STUDENTS from Queen Margaret University (QMU) in Musselburgh are to be thanked for their hard work in battling the Covid-19 pandemic.

A total of £50,000 has been allocated by Santander Universities to provide gifts to 1,400 students at QMU and Edinburgh Napier University who supported the NHS in the fight against the virus.

QMU has offered its nursing and allied health professions’ students on the frontline a choice of one of two luxury food hampers – a ‘pamper hamper’ or breakfast hamper.

The gifts have been provided by Artisan Larder Scotland, founded by QMU graduate David McVey.

Edinburgh Napier University has linked up with East Lothian-based sushi company Minato Sushi to offer its own eligible School of Health and Social Care students a £35 voucher for the business as a thank you for their efforts as part of the country’s Covid-19 response.

Sir Paul Grice, principal and vice-chancellor of Queen Margaret University, said: “We are incredibly proud of all of our students from the School of Health Sciences, especially those who are playing their part in the NHS’s fight against Covid-19.

“Thanks to the continuing generosity and support of Santander Universities, we have been able to not only provide this thank you gift for hundreds of our hard-working health students but also support one of our graduate businesses in the process.

"I hope the students enjoy the gift – they are doing fantastic work.”