Edinburgh College welcomes world’s only road-legal flying car to its campus
Edinburgh College brought together educators, employers, and industry leaders for a dynamic morning focused on the future of skills, innovation, and emerging technologies – and featuring a flying car!
Held at the College’s Sighthill Campus, the event provided a platform for stakeholders across sectors to explore how cutting-edge developments are shaping workforce needs while highlighting the College’s role at the forefront of technical education.
A key highlight of the event was the appearance of the PAL-V, currently the world’s only road-legal flying car and in the final stages of flight certification. Attendees were given a rare opportunity to learn directly from the creators, with Arthur Van Der Wees and Carlo Maasbommel of FLYVE introducing the groundbreaking vehicle and its real-world applications.
The PAL-V has the potential to transform public services, logistics, and professional practice, offering rapid-response mobility solutions across Scotland, Europe, and beyond. Guests later experienced a close-up tour and demonstration of the car, bringing future transport innovation into sharp focus.
Alongside the flying car, attendees were also introduced to a very different innovation: the Tartan Space Suit. Presented by Dr Sharon Lemac-Vincere of the University of Strathclyde, the project blends advanced materials science with traditional Scottish design.
More than a technological showcase, the suit represents the intersection of innovation and identity, demonstrating how culture and heritage continue to influence the development of next-generation solutions.
The event also featured a panel discussion exploring how emerging technologies are reshaping skills demand. Speakers highlighted the increasing need for multidisciplinary expertise, agility in learning, and closer collaboration between education providers and industry.
With sectors evolving rapidly, discussions emphasised the importance of equipping learners with both technical competencies and adaptable skillsets to thrive in a changing workforce landscape.
Guests also had the opportunity to connect directly with Edinburgh College’s Engineering team, learning about the range of courses designed to prepare students for careers in high-growth industries. Particular interest centred on the College’s work in electric vehicle (EV) training and EV charge point installation, reflecting rising demand across the green economy.
Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “Events like this bring together the people, ideas and technologies that will shape our future. At Edinburgh College, we are proud to be playing a leading role in developing the skills needed to support that future. It was fantastic to welcome our guests and to get a closer look at their innovative technologies.”
FLYVE’s director Arthur van der Wees added: “Your motto ‘For the Future you want’ and focus on developing skills resonates with FLVYE as well, with our people- and societal-centric, use case-driven mission to develop serious inter- and multi-modal mobility, logistics and operations, with passion and purpose. It was a great pleasure and honour to join forces during this event, and we look forward to co-creating the future together with you, your team and students.”