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TV star and chancellor Prue Leith visits Queen Margaret University 

Posted: 20th April 2022

The entrepreneur, cook and TV star, Dame Prue Leith, visited Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh this week to find out about some of the University’s teaching and outreach projects  currently making a difference to people’s lives.

Prue, who is Chancellor of Queen Margaret University, spent two days learning about a range of the University’s teaching initiatives, including its impressive tutoring initiative which is helping secondary school pupils in East and Midlothian catch up with learning that was lost during the lockdown months.

While touring the university projects, Prue also received an update on the plans for the development of the land around the campus and QMU’s plans for an Innovation Hub, which will be part of the Edinburgh Innovation Park, and funded by the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Deal. During a walk in the campus grounds, Prue also saw the University’s newly planted ‘Wee Forest’ and learned about the development of an Outdoor Learning Hub. The Hub, which will take shape throughout 2022, will be a valuable resource that connects students, the local community and the teaching profession in nature. QMU’s Outdoor Learning Hub will not only provide opportunities for community engagement, it will be an invaluable resource for QMU’s next generation of school teachers who are developing outdoor learning skills.  These new skills and knowledge will help teachers enthuse children about the natural world, encouraging them to develop a love of nature and outdoor life, and an understanding of its importance to health and wellbeing.

Queen Margaret University’s Principal, Sir Paul Grice, said: “We are always delighted when our Chancellor comes to visit as she is very focused on learning about our latest work and how it’s making a difference to the lives of others. Prue always makes time to meet our students and hear about their experiences. She is also very willing to share her wisdom and experience as a food educator and entrepreneur, which can be very inspiring and motivating for both staff and students. Her continuous drive, curiosity, boundless energy and positive attitude to life and learning make her a great ambassador for Queen Margaret University.”

This year QMU celebrates its 50th anniversary of drama and performing arts education. To mark the occasion, Prue viewed an outdoor exhibition in University Square which celebrates some of the University’s alumni who have gone on to have careers as actors, performers, writers, directors, producers, cultural managers and entrepreneurs. To find out more about QMU’s 50 years of drama and performing arts visit: https://www.qmu.ac.uk/alumni-and-friends/50-years-of-drama-and-performing-arts/ and listen to QMU’s Alumni Podcast Series ‘Going off script with …’  at www.spreaker.com/show/off-script-with.

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Business Comment is the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce’s bi-monthly magazine. It provides insight on Edinburgh’s vibrant business community, with features on the city’s key sectors, interviews with leading figures and news on new business developments in the capital.
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