Happy New Year, everyone. I hope you had a great Christmas.
We can look back on a pretty momentous year. We’ve delivered record funding for the NHS and social care. Schools in England are surging up the global league tables.
We’re getting the economy growing. We’ve cut inflation in half. We’ve delivered the biggest business tax cut in modern British history.
And in just the last few weeks, we’ve seen an incredible £60 billion of investment into the UK. So my New Year’s resolution is to keep driving forward. In six days’ time, we’ll deliver a tax cut for 27 million people, worth on average £450.
Inflation is set to fall further, cutting the cost of living for everyone. And we’re not stopping there.
We’re going further to grow our economy by reducing debt, cutting taxes, and rewarding hard work, building secure supplies of energy here at home, backing British business and delivering world class education. And we’re taking decisive action to stop the boats and break the business model of the criminal gangs.
From our incredible armed forces and NHS staff who take care of all of us. To our tech experts, scientists and innovators who are putting our economy at the global cutting edge.
We should look forward full of pride and optimism for what we can do together to build a brighter future for everyone. That’s what I’m determined to do, and I wish you all a very happy 2024.
AN EDINBURGH venue is highlighting its diverse workforce after one employee helped spark the founding of a new division of the business.
With a wide portfolio of businesses including a luxury hotel and city centre cafe, Surgeons Quarter, the commercial arm of The Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh (RCSEd), launched its own travel agency assisted by the skillset of one of its employees.
Justin Mackenzie began his career with Surgeons Quarter as a receptionist in its flagship hotel, Ten Hill Place Hotel, and worked his way up to Guest Services Manager before spearheading the opening of the organisation’s travel agency, SQ Travel after highlighting his previous experience in the sector.
Surgeons Quarter prides itself on providing unparalleled hospitality, as well as inspiring its employees to make a positive difference in and outside of the workplace.
As well as being a Living Wage Employer, it is the first hospitality venue to be a Living Pension Employer, with Surgeons Quarter placing a strong focus on the satisfaction and well-being of its workforce.
Commenting on his time at Surgeons Quarter, Justin said: “Working with people has always been something I love, and Surgeons Quarter recognised my skill set. I didn’t think when I started as a receptionist at Ten Hill Place Hotel, I would end up as a manager of a brand-new travel agency.
“In one of our regular team meetings, we were discussing our careers and what we are interested in. I mentioned that I previously worked at a travel agency when I left school and really enjoyed it. It was always something I considered getting back into.
“They recognised this and two days later I sat down with our Managing Director Scott Mitchell who asked me if I was interested in being part of the setup of a new venture they were considering, which was SQ Travel.
“We are now growing our team at SQ Travel, it’s an exciting time and knowing I have played such a big part in the formation of the agency is very rewarding.”
Hailing from the Northeast of England, Justin began his career at Hays Travel as a Travel Consultant, seeing the business double in size. Although, always having a keen interest in travel, Justin’s career took him to the hospitality sector across the UK and Spain.
Justin added: “I admire Surgeons Quarter’s ethos around all profits being invested back into funding research for surgeons, which drew me into the job originally. It makes everything feel very rewarding knowing I am helping to contribute to such a worthy cause.
“I would encourage people to consider a career in hospitality, you never know where it will take you!”
Initially set out to streamline travel for surgeons, and now arranging travel and holidays for all, SQ Travel was founded in 2020 and is affiliated with Hays Travel Independence Group.
Surgeons Quarter, Cafe 1305
Scott Mitchell – Managing Director
Scott Mitchell, Managing Director of Surgeons Quarter said: “Our staff are the centre of everything we do. We always aim to showcase their strengths and provide them with a platform so they can thrive in their career.
“Justin was the perfect person to be the driving force behind setting up and pushing forward SQ Travel, he had experience, passion and was eager to get the business started. We wouldn’t be here today without him.
“We take great pride in the passion our employees have for the work they do and services they deliver. We know that a career in hospitality can be challenging, which is why we’re committed to doing everything we can to support our people.”
Surgeons Quarter employs around 200 people across its venues, the majority of which hold operations-based in person roles.
Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd campus. It includes facilities for conferences, meetings, private events, parties, weddings and its own four-star hotel Ten Hill Place as well as Café 1505 and SQ Travel.
Profits from the Surgeons Quarter portfolio go towards the advancement of surgery and the improvement of patient outcomes worldwide.
If you’re looking for health advice this Hogmanay, please read this important information:
The 111 service is very busy today with almost 5000 calls already. This may mean a longer wait than usual for calls to be answered. Some mobile providers disconnect calls due to network capacity demand.
Here’s what you can do to help yourself, save time and help us care for those in the most need first.
Whether it is prescribed or non-prescribed medication, our guide to accessing medication can save you time. You might not need to call 111.
If you need general advice about seasonal ailments remember we have a lot of information on NHS inform, including a range of symptom checkers which you can use to help you decide what to do next: https://nhs24.info/symptom-checkers
The NHS 24 Online app also has handy health advice and can help you source your nearest open healthcare services, including pharmacies. The app is free to download on both iOS and Android devices. https://nhs24.info/NHS-24-Online
By using NHS resources wisely, we can keep well and get the care we need quickly, safely and as close to home as possible.
If you are using a mobile phone to call please switch to WiFi calling and ensure your device is charged. This should help to prevent your call being disconnected by a network provider.
NHS 24’s staff are working exceptionally hard to answer as many calls as we can, quickly and safely. Please be patient and we will answer. If you can try the above options first, it could save you time. We want to help you get the right care, in the right place.
Two members of staff from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) with a combined 65 years of service have been awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal (KFSM).
On call firefighter, Watch Commander David Gibson is based at Penicuik Community Fire Station and has spent over 44 years helping to protect his local community, while Iain Morris, Head of Asset Management has over 20 years of service overseeing SFRS buildings, equipment and vehicles.
His Majesty The King has recognised their efforts in the New Year’s Honours List.
As an on call firefighter, Watch Commander (WC) Gibson has balanced his role with SFRS while also working full time as a mental health nurse until he retired from the NHS in 2021.
He used his experience in mental health to become a Wellbeing Champion for SFRS, providing support to colleagues in the Midlothian, East Lothian and Scottish Borders areas.
WC Gibson was also involved in the integration of the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) co-location at Penicuik Community Fire Station.
I am immensely proud and honoured to receive the King’s Fire Service Medal, even to be nominated by my peers, is very humbling.
David GibsonWatch Commander
He continued: “It has been a privilege for me to serve communities as an on call firefighters attending many notable emergency incidents and fires over the years, working with many great teams and individuals.
“I would like to thank all those that I have worked with and also my family for their unwavering support.”
As Head of Asset Management, Iain Morris oversees the administration of SFRS assets, which includes over 1,600 vehicles, thousands of items of equipment and over 600 buildings, as well being responsible for more than 200 staff.
Iain, who lives in Airdrie, started working with Strathclyde Fire Brigade in 2002 and has over 20 years of Fire Service experience. He has worked as Fleet Manager, Deputy Director of Operations and Head of Corporate Support
He took on the role of Head of Asset Management in 2013, at the formation of The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) from the eight legacy services. For the last two years, Iain has worked as the Interim Director of Asset Management.
During his time, Iain has driven forward many improvements in processes including initiatives to reduce carbon emissions across the estate. Iain and his team also ensured the SFRS corporate buildings along with stores and fleet workshops continued to operate during the Covid-19 pandemic.
On receiving his award, Iain said: “It is very humbling but an honour to receive the King’s Fire Service Medal and to have the work of Asset Management recognised within SFRS.
“I am part of a large team of professionals who are fully committed in supporting the Service to serve the communities of Scotland, as well as continually striving to make improvements.
Throughout the years, I have received overwhelming support from those I have worked with, and I would like to extend my thanks to them, as well as to my family.
Iain MorrisSFRS Head of Asset Management
Iain is also involved in the Veterans/Reservists Group and has helped SFRS achieve the Gold Standard for the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
For the last 10 years he has been the Honorary Vice President of the Scottish Fire Brigades Trust and has helped establish the Fire Museum and Heritage Centre in Greenock.
He served almost eight years as a Trustee of the SFRS Family Support Trust where he helped to raise the charity’s profile.
Next year will see 11% real-terms rise in unsecured debt with household debt hitting record levels in 2026
Britain “cannot afford the Tories” – TUC General Secretary to warn in New Year Message
Paul Nowak calls for early general election to “end years of national decline”
The TUC has warned that families are facing a “debt timebomb”. The warning comes as new analysis from the union body reveals that unsecured debt (loans credit cards, purchase hire agreements) is set to increase by £1,400 in real terms next year, on average, per household.
The analysis of official statistics shows that in 2024 household unsecured debt is forecast to rise by 11%.
And over the course of the next parliament unsecured debt is set to rocket by £6,000 (+43%), on average, per family.
The union body warned that unsecured debt per UK household is on course to reach a record level of £17,200 by 2026 – exceeding the previous high of £16,800 set in 2007.
By 2028 unsecured debt per household is set to top £19,000.
Unsecured debt includes credit cards, loans and purchase hire agreements, and excludes mortgages. The TUC excluded student loans from the analysis.
Families left exposed
The TUC says working people have been left brutally exposed to rising costs after years of pay stagnation.
UK workers are on course for two decades of lost living standards with real wages not forecast to recover to their 2008 level until 2028.
The TUC estimates that the average worker would now be £14,800 better off if their pay had kept up with pre-crisis real wage growth trends since 2008.
The union body says the sharp spike in debt, along with stagnant living standards, will “more than wipe out” any gains from the Chancellor’s cut to national insurance tax and leave many families “under the cosh”.
The Office for Budget Responsibility says the period between 2021 and 2024 will be the worst for living standards (real household disposable income per person) since records began in 1955.
New Year’s Message
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak warns that Britain “cannot afford the Tories” in his annual New Year Message. Calling for an early general election, he said: “Every month the Tories stay in office the more families will be pushed into debt.
“This party of out-of-touch millionaires is more focussed on clinging to power than on growing our economy and getting living standards rising again. If something doesn’t change, real wages won’t recover to their 2008 levels until 2028.
“These 13 years of economic stagnation have left working people brutally exposed to the cost of living crisis. We cannot afford a Tory government for one day longer.”
Highlighting the choice on offer at the next election, Nowak said: “After years of national decline, Labour’s New Deal for Working People would be a gamechanger. It would be the biggest expansion of workplace rights in a generation.
“No more zero-hours contracts and no more fire and rehire. Employment rights from day one. Union rights to access the workplace. New fair pay agreements. Repealing the attacks on the right to strike.
“And more than that, the prospect of a new era of a grown-up, constructive approach to industrial relations, where disputes are solved through negotiation.
“And a clear commitment to put unions and employers at the heart of a modern-day industrial strategy.”
Highlighting the TUC’s ongoing campaign against the government’s new anti-strike laws, Paul Nowak said: “Nobody withdraws their labour lightly. It is the last resort when employers refuse to talk and refuse to compromise.
“The action taken by union members [in 2023] forced bosses across the country back to the negotiating table and secured better deals. Unions will do everything in our power to defend that right to strike. It is a cornerstone of our democracy.
“We won’t be intimidated by this government, and we won’t be bullied. The Tories’ Strikes Act is toxic, unworkable, undemocratic and likely illegal. And it’s a brazen attempt to try stop working people winning better pay and conditions.
“The entire trade union movement will rally behind any worker who is sacked for exercising their right to strike.”
Expert shares top dangers that could ruin your pet’s perfect new year
New Year’s Eve is a time of celebration with friends and family, the last thing you want to stop the festivities is an unnecessary trip to the vets.
It is up to us to do right by our pets and limit any stressful or hazardous situations by taking the necessary precautions to make this New Year’s Eve memorable for all the right reasons.
To ensure the new year starts off on the right foot, the UK’s leading raw pet food and wellness company, Bella & Duke has shared easy to follow tips to keep your pet safe from any stress or potentially toxic foods.
Plan ahead – Knowing that fireworks will be going off, it’s important to adjust your pet’s schedule around this. If you’re used to a night-time walk, gradually take your dog out for their daily exercise earlier in the day so you don’t get caught in the middle of a firework show or display. Take extra time to plan out your decorations for the house, long streaming banners, tinsel and balloons can all be choking hazards, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep decorations out of reach.
Fireworks – Over the festive period we know there will be an increase in fireworks being set off. While there may be some dogs that aren’t too bothered by them, each year fireworks traumatise pets across the country. The best way to limit the stress caused by the loud bangs and flashes is playing calming sounds, reggae or classical music have proven to be most effective.
Toxic treats – Your dog doesn’t know what it can and can’t eat, if they see food lying in reach, they’ll take it. Chocolates, sweets, alcohol and some cheeses can lead to digestion problems and in more severe cases with alcohol it can cause poisoning. Be cautious of what foods are lying around, we know it’s hard to keep track of this during the commotion of a party so play it on the safe side and keep your pets entertained with a variety of species-appropriate treats they can have all for themselves.
Create a safe haven – The hustle and bustle of a New Year’s Eve party can be a lot for our furry friends to take in. What was once their relaxing home is now loud and filled with strangers. Even if your dog loves being the centre of attention and socialising with new people, set up a quiet corner of the house with some of their favourite toys, chews, treats and comforts.
Cool, calm and collected – After building your safe haven for your furry friend, take the extra step to make it a true place of relaxation. Consider adding an old jumper that smells of you, and additionally add a few sprays of Bella & Duke’s calm and balmy spray. The comforting scents of lavender, valerian and passionflower will help soothe your dog when fireworks and the parties are kicking off. Another great way to keep your pet preoccupied is to give them a large chew to focus on instead of the fireworks. But the best way to keep your canine companion calm is to be calm yourself! Your pets feed off your energy, be the pillar they need, reinforcing that everything is going to be okay.
Mark Scott, CEO at Bella & Duke, added: “Take the time as a pet owner to make up a safe haven for your furry friend, a quiet corner of the house to have some time to themselves. Don’t feel the need to ditch decorations completely but make sure there aren’t any choking hazards in reach.
“Finally, be there for your dog, if they start showing signs of stress take them away from the stressor and sit with each other. Remain calm and your pet will reflect your energy.”
NEW analysis by Scottish Labour has revealed that the parcels delivered by foodbanks in the City of Edinburgh has soared by 89% since 2018, with a shocking 94% rise in the number of parcels issued for children in the City of Edinburgh.
For West Lothian, there has been an increase in parcels of 81% since 2018, and a rise of 77% for parcels issued for children.
In the six months from 1 April to 30 September 2023 alone, there was a shocking 16,038 parcels distributed in the City of Edinburgh Council and 4,250 in West Lothian.
Foysol Choudhury, a Labour list MSP for Lothian, has raised concerns about the level of foodbank use and says that more urgency is needed to tackle food poverty in Edinburgh, Lothian and the rest of Scotland.
Mr Choudhury, alongside Scottish Labour, has raised concerns that the Scottish Government recently delayed the implementation of the Good Food Nations Act by half a year.
Scottish Labour also says the Scottish Government has repeatedly failed to set out a timeline for enshrining a legal Right to Food in Scots law – something Scottish Labour MSP Rhoda Grant is pursuing in a Member’s Bill.
Mr Choudhury said: “The levels of food poverty in Scotland are scandalous and the Scottish Government must act urgently.
“We should not have people in Scotland going hungry, cutting back, choosing between heating and eating or relying on foodbanks.
“I have met with so many brilliant organisations who work tirelessly to support those in food poverty-organisations like Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts and The Larder. However, they shouldn’t have to fill the gap where legislation and political leadership should be.
“We need real leadership from both of our governments – but the Tories and the SNP are both missing in action.
“The Lothian region deserves better than these two failing and out-of-touch governments – we need action at every level to tackle this shameful food poverty crisis and enshrine in law a legal Right to Food.”
It is now illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, and abandon these dogs or let them stray
New restrictions on the XL Bully dogs are now in force (31 December) making it a legal requirement for all XL Bully dogs to be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public. It is also illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL Bully dogs stray from today.
The decision to ban XL Bully dogs was made following a concerning rise in attacks from these dangerous dogs, with 23 people sadly losing their lives after vicious dog attacks in the last three years. XL Bullies have been involved in many of these tragic deaths.
Owners are also being urged to apply to register their current XL Bully dogs, as the Government takes action to safely manage the existing population of the breed. There is only a month left to meet the deadline when the ban comes into force on 1 February.
Owning an unregistered dog after this date will be a criminal offence, with owners who don’t facing a criminal record and an unlimited fine.Owners who do not want to keep their dogs after this date should take them to a vet to have them put down.
Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: “The Prime Minister pledged to take quick and decisive action to protect the public from devastating dog attacks with measures in place by the end of 2023.
“We have met that pledge – it is now a legal requirement for XL Bully dogs to be muzzled and on a lead in public. It is also now illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL Bully dogs stray.
“All XL Bully owners are expected to comply with the law and we will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, with further restrictions on XL Bully dogs coming into force on 1 February.”
The UK Government has taken a staggered approach to safely manage the existing population of XL Bully dogs, while ultimately banning the breed.
On the 31 October, XL Bully dogs were added to the Dangerous Dogs Act, with owners given two months to prepare for the first stage of the ban.
Since the 31 December [today], it is illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL Bully dogs stray. All XL Bully dogs must also be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public.
From 1st February all XL Bully dogs which must be registered.
From 30 June, XL Bully dogs over 1 year old must be neutered, this is extended until the 31 December for younger dogs.
Ninety-four percent of Capital residents are satisfied with Edinburgh as a place to live, according to a large-scale city survey.
Around 3,700 residents were interviewed face-to-face between July and September 2023 for the 2023 Edinburgh Partnership Survey.
The survey was commissioned by The Edinburgh Partnership to inform best practice, strategy development and outcome monitoring across the Partnership including informing the Local Outcome Improvement Plan.
Most residents report feeling very satisfied with Edinburgh as a place to live, with 74% of respondents said they were satisfied with services provided by The City of Edinburgh Council.
The survey found that satisfaction was high with public transport, ease of getting around, parks and green and blue spaces, sport and leisure services, and health services.
Results also demonstrated that deprivation is the most significant factor impacting the experience of life, living in Edinburgh, and receiving services.
It shows that those in the 20% most deprived areas have an experience that is substantially worse than people who live in other areas of Edinburgh. Of those who took part in the survey, more than a quarter of residents had not paid a household bill, paid a bill using credit, or used a food bank in the past twelve months.
Most participants reported feeling very safe in general, but much less safe in their neighbourhood after dark. When asked what would make them feel safer, over half suggested additional police presence.
The majority of people who took part said their satisfaction was lowest with the management of antisocial behaviour, road safety, and cleanliness of neighbourhoods.
Councillor Cammy Day, Council Leader, said: “I’m delighted that our residents are so satisfied with Edinburgh as a place to live.
“It is also heartening to see that people have recognised the hard work Council staff put in to supporting and delivering our services.
“Research like the Edinburgh Partnership Survey is incredibly insightful for our own future planning and the feedback will help us to keep improving the way we serve Edinburgh’s residents.
“The rise in inflation and the continuing cost-of-living crisis mean that many residents are facing the most difficult financial circumstances ever, but we are working extremely hard to lessen the impacts.
“The reality is that we are Scotland’s lowest funded council and ending poverty is not something we can do alone.
“I remain committed to doing my utmost as Council Leader along with colleagues and our city’s partners to improving the situation here in Edinburgh as there’s still a lot more work to do.”
The results of the survey, which were jointly funded by members of The Edinburgh Partnership, were designed to provide a proportionate sample of Edinburgh residents.
As another New Year dawns, I’d like to pass on my best wishes for 2024 to my fellow Scots at home and abroad.
As we get ready to make our resolutions for the year to come, it is also time to take stock of the departing 12 months.
Looking back, we have worked hard on our mission to level up communities across Scotland.
Creating equality of opportunity for all – regardless of background – has been our ambition. Our levelling up initiatives are doing this by helping people and their neighbourhoods flourish.
Listening to local communities – and working closely with the Scottish Government and councils – is bearing fruit on our investments.
In 2023 we broke through the £2.9 billion barrier when it comes to UK Government levelling-up investment in Scotland.
Among the highlights of the last 12 months have been the creation of two Freeports with a UK Government investment of £26 million each, one on the Firth of Forth and the other on the Cromarty Firth.
These were followed by the establishment of two Investment Zones in Glasgow and the North East, both of which are benefitting from up to £160 million each from the UK Treasury.
Businesses in these areas will get special tax breaks and other support to help them flourish and create jobs.
Seven Scottish towns are receiving £20 million each as part of our Towns Fund. Levelling Up Partnerships have also been set up which will result in Dundee, the Western Isles, Argyll and Bute and Dumfries and Galloway receiving £20 million each. This funding will help transform these communities, boosting investment and jobs.
And 2023 saw the announcement of two further rounds of the Levelling Up Fund, which will pay for multi-million-pound community investment right across Scotland.
Along with my ministerial colleagues in the Scotland Office, Malcolm Offord and John Lamont, it has been great to visit many of these projects and see for ourselves the difference they are making.
Reflecting on 2023, it would be remiss of me not to mention the Scottish Government’s Gender Recognition Reform legislation.
The decision to issue a Section 35 Order for the first time in the history of devolution was not one which I took lightly. But when faced with proposals that would have an adverse impact on reserved equalities legislation I felt there was little option other than to act. I strongly believe the comprehensive judgement issued by Lady Haldane in the UK Government’s favour entirely justifies this stance.
Scotland is famous across the world for our culture and sport. We were delighted to contribute to the arts scene by contributing almost £9 million to the world-famous Edinburgh festivals.
I was thrilled that Scotland’s men’s team qualified for next year’s European Championships. It was a pleasure to welcome Steve Clarke to Dover House when we hosted a reception marking the 150th anniversary of the Scottish Football Association. Like all Scotland fans I’m tremendously excited by the thought of our team going to Germany in 2024.
A highlight of 2023 for so many was the Coronation of King Charles III. As Scottish Secretary I was greatly honoured to play a small part in an uplifting and moving ceremony which marked the beginning of a new era in the history of the United Kingdom.
I know that for many people the last few years have been extremely difficult. We are still feeling the impact of the Covid pandemic and Vladimir Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine has put pressure on our economy. Under the leadership of Rishi Sunak, the UK Government has made great strides in bringing inflation down.
And just as the broad shoulders of the UK Treasury provided unprecedented support during Covid, we have provided unprecedented financial help to tackle the cost of living crisis. Our £105 billion funding package is providing each household with an average of £3,700 in support.
By working together as one United Kingdom we can withstand the challenges the coming months and years throw at us.
And, looking ahead to 2024, my resolution is to keep working to bring more prosperity and jobs to Scotland. With that in mind, I’m looking forward to the opening of the Perth Museum, backed by £10 million from the UK Government and which will be a splendid new home for the Stone of Scone.
We will also see the signing of the full growth deals for Falkirk and Argyll and Bute, partnerships in which we will invest £40 million and £25 million respectively. And yet more money for community projects as we continue our levelling up mission.
If your call is related to medicines please visit
If you need general advice about seasonal ailments remember we have a lot of information on NHS inform, including a range of symptom checkers which you can use to help you decide what to do next: 
The NHS 24 Online app also has handy health advice and can help you source your nearest open healthcare services, including pharmacies. The app is free to download on both iOS and Android devices. 
By using NHS resources wisely, we can keep well and get the care we need quickly, safely and as close to home as possible.
