While unlikely to shunt the memory of Guy Fawkes from the collective national consciousness, 5 November this year accrues the additional—though minor—significance of becoming the anniversary date of the first edition The Journal, Edinburgh’s student newspaper.

From its formative conception nine months ago on a cold, dark February night, the original vision for The Journal has—with the immeasurably valuable assistance and guidance of the Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust and Business Gateway, and the support of staff, their families and friends—finally been realised in print and online.

Set up to be independent from any university, students' association or political party (and, indeed, political affiliation), The Journal follows a business model unique to any Scottish student publication. As an institution, we shall also aim to have a positive impact on the training and practical education of journalists in Scotland.

We shall strive, over the course of however much time we are allocated, to uphold a number of key values: to act as a forum for debate and ideas; to provide functional useful information on the city of Edinburgh and the institutions that impact most on the lives of students; and to continuously seek to uphold rigorous standards of quality and intellectual integrity.

We value any comments, suggestions and opinions and, indeed, believe that interaction between the reader and the newspaper are of integral importance to the success of any such publication in this, or any, age.