Press release

University signs agreement with Council to boost East Lothian prosperity

Queen Margaret University and East Lothian Council have signed up to an agreement which is hoped will ultimately bring significant opportunities and prosperity to the county.

There is no doubt that Queen Margaret University's arrival in East Lothian  has, in just over a year, had a positive impact on the local community in a wide variety of ways. However, more recently the local Council and the University have been keen to put in place a formal arrangement which confirms their commitment to work together on projects which would benefit both organisations and East Lothian as a whole.

Rosalyn Marshall, Vice Principal of Queen Margaret University, was responsible for leading the successful relocation of the  University's to East Lothian. She explained: "East Lothian Council has been enormously supportive of QMU's move to the county. In the years prior to the move, we worked very closely to assess how the university could best contribute positively to the local economy and the everyday lives of local residents. In the first year since our relocation, we already have many examples of proactive collaborative projects which have had a positive impact  on both organisations as well as our new community.

"QMU's specialist areas, particularly in business, hospitality & food, small business development, drama and a wide variety of healthcare lend themselves extremely well to enhancing the quality of life of local residents. Both institutions are extremely enthusiastic to build on much of the good work which has already been achieved. We are fully committed to maximising a range of collaborative opportunities which will benefit the University, the Council and ultimately the county."

David Berry, Leader of East Lothian Council, said: "The location of QMU in East Lothian provides our county with an academic focus offering wide-ranging benefits including educational opportunities and economic prospects for local residents. In addition the attraction of the university brings people to East Lothian from around the UK, Europe and wider afield." 

The University's Principal, Professor Anthony Cohen and David Berry signed an official agreement on 1 December in which both parties agreed to work together at all levels on projects across seven broad areas, to the benefit of the local community. The seven areas are Education and Schools; Health and Wellbeing; Development of land around QMU for business use; Culture and Drama; Shared Services and Transport & Sustainability.

Rosalyn concluded: "This formal collaborative agreement not only reaffirms QMU commitment to its new local community but, in line with the university's mission, will ultimately help to improve quality of life of people living in East Lothian.

ENDS

Examples of joint collaborative working:

• Co-sponsorship by QMU and ELC of the launch of the Scottish Forum for Family Business Research. This event involved a selection of guest speakers including Jim Mather, MSP, Martin Stepek, CEO of the Scottish Family Business Association and local businessman Sir Francis Ogilvey.
  
  
• QMU's hosting of the Midlothian and East Lothian Business Awards and Enterprise Exhibition.
  
  
• QMU's outreach projects - podiatry lecturers working on creative workshops in a variety of East Lothian primary schools.
  
  
• Drama performances including 'The Hired Man' and 'Bye Bye Birdie' at the Brunton Theatre. Shakespeare's 'Winter's Tale' will be performed at the Brunton Theatre in April 09. 
  
  
• QMU's theatre arts students formation the 'Mussel-In Project', a community arts initiative designed to develop strong links between local youth (including schools) and QMU students. The project is now being followed up by the 'Your Place or Mine Project'.
  
  
• QMU's hosting of the Chamber of Commerce Business Awards and Enterprise Exhibition in Nov 08.
  
  
• QMU's involvement with shaping the Curriculum for Excellence debates in East Lothian.
  
  
• Community Christmas Market to be held at QMU on Thursday 4 December.
  
  
• QMU has been funded by East Lothian Council to conduct event evaluation and an assessment study for the John Muir Odyssey and Scottish Homecoming 2009.
  
  
• Future events include the Homecoming 2009.

Interview opportunity:
Rosalyn Marshall, Vice Principal at Queen Margaret University, will be available for interview with regard to details of the collaborative agreement. Please contact Lynne Russell, Press and PR Officer, QMU on tel: 0131 474 0000, mobile: 07711 011239. lrussell@qmu.ac.uk

David Berry, Leader of East Lothian Council, will also be available for comment.

Distributed on 01 Dec 08

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