Dr Orla Kelly
@orlakellybell.bsky.social
Knowledge Exchange & Innovation, working across Scotland's 19 universities. Here for chat about collaboration, strategy and policy, funding, and musings from trains or walks
Occasionally, I accidentally overpack my espresso thingamy and it gives me coffee as thick as tar. It normally coincides with the mornings I need it most.
I'm on my way to outer space after drinking this, it was nice knowing you all.
I'm on my way to outer space after drinking this, it was nice knowing you all.
September 21, 2026 at 9:11 AM
Occasionally, I accidentally overpack my espresso thingamy and it gives me coffee as thick as tar. It normally coincides with the mornings I need it most.
I'm on my way to outer space after drinking this, it was nice knowing you all.
I'm on my way to outer space after drinking this, it was nice knowing you all.
Last week's Venture Cafe Edinburgh. If you haven't been to one of these gatherings before, it's worth a look. Big topics discussed in a room full of curious people.
You need your social battery fully charged, mind you.
@rachaelwearecec.bsky.social closed the show with some excellent storytelling.
You need your social battery fully charged, mind you.
@rachaelwearecec.bsky.social closed the show with some excellent storytelling.
August 17, 2026 at 9:42 AM
Last week's Venture Cafe Edinburgh. If you haven't been to one of these gatherings before, it's worth a look. Big topics discussed in a room full of curious people.
You need your social battery fully charged, mind you.
@rachaelwearecec.bsky.social closed the show with some excellent storytelling.
You need your social battery fully charged, mind you.
@rachaelwearecec.bsky.social closed the show with some excellent storytelling.
From my front door, I can get to the top of Dumyat and back in a few hours.
Here's me, hot and windswept on top of the hill, looking over Stirling and Clackmannanshire and the River Forth.
And some beautiful trees on my way back down.
Here's me, hot and windswept on top of the hill, looking over Stirling and Clackmannanshire and the River Forth.
And some beautiful trees on my way back down.
August 17, 2026 at 7:29 AM
From my front door, I can get to the top of Dumyat and back in a few hours.
Here's me, hot and windswept on top of the hill, looking over Stirling and Clackmannanshire and the River Forth.
And some beautiful trees on my way back down.
Here's me, hot and windswept on top of the hill, looking over Stirling and Clackmannanshire and the River Forth.
And some beautiful trees on my way back down.
@annamgrey.bsky.social as predicted, over the fence courgette delivery from kind neighbour 💚
August 14, 2026 at 3:48 PM
@annamgrey.bsky.social as predicted, over the fence courgette delivery from kind neighbour 💚
it's not often I get affection like this from her.
Yes, her food bowl does need topped up, how did you know?
#cat #workfromhome #officemate
Yes, her food bowl does need topped up, how did you know?
#cat #workfromhome #officemate
August 12, 2026 at 3:59 PM
it's not often I get affection like this from her.
Yes, her food bowl does need topped up, how did you know?
#cat #workfromhome #officemate
Yes, her food bowl does need topped up, how did you know?
#cat #workfromhome #officemate
love it or hate it, Edinburgh (specifically, the Fringe) was *thriving* today in the sunshine.
I saw the weather forecast, and booked last minute annual leave to take my two girls in for a jolly good day, ahead of back to school later this week. Priorities.
#EdinburghFringe
I saw the weather forecast, and booked last minute annual leave to take my two girls in for a jolly good day, ahead of back to school later this week. Priorities.
#EdinburghFringe
August 10, 2026 at 9:11 PM
love it or hate it, Edinburgh (specifically, the Fringe) was *thriving* today in the sunshine.
I saw the weather forecast, and booked last minute annual leave to take my two girls in for a jolly good day, ahead of back to school later this week. Priorities.
#EdinburghFringe
I saw the weather forecast, and booked last minute annual leave to take my two girls in for a jolly good day, ahead of back to school later this week. Priorities.
#EdinburghFringe
pumpkin update:
Originally, I thought that a single plant would give me a single pumpkin, but it would appear that I might have enough for the whole neighborhood.
Maybe I can charge entry to my pumpkin patch for Halloween.
#pumpkinupdate
#pumpkinpatch
#gardening
#vegplot
Originally, I thought that a single plant would give me a single pumpkin, but it would appear that I might have enough for the whole neighborhood.
Maybe I can charge entry to my pumpkin patch for Halloween.
#pumpkinupdate
#pumpkinpatch
#gardening
#vegplot
August 1, 2026 at 7:21 PM
pumpkin update:
Originally, I thought that a single plant would give me a single pumpkin, but it would appear that I might have enough for the whole neighborhood.
Maybe I can charge entry to my pumpkin patch for Halloween.
#pumpkinupdate
#pumpkinpatch
#gardening
#vegplot
Originally, I thought that a single plant would give me a single pumpkin, but it would appear that I might have enough for the whole neighborhood.
Maybe I can charge entry to my pumpkin patch for Halloween.
#pumpkinupdate
#pumpkinpatch
#gardening
#vegplot
some honking geese for your pleasure
August 1, 2026 at 10:45 AM
some honking geese for your pleasure
I've had a week 'back home', away from emails and the like, lots of time with family, kids creating chaos together.
But, also a fair bit of walking. Here's 12 miles along the north coast clifftops, from Dunseverick, past the Castle, Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, to Whiterocks Beach and Portrush.
But, also a fair bit of walking. Here's 12 miles along the north coast clifftops, from Dunseverick, past the Castle, Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, to Whiterocks Beach and Portrush.
July 31, 2026 at 6:53 AM
I've had a week 'back home', away from emails and the like, lots of time with family, kids creating chaos together.
But, also a fair bit of walking. Here's 12 miles along the north coast clifftops, from Dunseverick, past the Castle, Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, to Whiterocks Beach and Portrush.
But, also a fair bit of walking. Here's 12 miles along the north coast clifftops, from Dunseverick, past the Castle, Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, to Whiterocks Beach and Portrush.
the next day, in bloom!
(scale, this is bigger than my hand spread out)
(scale, this is bigger than my hand spread out)
July 22, 2026 at 9:30 AM
the next day, in bloom!
(scale, this is bigger than my hand spread out)
(scale, this is bigger than my hand spread out)
I used to spend loads of time in the garden trying to grow various things with very limited success. Rather than letting slugs eat another crop of lettuces, this year I have one bed bursting with raspberry plants, and a second bed growing my first ever pumpkin(s).
Getting Halloween prep in early!
Getting Halloween prep in early!
July 21, 2026 at 7:34 PM
I used to spend loads of time in the garden trying to grow various things with very limited success. Rather than letting slugs eat another crop of lettuces, this year I have one bed bursting with raspberry plants, and a second bed growing my first ever pumpkin(s).
Getting Halloween prep in early!
Getting Halloween prep in early!
When is it procrastination, and when is it in fact necessary thinking time?
Prepping for a discussion tomorrow, and needing to reflect on my role, my purpose, things I do, can't do, choose not to do, people I engage with, how effective those engagements are... extremely hard things to review.
Prepping for a discussion tomorrow, and needing to reflect on my role, my purpose, things I do, can't do, choose not to do, people I engage with, how effective those engagements are... extremely hard things to review.
July 15, 2026 at 7:24 PM
When is it procrastination, and when is it in fact necessary thinking time?
Prepping for a discussion tomorrow, and needing to reflect on my role, my purpose, things I do, can't do, choose not to do, people I engage with, how effective those engagements are... extremely hard things to review.
Prepping for a discussion tomorrow, and needing to reflect on my role, my purpose, things I do, can't do, choose not to do, people I engage with, how effective those engagements are... extremely hard things to review.
July 14, 2026 at 8:20 AM
Who knew Stirling had such a problem with crocs?
Photo from back in March on Carse of Lecropt, outskirts of Bridge of Allan
"Rewilding, Danger, Crocodiles Crossing"
Photo from back in March on Carse of Lecropt, outskirts of Bridge of Allan
"Rewilding, Danger, Crocodiles Crossing"
July 13, 2026 at 7:05 PM
Who knew Stirling had such a problem with crocs?
Photo from back in March on Carse of Lecropt, outskirts of Bridge of Allan
"Rewilding, Danger, Crocodiles Crossing"
Photo from back in March on Carse of Lecropt, outskirts of Bridge of Allan
"Rewilding, Danger, Crocodiles Crossing"
Beautiful setting for a couple of meetings over coffee at the River House in Stirling this afternoon... Beware of the Crocodiles!
July 13, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Beautiful setting for a couple of meetings over coffee at the River House in Stirling this afternoon... Beware of the Crocodiles!
there is a look of reluctance from her, but #proofofcat
July 13, 2026 at 9:40 AM
there is a look of reluctance from her, but #proofofcat
Prompted by a conversation on LinkedIn (cc @annamgrey.bsky.social) this is day 1 of me trying to be a bit more active on blue sky ... let's see how that goes!
Photo for the algorithm, but there is no algorithm? I'll need to figure out what makes this tick.
Photo for the algorithm, but there is no algorithm? I'll need to figure out what makes this tick.
July 13, 2026 at 9:09 AM
Prompted by a conversation on LinkedIn (cc @annamgrey.bsky.social) this is day 1 of me trying to be a bit more active on blue sky ... let's see how that goes!
Photo for the algorithm, but there is no algorithm? I'll need to figure out what makes this tick.
Photo for the algorithm, but there is no algorithm? I'll need to figure out what makes this tick.
Spend 90 seconds with me in Manchester...
I spent the week at the busy IEEC2025 - International Enterprise Educators Conference - hosted by @manmetuni.bsky.social
(This video has no sound!)
1/n
I spent the week at the busy IEEC2025 - International Enterprise Educators Conference - hosted by @manmetuni.bsky.social
(This video has no sound!)
1/n
September 12, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Spend 90 seconds with me in Manchester...
I spent the week at the busy IEEC2025 - International Enterprise Educators Conference - hosted by @manmetuni.bsky.social
(This video has no sound!)
1/n
I spent the week at the busy IEEC2025 - International Enterprise Educators Conference - hosted by @manmetuni.bsky.social
(This video has no sound!)
1/n
Fortuitous timing, but yesterday as UK Gov published their White Paper on immigration, we held a panel discussion "Exploring the landscape for international founders", as part of the Connect-Ed Network www.connect-ed.network
1/n
1/n
May 13, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Fortuitous timing, but yesterday as UK Gov published their White Paper on immigration, we held a panel discussion "Exploring the landscape for international founders", as part of the Connect-Ed Network www.connect-ed.network
1/n
1/n
Day tripping to Aberdeen today for a Connect-Ed meeting on entrepreneurial ecosystems, an international perspective.
First leg of the journey is a train to Dundee, a journey I used to do multiple times a week for several years.
I'm no longer a regular commuter... I miss it, and I don't miss it!
First leg of the journey is a train to Dundee, a journey I used to do multiple times a week for several years.
I'm no longer a regular commuter... I miss it, and I don't miss it!
April 24, 2025 at 7:25 AM
Day tripping to Aberdeen today for a Connect-Ed meeting on entrepreneurial ecosystems, an international perspective.
First leg of the journey is a train to Dundee, a journey I used to do multiple times a week for several years.
I'm no longer a regular commuter... I miss it, and I don't miss it!
First leg of the journey is a train to Dundee, a journey I used to do multiple times a week for several years.
I'm no longer a regular commuter... I miss it, and I don't miss it!
A short 5 mile walk today, through very bonnie Stirling, gearing up for the Glasgow Kiltwalk on Sunday - raising money for Social Bite to support their mission to end homelessness. Any and all donations welcome! 🙏 www.justgiving.com/page/orla-st...
April 22, 2025 at 1:54 PM
A short 5 mile walk today, through very bonnie Stirling, gearing up for the Glasgow Kiltwalk on Sunday - raising money for Social Bite to support their mission to end homelessness. Any and all donations welcome! 🙏 www.justgiving.com/page/orla-st...
Go touch some grass!
I don't really have time for this today, too much to do... which is all the more reason to get out for a wee half hour round the river.
You can't drink from an empty cup, etc etc etc
I don't really have time for this today, too much to do... which is all the more reason to get out for a wee half hour round the river.
You can't drink from an empty cup, etc etc etc
March 10, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Go touch some grass!
I don't really have time for this today, too much to do... which is all the more reason to get out for a wee half hour round the river.
You can't drink from an empty cup, etc etc etc
I don't really have time for this today, too much to do... which is all the more reason to get out for a wee half hour round the river.
You can't drink from an empty cup, etc etc etc
The Scots of this world will be outraged at today's @nytimes.com Spelling Bee.
Also, the word gammon is not on the word list 🤷🏻♀️
Those are now the only two words I can see.
Also, the word gammon is not on the word list 🤷🏻♀️
Those are now the only two words I can see.
March 7, 2025 at 8:33 AM
The Scots of this world will be outraged at today's @nytimes.com Spelling Bee.
Also, the word gammon is not on the word list 🤷🏻♀️
Those are now the only two words I can see.
Also, the word gammon is not on the word list 🤷🏻♀️
Those are now the only two words I can see.
... Wrapped up my day with excellent session on Design Thinking from Fraser Bruce, DJCAD, as part of the Connect-Ed network
Hosted by the @timeshighered.bsky.social Outstanding Entrepreneurial University, no less!
Hosted by the @timeshighered.bsky.social Outstanding Entrepreneurial University, no less!
February 26, 2025 at 4:41 PM
... Wrapped up my day with excellent session on Design Thinking from Fraser Bruce, DJCAD, as part of the Connect-Ed network
Hosted by the @timeshighered.bsky.social Outstanding Entrepreneurial University, no less!
Hosted by the @timeshighered.bsky.social Outstanding Entrepreneurial University, no less!
Off to Dundee today. I used to do this three times per week, and its now £34.80 return on the train 🫠
Grateful for moderately reliable train WiFi so I could join a call, not so keen on finishing that call in a freezing cold Dundee train station.
...
Grateful for moderately reliable train WiFi so I could join a call, not so keen on finishing that call in a freezing cold Dundee train station.
...
February 26, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Off to Dundee today. I used to do this three times per week, and its now £34.80 return on the train 🫠
Grateful for moderately reliable train WiFi so I could join a call, not so keen on finishing that call in a freezing cold Dundee train station.
...
Grateful for moderately reliable train WiFi so I could join a call, not so keen on finishing that call in a freezing cold Dundee train station.
...