Day: December 14, 2025

Seven Skating Ministers! National Galleries of Scotland get their skates on to recreate iconic Skating Minister

To celebrate World Ice Skating Day today (14 December), the National Galleries of Scotland got their skates on to recreate one of the most iconic paintings from Scotland’s collection, Sir Henry Raeburn’s Skating Minister.

Teaming up with Edinburgh’s Christmas, seven skating ministers took to the ice rink on George Street to imitate the world-famous painting.

Painted around 1795, the artwork is actually named Reverend Robert Walker (1755 – 1808) Skating on Duddingston Loch, but has become fondly referred to as the Skating Minister. Since it was purchased on behalf of the people of Scotland in 1949, millions of visitors have flocked to National Galleries Scotland: National in Edinburgh to see the iconic painting on display for free. 

Visit the Skating Minister at the National this Christmas to re-create the stance in front of the man himself or feel inspired to take to the ice at Edinburgh’s Christmas ice rink on George Street. 

Three arrested following £8 MILLION cocaine recovery

Three men have been arrested and charged in connection with one of the largest ever drugs recoveries in Scotland, worth more than £8 million.

On Thursday, 11 December, 2025, officers executed a warrant at a premises on Melford Road in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire and cocaine with an estimated street value of more than £8m was recovered.

The men, aged 29, 46 and 65, were arrested and charged in connection and they are due to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court tomorrow – Monday, 15 December, 2025.

Enquiries into the full circumstances are ongoing.

Detective Superintendent Steven Elliot said: “This was a sizeable recovery – one of the most significant we’ve seen in Scotland.

“This work underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy. Taking drugs off the street is a priority for Police Scotland.

“Drugs cause misery in our communities, and the public has a vital role in helping us to trace those involved in the supply of illegal substances.

“Anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact us via 101 or make a call to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”