The Scottish Social Mobility Society (SSMS) is set to premiere Flagged, a new feature-length documentary examining the experiences of Scottish students at the University of Edinburgh and the deeper-rooted issues that shape them.
The film follows students including Shanley, Ian, and Izzy as they speak openly about their time at Edinburgh, reflecting on what it means to be Scottish in an institution often criticised for elitism. Through their stories, Flagged highlights the day-to-day challenges faced by local students navigating a university environment many feel is not built for them.
The documentary is split into two parts and is accompanied by two full-length interviews with senior university figures: Vice Principal Colm Harmon and Professor Sharon Ogle. These conversations explore why such difficulties persist and how the university is attempting to respond.
To support the film’s release, SSMS is also publishing the ‘Scottish Student Visibility Report’, a data-driven snapshot of how Scottish students perceive the university. The report includes responses to questions such as, “Would you recommend this university to younger Scots?” and offers insight into how students feel about the institution, its staff, and culture.
Formed in response to student demand, SSMS provides a platform for Scottish students to voice concerns and be represented in front of the faculty. Although born from a place of divide and annoyance, the society has successfully brought a sense of unity to Scottish students and began advocating for them in places where they felt ignored.
Flagged will premiere on 27 June at 17:30 at Custom Lane, 1 Customs Wharf, Leith. The documentary will be released online the following day for a wider audience.
Image via EUTV and SSMS.