Before the festive celebrations, the Tesco stores across Edinburgh called on shoppers to support a collection of toys so that families whose children would otherwise not receive a gift wouldn’t miss out on the big day.
People across the community responded enthusiastically to the campaign, with 1,610 of brand-new toys being gifted to Cash For Kids and Ferry Elves – bringing a smile to many children’s faces on Christmas Day.
Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco, said: “We really can’t thank our customers enough for their kind contributions to this great cause.
“Throughout the year our stores give support to children and their community, and without fail local people support us in our efforts.
“So once again we are grateful to the people of Edinburgh for showing that the magic of Christmas is very much alive and well.
“They have made a great many children so happy at a time of year that can be difficult for some families, so thank you so much again for your support.”
The Toy Donation campaign ran in stores across the UK in December, with more than 125,000 items being given.
In addition to the toy collection, Tesco donated £25,000 to the Salvation Army to support its ongoing efforts in providing essential services and support to vulnerable families during the festive season.
Following a report of concern for a person, around 4pm on Monday, 20 January, 2025, officers found the bodies of a 36-year-old man and a six-year-old girl within a property in Harburn Drive, West Calder.
The deaths are being treated as unexplained and post mortem examinations will take place in due course.
Their relatives are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.
Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.
Chief Inspector Elaine McArthur-Kerr, local area commander, said: “We understand this incident may be very upsetting and worrying for the people living in this community and would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.
“A police presence will remain in the area while we carry out investigations and anyone with any concerns, or information, can approach these officers.”
Ring has revealed the Scot whose voice will feature on its Video Doorbells in time for Burns Night
It follows the company’s ‘Voice of the Nation’ casting search in Scotland, in collaboration with Scottish radio presenter, Edith Bowman
Azkah Sardar from Glasgow has recorded Quick Replies for Ring Video Doorbells in the UK – the first time the Scottish accent will be heard on its devices
New Scots language message also available: “We’re no in the noo, but haud on! Afore ye go it’d be pure dead brilliant if you’d leave a wee message. Haste ye back”
A woman from Glasgow has become the first ever Scottish voice to be heard on Ring Video Doorbells, following a nationwide casting search by the smart home security company.
Azkah Sardar has been unveiled as Ring’s ‘Voice of the Nation’, lending her Scottish accent to Ring’s Video Doorbell ‘Quick Replies’ feature, in an announcement that arrives just in time for Burns Night on 25th January. It marks the first time Ring has worked with a member of the public to voice its Video Doorbell Quick Replies, and the first time a Scottish accent will be heard on Ring Video Doorbells.
Medical student Azkah decided to audition after hearing about the search on the radio, and while she grew up shy, decided to step outside her comfort zone to give it a go.
The 23-year-old, who auditioned at Glasgow Silverburn, stood out among 300 candidates for Ring’s Scotland-wide casting search that was judged by legendary Scottish radio DJ and television presenter, Edith Bowman.
Ring’s Quick Replies act as an answering machine for the door. Once activated, and someone rings the doorbell, the visitor will hear a pre-selected greeting with the option to leave a message.
To celebrate the launch of the ‘Voice of the Nation’, Azkah also voiced a bespoke Scots language Quick Reply: “We’re no in the noo, but haud on! Afore ye go it’d be pure dead brilliant if you’d leave a wee message. Haste ye back!”
Azkah Sardar, Ring’s Voice of the Nation, said: “It means a lot to be chosen as Ring’s Voice of the Nation. I thought it was a really cool idea as it hadn’t been done before, so I thought I’d go along to the auditions and just give it a shot.
“Scotland isn’t a huge place, but we have so much to offer. We’re not as represented as we should be and it’s amazing that Ring is making steps towards making it happen. Not many big brands go the extra mile to use regional accents in their technology, so I think this campaign has been fantastic.”
Edith Bowman helped judge the auditions in collaboration with Ring, and said Azkah stood out for their enthusiasm and good energy.
Speaking of the chosen voice, Edith Bowman said: “Azkah is a brilliant choice for Scotland’s Voice of the Nation. We were looking for someone with lots of energy, enthusiasm and personality and that’s exactly what we got.
“We received so many amazing entries – from the pop-up auditions to social media – so it was a really tough decision. The Glasgow accent is one of many beautiful varieties north of the border and we hope to hear it on doorbells across the UK.
“I’ve loved being a part of something so innovative and celebratory it’s been great seeing this campaign come to life. Our Scottish voice is now on Ring’s Quick Replies, so make sure you activate your chosen greeting in the app for Burns Night!”
The ‘Voice of the Nation’ was launched after Ring’s research found the Scottish accent to be one of the most endearing in the UK, with 44% of people agreeing it’s one of the friendliest. A huge 78% of Scots said they are proud of how welcoming their accent sounds, and many feel the accent has a charming, humorous quality.
Dave Ward, Managing Director EU & International at Ring, said: “We’re delighted to feature a Scottish voice on our Ring Video Doorbell Quick replies. Azkah’s voice captures the warmth and friendliness that Scottish accents are well known for, making her the perfect candidate to greet visitors at doorsteps across the country.
“Our Voice of the Nation search was a huge success, and we’re grateful to all who auditioned. We set out to celebrate regional dialects and we are thrilled to start in Scotland.”
To find its Scottish voice, Ring held public auditions across Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow. Candidates also took to Instagram and TikTok to apply, and those with a Ring device and Ring Home subscription could enter through the app.
Simply head to the Ring app now to set up your Scottish accent Quick Reply, just in time for Burns Night. To find out more about the Voice of the Nation, read Ring’s blog here.
Welfare fraudsters who cheated the taxpayer out of £7 billion last year could be banned from driving if they fail to reimburse the public and repay their debt
Benefit cheats to be stripped of driving licences under new plans in government’s biggest fraud crackdown in a generation
New Public Authorities (Fraud, Error & Recovery) Bill introduces measures to be tough on criminals and fairer to taxpayers.
The Bill alone is expected to save the Department £1.5 billion over the next five years, and forms part of wider government plans to save a total of £8.6 billion over 5 years in the biggest welfare fraud and error budget package in recent history, as part of Plan for Change
As part of new legislation set to be introduced in Parliament today to deliver the biggest fraud crackdown in a generation, benefit cheats could be disqualified from driving for periods of up to two years if they refuse all opportunities to repay the money they owe.
The Department or Work and Pensions (DWP) will be able to apply to the court with the justification to suspend fraudsters from driving, provided the debts is £1,000 or over and frequent requests to repay the debt have been ignored.
DWP’s serious organised crime authorised investigators are also expected to be handed powers to apply to a court for search warrants. It means that for the first time, they will be able to support Police and search premises and seize items such as computers and smartphones as evidence against fraudsters.
The Bill alone is expected to save the Department £1.5 billion over the next five years, and forms part of wider government plans to save a total of £4.3 billion in 2029/30 in the biggest welfare fraud and error budget package in recent history.
The new legislation is being brought forward after the government inherited a broken welfare system, with fraud and error in the social security system currently costing the taxpayer almost £10 billion a year and, since the pandemic, a total of £35 billion of taxpayers’ money has been incorrectly paid to those not entitled to the money.
This Bill comes as the government seeks to bring forward measures to overhaul the health and disability welfare system as part of its Plan for Change, so it better supports people to enter and remain in work and to tackle the spiralling welfare bill – with new proposals for reforming the health and disability benefits system expected in the Spring.
This legislation also delivers on the government’s manifesto commitment to safeguard taxpayers’ money and demonstrates the government’s commitment to not tolerate fraud, error or waste anywhere in public services, including the social security system.
The measures in the Bill will be underpinned by a principle of fairness and proportionality – the priority is always to negotiate affordable and sustainable repayment plans, with these powers to be used as a last resort.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, said: “We are turning off the tap to criminals who cheat the system and steal law-abiding taxpayers’ money.
“This means greater consequences for fraudsters who cheat and evade the system, including as a last resort in the most serious cases removing their driving licence. Backed up by new and important safeguards including reporting mechanisms and independent oversight to ensure the powers are used proportionately and safely.
“People need to have confidence the Government is opening all available doors to tackle fraud and eliminate waste, as we continue the most ambitious programme for government in a generation – with a laser-like focus on outcomes which will make the biggest difference to their lives as part of our Plan for Change.”
DWP will also have the power to recover money directly from bank accounts of those not on benefits or in PAYE employment who owe the Department and refuse to pay up, despite having the means to do so. The Bill will allow DWP to request bank statements to prove these debtors have sufficient funds to fairly repay what they owe. However, DWP will not have direct access to people’s bank accounts.
Modernising the approach to catching fraudsters, preventing overpayments and introducing new safeguards to further protect vulnerable customers means the DWP can keep pace with the sophisticated nature of fraud, while also ensuring law-abiding customers get the right benefits – preventing them from falling further into debt.
The Bill will also include safeguarding measures to protect vulnerable customers. Staff will be trained to the highest standards on the appropriate use of any new powers, and we will introduce new oversight and reporting mechanisms, to monitor these new powers.
The government will also bring forward Codes of Practice which will be consulted on during the passage of the Bill to provide further assurance on the safe use of the powers, and we have a clearly defined scope and clear limitations for the use of all the powers including the right to appeal the decision.
The Cabinet Office’s Public Sector Fraud Authority will also be given more powers under the legislation being introduced in Parliament today.
A brand-new measure will see the time limit for civil claims against Covid fraud doubled from six to twelve years. This step change in the ability to fight fraud committed during the pandemic will give the Covid Corruption Commissioner and the Public Sector Fraud Authority more time to investigate complex cases and apply their new powers retrospectively – including the ability to raid properties and retrieve money from Covid fraudsters’ bank accounts.
Georgia Gould, Minister in the Cabinet Office, said: “During the pandemic, when people and businesses needed government support the most, some people stole public money for their own personal gain.
“This legislation gives the government tough new powers that can be used to investigate and recover money stolen from the public during covid and doubles the time we have to bring fraudsters to justice.”
Taken together, these measures show the government’s commitment to taking a responsible approach to public finances which is required for long-term economic growth, in order to deliver for working people up and down the country.
Additional Information
The new law will deliver on this government’s manifesto commitment to safeguard taxpayers’ money – ensuring every pound is spent wisely and effectively:
New powers of search and seizure – so DWP can control investigations into criminal gangs defrauding the taxpayer
Allowing DWP to recover debts from individuals no longer on benefits and not in PAYE employment who can pay money back but have avoided doing so.
New requirements for banks and building societies to flag where there is an indication that there may be a breach of eligibility rules for benefits – preventing debts accruing
All the powers will include strong safeguards to ensure they are only used appropriately and proportionately – including new inspection and reporting mechanisms.
We have a clearly defined scope and clear limitations for the use of all the powers we are introducing, and our staff will be trained to the highest possible standards.
The measures in this Bill will enable the PSFA to:
reduce fraud against the public sector by using its expertise to take action on behalf of other departments, against those who attack the public sector.
better detect and prevent incorrect payments across the public sector through new information gathering and sharing powers.
Use strong non-criminal sanctions and civil penalties to provide an alternative to criminal prosecution and to deter fraud
improve the government’s ability to recover public money, through new debt recovery and enforcement powers.
Use new powers of entry, search and seizure to reduce the burdens on the police in the most serious criminal investigations.
improve fraud management in future emergencies by creating specialist time limited powers to be used in crisis management situations – building on lessons learned during COVID-19.
The PSFA will implement a ‘test and learn’ approach when utilising these powers, piloting different approaches and expertise to find the best way to tackle public sector fraud.
