About Molly Finlay
University of Glasgow Graduate 2022, Economic and Social History & Social and Public Policy, 1st Class Honours.
Edinburgh Napier University 2022-23, MA Journalism.
My background in History and Social Policy has reinforced my natural interest in news, politics and current affairs, as well as trained me to produce balanced conclusions based on the research and sources available.
At a point in history where the public are consumed by vast amounts of media and news coverage, I am eager to share objective information and report wholly and accurately on issues that affect those in all sections of society.
Previous Work and Experience
Surge 2023, Edinburgh Napier Master's Publication
Developed in partial submission of MA Journalism.
Surge 2023 was produced and designed by MA students at Edinburgh Napier University. In producing this magazine I contributed a variety of feature articles as well as acted as section head of Business and Politics.
During this process I enjoyed exploring my interests in Scottish politics as well as my research in medical history gained through my undergraduate degree. View my articles in the portfolio section of my website.
Political Correspondent for EN News 17.4.23
Developed in partial submission of MA Journlaism.
Produced with Lauren McCarthy,17th April 2023, this TV package covers the Scottish political news of the day.
Radio ENRG Presenter, MA Newsdays 2022
While studying Radio as part of MA Journalism at Napier University, myself and my classmates completed three assessed news days.
On these assessed news days, I perfomed the role of Presenter on Napier University's local station Radio ENRG.
As well as sourcing stories, conducting interviews, and working with my producer and editor, I have compiled the news bulletin, weather and travel reports as well as conducted the presentation of the news programme.
Heriot-Watt Brewing Society Beer Festival, 2023
Developed in partial submission of MA Journlaism.
Produced in March 2023, the feature visits Heriot-Watt University's 36th Annual Beer Festival
Cue: And finally, this weekend Edinburgh’s Heriot Watt university have held their renowned 36th annual Beer Festival.
As they welcomed over 600 visitors, reporter Molly Finlay visited their two day event to find out more…
Heart of Midlothian Football Club TV Feature Package: Warm Welcome Lunch Club, 2023
Developed in partial submission of MA Journlaism. Produced in March 2023, the feature highlights the work of charity 'Big Hearts' in Edinburgh.
Cue: In response to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the oldest football club in Edinburgh, Heart of Midlothian, have been providing a warm lunch and social support for those facing hardship in the capital.
Reporter Molly Finlay attends Big Hearts' Warm Welcome Lunch Club.
Scottish Buffer Zones, Radio Package, 2022
Developed in partial submission of MA Journlaism. Produced in November 2022 the package investigates the impact of pro-life campaigns and 'Buffer Zones' legislation in Scotland.
Radio Cue: In October, MPs in Westminster voted in favour of an amendment to the Government’s Public Order Bill which will allow the introduction of so called ‘buffer zones’ outside sexual health facilities across England and Wales.
Those who choose to protest, display graphic signs, or approach women outside of clinics providing abortion care will be moved on. Reporter Molly Finlay investigates the calls for buffer zones in Scotland, and the way in which pro-choice and pro-life organisations alike are reacting…
The Cancelled Podcast (Pilot)
Developed in partial submission of MA Journlaism. Co-written, produced and edited October 2022.
Has your favourite Celebrity ever been Cancelled? Did they deserve it, or should they have been given a second chance?
Listen as hosts Molly Finlay, Sophia Kerr, and Lauren McCarthy discuss Cancel Culture in their pilot episode of: The Cancelled Podcast.
BBC Young Climate Reporter 2021
In November 2021 I presented a short film for BBC Scotland as a young reporter.
The film highlights the problems with soft plastics at home as well as in the care sector.
In collaboration with producer Graham Fraser, I utilised my research and communication skills to produce an original report broadcasted as part of BBC Scotland’s coverage of the UN climate conference, COP26, hosted in Glasgow.
To create this report, I researched this issue independently. I contacted and liaised with various supermarkets, waste disposal companies and with scientists at MEDU protection, a sustainable start-up business providing medical professionals in Mexico with re-usable PPE. This communication allowed me to arrange visitation to sites for filming as well as interviews with relevant personnel.
In developing this short film, I have shown that I am able to produce relevant media that provides accurate, topical information to a public customer base as well as work effectively with senior figures.
Let's Talk About [X] Academic Conference 2022
In 2022, I was selected to present my original research in medical history at University of Glasgow's Let's Talk About [X] academic conference.
At the LTA[X] conference, I presented research conducted during my undergraduate dissertation, titled '‘Women’s Participation in Scottish Medicine and Surgery: An Examination of Women’s Need to Create Their Own Spaces to Thrive in the Medical Profession’.
The reseach focusses specifically on Gertrude Herzfeld, the first practicing female surgeon in Scotland, and the first female fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Unlike ‘great men’ in history, or women famous for their role in controversial and political events, Herzfeld appeared undocumented, despite her significance to medical history.
Aiming to highlight Herzfeld’s achievements, and her significance to Scottish medical history, my dissertation allowed me to compile an original biography of Herzfeld using archival material held by RCSEd and the Lothian Health Services Archive. This research is reflected in the above presentation.
In presenting my research, I have demonstrated that I have a natural instinct for discovering and investigating authentic stories. Further, I have shown that I am able to construct original information to tell new and original stories such as the life of Gertrude Herzfeld.