Month: January 2025

A sensational year of art for everyone at National Galleries of Scotland

National Galleries of Scotland has announced an unmissable programme of free and ticketed exhibitions set to take over the National, Portrait and Modern galleries in Edinburgh throughout 2025.

From striking installations in Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years to time travelling into The World of King James VI and I, taking to the skies with Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer, a celebration of 250 years of JMW Turner with Turner in January: Ireland’s Vaughan Bequest and more.

There will be a sensational array of art to enjoy in the Scottish capital next year. Ticketed exhibitions can be booked online now What’s on | National Galleries of Scotland

From 26 July until 2 November 2025, immerse yourself in a major large-scale exhibition by Andy Goldsworthy. Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years will take over the upper and lower galleries in the Royal Scottish Academy building for the summer. Based in Scotland, Goldsworthy (born 1956) is internationally famous for his extraordinary work with natural materials.

The exhibition will span five decades of creation with over 200 works including photographs, sculptures, and expansive new installations. Goldsworthy will also create several major new works onsite at the Royal Scottish Academy building especially for Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years. This spectacular summer exhibition is sure to be one of the most talked-about of the year – and it is showing only in Edinburgh.

Next spring at the Portrait, travel back in time and be immersed in The World of King James VI and I. Son of Mary, Queen of Scots, successor to Elizabeth I and the first monarch to rule over Scotland, England and Ireland, get to know King James (1566 – 1625) and step into the world in which he lived, ruled and changed forever.

Marking the 400-year anniversary of King James’s death, this exhibition will chart his remarkable reign through stories of friendship, family, feuds and ambition. Drawing on themes with contemporary relevance, including national identity, queer history, belief and spirituality, The World of King James VI and I will be an enriching journey through the complex life of a King who changed the shape of the United Kingdom.

Over 100 objects will be on display, including ornate paintings, dazzling jewels, lavish designs and important loans from galleries across the UK, celebrating craft and visual art from the 16th and 17th centuries. From 26 April – 14 September 2025 come and be fully immersed in the sights, sounds (and even smells) of the period, connecting the people of the past with the people of today. Tickets are on sale now.

In 2025 the National Galleries of Scotland will commemorate the 250th birthday of beloved British artist JMW Turner (1775 – 1851) with a once in a lifetime, free exhibition. For the first time, visitors will be able to marvel at over 30 Turner watercolours from Dublin. 

Turner in January: Ireland’s Vaughan Bequest at the Royal Scottish Academy building will be one-off special take on the keenly awaited and much-loved annual tradition. Spanning the breadth of Turner’s career, visitors can roam through sweeping seascapes, dramatic landscapes and spectacular cities, many displayed in their original frames.

As part of this special partnership, the Turner works from the Scottish national collection will go on display at the National Gallery of Ireland allowing visitors in both Scotland and Ireland to connect with works from the Henry Vaughan Bequest they don’t often get to see.

There will be another two new and exciting projects making their way to the Moderns in 2025. From next summer you can explore your collection at Modern One with a series of new free displays showcasing magnificent and diverse works of 20th and 21st century art belonging to the people of Scotland.

This includes an opportunity to see compelling works from ARTIST ROOMS, the national touring collection cared for jointly by the National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. Discover the bold and varied self-portraits of Robert Mapplethorpe, immerse yourself in Louise Bourgeois’s evocative practice, and be captivated by the works of Helen Chadwick in a new ARTIST ROOMS display. 

Chadwick’s Self Portrait (1991) from Scotland’s national collection will feature alongside the major sculptural installation, Piss Flowers (1991-2), which will be lent by Tate having recently been donated as part of the D.Daskalopoulos Collection Gift.

Explore this powerful new presentation of the nation’s superb contemporary and modern collection from 12 July 2025. A further exhibition taking place at Modern Two will be announced in early 2025.

The centenary of revered Scottish artist Ian Hamilton Finlay (1925 – 2006) will also be marked in a new free display of his work at Modern Two from 8 March to 26 May 2025. A visionary in his craft, Ian Hamilton Finlay harnessed the power of collaboration throughout his career, drawing on the expertise of fellow makers and creators to bring his artistic visions to life.

Hailed as a poet, sculptor, printmaker, gardener and provocateur, his practice covered a wide range of media, reflected in this display through over 30 sculptures, installations and prints as well as extensive archival materials, all from Scotland’s national collection.

Moving into the autumn at the Portrait, take to the skies and see the world from above the clouds through the remarkable work of Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer.  

A trailblazer in his field, Buckham (1879 – 1956) soared above the realms of what was thought to be possible in 20th century photography and aviation.

From 18 October 2025 – 19 April 2026, meet the man behind some of the most iconic aerial photographs, marvel at the death-defying lengths he took to capture the perfect image and explore how his innovative techniques paved the way for modern technologies such as Photoshop and AI.

Explore the imaginative Your Art World exhibition at the National, showcasing the inspirational works of young artists from all over Scotland aged 3 – 18-year-olds. The exhibition is a celebration of what happens when young people are encouraged to be wildly creative.

Discover installations from school and community groups who have worked alongside the National Galleries of Scotland. Or even view the creations of the young people in your own life.

With the opportunity to upload artwork online via the website, anyone aged 3-18 can see their own digital submissions on screen in the gallery. Immerse yourself in the imagination of these young artists from 10 May to 2 November 2025.

Anne Lyden, Director-General at the National Galleries of Scotland said: “We’re really excited to announce our 2025 public programme, which is packed full of fantastic exhibitions.

“Breathtaking installations at the Royal Scottish Academy, soaring above the clouds at the Portrait gallery, and modern and contemporary highlights from your national collection at the Moderns.

“Whether you want to be inspired, find a moment of calm or share a joyful experience with friends – there’s so much to discover at the National Galleries of Scotland.”

Exhibition dates:

Turner in January: Ireland’s Vaughan Bequest:1- 31 January 2025 | FREE | National Galleries Scotland exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy building

Ian Hamilton Finlay: 8 March – 26 May 2025 | FREE | National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two

The World of King James VI & I: 26 April – 14 September 2025 | Tickets £4-£9 | National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

Your Art World: 10 May – 2 November 2025 | FREE | National Galleries Scotland: National

ARTIST ROOMS: Opening 12 July 2025 | FREE | National Galleries Scotland: Modern One

Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years: 26 July – 2 November 2025 |Tickets £5-£19 | National Galleries Scotland exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy building

Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer: 18 October 2025 – 19 April 2026 | FREE | National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

Drumbrae roundabout collision: Woman pedestrian dies

Road policing officers are continuing to appeal for information following a now fatal crash in Edinburgh involving a car and a pedestrian.

The incident happened around 5.45pm on Monday, 30 December, on St John’s Road between the Drumbrae roundabout and Corstorphine Bank Drive.

It involved a black Ford Fiesta and a pedestrian, an 87-year-old woman.

Emergency services attended and the pedestrian was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where she died yesterday (Friday, 3 January). No one else was injured.

The road was closed for crash investigation work and re-opened around 1am on Tuesday, 31 December.

Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who died and they have asked for privacy at what is a very difficult time for them.

“Our enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances and we are keen to speak to anyone who can assist who has not already spoken to officers.

“We are asking road users who were in the area at the time to check their dash-cam to see if they have captured anything that could help with our investigation.

Anyone who can help is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2432 of Monday, 30 December, 2024.

Harness racing trots back to Musselburgh Racecourse

Harness racing will return to Musselburgh Racecourse this year after a revised format was agreed between the British Harness Racing Club (BHRC), Musselburgh Racecourse Committee and East Lothian Council.

The one-day fixture on Saturday 14 June will feature the famous Musselburgh Pace – the most important race in the harness racing calendar – equivalent to the Epsom Derby in horseracing.

The BHRC is a member of the governing body of the International Trotting Association which consists of all the key countries staging the sport and includes the likes of France, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, where the sport enjoys the status of being a multi-million-dollar industry. 

The Musselburgh fixture was the pinnacle of the harness racing calendar in the UK but it ended in 2022, partly because it clashed with Musselburgh’s sell-out Ladies Day meeting and it was also scheduled in middle of the track’s busy summer race season.

A reduction in the number of race meetings held at Musselburgh each year and moving Ladies Day to August has relieved pressure on the East Lothian facility, and a gap in the fixture list in June has provided an opportunity for a revival of the premier harness racing meeting.

BHRC director, Julie Park, said: “The British Harness Racing Club is pleased to see the return of harness racing to Musselburgh and would like to thank Musselburgh Racecourse, The Chester Race Company, Musselburgh Golf Club and the BHA for making this possible.

“The Musselburgh Meeting has a rich tradition and attracts the best pacers and trotters, with the Group 1 Famous Musselburgh Pace the flagship race.

“This has always been an integral part of the British harness racing year and traditionally the fixture attracts harness racing followers and competitors from all over the UK and Ireland.”

In the UK, there are approximately 500 licence holders involved in harness racing, with a great many depending on it for their livelihoods, and in addition there are many breeders and buyers investing in bloodstock

Previously, the event was mainly run by the racecourse management team but the new format will see the BHRC hire the racecourse and a special Committee set up by the BHRC will manage the event.

Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, said: “We are very pleased to have reached an agreement with the BHRC to welcome British harness racing’s most important event back to Musselburgh.

“With a less congested fixture list than in previous years, which reduces the pressures on our staff, the facilities and the track itself, the new one-day format is a solution which all parties will work towards making a success.”

Our Expanding Universe: Astronomy For All

ROYAL OBSERVATORY TALK at McDONALD ROAD LIBRARY

We’re delighted to be hosting the Royal Observatory Edinburgh for their first public library talk of the year!

Join us for a free universe-expansion double-bill with astrophysicists Ryan Begley and Marcos Pellejero on Monday the 13th of January at 6pm!

To book your ticket, follow the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/royal-observatory…

Throw Enough Mud: creative writing workshops with Leyla Josephine

I’m so delighted to launch Throw Enough Mud – online creative writing workshops and courses kicking off in January 2025. 

I’ve been facilitating creative workshops for various organisations, in lots of different contexts for a while now. I’m taking what I’ve learnt from a decade of experience and starting on my own adventure. 

I believe creative play is the beating heart of self-worth, connection, and community.  I’m hoping to build a network of affordable, fun, creative workshops in lots of different art forms that are accessible to everyone. 

I’m beginning the new venture with 4 online writing courses in the new year. The main aim of these workshops is for people to have a space to play and experiment with their writing practice in a non-judgmental, fun and safe environment. 

It would be amazing if you were able to share them with your networks – it really helps get the word out. 

Further details below: 

Sign up here – https://www.tickettailor.com/events/leylajosephine

Further information – https://www.leylajosephine.co.uk/throw-enough-mud-workshops

Any questions – hello@leylajosephine.co.uk

Police: Don’t leave your car unattended while de-icing

It can be very tempting to leave your vehicle engine running and unattended while the windows defrost.

Don’t ever leave your car unattended with keys in it, as opportunist thieves could steal it within seconds.

Many insurers will not pay for claims should a vehicle be stolen in this way, even if it is in a driveway.

If the keys are in the car – you should be too!

#DontRiskIt

Christmas saw anticipated rise in flu, latest UKHSA data shows

Public urged to prevent further ‘new year spread’ by following good hygiene and taking up ‘final chance’ vaccines where still available

Latest data from the UK Health Security Agency shows the anticipated increase in flu activity over the festive season, as people are urged to protect themselves this New Year.

UKHSA’s COVID-19, influenza (flu), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and norovirus surveillance bulletin shows that flu is now circulating at high levels, with positivity increasing to 29.5% in week 52, compared to 26.4% the previous week (51) and 21.7% in week 50. 

The overall weekly hospital admission rate for influenza increased to 14.09 per 100,000 in week 52, compared with 10.69 per 100,000 the previous week (51) and 8.72 per 100,000 in week 50.

Vaccination offers the best protection against serious illness and hospitalisation, particularly for those who are vulnerable or elderly. While the national booking system for flu vaccination closed on 19 December, eligible groups are reminded that they can still book their vaccination through their GP surgery or local pharmacy where available.

Flu is currently at high levels and often circulates for many weeks through the course of winter. Vaccination will provide those eligible with the best protection.

Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “For many of us, the festive period is marked with parties and socialising with friends and family, meaning it’s not unusual to see an increase in flu at this time of year and this was anticipated.

“This is why we have been urging those eligible to take up a free flu vaccine. The good news if you did, is that you are less likely to be severely affected by flu. If you’re still offered a vaccine through local services, you should take it up as we could see high levels for some weeks still. This is particularly important if you’re a health and social care worker, as we know these services are under significant winter pressures right now.

“If you have symptoms of flu or COVID-19 such as a high temperature, cough and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable.

“If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, our advice remains that you should wear a face covering. Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.”

UKHSA’s surveillance bulletin shows that COVID-19 levels decreased over the festive period, with RSV also decreasing. Although COVID-19 is currently circulating at low levels, this could change in the coming winter months. Vaccination against RSV is being offered for the first time to anyone who is 28 or more weeks pregnant, along with people aged 75 to 79 years.

Call for clarity on National Insurance

48 organisations back letter raising concerns

Scottish public sector and voluntary organisations have come together to raise concerns at the impact of the impending increase to employer National Insurance contributions.

Organisations from across civic society in Scotland have backed a letter to the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, calling for funding to fully cover the additional costs they face.

At present, the estimated cost to organisations delivering public services in Scotland to cover the increase in employer National Insurance contributions could amount to £700 million.

The joint letter from First Minister John Swinney and COSLA President Shona Morrison has been supported by 48 organisations including the Scottish Trades Union Congress, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations and British Dental Association. 

The First Minister said: “I would like to thank all the public and voluntary sector organisations who have come together to call in a unified voice for this decision to be reconsidered.

“We are disappointed that the UK Government did not engage with the Scottish Government on the change to employers National Insurance Contributions and we are concerned about the additional pressure it places on all employers. The Scottish Budget is expected to pass within weeks, and alongside local authorities, we need clarity.

“We will continue to press the UK Government to raise our deep concern about the implications of the increase to employer National Insurance contributions for organisations across Scotland, and the risk to the vital services they provide if these additional costs are not fully funded.”

The letter has been supported by:

  • Roz Foyer, General Secretary, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC)
  • Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO)
  • Martin Green, Chair, Community Pharmacy Scotland
  • Eilidh Thomson, Chair, Optometry Scotland
  • David McColl, Chair of the Scottish Dental Practice Committee, British Dental Association
  • Jacki Smart, Chair, Scottish Hospices Leadership Group
  • Gavin Sinclair, Director of Funding and Partnerships, Venture Trust
  • Wilma Thomson, Manager, Rape Crisis Grampian
  • Sharon Aitchison, Chief Executive, Monklands Women’s Aid
  • Marsha Scott, Chief Executive, Scottish Women’s Aid
  • Lauren McGregor, Children and Young Person’s Team Leader and Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate, Committed to Ending Abuse (CEA Ltd)
  • Susie Stein, Chief Executive, Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre
  • Jan Swan, Chief Executive, Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre
  • Colin Lee, Chief Executive, Council of Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector Organisations (CEMVO) Scotland
  • Aaliya Seyal, Chief Executive Officer, Legal Services Agency Ltd
  • Donna Hutchison, Chief Executive, Aberdeen Cyrenians
  • Angela Barron, Chief Executive, Forth Valley Rape Crisis Centre
  • Linda Rodgers, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Women’s Aid
  • Alana Harper, Chief Executive, Tayside Deaf Hub
  • Pam Hunter, Chief Executive, SAY Women
  • Karen Moore, Interim Change Manager, Motherwell District Women’s Aid
  • Shirley Middleditch, Manager, South Ayrshire Women’s Aid
  • Sandy Brindley, Chief Executive, Rape Crisis Scotland
  • Maria Jose Pavez Larrea, Co-General Manager, Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC)
  • Paul Wilson, Chief Officer, Volunteer Edinburgh
  • Nicola Livingston, Chair, Scottish Council of Jewish Communities
  • Dr Richard Groden, Chair, Jewish Care Scotland
  • Dr Donny Lyons, Co-Chair, Cosgrove Care
  • Sabir Zazai OBE, Chief Executive, Scottish Refugee Council
  • Jane Wood, Chief Executive Officer, Homes for Scotland
  • Catherine Dyer CBE, Chair, Community Justice Scotland
  • Stuart Stevens, Chief Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
  • Graeme McAlister, Chief Executive, Scottish Childminding Association
  • Jaci Douglas, Chief Executive, Care and Learning Alliance
  • Ben McLeish, Director, 2020 Together
  • Louise Licznerski, Founding Director, Scottish Outdoor Learning Association
  • Irene Audain, Chief Executive, Scottish Out of School Care Network
  • Jonathan Broadbery, Director of Policy and Communications, National Day Nurseries Association
  • Sharon Fairley, Chief Executive, Scottish Private Nursery Association
  • Jane Brumpton, Chief Executive, Early Years Scotland
  • Fraser McKinlay, Chief Executive, The Promise Scotland
  • Francis Scott, Director of Services, St Phillips School
  • Stuart Provan, Chief Executive Officer, Seamab Care and Education
  • Mary Geaney, Chief Executive Officer, Rossie Young Peoples Trust
  • Martin Boyle, Interim Chief Executive, Scottish Funding Council
  • Pauline Radcliffe, Chief Executive, Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
  • Graeme Jackson, Interim Chief Executive, Colleges Scotland
  • Frank Mitchell, Chair, Skills Development Scotland 
  • Damien Yeates, Chief Executive, Skills Development Scotland 
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Simple bedtime checks to prevent potential fire hazards

A fire starting at night while you’re asleep means less warning to escape.

Your smoke alarms should wake you if a fire does break out – but you can further reduce your risk by carrying out these simple checks before you go to bed

More info: https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/at-home/bedtime-checks/

Bedtime checklist

Before going to bed, you can help keep your family safe by checking your home for potential fire hazards. This will only take a few minutes, but it can help keep everyone safe while you sleep. 

Follow these simple bedtime checks to help keep your home safe. 

  1. Switch off and unplug all electrical appliances not designed to be left on overnight. 
  2. Stub out all cigarettes and always empty ashtrays. Pour water over cigarette ends and matches before putting them in the bin outside. 
  3. Put fireguards around open fires. Do not build-up the fire before you go to bed. 
  4. Switch off any portable heaters.
  5. Switch off any electric blankets, unless it’s marked ‘suitable for all night use’.
  6. Close all doors – it can keep your escape route free from smoke and may stop a fire spreading. 
  7. Make sure the main door keys are to hand. 
  8. Extinguish open flames such as candles, oil lamps, and incenses sticks. 
  9. Only use laptops and devices on hard surfaces so the air vents can let the heat escape. They should also be unplugged before bed.  
  10. Never charge your mobile phone while you are asleep, or charge it and leave under your pillow.

Scottish Housebuilder offering £10,000 Cashback to Edinburgh homebuyers

Kickstart Your New Year with a New Home and £10,000 Cashback from Cruden Homes

Award-winning Scottish housebuilder Cruden Homes is helping homebuyers make a fresh start in 2025 with an exciting new offer – a generous £10,000 cashback on homes reserved at any of their developments from 3rd January until 14th February 2025.

The limited-time cashback incentive is designed to support buyers looking to secure their dream home this new year, providing a significant financial boost to make moving that little bit easier. Whether buyers are looking to move up the property ladder, downsize, or purchase their first home, Cruden Homes’ high-quality, energy-efficient properties offer the perfect solution.

Four outstanding developments in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas are included in this unmissable offer: 

West Craigs Green, Edinburgh: A collection of 122 modern homes featuring apartments, terraced houses, and townhouses. With generous balconies, green open spaces, and excellent transport links, prices start from £220,000.

Wellwater Grove, West Lothian: Three and four-bedroom homes in East Calder, ideally located near local shops, pubs, and cafes, perfect for families and professionals alike. Prices start from £278,500.

Longniddry Village, East Lothian: Traditionally designed two to five-bedroom homes, coach houses, and apartments with standout features like German kitchens, Siemens appliances, and timber sash windows. Prices start from £232,500.

The Avenue, Barnton: Age-exclusive retirement development, designed specifically for the needs of residents over 55 years old,  featuring elegant apartments, penthouses, and villas with on-site facilities, private parking, and EV charging points. Prices start from £365,000.

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director at Cruden Homes, said: “January is often a time for new beginnings, and what better way to start the year than by securing a beautiful new home?

“Our £10,000 cashback offer is there to make that move a little easier, whether it’s helping with furniture, deposit costs, or something else buyers might need to get settled in their new home.

“With a fantastic selection of homes across our developments, there’s never been a better time to make your move with Cruden Homes.”

Cruden Homes offers a range of thoughtfully designed properties across Scotland, combining style, comfort, and energy efficiency to suit modern lifestyles.

This new incentive extends to all Cruden Homes developments and is expected to appeal to a variety of buyers, including first-time homeowners and growing families, looking to make the most of the new year.

To find out more about the £10,000 cashback offer and explore developments near you, visit crudenhomes.co.uk.