Garden Centre invites budding indoor gardeners to its Edinburgh store
Dobbies Garden Centres is kicking off the new year on a green note, offering two free workshops at its Edinburgh store this January.
Centered around houseplants, these sessions are open to people of all ages, from children to all levels of skill – whether an expert, a beginner, or for someone starting out a New Year hobby.
Dobbies’ popular Grow How workshop series will take place on Saturday 4 January, and Wednesday 8 January at 10:30am and 3:30pm, and then every Wednesday during the month at 10.30am and 3.30pm, and will focus on caring for houseplants.
January is the perfect time to put houseplants centre stage to help fill the empty spaces left when the Christmas tree and decorations come down, with the session covering different varieties of houseplants and advice and tips on their care.
Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club is designed for children aged 3-10 years old and will take place during the morning on Sunday 5 January at the Edinburgh store.
During the workshop, Dobbies’ colleagues will take passionate young gardeners through time, and across the planet, unveiling the origins of some of the world’s most popular houseplants while taking part in fun and interactive games.
Children will learn how to propagate their own Peace Lily and will take one home at the end of the session. They’ll also learn care tips, such as avoiding overwatering, keeping it out of direct sunlight and using the right amount of liquid fertiliser at the appropriate time based on the season.
Claire Bishop, Dobbies’ Senior Plant Buyer, is eager to showcase just how easy houseplants are to care for and the joy they can bring to the home. She said: “Your home deserves to look beautiful all year round, and these free workshops are designed to offer advice on choosing and caring for the perfect houseplant to complement their space.
“It’s also a fantastic opportunity for people getting started, offering a simple and accessible way to embrace caring for houseplants as a hobby. January is the perfect time, when it is cold outside, to enjoy the many benefits that houseplants can bring to your home.”
Landmark development promises to transform international student living
A GROUNDBREAKING student accommodation project is seeking a strategic partner to develop up to 200 purpose-built apartments.
The Scottish Institute (The SI), Scotland’s only theatre school accredited by the Council of Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDDT), is spearheading the landmark project in Livingston.
Following the opening of its new campus in September 2023, The SI is now inviting specialised accommodation providers to join in developing a transformative student living environment.
A prime location will be carefully selected for the new development and will be designed to create purpose-built living spaces that will support students from across the world, promising to revolutionise international student living in Scotland’s educational landscape.
“We’re dedicated to creating an environment where students can thrive academically and socially,” said Andy Egan, President and CEO of The Scottish Institute.
“This project represents a unique opportunity for a strategic partner to play a pivotal role in supporting the next generation of performing talent.
Recognising the growing demand for high-quality student housing, the institute is now actively seeking partners to develop and deliver student apartments that will welcome up to 200 new students from 2026.
With established partnerships with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and the Imperial Society for the Teachers of Dance (ISTD), the development promises to provide world-class facilities that support artistic education and international student experiences.
The chosen partner will be responsible for the full design, development, and management of the apartments, while The SI focuses on educational excellence and student support. This collaborative approach ensures a holistic approach to student living that goes beyond traditional accommodation models.
Andy added: “This is more than a construction project. It’s an opportunity to create a living and learning environment that supports artistic growth and international collaboration.”
The new project will leverage Livingston’s strategic location near Edinburgh and Glasgow, offering international students a modern, supportive living experience.
Interested parties are encouraged to contact Andy Egan for further information on how to participate in this landmark project: chair@thesi.co.uk
Three people have been arrested in connection with pyrotechnics offences following incidents in Edinburgh yesterday (Boxing Day).
A 17-year-old and a 28-year-old man have been arrested and charged in connection with being in possession of pyrotechnics in the Haymarket area prior to the Hearts vs Hibernian match on Thursday, 26 December, 2024.
They are due to appear in court at a later date.
A 39-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with setting off pyrotechnics in Russell Road. He too is due to appear in court at a later date.
Enquiries are ongoing in relation to four pyrotechnic smoke devices discharged within Tynecastle stadium during the Hearts vs Hibernian match on Thursday, 26 December, 2024.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: “Setting off pyrotechnics in the street or within a sporting stadium is a criminal offence. I would ask people to think of the impact it could have on those around you, particularly people with medical conditions, young children and elderly.
“We will continue to work in partnership with football clubs to prevent fans from taking pyrotechnics into grounds and to pursue those who put other fans’ safety at risk.
“Anyone with information regarding persons using or being in possession of pyrotechnics is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101.”
Hibs came out on top in the Boxing Day derby match, beating their old rivals 2-1.
4,409 Self Assessment customers completed their tax return on Christmas Day
40,072 filed their tax return over the Christmas break
Customers encouraged to prepare and file their tax return ahead of January deadline
More than 4,400 Self Assessment customers avoided peeling the sprouts to file their tax return online on Christmas Day, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) can reveal.
In total, 40,072 customers – as well as spending the three-day holiday indulging in usual Christmas pastimes of eating, drinking and watching festive favourites on the TV – found time to go online and wrap up their 2023 to 2024 tax return, well ahead of the 31 January deadline.
Festive filing statistics show that over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day:
15:00 to 15:59 proved to be the most popular time to file on the big day itself, with 368 filing their return
11,932 customers missed out on leftovers for lunch, submitting their tax return on Boxing Day, with the most popular time being 16:00 to 16:59 and 1,108 filing during that time.
23,731 filed on Christmas Eve instead of last-minute shopping and wrapping. The most popular time was 11:00 to 11:59 when 3,458 filed their tax return
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “People who need to file a Self Assessment return and already have, can enjoy the rest of the festive period knowing they’ve got it wrapped up for another year, and can enjoy singing Auld Lang Syne knowing their tax affairs are in order.
“For those who haven’t started yet, our online service is available 365 days a year so there’s still a chance to get it done before 2024 is out! Go to GOV.UK and search ‘Self Assessment’ to access the online help and start today.”
Customers who have already submitted their tax return online have until the 31 January 2025 to pay the tax they owe. Those who file before 30 December may have the option of paying any tax owed through their PAYE tax code.
The quickest and easiest way to pay a Self Assessment tax bill is via the HMRC app. For a full list of ways to pay, visit GOV.UK.
For anyone who is yet to start their Self Assessment, there’s plenty of information and guidance online, including YouTube videos, to help people complete their return.
Anyone who regularly sells goods or provides a service through an online platform can find out more about selling online and paying taxes on GOV.UK. The information will help them decide if their activity should be treated as a trade and if they need to complete a Self Assessment tax return.
You may need to file a return if you:
are newly self-employed and have earned gross income over £1,000
earned below £1,000 and wish to pay Class 2 National Insurance Contributions voluntarily to protect their entitlement to State Pension and certain benefits
are a new partner in a business partnership
have received any untaxed income over £2,500
receive Child Benefit payments and need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge because they or their partner earned more than £50,000
Criminals use emails, phone calls and texts to try to steal information and money from taxpayers. Customers can find more information on how to identify a scam and access a checklist to help them decide if the contact they have received is a scam, on GOV.UK
Edinburgh Airport, part of the VINCI Airports network, has welcomed a record 15 million passengers in a single year, a milestone achieved for the first time ever at a Scottish airport.
The milestone was reached earlier this month at Scotland’s busiest airport, marking the first time any airport in Scotland has recorded such numbers.
Edinburgh Airport is among the first airports in the UK to achieve growth in both passenger numbers and connectivity options following Covid.
The record-breaking year comes as the airport introduced new routes in 2024 and facilitated travel for major events. Key highlights include:
Emirates returning to Edinburgh with a daily service to Dubai.
JetBlue entering the Scottish market with daily flights to New York during the summer.
WestJet expanding its presence by adding Toronto and Halifax to its Calgary service.
Increasing frequency into and connections to Germany as the Tartan Army went to cheer on Scotland at Euro 2024.
Taylor Swift fans flying in from all over the world to attend her concerts at Murrayfield.
The airport has already announced new routes and airlines for 2025, such as the return of American Airlines and its Philadelphia route, JetBlue adding Boston to its options, and Austrian Airlines entering the Scottish market with its seasonal route to Vienna.
Work is also underway to improve facilities for passengers at the airport with an expansion to its check-in hall, and a range of new food and drink options being introduced in the coming months.
Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: “It’s great to hit this major passenger milestone that shows the clear interest that people have in tourism and travel, both to and from Scotland.
“Whether it was supporting Scotland at the Euros, being a Swiftie and singing your heart out at Murrayfield or travelling to a bucket list destination for that special holiday, we’ve been able to facilitate more than 15 million journeys this year at Scotland’s busiest airport.
“That’s an achievement that reflects the incredible spirit of our team, the excitement of our passengers to see the world, and the growing connections we’re proud to foster across Scotland and beyond. We’re already planning for 2025 and what it will bring, and we look forward to seeing even more people next year.”
Edinburgh-based renewable energy company donates £20,000 and time to local charity as applications for help reach record numbers
Red Rock Renewables and its Edinburgh-based team are proud to support Cash for Kids’ ‘Mission Christmas’ campaign for a second year running.
In addition to a £20,000 donation to the cause – funding enough gifts for around 800 children across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife & Falkirk – a group of employees also collected a huge haul of gifts and spent the day volunteering at the charity’s Mission Headquarters.
In the City of Edinburgh alone, 17,907 children are living in poverty (20.4 per cent of local children) – almost enough to fill Tynecastle football stadium.
Cash for Kids works to tackle child poverty all year round and is currently holding its annual Mission Christmas campaign to provide presents for local children who have been identified as being at risk of not receiving any gifts to open on Christmas morning.
This year, a record 23,368 local children have been applied for with just 2 days to go to ensure that every one of these applications is fulfilled.
Red Rock Renewables CEO, Xiaomeng Chen, said: “Christmas should be a joyful time for children, and it saddens us to think of those who may not have presents to open or something to look forward to.
“Our Edinburgh team is proud to support Mission Christmas again this year and help the dedicated Cash for Kids team spread joy this festive season.”
Charity Manager, Victoria Hendry added: “We cannot thank Red Rock Renewables enough for such a generous donation to our Mission Christmas campaign.£20,000 will allow us to ensure we have enough gifts to support hundreds of local children who would otherwise wake up to nothing at all for Christmas.
“Families are struggling for all sorts of reasons, whether they are living in poverty, homeless or fleeing domestic abuse and Christmas can increase the pressure they’re already feeling.
“By supporting Mission Christmas you are giving these children and their families more than just a gift, you are giving them special memories that will last a lifetime. They will know they are loved and cared for and that they haven’t been forgotten. Christmas will be a day that they receive a present and share the joy like everyone else.”
For more information on Mission Christmas and how you can support the campaign, visit www.forth1.com/mission
Business confidence in Scotland rose 13 points to 44% in December
While firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects fell four points to 39%, their optimism in the economy rose 31 points to 49%
Overall UK business confidence dipped three points in November to 41%
Business confidence in Scotland rose 13 points during December to 44%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland.
While companies in Scotland reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down four points at 39%, their optimism in the economy rose 31 points to 49%. Taken together, this gives a headline confidence reading of 44% (vs. 31% in November).
A net balance of 44% of businesses in the country also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 21 points on last month.
Looking ahead to the next six months, Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth as introducing new technology (52%), entering new markets (42%) and investing in their team, for example through training (38%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
National picture
Overall UK business confidence fell two points in December to 39%, although remained above the long-term average of 29%.
While firms’ confidence in the wider economy strengthened five points to 31%, their confidence in their own trading prospects fell eight points to 47%.
London was the most confident UK nation or region in November (53%) for a second month in a row, followed by the North West (50%).
Sector insights
Although confidence fell in the service sector, this was partly offset by rises in manufacturing and retail, with these sectors swapping places in December.
Services fell from 46% to 35% in December – a fall of 11 points. In contrast, manufacturing and retail increased 10 points to 42% and 43% respectively, thereby taking manufacturing and retail above services for the first time in 4 months. Trading prospects for retail rose for the first time in three months, while construction confidence was steady at 41%, equalling last month’s result.
Martyn Kendrick, Scotland director at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “It’s encouraging to see Scottish business confidence end the year on the rise, and above the UK average.
“Businesses will be focused on putting their plans for fresh growth into action. We’ll continue to be by their side to support their ambitions.”
Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Commercial Banking, said: “In the last few months overall confidence has fallen incrementally, and in December the trend continued as it fell by 2 points to 39%. While there hasn’t been any significant one-month change, confidence has gradually drifted from the summer’s highs”.
“The key difference in this month’s results is that the fall in confidence is driven by firms’ own trading prospects which have proven to be resilient over the last quarter. There was, however, more positivity regarding the wider economy and, going into 2025, this offers some hope if companies continue to feel confident about the economy.
“Elsewhere, although confidence fell in the services sector, this was partly offset by improvements in manufacturing and retail – which could be a significant for this time of year.”
Paul Kempster, Managing Director for Relationship Management, Lloyds Bank Business & Commercial, said: “The mixed results in trading prospects and economic optimism suggest that while businesses feel they are facing some challenges, there is still some opportunity in regard to the wider economy.
“Although overall confidence dipped this month, we’re still optimistic that firms’ trading prospects will return to the levels seen earlier this year.
“The regional picture is also mixed with significant increases in confidence in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but more acute falls in confidence in the North-East. As we enter the New Year, and businesses across the country consider their plans for 2025, we are committed to helping them to navigate their journey and prosper.”
A member of NHS Lothian’s e-Health team is celebrating after winning two awards in a prestigious photography competition.
Thomas Lamont, Microsoft 365 Programme Manager, has scooped the People’s Choice Award in the Drone Category in the British Photography Awards, and has been named Scottish Aerial Photographer of the Year 2024/2025 at the Scotland Prestige Awards.
As a dedicated member of the eHealth team since 2007, Thomas spends his days contributing to the National Programme for the rollout of Office 365. By night, he transforms into “The Kilted Photographer,” capturing stunning images of nearby monuments, mostly with his drone, while proudly wearing his kilt.
The award-winning photograph showcases the National Wallace Monument in Stirling, near Thomas’s home, at sunset, whilst the monument was lit up orange to raise awareness of Battens Disease.
Thomas accepted his award at the prestigious ceremony held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. In line with the awards’ charitable mission, he directed his contribution to the NHS Lothian Charity.
Thomas said: “It’s hard to put into words how I felt winning the award but probably shock, disbelief and happiness all at once. The calibre of other entries was fantastic! To be recognised in one of Britain’s prestigious photography awards for what I would say is my main tool for capturing photographs (drone) is incredible!
“I’ve always had a strong interest in photography, but it truly blossomed through a small camera club we had within eHealth/Digital. Photography has not only become a creative outlet but has also played a significant role in supporting my mental health and managing anxiety.
“Over time, I’ve expanded my knowledge, invested in new equipment, and ventured into drone and 360-degree photography.
“I also obtained my Operational Authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority, which allows me to operate larger, more advanced drones in complex and challenging environments, such as city centres.”
If you want to have a look at more of Thomas’ photos, check:
From New Year’s Day 2025, National Galleries of Scotland is kicking off the 250th birthday of much-loved artist, Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851), with a special celebration.
Visitors to the treasured Turner in January exhibition can marvel at a new selection of over 30 watercolours that have never been seen before in Scotland, in an exchange with the National Gallery of Ireland.
Turner in January: Ireland’s Vaughan Bequest, opens at the Royal Scottish Academy building in Edinburgh at midday on 1 January 2025. The free exhibition includes a watercolour of Edinburgh from 1801 that has never been displayed in the city before.
This once in a lifetime exhibition is a celebratory take on a keenly awaited and much-loved annual tradition that has been taking place since 1901.
Renowned art collector Henry Vaughan owned over 200 drawings, watercolours and prints by Turner, which he divided in his will between galleries in Edinburgh, Dublin and London. 38 of these watercolours were given to the people of Scotland, on the condition that they are only displayed in the month of January, when light levels are at their lowest. Because of this, these works still possess a freshness and an intensity of colour, almost 200 years since they were created.
Now, in an exciting exchange, simultaneous exhibitions will see Ireland’s Vaughan Bequest make a special trip to the National Galleries of Scotland, while Scotland’s Vaughan Bequest will go on display at the National Gallery of Ireland. Those familiar with Turner in Januaryare sure to notice how both collections complement each other. Visitors will be able to marvel in sweeping seascapes, dramatic landscapes and spectacular cities.
The most famous British artist of the 19th Century, Turner’s career spanned over 50 years. He experimented constantly with technique and colour, creating landscapes that still astonish today. In his younger years Turner toured Britain extensively, as war made travel to Europe impossible.
He first travelled abroad in 1802 and from 1819 onwards he undertook sketching tours abroad almost every year, visiting France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Austria and Switzerland.
The panoramic Edinburgh from below Arthur’s Seat (1801) will be on display in the city it depicts for the first time. A moody view of Auld Reekie captured on Turner’s first visit to Edinburgh in the summer of 1801, dark storm clouds loom over Edinburgh Castle, rain pouring on the horizon as cows drink peacefully in the foreground.
When Turner first visited the Alps in 1802, the trip transformed his understanding of landscape, which was reflected in his boundary-pushing depiction of the mountains, rocks and glaciers.
In The Great Fall of the Reichenbach, Switzerland (1802), Turner emphasises the sublime drama and majestic height of the 200-hundred-foot waterfall by including a tiny, ant-like figure on a rocky outcrop to indicate scale.
Both the Scottish and Irish Vaughan Bequests include expressive watercolours painted on Turner’s visit to the Aosta valley in the Alps in 1836, where the artist uses a great variety of watercolour techniques – scratching out, sponging out and working freely in wet watercolour – to depict his beloved mountains.
Venice, city of light and water, held a special fascination for Turner. His third and final visit was in August 1840, when the stormy summer weather inspired a series of tempestuous watercolours recording dramatic atmospheric effects around the city. Storm at the Mouth of the Grand Canal (1840) comes to Edinburgh from Ireland’s Vaughan Bequest.
Also on exhibition will be The Doge’s Palace and Piazzetta, Venice (1840), a golden evening view of gondolas and fishing boats clustered against the backdrop of Venice’s most celebrated buildings.
Ireland’s Vaughan Bequest includes outstanding examples of watercolours created to be engraved and published as a print series. A highlight of the exhibition will be A Ship against the Mewstone, at the Entrance to Plymouth Sound (c.1814), from Picturesque Views on the Southern Coast of England.
A Royal Navy ship is shown labouring in heavy swell at a notorious danger point on the Devon coast. In this series, Turner aimed to record the landscape and working lives of places and people living along the south coast. In Clovelly Bay, North Devon (c.1822), another jewel-like watercolour from the same series, he shows in great detail the work of quarrying limestone.
Also on show will be A Shipwreck off Hastings (c.1825), which was probably produced for Turner’s Ports of England print series.
Turner in January: Ireland’s Vaughan Bequest truly is a first for Scotland, with most displayed in their original frames and even Henry Vaughan’s original display cabinet.
Charlotte Topsfield, exhibition curator at the National Galleries of Scotland, said: “Exchanging Vaughan Bequest Turners is an idea that Edinburgh and Dublin have been discussing for a long time.
“We are so excited to be working together on this historic swap in Turner’s anniversary year.
“It will be such a marvelous celebration for the people of Scotland to enjoy – a real once in a lifetime opportunity to commemorate a very special painter.”
Anne Hodge, exhibition curator at the National Gallery of Ireland said: “I am delighted that in January 2025 visitors to the National Galleries Scotland will be able to see Turner’s wonderfully expressive vision of a rainy Edinburgh along with all 31 watercolours that Henry Vaughan decided to leave to Dublin.
“It is a great privilege for me to have worked so closely with colleagues in Edinburgh to make this project a reality.”
Turner in January: Ireland’s Vaughan Bequest opens at the Royal Scottish Academy building at 12pm on 1 January and is free to visit.
This exhibitionhas been created in partnership with the National Gallery of Ireland. It is supported thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery and Sir Ewan and Lady Christine Brown.
Communities across Scotland are being supported to take climate action, thanks to the realisation of a nationwide network of Climate Action Hubs.
A total of 24 hubs have been set up across Scotland – fulfilling a 2024 Programme for Government commitment.
The Hubs are helping empower people to act in their neighbourhoods and have supported a range of projects including those linked to local energy generation, flood mitigation and food growing.
A total of £5.5 million has been allocated in 2024-25 for Climate Action Hubs alongside a support package for delivery.
Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Tackling climate change is our collective responsibility and requires collaborative action at all levels.
“Communities are uniquely placed to play a key role in sharing and driving forward Scotland’s transition to low carbon and climate resilient living. It is vital that we continue empowering people to take action in their neighbourhoods in a way which is right for them – which is why I am proud of supporting our hugely successful framework of regional climate hubs.
“The national hub network are a way communities to come together and engage in collective grass roots action. Through the hubs we will continue to support people and communities to take action, helping Scotland decarbonise by 2045 and prepare for the impacts of climate change which lie ahead.”
Mel Sutton, Project Delivery Manager from Twechar Community Action, said: “I am delighted that East Dunbartonshire Climate Action Hub will be a part of a national network of community action hubs across Scotland.
“This will be an opportunity for local community groups to benefit from the support of the Hub to develop projects, access funding and enjoy the benefits of being part of a national network.
“Over the next few months, we will be mapping out the current climate action projects in the area and delivering climate emergency awareness events and taster sessions which will help community groups develop new climate projects.
“We will then use these events to launch a seed fund to support local communities in making changes that reduce energy use, waste and carbon emissions – and have the added benefit of improving people’s health, wellbeing and resilience.”
Funding for the climate hubs is allocated as follows:
Organisation
Budget
Angus Climate Hub
£165,000.00
Argyll & Bute Climate Action Network Hub
£145,000.00
Ayrshire Climate Hub (covering North, East and South Ayrshire)
