Viking Genes

10/04/2026

Viking Genes Shetland chair, Sandra Laurenson, gave a talk this week to the Probus Club on the Viking Genes Shetland Community Screening Project.
We are raising awareness and fundraising so 5,000 Shetland residents can be screened for 10-15 important disease-causing variants covering all major heritable conditions prevalent in Shetland, alongside some other common Scottish disease-causing variants.

Sandra is pictured (third left) at the Probus Club meeting with (from the left):
George Jacobson; Lionel Kerry; Martin Randall, Secretary and treasurer; Catriona Anderson; David Polson; Neville Martin, Chairman.

If you would like to donate or fundraise, please visit the Viking Genes website to learn more:
https://viking.ed.ac.uk/screening-projects/shetland-community-screening-project

09/04/2026

We are very proud that Viking Genes Chief Investigator, Prof Jim Flett Wilson, has been chosen as one of the 300 faces of Edinburgh Medical School as part of 300th anniversary celebrations. But did you know that another trailblazer from the Northern Isles also features? Learn more about Shetland's Dr Mary Hepburn below: 👇
https://medicine-vet-medicine.ed.ac.uk/300-years-of-medicine/300-faces-of-edinburgh-medical-school/300-faces-h-l/mary-hepburn

Photo: Mary Hepburn, as photographed by Laurence Winram for the Faces of Edinburgh Medical School exhibition.

07/04/2026

"The Viking Genes study could have saved my life" - Lerwick woman to strut her stuff at cancer charity catwalk.

Christine Glaser has set up a Justgiving page for Friends of Anchor ahead of her appearance at the 2026 Courage on the Catwalk in May.

Paywall removed for fundraiser story in comments.

02/04/2026

Congratulations to Prof Jim Flett Wilson for being chosen as one of the 300 Faces Of Edinburgh Medical School. If you are in Edinburgh, you might spot him on a billboard in Princes Street! The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh was founded in 1726, making 2026 its 300th anniversary. There's lots happening to mark this historic occasion. Learn more here 👇
https://medicine-vet-medicine.ed.ac.uk/300-years-of-medicine/about/medicine-at-the-university-of-edinburgh

30/03/2026

JUST A REMINDER!
Will you be in Edinburgh on Friday 24th April?
It's Professor Jim Flett Wilson's inaugural lecture - which coincides with the 300th anniversary celebrations of the Edinburgh Medical School - at McEwan Hall, Teviot Place, Edinburgh from 5pm - 7.30pm. Reserve a spot via the link below 👇
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/college-of-medicine-and-veterinary-medicine-inaugural-lecture-showcase-tickets-1983482085311

25/03/2026

Cooke Supports Genetic Screening Project | Cooke in the Community

Cooke Scotland’s Community Benefit Fund has awarded the University of Edinburgh’s Development Trust (Viking Genes Fund) £10,000 in support of the Viking Genes Shetland Community Screening Project.

The programme will identify individuals at higher genetic risk of developing life-threatening conditions, enabling volunteers to be notified of actionable findings and guided towards the appropriate NHS pathway of care.

Sandra Laurenson OBE, Chair of Viking Genes Shetland, said: “Cooke Scotland’s commitment to the local community is very welcome. This generous donation will help empower people from across the isles to learn if they are at risk of one of the genetic variants more common in Shetland, improving their healthcare and saving lives.”

Read more ➡ https://bit.ly/40PqY2i

Viking Genes

25/03/2026

Sandra Laurenson OBE, chair of Viking Genes Shetland, commented:
“Cooke Scotland’s commitment to the local community is very welcome. This generous donation will help empower people from across the isles to learn if they are at risk of one of the genetic variants more common in Shetland, improving their healthcare and saving lives.” With Cooke Scotland

24/03/2026

Cooke Scotland Award £10,000 to Viking Genes Shetland!
Professor Jim Flett Wilson said: “It is fantastic to see this donation from Cooke Scotland, which will help in getting the Viking Genes Fund to the level where we can start to appoint staff.” With Cooke Scotland
👇

Viking Genes donation Eunson appointed to health board District heating study funding Heating oil support concern Rural support plan

19/03/2026

SAVE THE DATE!
We will be in Barra on Thurs 4th June & South Uist/North Uist on Fri 5th June with Torcuil Crichton MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar Torcuil Crichton. Time & Venue TBC. PLEASE SHARE. Thank you!

16/03/2026

Three charities close to fundraiser Sharon Deyell’s heart have been given a cash boost after the hugely popular Sharon’s Swapshop event in January.

Viking Genes, Alzheimer Scotland and Clan Cancer Support were each given £2,375 after the long-running event in Aith Hall earlier this year.

Story in the comments: