UK celebrates ‘unsung heroes and community champions’ in HM The King’s New Year Honours list

HM The King’s New Year Honours List 2025 recognises unsung heroes who have made outstanding contributions to their communities across the UK

More than 1,200 recipients receive honours this year across all sectors, with particular commendation to role models in sport, healthcare, academia and voluntary service.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Each and every day, ordinary people go out and do extraordinary things for their communities.

“They represent the very best of the UK and that core value of service which I put at the centre of everything this government does.

“The New Year Honours List celebrates more of these unsung heroes, and I thank them for their incredible contribution.”

Among those being honoured today is former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate, who receives a Knighthood for services to Association Football. Beyond the pitch, Southgate has been actively involved in charitable work including supporting the Prince’s Trust, a youth charity that helps young people get into education, training, and employment.

The List awards a Companion of Honour, of which there are only 65 recipients at any time, to author and screenwriter Sir Kazuo Ishiguro; and a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire for author Dame Jacqueline Wilson, and a Knight Grand Cross for Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz lately Chair of Cancer Research.

Damehoods are being awarded to Professor Alison Fuller for her work in Higher Education and Ruth Cairnie, Chair of Babcock International. Notable CBE recipients include Alan Titchmarsh, and actors Sarah Lancashire and Carey Mulligan.

The oldest recipient, World War Two Mosquito pilot Colin Bell, is 103 years old and receives a BEM for his charitable fundraising and public speaking about WWII Bomber Command.

The List also features two further centenarians: George Kelly aged 101, who receives an MBE for services to the Royal British Legion and to Royal Air Force Veterans. George had a distinguished career as an RAF navigator and has given over 40 years of selfless voluntary service to the RBL. And Roy Gibson, aged 100, was awarded a BEM for services to space. Roy has had an immeasurable impact on UK and European space policy over his 70-year career as a leader for multiple international space organisations.

The Government is committed to ensuring that honours are awarded to outstanding people from across the whole of the UK and the system reflects the best of society. The List ensures that people from underrepresented communities and a wide variety of types of work are rewarded, to celebrate the fantastic contribution of people throughout the country.

Both of this year’s youngest recipients are aged 18 years old. Mikayla Beames, aged 18, has been awarded a BEM for her charitable fundraising for children with cancer in Oxfordshire.

After being diagnosed with brain cancer at 4 years old, she founded her namesake charity, Team Mikayla in 2014, has supported hundreds of children who are fighting cancer, and distributes thousands of gifts at Christmas and Easter.

She has also helped to raise over £300,000 since 2014. Paralympian William Ellard, aged 18, receives an MBE after winning three medals including gold at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris.

Wendy Ansell, from Swansea, is a specialist midwife who has received an MBE for services to survivors of harmful practices and to women seeking sanctuary for her work supporting survivors of female genital mutilation (FGM) and vulnerable women. She has developed bespoke training programmes for healthcare professionals to enhance their understanding of the needs of women who have undergone FGM or are seeking asylum.

Anyone can nominate someone for an honour. If you know someone who has achieved fantastic things worthy of recognition, go to www.gov.uk/honours to find out more about how you can put them forward.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Rt Hon. Pat McFadden MP, said: “This year’s New Year Honours List celebrates the unsung heroes who contribute selflessly to their communities across the UK. I send them all my congratulations for their achievements.

“Our honours system uniquely recognises the generous contributions of individuals across our nation.

“If you know someone in your community who has done something extraordinary, nominate them for an honour so the nation can recognise their achievements.”

Other recipients include:

Community

Michael Bennion, aged 72, receives an MBE for services to Scouting and to Young People after supporting hundreds of young people during his 54 years as a Scout Leader.

Deirdre Amor has been awarded an MBE for services to the Community in Northern Ireland. She has worked in state education for 45 years, where she developed after-school meetings that brought together staff and parents from across the political divide in Belfast. Upon retirement she voluntarily gave of her time and skills to improve two failing schools.

Young people

This year’s youngest recipients are aged 18 years old.

Mikalya Beames, aged 18, has been awarded a BEM for her charitable fundraising for children with cancer in Oxfordshire. After being diagnosed with brain cancer at 4 years old, she founded her namesake charity, Team Mikayla in 2014, which is dedicated to granting the wishes of children who are fighting cancer. As of this year, the charity has granted 220 wishes to children who are fighting cancer, and distributed over 1000 Christmas presents and 1000 Easter Eggs. She has also helped to raise over £300,000 since 2014.

Paralympian William Ellard, aged 18, receives an MBE after winning three medals including gold at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris.

Rebecca Clarke, aged 20 received a BEM for services to Young People with Disabilities and Autism. She champions marginalised young people, particularly focusing on intersectionality. Through her work with NCS, she has also contributed to disability policy, submitting evidence to the disability access youth select committee and speaking about her lived experience to over 400 people.

Health

Stephen Fry receives a Knighthood for his work on mental health awareness. He is an honorary fellow of Royal College of Psychiatrists and President of the mental health charity Mind since 2011. During his time as President of Mind, he has been instrumental in changing the conversation around mental health and has worked tirelessly to change public attitudes in the UK about mental health for the better.

Neil Liam Halford and Nicola Claire Halford receive an MBE for services to Charitable Fundraising for Children with an Illness after co-founding the charity Time is Precious in 2011. The organisation works alongside specialists to purchase equipment and refurbish areas to support not just those sick children and their families. Since 2017, raised over £1.3m using the funds to help provide facilities in a number of hospitals in the area.

Sarah White and Kenneth White both receive a BEM for services to Children and Young People Suffering Paediatric Cancer. Supershoes have donated over 6000 pairs of shoes to children across the UK and raised over £25k to provide children with a unique pair of shoes they can wear with pride.

Sport

Receiving an OBE, Helen Glover, one of the most decorated female rowers in the history of British rowing with more than 20 gold medals to her name. She is a two-time Olympic, three-time world and five-time European champion. Glover initially retired from rowing after the 2016 Olympic Games to start a family.

After giving birth to three children, she returned to training in 2021, winning a gold medal at the European Championships that year and a silver medal in the coxless four at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Keely Hodgkinson from Greater Manchester is a two time Olympic Medalist who has been awarded an MBE for services to Athletics after winning an Olympic gold medal in Paris 2024.

Eleanor Aldridge receives an MBE for services to Sailing after becoming the first athlete to ever win a sailing kiteboarding gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Bryony Page of South Yorkshire receives an MBE for services to Trampoline Gymnastics after winning her third Olympic medal at Paris 2024.

Sabrina Fortune receives an MBE after winning a gold medal at Paris 2024 in the F20 shot put, beating her own world record in the process.

Jackson Gibbons, from London who founded City of London Academy Southwark’s Basketball Academy, now one of the UK’s most successful youth basketball programmes, has been awarded a BEM for services to Young People and to Basketball.

Arts

Author Dame Jacqueline WILSON DBE has been awarded a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire for services to literature.

First Minister congratulates recipients

First Minister John Swinney has paid tribute to Scotland’s recipients of The King’s New Year’s Honours.

In recognition of exceptional contributions to public life, this year’s awards celebrate recipients that are ‘giving back to the community’ as well as athletes from the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Ken McCallum, Director General of MI5, receives a Knighthood within the Order of the Bath for public service. Artist, Colourist and Master Printmaker Barbara Davis Rae CBE becomes a Dame Commander for services to art.

Among those receiving the CBE are Retired Chief Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Ross Haggart KFSM for services to fire and rescue and charities, Michelle Macleod for services to criminal justice and law enforcement, Laura McIver formerly Chief Pharmacist at Healthcare Improvement Scotland for services to the pharmacy profession and patient safety and Professor Alex McMahon, Retired Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland.

Athlete Sammi Kinghorn MBE and swimmer Duncan Scott MBE have each received an OBE, with football manager David Moyes and William Wright, former chair of Haemophilia Scotland, also receiving OBEs.

MBEs are awarded to cyclists Finlay Graham and Jenny Holl, archer Nathan MacQueen, swimmer Stephen Clegg and boccia player Stephen McGuire. Journalist and presenter Jackie Bird is awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting and charities, alongside David Rickman from the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, St Andrews, and Jennifer Craw of Opportunity North East.

BEMs have been awarded to Dr Anne McArthur for services to Scottish Country Dancing and the community in Portsoy, Banffshire, Pipe Major Christopher Armstrong from Glasgow, and Lanark Amateur Swimming Club Head Coach Karen Kelly.

Other BEM recipients are Stephen Mallen founder of the Zero Suicide Alliance, Crieff, Community Volunteer Andrew Nisbet for services to the community in Yell, Shetland and Maureen Morris, a Board Member for Easterhouse Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

Retired Superintendent Shaheen Baber and Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs receive The King’s Police Medal. The King’s Fire Service Medal is awarded to Retired Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Bruce Farquharson and Station Commander Karla Stevenson. The King’s Ambulance Service Medal is awarded to Regional Director for East Region Kenny Freeburn.

The First Minister said: “The King’s New Year’s Honours list recognises exceptional individuals – from unsung heroes to well-known names. Each recipient is worthy of their award and has made a significant difference to their community or excelled in their field.

“My congratulations to our emergency services members awarded The King’s Fire, Police or Ambulance Service Medals. Throughout Scotland people benefit from the skills and expertise of our ‘blue light’ services personnel whose skills and expertise keep our communities and people safe, in often challenging circumstances.

“These honours celebrate the best of Scotland’s courageous spirit and sense of community. Congratulations and my personal thanks to every worthy recipient.”

New_Year_Honours_List_2025_High_Awards Download

Severe Flood Warnings issued

Very high river levels forecast along the River Spey with a danger to life

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued three severe Flood Warnings for the Aviemore and Carrbridge areas with very high river levels forecast for the early hours of Tuesday morning along the River Spey, with a danger to life.

Further warnings are in place over large parts of Scotland with rivers expected to continue to rise, especially across Speyside, the Great Glen and Tayside where impacts are most likely.

A meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) – chaired by Justice Secretary and Minister for Resilience Angela Constance and attended by the First Minister and senior Ministers – was held last night (Monday) to ensure appropriate measures are in place to deal with the severe weather expected.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for rain that covers parts of the southern Highlands and Moray, valid from midnight until 5pm today. A yellow warning for rain and snow covering much of the rest of Scotland remains in place until midnight tonight. There is also a yellow warning for wind across southern Scotland from 7am to 11pm today.

Police Scotland is encouraging road users in the area covered by the amber warning to consider whether they need to travel and are advising people to avoid travelling into the area.

Travel disruption is expected across Scotland, with Transport Scotland making preparations across the trunk road network. Rail, ferry and airport operators are also working to ensure that people can reach their destination over the remainder of the festive period, when it is safe to do so and once the worst of the conditions have passed or expired.

Ms Constance said: “Severe flood warnings with a danger to life are rarely issued and it’s imperative all those in the affected areas play their part to stay safe. I would urge everyone to take action now by staying away from flood water and not taking any unnecessary risks. Please follow the advice of emergency services and first responders on the ground, and where advised to evacuate please do so.

“I would also recommend to keep updated with Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s live flooding updates and consider now any steps needed to be prepared for flooding impacts. With amber and yellow warnings issued for a combination of rain, wind and snow across the country, I have chaired a meeting of SGORR to ensure that we are acting as quickly and safely as possible to mitigate the impacts of the severe weather.

“I know many people will have plans to celebrate Hogmanay with friends and family but with road, rail, air and ferry services all likely to be affected by the conditions, I would urge everyone to please plan ahead to make sure it is safe to travel, and to follow Police and Transport Scotland travel advice on the roads. Anyone planning to travel by rail, air or ferry, should also stay in contact with their operator for the latest service information.

“The Scottish Government’s resilience committee will continue to monitor the situation overnight into Tuesday, and keep Ministers fully updated.

“Advice and information for the public is available at Ready.Scot and the Scottish Government will continue to work with all relevant agencies to closely monitor the storm and its impacts and ensure support is provided to those affected.”

Cordelia Menmuir, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said: “We have issued three severe flood warnings for the Aviemore and Carrbridge areas. As a result of heavy and prolonged rainfall overnight very high river levels are forecast for the early hours of Tuesday morning along the River Spey. There is a danger to life.

“The severe flood warnings are for Sluggan to Dulnain Bridge, Kincraig to Inverdruie, and Aviemore/ Dalfabar. Extensive river flooding is forecast and there will be widespread disruption to transport, infrastructure, and property flooding. Remember to follow the advice of emergency responder and do not walk or drive through flood water.”

Ministers attending last night’s meeting included First Minister John Swinney, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero Gillian Martin and Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issues flood alerts and warnings for Scotland. View the latest updates on their website.

For trunk road information visit the Traffic Scotland website.

Updates on ScotRail services and road conditions are available online.

Advice on preparing for severe weather can be found on the Ready Scotland website.

Latest weather advice can be found on the Met Office website.

Travel advice issued for AMBER weather warning on Hogmanay

Road users are being advised to expect disruption in the Highland and Moray areas on Tuesday, 31 December, 2024 due to an AMBER warning for rain.

Heavy and persistent rainfall is expected which has the potential to trigger shallow landslides and will cause extensive surface water that could affect the public transport and road network, making driving conditions challenging.

There are a number of flood warnings and alerts in place already across Scotland and we would advise the public to check their area on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) website.

Visit Ready Scotland for information on how to prepare for rain and flooding. Information about public transport is available via Traveline.

Police are encouraging road users in the affected area to consider whether they need to travel and are advising people to avoid travelling into the affected area and to drive to the road conditions.

Superintendent Andy Barclay, deputy head of Road Policing, said: “Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary during the bad weather or if it can be delayed until conditions improve.

“Stopping distances can be at least double on wet roads compared to dry conditions, and spray can reduce driver visibility.

“If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions, be prepared for delays and allow extra time for your journey. Please don’t drive through road closures, the decision to close roads is not taken lightly and is done for public safety.”

General advice for road users

Plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel
All road users should consider if they really need to travel during adverse weather
Consider delaying travel until conditions improve
If you are travelling on the roads, prepare yourself and your vehicle for the conditions
Ensure your mobile phone is charged and plan your journey, including an alternative route
Have sufficient fuel, warm clothing, food and water in case you’re delayed
Do not ignore road closure signs – they are for your safety
Congestion caused by vehicles may restrict emergency services and recovery vehicles from providing essential assistance
Listen to media broadcasts, including radio, for updates Traffic Scotland radio player | Traffic Scotland or visit Traffic Scotland | Trunk road traffic updates & route planner
Follow your local authority for the latest updates in your area via Facebook, Twitter/X or their website

Further details about the weather warning and information on flood alerts are available on the Met Office website.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay: OUTDOOR EVENTS CANCELLED

Due to ongoing high winds and inclement weather in Edinburgh city centre, we regret to announce that outdoor events scheduled for tonight (30th Dec) and tomorrow (Hogmanay, 31st December) are unable to go ahead on the grounds of public safety.

The cancellation includes tonight’s Night Afore Disco Party in West Princes Street Gardens, and on the 31st December, the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party, Concert in the Gardens, and the Midnight Fireworks from Edinburgh Castle.

We have unfortunately been unable to continue with preparations and necessary set-up for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay outdoor events due to extreme weather and forecast conditions. Therefore, for safety reasons we, along with our event partners, have taken the difficult decision to cancel all outdoor events.

We know that this will be hugely disappointing to all hoping to celebrate Hogmanay in Edinburgh and that people travel from around the world to be here at the Home of Hogmanay.

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher, said: “I know that, like me, many people will be very disappointed. This decision was not taken lightly, however with the ongoing adverse weather condition, public safety must be our number one priority.

“You’ll see from the programme that there are lots of exciting indoor events taking place. For those coming along to them – I know you’re in for a treat and will have a great time. Please make sure you stay up-to-date with the weather and transport on social media.”

Customer Service from point of purchase will be in touch with ticketholders directly with further instructions regarding refunds in due course.

All indoor events are taking place as planned throughout the festival, including tonight’s performance of Swamplesque at Assembly Hall, the sold-out Idlewild concert at the Assembly Rooms, and on the 31st December, the Bairns New Year Revels and New Year Revels at the Assembly Rooms, and sold-out Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral.

We also continue to look forward to the packed First Footin’ and Sprogmanay programme of events on New Year’s Day – a series of free and ticketed indoor music gigs across the city centre, Leith and Portobello.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is delivered by UniqueAssembly on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council.

Mental health support over festive season

The festive season can be difficult for some. It’s important we all take care of our #MentalHealth Support is available

#MindtoMind

http://nhsinform.scot/mind-to-mind

@NHS24 Mental Health Hub – call 111

#BreathingSpace – 0800 83 85 87

@samaritans – http://bit.ly/CallSamaritans or… call 116 123

Into Film presents the premiere of new short film ‘Monster’ with Golspie High School

Filmmakers Alasdair Satchel and Hannah Kate Hunter worked with students from the school to create the short film which premieres in mobile cinema Screen Machine at Golspie High School on 9 January 2025
The film was delivered in partnership with Fair Access at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Into Film’s Every Child A Filmmaker programme

Into Film has announced the premiere of new short film ‘Monster’ which will take place at 4.00pm on 9 January 2025 in Golspie in the digital mobile cinema, Screen Machine. The film tells the darkly comic tale of a group of friends searching for a monster in their school.

Filmmakers Alasdair Satchel and Hannah Kate Hunter worked with S5 and S6 pupils from Golspie High School in the Scottish Highlands over a week to create the film. Following the film’s premiere, ‘Monster’ will screen in the Screen Machine with feature films The Outrun and Small Things Like These at locations across the Highlands.

More information and bookings for the screening can be found at the Regional Screen Scotland website. Screen Machine is an 80-seat, air-conditioned, digital mobile cinema that has brought the latest films to areas of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland since it started in 1998.

Into Film’s Every Child A Filmmaker project is an initiative that works closely with professional filmmakers to support young people across the UK to make their own short films, learning every element of the filmmaking process along the way – from idea generation, storyboarding and scriptwriting, right through to camera operation, sound recording, and editing

This Every Child A Filmmaker project is supported by 72 Films, and Into Film worked with Fair Access at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to deliver the training to the young people.

Acting Deputy Head Teacher, Heather Smith of Golspie High School said: “It was an absolute joy for Golspie High School to be working with Into Film, Regional Screen Scotland, The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the filmmakers Hannah and Alasdair on such a creative and inspirational project.

“The pupils thoroughly enjoyed their week with the creators and we are all so proud of the work they have produced! I really do feel like the project has taken some out of their shells, made lots of new connections and inspired them into potential future careers in the film industry!

“Thank you to everyone who has made this project possible and made it such a memorable and successful part of these pupils’ educations!”

Filmmaker Alasdair Satchel has said: “Having your voice heard when you’re young is such an important thing.

“It was such a pleasure to help Golspie High’s young filmmakers start to find and develop their creative voices over the course of the week.

“I cannot wait to see what these young rural voices make next to share with us all in the future!”

David Glover, founder and CEO, 72 Films has said: “I am very delighted to be in a small way connected to the wonderful work Into Film does and in particular Every Child a Filmmaker.

“I was impressed by these young filmmakers work. I like Monster! I like the directing – using details and angles for suspense. Sending best wishes to the team for their very first film premiere.”

UK to train hundreds more Ukrainian soldiers in mental health first aid for combat

Next year, the UK will offer 180 more Ukrainian soldiers training in mental health first aid for combat

100 Ukrainian commanders received mental health training in 2024
Specialist skills to build morale and resilience in Ukrainian forces
Bespoke course designed by both UK and Ukrainian experts

The UK will train 180 Ukrainian soldiers to be combat mental resilience practitioners on the frontlines in 2025 – nearly double the 100 who were successfully trained this year.

The Combat Stress Signposting Course (CSSC) has been delivered by British Army specialists to Ukrainian soldiers within positions of command as part of Operation Interflex, the UK-led international training programme for Ukrainian recruits.

As combat mental resilience practitioners– officially termed control stress operators– the Ukrainian commanders will be responsible for helping their soldiers manage the stresses of combat as they defend their nation from Russia’s illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion.

So far, more than 51,000 Ukrainian troops have been trained in the UK under Operation Interflex.

Following a rise in recruits reporting trauma exposure and mental health struggles, the CSSC was initiated on the request of the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s Moral and Psychological Support department.

Developed with input from Ukrainian military psychologists alongside specialist mental resilience and mental health practitioners from UK Defence, the five-week course equips soldiers with battle shock management techniques for before and during combat, as well as trauma risk management and signposting for clinical support following the fight.

Minister of Armed Forces Luke Pollard said: “The Ukrainian people are fighting with huge courage to defend their country, and it is our duty to put them in the strongest possible position.

“With hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers receiving mental health first aid training before returning to the frontlines, resilience can be spread throughout the ranks of those fighting Russia’s illegal invasion.

“The UK will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine throughout 2025 as we have done this year.”

Upon completion of the course, the newly equipped Ukrainian Control Stress Operators will have the power to train and support hundreds of their fellow soldiers on the frontlines, ensuring the initial lessons taught by British instructors continue to be spread far beyond the UK.

An example of the battle shock management techniques being taught by British soldiers includes iCover; a six-step technique that can be delivered to a person in acute stress to get them back to a functioning state in less than a minute, as well as mindfulness grounding exercises that help a soldier override their fear or stress in the heat of battle.

Operation Interflex, conducted by the UK Armed Forces and 12 partner nations, has trained 51,000 Ukrainians in essential frontline combat skills since it was established in the summer of 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion.

The training has been extended through to at least the end of 2025, with an enhanced training programme to ensure the Ukrainian forces are equipped with vital battlefield skills.

During a visit to Kyiv on 19 December, the Defence Secretary announced a new £225M military package with a mix of funding from the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine and the UK’s own funding.

The UK’s continued leadership on the war in Ukraine throughout 2025 will see an increase to Ukraine’s military capability: with new maritime drones and boats, air defence systems and counter-drone systems.

Capital, just capital: The Edinburgh housing market remains a law unto itself

DEMAND FOR GOOD FAMILY HOMES KEEP PRICES BUBBLING

As the old year slips away, home buyers and sellers – as well as property professionals – can look back on 2024 as one of those rare interludes when supply and demand came more closely into alignment, resulting in fewer dramatic ups and downs (writes DM Hall’s KIRSTEN NICHOLSON).

And, although the last month of Q4 is typically quieter than the rest of the year, transactions have still been taking place around Home Report value, with an encouraging number achieving up to 10% over, after going to very good closing dates.

Such deals remain the exception, however, and we are nowhere near the post-Covid boom period when numbers between 10% and 20% above Home Report went unremarked. Closing dates are not as common as in the past with good sales generally being driven by single buyers who come to a mutually acceptable personal arrangement with a willing seller.

There is a significant and ongoing demand for family homes, with people looking for more room and outdoor space in suburban areas close to good school and in easy-living modern developments, both inside and out of the city bypass.

The big challenge, which is definitely throwing grit in the wheels of a more fluid market, is chains. What Scots used to view as a quaintly English phenomenon is becoming more common as buyers find they are not selling in time to commit to a purchase.

These hiccups are exacerbated by the fact that bridging finance, which used to solve this problem, is now virtually impossible to obtain, and people are being advised to not even think about concluding missives until their own are tied down and unshakeable.

The fashion for making an offer subject to the sale of your own property is not helping here, since sellers are imposing unrealistic timescales – sometimes just a number of weeks – for buyers to come up with the goods.

Flat transactions, for so long the reassuringly reliable engine of the local market, have taken a bit of a beating in the past year as buy-to-let landlords cut and run in the face of a storm of legislation which has persuaded many of them that the game is no longer worth the candle.

Concerns about tax relief and a regulatory regime which seems heavily weighted in favour of tenants will not be helped by the two per cent increase this year of Scotland’s Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS), which now adds eight per cent to the total purchase price of extra properties.

There are exceptions, of course. ADS is not diminishing enthusiasm for upscale apartments such as those at New Eidyn, in the St James Quarter “lifestyle destination”, where cash buyers have been attracted from London and abroad as moths to a flame.

And large lateral flats in the £750,000-plus bracket, in prime Edinburgh suburbs, are seeing good business from downsizers who are selling bigger homes and still trousering a handsome profit.

But in general, there are an unusual number of empty ex-rental flats on the market, and this is likely to remain the case as building and labour costs have eroded the attraction of a “doer-upper”, and buyers now seem to sniff at anything less than move-in condition.

Joppa and Portobello, with their panoramic views across to Fife, are currently very popular, boasting solid Georgian homes, good state and private schools and access to the golf courses and attractions of East Lothian.

Gullane and North Berwick are perennially in favour. Formerly fast-moving areas such as Bruntsfield and the New Town are less so at the moment, largely because of the factors mentioned above affecting the flats market.

The most recent Office for National Statistics report puts the average price for a house in Edinburgh at £347,000 – a country mile ahead of the rest of the country and more evidence of the fact the capital remains a market unto itself.

It was to be expected this year that a General Election and a Budget would cause some jitters, and they certainly slowed Q4 of 2024 down a bit – so it could well be reasonable to look for quite a substantial bounce in the quieter political waters of 2025.

That is not to say that we will necessarily see house prices shooting up, but we can be fairly certain that they won’t be dropping.

Kirsten Nicolson is a Director in the Edinburgh residential offices of DM Hall Chartered Surveyors.

Easing cost pressures support high confidence for 2025 among Scotland’s private firms

Most privately held Scottish firms (90%) feel confident about their growth prospects heading into next year
Easing cost pressures were cited as the main cause (46%) alongside access to finance (43%) – significantly above the UK average for both
Firms plan to diversify through new products and internationalisation

Nine in ten (90%) privately owned Scottish firms feel optimistic about their growth prospects as they head into 2025, according to KPMG UK’s Private Enterprise Barometer.

The new survey captured insights from 1,500 private business owners across the UK, including 125 from Scotland, spanning sectors such as professional services, finance, technology, industrial manufacturing and retail.

Easing cost pressures emerged as the primary driver of this positive outlook, cited by nearly half (46%) of respondents, alongside improved access to finance (43%) – both results significantly exceeding the UK average of 32% and 31% respectively.

Looking ahead, Scottish firms are charting ambitious growth strategies. Seven in ten (70%) are setting their sights on international expansion and over a third (35%) plan to diversify through new products or services within the next five years.

When it comes to financing these ambitions, nearly half (49%) plan to use their own cash stocks as their primary funding source. Additionally, private equity and capital markets were ranked as the most popular sources for external diversification funding, outpacing traditional bank debt, which is of note given only 17% reported difficulties in accessing finance.

Technology is central to the growth plans of Scottish businesses, with over half (52%) citing it as critical to their future success. Notably, seven in ten (70%) expect to invest in artificial intelligence, and three in five (60%) plan to use this investment to enhance the employee experience – a higher proportion than any other UK region.

Skilled workers will be crucial to delivering this investment though, with more than half (55%) confident of recruiting people with the right qualifications and experience to support their business. However, with the battle for talent a competitive one, the same amount (55%) cited that they are evolving their employee value proposition to help with recruitment and retention – well ahead of the national average (37%).

Vishal Chopra, Scotland Office Senior Partner at KPMG UK, said: “These findings underscore the resilience and forward-thinking nature of Scotland’s private business community, driven by a strong culture of innovation.

“With 90% of respondents feeling optimistic about their prospects going into next year, and 70% planning to expand into new markets – the second-highest percentage of any UK region – it’s clear that businesses are confident and firmly committed to their ambitious growth strategies.

“What’s especially promising is the emphasis firms are placing on enriching the employee experience, alongside strategic investments in technology to support and sustain these efforts.”

National outlook

92% of Britain’s private business owners are confident of growth in 2025.

Those businesses with lower degrees of confidence highlighted challenges such as increased competition and access to funding as limiting factors.

When it comes to areas of planned investment over the next 12 months, technology was ranked as the highest priority (63%), followed by skills and workforce (49%). Of those looking at future tech investment, almost three quarters (73%) plan to invest in AI to improve the customer experience.

Euan West, Head of KPMG Private Enterprise in the UK and EMA, said: “2024 has been a turbulent year, so it’s pleasing to see that private businesses are showing resilience and casting a very positive outlook for growth and investment in 2025 and beyond.

“Going into 2025 buoyed by this optimism will help these firms drive results in what will likely be another tough year. Investment in areas like technology and talent will be essential for firms to realise their growth ambitions and make a significant impact on the UK’s economic health.”

RAC warns drivers against starting the new year with the flat battery blues

Battery issues are the number-one reason for breakdowns
Longer holiday period expected to cause a rise in non-starts
The RAC warns households with more than one car to use both over the holidays

With Monday 6^th January expected to be one of the busiest days for breakdowns for the whole of 2025, the RAC is warning drivers to make sure they don’t kick off the year with an unexpected flat battery.

The first working day after the holidays is often a ‘non-start’ for thousands of commuters as cars are left idle throughout the Christmas period. Since New Year’s Eve falls on a Tuesday this year, the RAC expects most drivers to extend their Christmas breaks until Monday 6^th January, meaning there could be a much longer period where cars are left unused.

Households with more than one vehicle are at greater risk as many people will only use one car over the festive period, meaning the battery of the other car is more likely to go flat.

Battery issues are the number-one reason for RAC patrol call-outs all year round, but breakdowns increase during the winter months when cooler temperatures put a greater strain on batteries due to the increased use of the heater, lights and heated screens and seats.

The RAC is advising all households, and especially those with a second car, to make sure vehicles are used between Christmas and New Year to keep their batteries topped up, especially if they intend to commute on Monday 6^th.

Even drivers of electric cars need to do the same, as in most cases these vehicles still depend on a 12-volt battery to start – and it’s this battery that can go flat.

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “The first working day after Christmas is typically the busiest of the year for our patrols attending drivers suffering the ‘flat battery blues’.

“The first day back at work after the Christmas the break is often bad enough, but it can be thoroughly depressing if nothing happens when you go to start the ignition. Cars left unused over the holidays, such as second vehicles left parked up, are often a breakdown statistic waiting to happen.

“Luckily, a flat battery is easily avoidable if drivers take their cars for a good run during their Christmas breaks. Electric vehicles are just as vulnerable as combustion engines because they also rely on 12-volt batteries, so it’s important to drive them occasionally and keep them charged above 20% in winter conditions.

“Colder weather slows down the chemical reaction in vehicle batteries, plus they have to work harder in the winter months due to greater use of the heater, lights, heated screens and seats as well as windscreen wipers. The starter motor also has to work harder to turn over the engine in the cold, so if your car is particularly slow to start then the battery could be about to fail.

“Drivers in any doubt about the health of their battery – especially those that are older and weaker – can book a diagnostic test on their doorstep. Rather than trying to find a garage that is open during the holiday period, drivers can book an RAC Mobile Mechanic to test their battery at home or work, and even install a new one in the worst-case scenario.”

The RAC’s Mobile Mechanics have shared their top tips to steer clear of the flat battery blues:

Drive every vehicle in your household before Monday 6 January, especially if you’re going to rely on that car for your return to work. Don’t just turn it over – go on a drive that gets the engine up to a proper operating temperature and the battery well charged before you really need it
Cherish every volt – turn off everything electrical in your car once you’ve switched the engine off, and disconnect all equipment such as dashcams to give the battery its best chance of starting
If you’ve had battery problems at all throughout 2024, think about getting it tested and, if needed, replaced before the new year
Protect your car from the elements – cooler, damper conditions through winter put more strain on a battery, so use the garage if you have one
Drive electric vehicles occasionally and keep them above a 20% state-of-charge. A high-voltage battery should not be left below this point for extended periods of time, especially in cold weather, as this can harm its health.

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