Deer Park Golf & Country Club is set to bring a touch of Christmas magic to West Lothian this December, with a month-long programme of festive events for families, friends and colleagues to enjoy.
The Livingston-based premier golf and leisure destination will be transformed into a hub of yuletide celebration, hosting everything from Breakfast with Santa and Festive Party Nights to a sparkling New Year’s Eve celebration to see out 2025 in style.
A firm favourite for local families, Breakfast with Santa returns on Sunday 7 and 14 December. Children can tuck into a hearty breakfast before meeting Father Christmas himself, a moment that is sure to make the season extra special. Tickets cost £6.99 per adult and £10.99 per child.
Throughout December, visitors can also enjoy festive lunches in the clubhouse or opt for the popular Festive Bowl & Dine package, two games of ten-pin bowling followed by a two-course meal for £36.95. It is the perfect way to celebrate with friends or colleagues in relaxed surroundings filled with good food and laughter.
Those looking to dance the night away can book one of Deer Park’s Festive Party Nights, complete with great food, music and entertainment all for £42.50 per person.
Several dates have already sold out with tickets remaining for 5, 6, 19 and 20 December. The celebrations culminate with Deer Park’s New Year’s Eve Party on 31 December, promising a night of dining, dancing and good cheer as guests welcome 2026.
Natasha McAllister, General Manager at Deer Park, said:“December is one of our favourite times of year at Deer Park.
“The atmosphere is always fantastic, the events team go above and beyond to make everything special, and it is wonderful to see our local community coming together to celebrate.
“Whether it is breakfast with Santa, an afternoon with friends or a night on the dance floor, it is all about enjoying those festive moments.”
Deer Park’s festive calendar reflects the club’s reputation as a hub for leisure and celebration in West Lothian, offering a warm welcome and great hospitality all year round.
Advance booking is recommended for all festive events. For more information or to book, visitwww.deer-park.co.uk, contact events@deer-park.co.uk or call 01506 446 699.
Dobbies Edinburgh is preparing for a blooming festive season as its annual delivery of poinsettias lands in store.
This year, it’s the traditional red variety taking centre stage as Dobbies anticipates a surge in demand for this classic Christmas plant driven by the growing trend of nostalgic festive styling.
In addition to the popular red variety, white and pink poinsettias will also be available at Dobbies Edinburgh store for those looking to switch up their Christmas colour palette.
Speaking about poinsettias, Dobbies’ Senior Plant Buyer, Claire Bishop, says: “Poinsettias have been a Christmas favourite for generations, bringing colour and warmth to homes during the festive season, so we’re excited to welcome them to our Edinburgh store to kick off the celebrations.
“Our customers loved the pink and white varieties last year, so we’ve brought these back for 2025, along with the ever-popular red – which we’re expecting to be the standout choice this Christmas for creating a show-stopping centrepiece as more people embrace a traditional festive look.
“Whether used for decorating or gifting, poinsettias, also known as Euphorbia pulcherrima, remain a simple but effective way to grow festive cheer and will instantly bring that classic Christmas feel to any room.”
Claire’s top tips for keeping your poinsettia looking its best
Choose a bright spot
Finding the right place for your poinsettia is key. Poinsettias like a lot of light so you should place them in a bright spot where they’ll get as much indirect sunlight as possible per day. However, you should avoid direct sunlight as this could scorch the plant. The red parts of the flower are known as bracts which have tiny yellow flowers at the centre, known as cyathia. Being a tropical plant, poinsettias also like warmth so you should keep them away from windows and other draughty spots as this could cause the plant’s bracts to drop.
Watering your plant
You should only water your poinsettia when the soil feels dry to the touch. This will vary on the temperature of your home, so your plant could require watering every few days, or once a week depending on its surroundings and they don’t like waterlogged soil.
Feed your poinsettia
Your poinsettia will benefit from monthly feedings to keep it thriving long into the new year. Consider using a liquid plant food to fertilise your poinsettia. For more advice, and to explore Dobbies’ full range of houseplants and decorations for Christmas 2025, visit www.dobbies.com
It’s almost a year since The Pitt reopened its doors on the Granton Prom, opening up a huge and much-needed community space in North Edinburgh.
We just want to take a moment to say thank you — to everyone who’s stopped by for a quick pint, come along to one of our events, or supported us in any way.
Every visit, every dance, every bite, and every cheer helps us keep building something special here. You’re helping us grow a space that’s not just about great food and live music, but about connection, creativity, and community.
Come along to The Pitt for a Christmas lights switch-on and festive gathering, accompanied by live music from talented local artists, carol singing, free seasonal treats and hot drinks.
And, as always, The Pitt’s street food market and bar, huge indoor seating area with pool table and table tennis and an under 5s play area.
“A single sock”, “blow up boyfriends”, and a “potato with their name written on it” among some of the more quirky, unwanted gifts
Women (46.8%) feel more pressured into spending more than they can afford than men (42.05%)
A new nationwide study1 of 2,000 adults, commissioned by blood cancer charity Leukaemia Care and approved by the Market Research Society, reveals that many Brits are rethinking the way they give gifts at Christmas – as half (49.25%) admit they regularly re-gift unwanted presents, and more than a third (37.1%) say they would rather donate to charity than buy a token gift.
The research, released to launch Leukaemia Care’s 2025 / 26 winter appeal “The Unseen Gift”, uncovers the scale of waste and pressure surrounding festive giving in the UK.
Almost a quarter (23.7%) of people say they receive up to two gifts each Christmas that they don’t actually want
Nearly one in four (24.65%) of us choose to donate unwanted presents to charity
Over 60% (61.05%) admit to buying last-minute panic gifts just for the sake of having something to give
Almost half (44.5%) feel pressured to spend more than they can afford at Christmas
12% say they have never liked a Secret Santa gift, while a quarter have only ever liked one or two
Despite the annual spending spree, silent generosity is rare, with 15.1% of people saying they never give to charity or help others without telling anyone.
The strangest gifts we never asked for
When asked about the strangest or most unwanted presents they’ve ever received, respondents revealed that things can go very wrong. Among the most common were single socks, toiletries, cheap novelty mugs, soap, stationery, and ill-fitting clothing – with many admitting they’d been handed something that had clearly been re-gifted or chosen in a last-minute panic.
But some answers took a much quirkier turn. People reported being given everything from a potato with their name written on it to a brick, a concrete rabbit, a Viking necklace, and even a sign for a cheese shop.
A surprising number mentioned risqué gadgets, including “a blow-up boyfriend,” and a “ladybird battery massager.”
Others recalled gifts that were just plain bizarre, such as a cable wire, a home-made fort (as an adult), or a custom bobblehead of their boss.
Together, the stories paint a picture of well-meant generosity gone hilariously wrong, and underline how much money is wasted each year on presents no one really wants.
Millennials most caring demographic
When it comes to unseen acts of kindness, Millennials – 25 to 34 year olds – appear to be the most caring, with 44.34% saying they’ve helped a friend or a neighbour in need in the past year, and 16 to 24 year olds least likely to help out (31.42%).
And in total, 37.3% of respondents say they’ve helped a friend or a neighbour in need in the past year, with men just slightly more likely to than women (37.4% v 37.21%).
People in the north west are more likely than any other region (70.14%) to purchase a ‘panic’ or ‘last-minute’ present just to have something to give, while a fifth (20%) of respondents from Northern Ireland are the most likely to spend between £51 and £100 on gifts that end up unwanted or unused each year for Christmas.
The homeless, animal shelters, food banks, and charity shops are among those ‘other’ answers, when considering recipients of unseen acts of kindness in the past 12 months.
The Unseen Gift
Leukaemia Care’s “The Unseen Gift” campaign encourages people to give differently this winter, by donating in someone’s name to support those affected by blood cancer, instead of buying an unwanted or unnecessary present.
Colin Dyer, chief executive of Leukaemia Care, said: “Every year, millions of pounds are spent on gifts that end up forgotten, re-gifted or in the bin. The Unseen Gift is about turning that waste into something truly meaningful, a gift that could help save a life, support patients and advise families how best to navigate what can be a difficult time together.
“We know people want to show they care, but this research shows many of us are tired of the pressure and the excess. By giving an unseen gift, you’re still giving – but in a way that makes a lasting difference.
“We all want Christmas to feel special, but sometimes the most powerful gifts are the ones you can’t wrap. Supporting someone through a diagnosis, funding a helpline call, or helping us reach another family in need – those are gifts that truly matter.”
The charity hopes the campaign will inspire people to rethink how they give, and remind them that even small, thoughtful acts can make a tangible impact.
To leave your own unseen gift this year, you can do so by visiting here.
A former drummer from Edinburgh who transforms unwanted drum kits into beautiful homewares has secured a spot at a series of prestigious Scottish design markets.
Darren Wilkie founded Flam Homewares in 2020. He received his first drum kit at the age of 14 and now creates planters, tables, clocks, and lamps from nearly all parts of pre-loved kits, sourced from spare rooms, sheds, and attics across the country.
This season, he has been selected to showcase and sell his creations at Tea Green Events markets across Scotland, at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait, Edinburgh (22–23 November), V&A Dundee (28-30 November), Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow (6–7 December), and concluding at Bowhouse in the East Neuk of Fife (12–13 December 2025).
Darren said, “When I was 14, I was given my first drum kit. While I played it for many years, I eventually moved on to others and this old kit became just another surface for a messy teen to leave clothes on.
“When I left home to study music at University, I kept one of the drums from this old kit for sentimental reasons, hoping to make something with it one day. Fast forward eight years, and while working in mental health during the pandemic, I needed a hobby outside of work.
“I got the old drum out of my gran’s garage, upcycled it into a table, shared it on social media, and that was the start of it. People started asking if I could make them one, and it snowballed. I’ve since expanded to creating planters, trays, tables, clocks, lamps, pet beds and more, all from old unwanted drum kits.”
Earlier this year, Darren went full-time with his business, and his creations can be found in six countries across three continents and in homes and businesses across the UK, including record shops, bars, music venues, barbershops and tattoo studios.
In 2023, Darren also founded Nook & Cranny Studios CIC, providing affordable studio spaces to 16 emerging artists, makers and small businesses in Leith.
“Finding studio space in Edinburgh that’s affordable, has flexible access and without huge waiting lists is difficult, so I set up my own. This is where I work, and I rent spaces out to other emerging artists, hopefully removing some of the barriers I faced when starting out.
“There are so many creatives in Edinburgh but it’s easy to feel isolated working from home or working on your own in a studio. At Nook & Cranny Studios, creatives get their own dedicated workspace surrounded by creative peers in a supportive community environment. We can help each other navigate opportunities and trends or explore new markets.”
Darren is now busy creating more products for the Tea Green Markets, which he says play a crucial role in the growth and profile of his business: “For the first three or four years, I sold exclusively online, crafting small-batch items while juggling a full-time job.
“During this time, my partner, Chiara Celini, was already showcasing her art at Tea Green Markets and I would help with her stall from time to time, soaking up the experience and slowly building the confidence I needed to launch my own market stall.
“For me, Tea Green Markets were aspirational and I landed my first markets this summer at Kelvingrove and V&A Dundee. These are great events to be a part of, so returning for their festive markets will be wonderful!
“The venues are prestigious and attract customers who appreciate handmade craft and design, which encourages designers to up their game. It feels like many returning customers are part of the Tea Green community as much as the makers are. We get to know our customers and they get to know us.
“They get to learn about the process and see the passion we have for what we do. You can’t always get that across on social media and markets like these allow customers to buy into the maker as much as their products.”
Joanne MacFadyen of Tea Green Markets added, “Darren epitomises all the values of Tea Green – high-quality design and craftsmanship while also working sustainably and collaboratively.
“We applaud everything he’s done to build the creative community in Edinburgh and can’t wait to see him, and all the other designers and makers, at this year’s festive markets.”
Isabella Miller, Director of Audience at National Galleries of Scotland, said, “We can’t wait to welcome the Tea Green makers back to the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh following the amazing success of the summer market.
“Get in the Christmas spirit under the bedazzling stars of the Great Hall, which will be decked out for the festive season! Don’t forget to look up, you may even spot a plane amongst the stars, a subtle nod to our free Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer exhibition upstairs.
“The Portrait gallery is dedicated to exploring various aspects of the Scottish story, so where better to also showcase the talents of the incredible creatives and support small Scottish businesses!
“Pop in and explore the market, and pick up a beautiful hand-crafted gift and don’t forget to enjoy a mince pie in our Cafe!”
What would you change or add to the Park? We really want to hear from the Community. We would use the responses to shape what we focus on & to evidence any funding grants we apply for.
It takes 3 mins & can be anonymous if you want.
Its also simple, short & suitable for all ages! Please help any children or young people to fill out the survey so that we can hear from all age groups.
Help Every Dog Follow The Yellow Brick Road to a Loving Home
Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home launches heartwarming Winter Appeal and issues an urgent call for support
The charity receives 40 calls per day with pet owners seeking support
Nearly half of the animals accepted by the Home between January and October this year were strays
Animals at the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home don’t need a wizard to change their life – just love, care and much needed donations to the charity’s Winter Appeal.
‘Nowhere Like Home’ is the heartwarming new campaign from the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, inspired by the timeless story of finding your way back to where you belong. To bring the campaign to life, the charity has lovingly recreated a “homely” yellow brick road adaptation using household items that metaphorically leads surrendered dogs and cats to their forever home.
This year, the charity has faced a high number of animal admissions, with over 300 new arrivals between January and October 2025, coinciding with all-time high operational costs. This year the charity aims to raise £200,000, making this their biggest appeal ever, to help them continue to provide vital care for animals in need.
The Winter Appeal is critical, as it helps the charity sustain its operations and provide essential services. In the first 10 months of 2025 the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home rehomed or reunited 193 pets. They accepted 301 pets, 141 of these were strays, but they received 700 surrender requests which, unfortunately, demonstrates the urgent need for their services.
Between January and October this year, the Home provided 539,149 pet meals (the equivalent of the population of Edinburgh) to dogs and cats in East and Central Scotland to protect their loving homes. This is just 50% of the demand that they received.
The Home is appealing to members of the public, businesses and groups to get involved and show love and warmth to the animals who rely on its vital support by donating funds to their Winter Appeal.
Communities can also get involved – for example, by hosting a pet food drive, or organising a fundraising Christmas jumper day or even daring to face the cold dip challenge – all helping to raise vital funds and significantly helping pet owners from having to surrender their beloved pets.
Jamie Simpson, CEO at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said: “Every animal deserves to know the comfort and safety of a warm home. Your support with our Winter Appeal can help to change their story and make that happen for the dogs and cats in our care.
“The need for our services continues to escalate, and it’s through the kindness of our supporters that we’ve been able to assist both pet owners and their beloved animals. But demand is high, and we need to be able to help more dogs and cats.
“Every donation counts,” he continued. “£50 can help pay for lifesaving medicine and expert medical care for a neglected dog or cat. A donation of £100 could help pay for warmth, shelter and the care they need, and £20 could help pay for their chance to find their loving home.”
To support the Winter Appeal, please visit https://edch.org.uk/winterappeal call 0131 669 5331 or text COSY to 70058 to donate £10.
Charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes
SCOTLAND is walking and wheeling more than ever, a new national survey by a leading charity has revealed.
The latest Scottish Walking and Wheeling Survey from charity Walking Scotland reveals that 57% of adults now walk or wheel every day, up from 52% in 2023, and 86% walk several times a week.
Yet not everyone is keeping pace, as one in 20 admit to never walking – despite over half of survey participants saying they would like to walk more for leisure (68%) and routine reasons (63%).
Across Scotland, people report poor pavement quality, safety concerns, and poor access to local amenities are preventing them from doing so, showing a disconnect between ambition and reality.
Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive of Walking Scotland, said: “Scots want to walk more, and many are. But these figures show too many people still face barriers that stop them. It’s time to make walking the easy choice for everyone. This is a moment to listen to what communities are telling us.
“We know that almost six in 10[1] would walk more if path infrastructure was better, so the ambition is there. People want to walk.”
The survey shows that the vast majority agree that walking benefits both their physical and mental health, and a good network of paths and pavements is cited as an important consideration when deciding whether to walk or wheel.
Scotland has led the way in promoting walking and wheeling up to now, but Scotland’s only remaining path fund for communities in Scotland, supported by the Scottish Government, comes to an end in early 2026.
That’s why, as the 2026 Scottish Parliament election approaches, the charity is calling for a National Path Fund to ensure everyone has access to safe, well-maintained paths.
Kevin continued: “Demand for our support and advice is higher than ever. This research gives a clear direction of travel. A National Path Fund would ensure everyone in Scotland has access to safe, well-maintained routes.”
Everyday walking and wheeling are simple actions with long term benefits for Scotland, improving health, connecting communications, and supporting climate and nature ambitions. Evidence shows that for every £1 spent on walking infrastructure, the return is up to £6 in health, economic and environmental benefits.
The charity says the results of this survey will shape upcoming work with local authorities, communities and delivery partners, identifying areas most in need of investment and support.
It shows that where paths and local environments are safe, accessible and well-maintained, people will choose to walk and wheel more often. Walking Scotland want to make this an option for everyone.
Making walking and wheeling part of everyday life is at the heart of Walking Scotland’s mission. Through initiatives like the Step Count Challenge, the charity continues to inspire people across Scotland to move more, feel better, and take steps toward a healthier, greener future.
