celebrations continuing until dawn.

Attending the Festival

The festival occurs annually on April 30th on Calton Hill. The show begins at sundown and runs until late. Wear warm layers and sensible shoes or go in a full bright costume, but be careful to keep away from the flames. Be aware that the event features semi-nudity and uninhibited behaviour, body-painted characters, and fire.

———————————-

The Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival connects us to 6,000 years of Celtic heritage while creating something entirely new each year. Equally important, over 300 volunteers transform ancient rituals into a living celebration that draws thousands to Calton Hill.

Whether you’re drawn to the mythological drama, the fire performances, or the communal energy, this festival offers an unforgettable experience. Book your tickets early, dress warmly, and prepare yourself for a night where ancient tradition meets modern spectacle under the Edinburgh sky.

The Library

We have lots of resources if you want to learn more about Beltain or Edinburgh. Check out Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk. You can read more about other Celtic festivals here on the blog too. Check out our post on lughnasa 

By Juliet Kinsey

Sources:.

International Jazz Day image of black woman with saxophone. bright colours

International Jazz Day

30/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

International Jazz Day

For the past fifteen years, the 30th of April has marked International Jazz Day, a day dedicated to promoting jazz music worldwide and the role jazz music has had in shaping culture and bringing together communities.
Officially started by UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation) after being proposed by legendary jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, whose non-profit educational institute leads the programming and coordination of International Jazz Day celebrations. Over two hundred countries participate in International Jazz Day every year, with musicians and fans around the world coming together to put on events celebrating their nation’s history with jazz music. These celebrations can take the form of concerts, conferences, educational workshops and jam sessions, all of which serve to promote local and national jazz acts and raise awareness of the local jazz scene.

History of Jazz

Jazz is an interesting musical genre as it is very community-oriented, drawing on elements of local culture and adapting to the taste of the community. Jazz itself has its roots in the music culture of late 19th and early 20th century New Orleans, drawing influence from blues and ragtime music that was popular at the time and infusing it with the musical stylings and instruments of local marching bands.

From there, jazz would spread out from New Orleans in the 1910s, and different cities would become cultural hubs for emerging styles of jazz. First in Chicago, where the arriving jazz musicians from New Orleans began to develop a faster and more improvisational style, emphasising musical solos and swapping out their banjos and standing basses for guitars and tubas. This style of Chicago Jazz would eventually come to embody jazz in much of the popular consciousness, but it wouldn’t stop there.

By the 1940s in New York, a new generation of jazz musicians began to develop a style known as Bebop, a faster and more complex style of jazz that emphasised the rhythm section and was typically performed with a smaller number of musicians than earlier jazz ensembles. Bebop musicians wanted to push the boundaries of jazz away from its dance-oriented roots and towards a more “musician’s music” that required the audience to listen closely to appreciate what was happening.

Outside of the United States, one of the most popular jazz styles is Latin Jazz, beginning in the 1940s with Afro-Cuban musicians performing using more traditional instruments such as bongos or claves for percussion over the drum kit used in more traditional jazz. Additionally, in Brazil, the fusion of samba music with jazz stylings would help give rise to the genre of Bossa Nova.

Scottish Jazz

Now, with all this in mind, you might not know that here in Scotland we have our own history with jazz. In his essay “Swinging Scots: An Outline of Jazz in Scotland” Roger Craik recounts that Scotland actually encountered jazz quite early into the genre’s existence, with 1919 seeing American jazz bands start to travel the Atlantic to perform in Glasgow and Edinburgh. By the 1930s, Scotland was producing its own jazz artists, although many of these were required to travel south for work, and many of the most popular pre-war British jazz acts had Scottish performers.

Craik theorises that many of these may be due to the popularity of Scottish pipe bands and country bands during this period, as well as the brass bands that were common in Scottish mining towns. These bands would serve as a sort of training ground for Scottish musicians, who would become accustomed to playing percussion and brass before moving on to performing in jazz bands. This generation of Scottish musicians was also of an age to be called up to military service in the Second World War, where they would perform in military bands, performing at marches or entertaining the troops. In fact, a key figure in the history of Scottish jazz was Tommy Sampson, whose post-war orchestra would bring together many Scottish jazz musicians. Tommy himself spent much of the Second World War in a prisoner of war camp, where he led a band consisting of other captured soldiers.

The decades following the war would see the emergence of many other Scottish jazz bands, such as the Clyde Valley Stompers, who once played alongside legendary jazz musician Louie Armstrong at Kelvin Hall in 1956.
You can read Roger Craik’s history of Scottish jazz, along with several other in-depth essays at the Scottish Jazz Archives.

The Edinburgh Jazz Festival

This tradition of Scottish jazz will continue this summer with the 45th annual Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival being held in July. This will see performances of local and international jazz acts being held throughout the city, ranging from classical jazz acts to more experimental performances. These include paid and free performances, so you can pop along to something even if you just want a taste of the genre. I can promise you’ll hear something memorable.

By Matthew Ferrie

Read more about the Edinburgh Festival here

welcome

The Library for New Staff

20/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

The Library for New Staff

Hello and welcome to all of our new (and long-standing) staff members here at Edinburgh Napier University! We would like to introduce you to as well as familiarise you with the facilities, resources and services which our three campus libraries have to offer you, and how we can help and benefit you as well. Our libraries are not just for students of Edinburgh Napier University! All members of staff also have access to our books, a majority of our library spaces and PCs. Let us walk you through what we have to offer…

Physical and Online Resources…

We have a vast range of physical resources and online material which students and staff can borrow and access: books, DVDs, articles, journals and newspapers, to name a few. You can borrow physical books and resources from us using your staff card – they will then automatically renew for up to four months unless they are recalled to fulfil another patron request. You will be notified via email if this is the case and have seven days to return your item or items from when this email is sent. Good news is that when you do need to return a book to us, you can drop it off at any campus which is nearest or most convenient for you, regardless of which campus you got the book from. You can drop it off in our return boxes and scan it through as a return by using our self-service kiosks. Do not worry if, for any reason, you forget to do this, though – our library staff process every book found in our return bins, so your item will be fully registered as a return regardless!

Edinburgh Napier University libraries have institutional subscriptions to a variety of academic databases, journal articles and webpages offering a range of credible research articles and papers. You can access these by signing into LibrarySearch via your staff account. If the book or article you are looking for is available online, this will come up in the item record when you search for it – when you go into this record, it will then show you an individual or range of links to databases or webpages from which you can access the desired resource, often in full text.

Inter-Library Loans Service…

It may be the case sometimes that we do not have access to the specific book or article you are looking for – not to worry! Staff are also able to use our Inter Library Loan service to request a book or article if it is the case that we do not have access to the desired item or have it in our library stock. The form for requesting a book or article as an Inter-Library Loan can be found in LibrarySearch and once, we have processed the form you have completed, we aim to have it ready for you to access or borrow through us within 3-15 working days. However, delivery cannot always be guaranteed within a specific time frame. Journal articles, which are often digital, are emailed to you.

Training and Events Calendar…

Our Training and Events Calendar is another resource we have which is not just available for students! In this calendar, we have a range of advertised and often bookable training events and workshops which staff and students can enrol in. Most of these advertised events are usually library-related – these include and are not limited to our Getting Started with the Library Sessions, library help sessions for specific schools and referencing workshops covering referencing styles such as APA 7th as well as software such as EndNote and Mendeley. Some advertised sessions also cover other aspects of academia, research and technologies within Edinburgh Napier University. These sessions are often run by our subject librarians but are sometimes run by staff in other disciplines and departments such as our academic skills team or IT teams.

Our Library and IT Helpdesks…

Got a question about our library resources, services or databases? Or something IT-related? Edinburgh Napier University staff can come by our helpdesks in each campus library if you need help with any of these specific kinds of queries. Our Opening Hours can be found in our My Napier webpages. You can also contact us via email by emailing library@napier.ac.uk or by phoning 01314553500.

By Rachel Downie

World Art Day in Scotland post image of The Shepherd Boy (1891), Phoebe Anna Traquair, oil on canvas

World Art Day in Scotland

14/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

World Art Day in Scotland

Art does more than decorate walls. It influences how we feel. It inspires us and makes us rethink our views on the world. Art is magic, it is politics, it is hope in the darkness. We have made it since the beginning of time, and we continue to create it no matter what happens in our world.

Edinburgh Galleries

To celebrate World Art Day in Scotland, why not visit some of Edinburgh’s incredible galleries?

The Scottish National Gallery sits right in the city centre. It offers calm, light-filled rooms and world-class collections. You can move from European masters to Scottish favourites in one visit. Clear layouts make it easy to explore at your own pace.

Then, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery shifts the focus. Here, art tells stories through people. The building itself feels dramatic, with high ceilings and rich detail. Meanwhile, exhibitions connect past and present through powerful portraits.

Just a short walk away, the City Art Centre offers something different. It focuses on Scottish art across time. Rotating exhibitions mean there is always something new. It feels accessible and welcoming, especially for first-time visitors.

Next, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art opens things up. Two separate buildings sit in wide green grounds. Inside, you will find bold, contemporary work. Outside, sculptures invite you to slow down and wander.

Just outside Edinburgh, spaces like Jupiter Artland take art beyond walls. Here, installations live in the landscape. You walk between them. You experience them physically, not just visually.

Together, these galleries offer variety, space, and accessibility. So, whether you want quiet reflection or fresh ideas, Edinburgh has a place for you.

Some important Scottish artists of Edinburgh

Phoebe Anna Traquair

Phoebe Anna Traquair (1852–1936) was a leading figure in Scotland’s Arts and Crafts movement. She was born in Ireland and later settled in Edinburgh, where she created some of the city’s most remarkable artworks. She worked across many forms. These included murals, embroidery, and illuminated manuscripts. Her style drew on medieval art, rich colour, and symbolic detail. Her best-known work can be seen at the Mansfield Traquair Centre in Edinburgh. There, her murals transform the space into an immersive, peaceful environment. Today, she is celebrated as one of Scotland’s most important artists. She also stands out as a pioneering woman in a male-dominated art world.

Eduardo Paolozzi

Probably one of Edinburgh’s most well-known artists. His work is everywhere. Eduardo Paolozzi (1924–2005) was a Scottish artist and sculptor, widely seen as a pioneer of pop art. He was born in Edinburgh to Italian parents and studied at art schools in Edinburgh and London. He became known for bold collages and sculptures that mixed popular culture, technology, and mass media. His early work helped shape the visual language of modern pop art. Later, he created large public sculptures and mosaics, including works for London Underground stations. Today, Paolozzi is recognised as one of Scotland’s most influential modern artists, with a lasting impact on contemporary art.

Sekai Machache

Sekai Machache is a contemporary visual artist based in Scotland. She was born in Zimbabwe and raised in Scotland.

Her work focuses on identity, belonging, and representation. She often uses photography and performance, especially self-portraiture.

Her images challenge how Black women are seen in art. They create space for visibility and self-definition.

Machache has exhibited across Scotland, including in Edinburgh. Today, she is part of a new generation of artists shaping a more diverse Scottish art scene.

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Ancient Pranks to Modern Traditions: The Fascinating History of April Fools' Day

Ancient Pranks to Modern Traditions: The Fascinating History of April Fools’ Day

01/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

Ancient Pranks to Modern Traditions: The Fascinating History of April Fools’ Day

April Fools’ Day, known for its playful pranks and practical jokes, has a long and intriguing history that stretches back centuries. So let’s delve into the origins of April Fools’ Day, explore ancient pranks and traditions, discover how it is celebrated around the world, and examine famous pranks from history. We will also discuss the role of media in April Fools’ Day pranks, explore modern-day traditions, and even delve into the psychology behind this mischievous holiday. So, buckle up and prepare to uncover the fascinating history of April Fools’ Day!

Introduction to April Fools’ Day

April Fools’ Day, also known as All Fools’ Day, is celebrated on the 1st of April each year. It is a time when people play pranks and practical jokes on one another, often to trick unsuspecting victims. But where did this tradition originate? The exact origins of April Fools’ Day remain shrouded in mystery, but several theories attempt to explain its origins.

The Origins of April Fools’ Day

One theory suggests that April Fools’ Day dates back to the late 16th century when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. Under the Julian calendar, New Year’s Day fell around the end of March or early April. However, with the adoption of the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s Day was moved to January 1st. Some people resisted this change and continued to celebrate the New Year on the old date. These individuals became the target of jokes and pranks, earning them the label of “April fools.”

Ancient Pranks and Traditions

Another theory links the origins of April Fools’ Day to ancient Roman festivals, such as Hilaria and Meditrinalia, which were celebrated around the end of March. During these festivities, people would engage in playful activities and wear disguises, much like the pranks played on April Fools’ Day today. This tradition of playful deception has persisted throughout history, and April Fools’ Day has become the perfect occasion for such mischief.

In medieval Europe, there was a tradition called the “Feast of Fools” that took place around Christmastime. During this feast, normal social hierarchies were temporarily inverted, and commoners would playfully mock and imitate those in positions of power. This topsy-turvy celebration shares similarities with the pranks and role reversals of April Fools’ Day.

April Fools’ Day around the World

April Fools’ Day is not only celebrated in Western countries but also has variations and equivalents in different cultures around the world. In India, for example, there is a festival called Holi, which often falls around the same time as April Fools’ Day. During Holi, people play pranks and throw coloured powders at one another, creating a joyful and mischievous atmosphere.

In Scotland, there is a tradition called “Hunting the Gowk” where people send unsuspecting victims on a wild goose chase. The person being pranked is sent on errands to fetch items that do not exist, such as a “long weight” or a “left-handed screwdriver.” This Scottish tradition shares similarities with the pranks played on April Fools’ Day.

Famous April Fools’ Day Pranks in History

Throughout history, April Fools’ Day has seen its fair share of memorable pranks. One of the most famous examples occurred in 1957 when the BBC aired a documentary about the Swiss Spaghetti Harvest. The program showed footage of people harvesting spaghetti from trees, leading many viewers to call in and ask how they could grow their own spaghetti tree.

In 1996, Taco Bell took out a full-page advertisement in several major newspapers announcing that it had purchased the Liberty Bell and renamed it the “Taco Liberty Bell.” This prank caused a stir, with many people believing it to be true and expressing outrage.

The Role of Media in April Fools’ Day Pranks

In the modern era, the media has played a significant role in April Fools’ Day pranks. News outlets, websites, and social media platforms often join in on the fun, publishing fake news stories or creating elaborate hoaxes to fool their audiences. These pranks can range from amusing and harmless to controversial and even politically charged.

One notable example is the 2013 prank by Google, where they announced the launch of Google Nose, a feature that claimed to allow users to smell scents through their computers or smartphones. While clearly a joke, this prank showcases how influential and creative April Fools’ Day pranks can be in the digital age.

Modern-Day April Fools’ Day Traditions

In recent years, April Fools’ Day has evolved into a day of lighthearted pranks, humorous hoaxes, and playful deception. People take pleasure in pulling pranks on friends, family, and coworkers, often with the intent of eliciting laughter and creating memorable moments. These pranks can range from simple tricks to elaborate schemes, with some individuals spending weeks planning their April Fools’ Day surprises.

Popular modern-day pranks include filling someone’s office with balloons, switching the sugar with salt, or placing a whoopee cushion on someone’s chair. The internet has also given rise to digital pranks, such as fake news articles or viral videos that captivate and confuse viewers before revealing their true nature.

The Psychology Behind April Fools’ Day Pranks

Why do we find pranks and practical jokes so amusing? The psychology behind April Fools’ Day pranks lies in the element of surprise and the temporary disruption of our expectations. When someone falls victim to a prank, their brain experiences a brief moment of confusion before realising that they have been fooled. This sudden change in perception often elicits laughter and a sense of joy.

Additionally, participating in April Fools’ Day pranks can foster a sense of bonding and social connection. By sharing in the laughter and merriment of a successful prank, we create moments of shared experience and playfulness, strengthening our relationships and creating positive memories.

Have fun!

April Fools’ Day may have humble origins rooted in ancient traditions and historical events, but it has evolved into a global celebration of humour and mischief. From ancient Rome to modern-day pranks, this mischievous holiday has captured the imagination of people around the world. Whether it’s a playful joke between friends or an elaborate hoax by a media outlet, April Fools’ Day reminds us of the joy that can be found in lighthearted deception and laughter. So, embrace the spirit of April Fools’ Day, but remember to keep it light-hearted and fun for everyone involved.

Let us know what pranks you have planned, or share some of your most memorable pranks below.

The library

Sadly, we must behave ourselves at the Library, so we will be keeping our pranks for home. If you are interested in finding out more, you can look up some great research on our library catalogue Librarysearch

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more about traditions on the blog here: Scottish New year Traditions

World Theatre Day

World Theatre Day

27/03/2026 / / 0 Comments

World Theatre Day

Established by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in 1962, World Theatre Day is a global celebration of the power of theatre in bringing people together.

Held in a different country every year, the ITI work with the major theatre association of the host country to stage a festival celebrating the traditional national theatre practices of the host country. This year’s celebrations will be held in Luxembourg from the 25th to the 27th of March, in collaboration with the Theatre Federatioun.

The ITI

As well as moving the celebrations between different countries, the ITI works with a different theatre professional every year to release a short recorded message wherein the professional gives their thoughts on the role theatre can play in society. Past spokespersons have included major figures from the theatre world such as actors Dame Judi Dench and Lawrence Olivier, and playwrights Arthur Miller and Jean Coctaeu.

This year’s message was delivered by renowned actor Willem Dafoe, who many of you might know from his work in the Spider-Man films, or his recent work in films such as Nosferatu and Poor Things.  In this year’s message, Dafoe spoke about his belief in the power of theatre to be more than just a vehicle for entertainment, but believes that it can allow us to interrogate ideas about modern society. As he puts it, he believes in :

“Theatre as a total art form can make us see what was, what is, and what our world could be.”

You can watch Dafoe’s short message for yourself on the official ITI YouTube page.

Edinburgh and Theatre

Edinburgh has a long relationship with the theatre, most famously with the Edinburgh Fringe, the world’s largest performing arts festival. Held across the city every August since the 1940s.
However, live theatre is a year-round activity in Edinburgh, so let’s have a quick look at some of the theatres here in Edinburgh.

The Royal Lyceum Theatre

Let’s start with the Royal Lyceum Theatre on Grindlay Street, the oldest active theatre house in the city. The Lyceum was opened in 1883 and has seen only light refurbishment in the 143 years since, meaning that going inside really does feel like stepping back in time. Indeed, the Lyceum is so old that it’s even rumoured to be haunted by the ghosts of past performers throughout its history.

The Lyceum is perhaps most known for hosting productions of various theatrical dramas, as well as staging some of the first Scottish productions of many renowned operas such as Madam Butterfly. To this day, you can see a huge variety of productions at the Lyceum, from Scottish classics such as The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, new productions such as an adaption of 1984 that will run this autumn, as well as stand-up comedy acts (I’m personally very excited to see Glasgow comedian Christopher Macarthur-Boyd perform his show Howling at the Moon at the Lyceum this November)
Along with this, the Lyceum also host a youth theatre for young people under the age of 25 who are interested in getting involved with the theatre.

Festival Theatre

Another grand old theatre of Edinburgh is the Festival Theatre, famous for hosting large-scale dance and musical theatre acts. Like the Lyceum, the Festival Theatre dates back to the Victorian era, although it’s seen much renovation over the years, especially following a catastrophic fire in 1911, which resulted in several deaths of cast and crew members.  Originally built as an opera and ballet house, the Festival Theatre has changed over time to meet the changing tastes of audiences and the emergence of new forms of popular entertainment. Today, in addition to ballet and opera, you can also see productions of musical theatre, one-person shows, and musical tribute acts.

However, if you’re interested in more off-beat theatre in Edinburgh, you can check out the Bedlam Theatre, a student run theatre based out of an old church in the Old Town. The Bedlam host a variety of shows throughout the year, performed by students at Edinburgh University, with many shows even being original productions put on by the students themselves. The Bedlam can be a great venue if you want to see something unexpected and support student-run art.

Get Involved

If you’re curious about getting involved in live theatre yourself, then student-led theatre companies like the one at the Bedlam can be a great way for you to take your first steps in the theatre world. If you’re a student at Napier, then you should see about joining one of the performing arts societies we have here at the university, such as the Edinburgh Napier Drama Society or the Musical Theatre Society.

As Willem Dafoe talked about in his message this year, theatre can be a great way for us to make sense of the world around us, and it’s never too late to get involved.

By Matthew Ferrie

Read more on The Edinburgh Festival here.

 

World Poetry Day blog post image of pens resting on a book

World Poetry Day 2026

21/03/2026 / / 0 Comments

World Poetry Day 2026

World Poetry Day takes place annually on the 21st of March and was first established and adopted by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) in the year 1999. This was finalised during the 30th General Conference, which they held in Paris during that year, with the fundamental goal being to promote and bring about a fresh awareness, appreciation for and love of poetry and poetic works globally. It also promotes linguistic diversity fostered in many different forms of poetry, which helps to bring together various cultures and traditions. Poetry takes a range of different forms, some of which include:

  • Sonnets: Poems consisting of 14 lines of text with a set rhyme scheme in place.
  • Free Verse: Poetry without a specific or strict rhyme scheme, allowing the poet more freedom in terms of poetic rhythm and expression.
  • Ballad: A narrative piece of work which is often musical and highly expressive. This type of poetry is usually made up of four-line stanzas.
  • Villanelle: This type of poem usually consists of 19 lines of text with a very particular, repetitive refrain.

The History of Poetry

Poetry as a form of literature, art and expression goes back as far as the prehistoric age, with some of the earliest poetry being thought to have emerged from the “Epic of Gilgamesh” which dates back as far as 2000 BC and consists of five individual Sumerian poems dedicated to the King of Urk (c. 2100 BC) as well as focusing on themes such as friendship and mortality. In fact, poetry is very likely to have existed well before this historical era. Poetry from both this prehistoric age up until the present day has also addressed similar themes as well as many others, such as love, passion, ambition, hope, wonder and family, to give a few examples. Poetry also often addresses, expresses and explores more negative themes such as grief, loss, sadness, disappointment and anger (to give a few examples here too)! Many different forms and varieties of poetry and poetic works exist as well, such as sonnets and rap lyrics, but the primary objective of poetic literature is often the same, and that is to explore human emotions, experiences, as well as invoke similar emotions through words and expression.

How to celebrate World Poetry Day

If you are a poetry lover or curious about the world of poetic literature, there are several ways in which you can engage with and celebrate this national day…

  • Write a poem of your own: Why not give it a go! Use this international day as an opportunity and let it inspire you to write your very own poem and share it with others if you wish to.
  • Support poets by sharing and purchasing their work: Take this opportunity to share a favourite poem (or set of poems if you feel you can’t just pick one!) with family and friends, as well as on social media platforms to promote and encourage engagement with the works of various poets, and poetry in general. Purchasing poetic works and even donating to poetry organisations is also a great way of supporting poets and poetry communities.
  • Open-mic nights, poetry events and readings: Attend local events and readings nearby – whether you are just going to listen to others share their work and even read out some of your own!
  • Visit the Poetry Library in Edinburgh: Located on Crichton’s Road, the Scottish Poetry Library in Edinburgh is a central hub and national resource hosting a range of poetic works as well as promoting poetry as an art form. Their current opening hours are 10am-3pm Monday to Thursday, and they host a range of poetic works and books from all over the globe, with a specific focus on their Scottish collection. There are many ways to support the Scottish Poetry Library: you can become a donor, friend of the library or register as a borrower, which is free of charge!

Recommendations

You can find a range of poems and poetic works in our LibrarySearch catalogue. We also have an institutional subscription to the Literature Online database, where you can find and access a huge variety of full-text poetry, prose and plays.

Photo credit goes to Ghinzo at Pixabay

By Rachel Downie

Read more on Poetry on our blog with this article on Robert Burns

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