School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, University of Edinburgh

Curating the catwalk! Film, Exhibition and Curation student Jack shares how his studies helped shape his vision as Creative Director for this year’s University of Edinburgh Fashion Society show:

"The programme has really helped shape how I think about curation and visual storytelling."

"In my role as Creative Director, I’ve been applying that by thinking not just about the garments themselves, but about how they’re presented, how the audience moves through the space, and how the whole show communicates an idea rather than just displaying clothes!"

Curating the catwalk | Literatures, Languages & Cultures | Literatures Languages and Culture Film, Curation and Exhibition student Jack on directing a fashion show.

Farm animals on campus? Neigh bother!🐴

We had so much fun with and friends. Swipe to see the goats causing chaos 💥

Celtic Connections is back! 🎉 Ahead of his gig, we caught up with 2022 alum Hector Shaw about juggling his music and marketing careers.

We first spoke to Hector as a final year student combining a degree in Scottish Ethnology and English Literature with working on his debut EP, Gravity.

Four years on, he has two EPs under his belt, and a nomination for Best Acoustic at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards.

You can catch Hector at Celtic Connections on Friday 23 January 2026 in a special collaborative show at Òran Mór with singer-songwriters Kirsteen Harvey and Grace Morton that blends rich folk traditions with contemporary indie sensibilities.

And if you can’t wait for your Celtic Connections fix, tickets are still available for BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra & Special Guests: Beyond The Tradition on Friday 16 January at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall ft. our very own Lori Watson

Meet our graduates: Hector Shaw (Scottish Ethnology and English Literature) | Literatures, Languages & Cultures | Literatures Languages and Culture Juggling careers in marketing and music using skills from across his degree.

We're logging off for the winter break ❄️

We’ll be back on Monday 5 January 2026. A wee reminder that our buildings are closed from 23 December but that support is available throughout the break, if you need it.

Take care, stay cosy, and see you in the new year 🤗

Festive holiday period | News | The University of Edinburgh The University will be closed during the winter break from 5pm on Tuesday 23 December 2025 and will reopen at 9am on Monday 5 January 2026.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The Writing Prizes are open for entry.

Volunteers wanted to prepare Gaelic for the AI age | News | The University of Edinburgh Scottish Gaelic-speaking volunteers are being sought to help with an ambitious scheme to ensure the language thrives in the digital age.

“Meal do naidheachd!” to our very own Rob Dunbar who has won this year's Royal Society of Edinburgh Sir Walter Scott Medal for his work on language policy and Gaelic literature and culture.

Since he joined us in 2013, countless students have been inspired and mentored by Rob, including Chris Oates (who has just graduated with a PhD on Gaelic language policy) and MSc alum Elizabeth Campbell (whose current PhD thesis is on the life and work of her ancestor John Morison - Iain Gobha na Hearadh).

Chris told us: "Rob Dunbar’s academic work introduced me to Scottish Gaelic, and so he is quite directly responsible for the eventual course of my studies. As my doctoral supervisor, Rob was unerringly patient, supportive and kind, and the depth of insight displayed in his research is reflected in the wisdom which he is able to share with those fortunate to be his students."

Elizabeth says "Working with Rob has been an absolute honour and a real pleasure. From assisting in my initial [MSc] application to becoming my primary doctoral supervisor, Rob’s guidance has been invaluable. Over the years he assisted me in applying for various grants, prepared me for an intensive Gaelic-immersion course, encouraged my expansion of my research to include fieldwork, and was incredibly supportive through the very difficult years of Covid and lockdown. His approach to teaching reflects his genuine care for his students, and I count myself fortunate indeed to be among them. I am grateful to Rob for his insight, mentorship, and kindness, all of which I have benefited from both personally and academically."

A very big "Sin thu fhèin!" Rob from all of us in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures. Read the full story:

Professor Rob Dunbar wins the RSE Sir Walter Scott Medal | Literatures, Languages & Cultures | Literatures Languages and Culture We speak to the medallist and his students about his work promoting and protecting minority languages.