Day: December 19, 2025

Two Weeks To Go: First Footin’ goes global with live streaming announced from Edinburgh’s iconic venues

With just two weeks to go until First Footin’ transforms the Capital into a free, city-wide music trail, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has announced the event will include live streaming for the first time, opening the New Year’s Day performances to audiences around the world.  

To mark the announcement, members of Tinderbox Orchestra, plus award-winning fiddler and First Footin’ co-curator Aidan O’Rourke and classical pianist and talented singer-songwriter Chiara Lordi, gathered outside St Giles’ yesterday for a pop-up performance, tuning up for their gigs on 1 January. 

Running as part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay’s four-day celebrations from 29 December to 1 January, First Footin’ invites audiences to explore iconic venues and beloved spaces across the city, backed by a diverse programme of free live music. 

For the first time, audiences unable to attend in person will be able to experience First Footin’ with live streams from both St. Giles’ Cathedral and Greyfriars Kirk, broadcast between 2–6pm on New Year’s Day via www.edinburghshogmanay.com. The new live streaming offering extends the reach of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations beyond the Capital, sharing the city’s music, culture and atmosphere with a global audience.  

Online audiences will be able to enjoy live performances from Tinderbox Orchestra with special guests Rachel Sermanni, James Emmanuel and Kathryn Joesph in St. Giles’, whilst Greyfriars Kirks presents electro-trad pioneers Valtos and special guests from the Basque Country including Maren, Mikel Urdangarin and Olaia Inziarte, for an afternoon of incredible music and collaborations. 

TWO WEEKS TO GO: FIRST FOOTIN’ GOES GLOBAL WITH LIVE STREAMING ANNOUNCED FROM EDINBURGH’S ICONIC VENUES Tinderbox tunes up for First Footin’ ahead of their performance on 1 January, joined by Aidan O’Rourke and Chiara Lordi With just two weeks to go until First Footin’ transforms the Capital into a free, city-wide music trail, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has announced the event will include live streaming for the first time, opening the New Year’s Day performances to audiences around the world. Running as part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay’s four-day celebrations from 29 December to 1 January, First Footin’ invites audiences to explore iconic venues and beloved spaces across the city, backed by a diverse programme of free live music. For the first time, audiences unable to attend in person will be able to experience First Footin’ with live streams from both St. Giles’ Cathedral and Greyfriars Kirk, broadcast between 2–6pm on New Year’s Day via www.edinburghshogmanay.com. The new live streaming offering extends the reach of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations beyond the Capital, sharing the city’s music, culture and atmosphere with a global audience. To mark the announcement, members of Tinderbox Orchestra, plus award-winning fiddler and First Footin’ co-curator Aidan O’Rourke and classical pianist and talented singer-songwriter Chiara Lordi, gathered outside St Giles’ this morning for a pop-up performance, tuning up for their gigs on 1 January. With performances spanning music, spoken word, and family events, First Footin’ 2026 invites audiences to cross the threshold into a new year surrounded by creativity, friendship, and shared celebration, from the streets of Grassmarket to the atmospheric spaces of St Giles’ and Greyfriars Kirk. Made possible with funding from the Scottish Government Festivals EXPO Fund through Creative Scotland, the event forms part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay’s four-day programme, which also includes the Torchlight Procession on 29 December, the Night Afore Concert on 30 December headlined by Peat & Diesel, and the world-famous Street Party and Midnight Moment fireworks on Hogmanay itself, along with the flagship Concert in the Gardens, this year headlined by Grammy Award-winning Wet Leg.

Celebrations extend into the evening with a programme of great live music in intimate venues with the First Footin’ Sessions with Cold Town Beer, taking place in city centre pubs Cold Town House, The Black Bull, The Huxley, Element, Copper Blossom, Boozy Cow and Auld Hundred hosting a series of performances.

Highlights include 2025’s Sound of Young Scotland winner Alice Faye, performing at Copper Blossom at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm, Pictish Trail (Solo) at Cold Town House plus Eamonn Coyne and Tom Oakes at The Black Bull from 6-9pm, and Ciaran Ryan and Paul Godray at Auld Hundred from6-9pm, giving audiences the chance to discover emerging and established Scottish talent.  

Alongside the launch of live streaming, full set times for all First Footin’ events have now been announced, allowing audiences to plan their New Year’s Day music trail in advance. Music will be playing from 2pm – 9pm at St Giles’ Cathedral, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Hall, Eve at Virgin Hotel, Leith Arches, Fruitmarket, Rainy Hall, Gilded Saloon, Portobello Town Hall, The Scottish Cafe and more.

Full set times are listed below and at www.edinburghshogmanay.com.  

Castle of Light offers special £10 tickets for spectacular closing night

As Castle of Light: Fire and Ice prepares to draw its sixth dazzling season to a close, visitors are being invited to experience the award-winning after-dark event at Edinburgh Castle one final time, with a special £10 ticket available for the final night (Sunday 4 January 2026).

Illuminating the capital’s skyline throughout the festive season, Castle of Light has once again captivated audiences with extraordinary installations, immersive storytelling and breathtaking projections, this year inspired by the elemental forces of fire and ice.

With only a handful of dates remaining in its seven-week run, there are limited opportunities to journey through Scotland’s most iconic fortress as its transformed into a mesmerising world of light, sound and wonder.

To celebrate the closing night on Sunday 4 January 2026, all tickets will be available for just £10, offering a final chance for visitors to escape the everyday and experience the magic of Castle of Light before the festive season fades.

Created by a consortium of Scotland’s leading digital and visual artists, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland (HES), Castle of Light has become a highlight of Edinburgh’s winter calendar, blending cutting-edge creativity with centuries of Scottish heritage.

Kit Reid, Head of Experience at HES, said: “Castle of Light: Fire and Ice has been a huge hit with visitors, with people travelling from far and wide to experience the iconic site lit up after-dark.

“We’re delighted to offer these £10 tickets and encourage anyone who hasn’t experienced the event yet to come along and celebrate the final night of this year’s spectacular event.”

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.scot

Fort Kinnaird confirms festive opening hours

Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its festive opening hours, giving shoppers plenty of time to pick up last-minute gifts, make the most of a festive day out at the centre, and even enjoy the post-Christmas sales.    

This includes some stores extending their opening hours in the days leading up to Christmas to give visitors more time to get what they need. 

Fort Kinnaird’s festive opening hours are: 

  • Monday 22nd December: 9am – 9pm  
  • Tuesday 23rd December: 9am – 9pm 
  • Wednesday 24th December (Christmas Eve): 9am – 5pm  
  • Thursday 25th December (Christmas Day): Closed  
  • Friday 26th December (Boxing Day): 9am – 6pm  
  • Saturday 27th December: 9am – 6pm  
  • Sunday 28th December: 9am – 6pm  
  • Monday 29th December: 9am – 9pm 
  • Tuesday 30th December: 9am – 9pm  
  • Wednesday 31st December (New Year’s Eve): 9am – 5pm  
  • Thursday 1st January (New Year’s Day): 9am – 6pm (limited store openings – check with individual retailers) 
  • Friday 2nd January: 9am – 9pm (normal opening hours resume)  

Opening times may vary by store, particularly on bank holidays, so visitors are encouraged to check with individual retailers before travelling to the centre.  

Fort Kinnaird’s festive programme is already well underway, with the Winter Village, which includes a Christmas Market, fairground rides and two Circus shows, open until Sunday 28th December, as well as festive film character appearances as part of the centre’s seasonal line-up.  

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We know the festive period can be a really busy time, so we want to make it as easy as possible for our visitors to get everything they need.

“Our extended opening hours throughout the Christmas week give shoppers plenty of flexibility, whether they’re picking up last-minute gifts or planning to spend a festive day out with loved ones.”  

With more than 70 shops, restaurants and a seven-screen Odeon cinema, Fort Kinnaird offers everything needed for a full festive day out – combining entertainment, food and Christmas shopping all in one place. 

For more details and to plan your festive day at Fort Kinnaird, please visit:

 https://www.fortkinnaird.com/christmas 

Edinburgh Rugby match holds charity collection in memory of Scotland International

A special matchday charity collection will be held at this weekend’s 1872 Cup game at Hampden Park in memory of Scotland International rugby player Siobhan Cattigan. 

The money raised will go to Siobhan’s Legacy of Love, a charitable fund in aid of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity set up in honour of Siobhan in 2022. 

Over £7,000 was raised by rugby fans ahead of last year’s match between Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby for the fund. 

Fans wishing to contribute to the fund will be able to donate in person to volunteers around the stadium, purchase a limited edition matchday programme, make a suggested donation of £2 for a Glasgow Warriors flag, or scan the QR codes found on screen, in the match programme, and across hospitality areas.  

Glasgow Warriors interim Managing Director Kenny Brown said: “Following the incredible support shown by our supporters last year, we’re immensely proud to once again host a collection for Siobhan’s Legacy of Love at our 1872 Cup match at Hampden Park. 

“This is a cause that means a great deal to the Glasgow Warriors family, and the generosity of our fans continues to make a real and lasting difference. Matchday at Hampden is always a special occasion and being able to use that platform to honour Siobhan’s legacy while supporting the outstanding work of the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity is something we’re truly grateful for.” 

“After an incredible year of fundraising for Siobhan’s Legacy of Love, it’s wonderful to be ending the year with this collection at Hampden Park”, added Kirsten Watson, CEO of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

“Siobhan’s legacy continues to have a profound effect on our young patients, with more children every month benefitting from the funds raised. We remain deeply grateful to anyone who donates to the fund and to Siobhan’s family and friends for their tireless commitment and generosity.” 

The collection comes after an incredible year of fundraising for Siobhan’s Legacy of Love with activities taking the fund’s total to over £63,000, including more than £1,300 raised at Siobhan’s Legacy of Love Fundraising Day in Callander in September and a successful online raffle that raised over £1,730 in partnership with the Glasgow Warriors and Skerryvore back in April.  

Founded in 2022 by the friends and family of Siobhan Cattigan, Siobhan’s Legacy of Love honours the life and memory of the Scotland international back-row who proudly earned 19 caps for her country. Proceeds from the fund have helped children with complex health conditions from across Scotland access hippotherapy, which supports physical and mental health through the sensory and motor stimulation of horse-riding.  

To find out more and donate online, please visit: 

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/siobhanslegacy  

Edinburgh community groups share more than £25K funding boost from Co-op’s Local Community Fund

Edinburgh community groups have shared in a more than £25,000 funding boost from Co-op’s Local Community Fund.

The focus of Co-op’s Local Community Fund is on enabling communities to thrive, supporting local groups and causes to make a difference locally through their work to either: provide access to food; improve mental wellbeing; create opportunities for young people; promote community cohesion and, build more sustainable futures.  

More than a dozen causes have benefitted – with celebrations events taking place in local Co-op stores in recent weeks – cause include: Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (£3,017); 106A City of Edinburgh Rainbows and Brownies (£1,502); Branch Out Together – prev. Lothian Autistic Society (£2,657); Caledonian Thebans RFC (£1,282); Capella Charity (£1,340) ; Corstorphine Community Centre (£2,165); Empty Kitchens Full Hearts (£2,925); Hays Pantry (£2,052); Teapot Trust (£1,574); The Dove Centre (£2,442) and the 46th Edinburgh and Lothian Girls’ Brigade (£1,188).

Co-op is committed to making a difference in the communities it serves, and its members have a say how the fund is shared between local causes, simply by choosing a community group close to their hearts via Co-op’s Membership App. 

Nearly 40,000 unique projects have been supported in communities across the UK since the fund began in 2016.

David Luckin, Head of Social Value & Community Engagement, Co-op, said: “Local causes make a huge difference in communities across the UK. As a co-operative, our members have a say in where and how our profits are shared, and our funding enables local groups to deliver projects that focus on the needs of local communities and, the issues affecting people’s lives.

“We know that things are increasingly challenging for local causes, and we are told that our funding makes a real difference – we are focussed on helping people and communities thrive.”  

Around 9.5m people (almost one in seven of the UK population) have benefitted directly from Co-op’s Local Community Fund since the fund started in 2016, with nearly 40,000 unique projects supported UK-wide during the period.

The benefits to community groups also extend beyond the funding support, with more than nine-in-10 causes (94%) saying that they felt more connected with their community as a result of participating in Co-op’s Local Community Fund.   

Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives, with its history dating back more than 180 years.

The Co-op exists to create value for its membership and communities, and members can view current local causes and choose a community project close to their own heart via the Co-op membership app. 

“Grand Theft Tax?” Edinburgh MP questions Rockstar Games’ £70m UK tax breaks amid worker allegations

Tracy Gilbert, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, raised concerns in Parliament on Thursday about the way Rockstar Games has benefited from substantial UK tax relief while facing allegations about its treatment of staff.

The company behind the Grand Theft Auto franchise has reportedly claimed more than £70 million through the UK Government’s Video Games Tax Relief scheme, a policy designed to support the games industry by significantly reducing companies’ tax bills.

Gilbert’s intervention follows allegations from constituents that workers at Rockstar were dismissed after exercising their legal right to organise in the workplace.

The claims raise serious questions about whether companies receiving large-scale tax breaks from the UK Government are meeting basic expectations around fair treatment and workplace rights.

Several constituents have contacted Gilbert, believing they were unfairly dismissed by Rockstar after engaging in lawful workplace organising activity. She has since met with the company alongside fellow Edinburgh MPs Chris Murray and Scott Arthur, and has committed to continuing her support for the affected workers.

Speaking after raising the issue, Tracy Gilbert MP said: “When a company benefits from tens of millions of pounds in government-backed tax relief, what many would describe as Grand Theft Tax, it is reasonable to expect that it upholds basic standards of fairness and respects workers’ rights.

“I have been contacted by constituents who believe they were dismissed for exercising their legal right to organise at work. These are serious allegations, and it is right that they are properly scrutinised, particularly when a company is receiving such substantial tax advantages.”

Ms Gilbert asked Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons, whether he shared her concerns about the reported dismissals and that the issue should be raised with the Chancellor, given the scale of tax relief Rockstar Games has received through the Video Games Tax Relief scheme.

She was reassured that ministers were looking into the matter and that he would be happy to arrange a meeting with ministers regarding the tax relief.

Edinburgh primary pupils build creativity with festive hard hat designs

Maybury Primary School pupils in Edinburgh have swapped their textbooks for tinsel in a unique festive challenge launched by leading housebuilders Barratt and David Wilson Homes.

The creative design initiative invited children to showcase their imagination by transforming construction hard hats into Christmas themed creations, with nearly 200 primary school pupils across Scotland getting involved.

Pupils from P4 in the Edinburgh school took part in the competition, which aimed to lay the foundations for creativity while introducing young people to the world of construction. Using materials ranging from tinsel and baubles to paint and craft suppliers, each child designed their own festive hard hat as part of the initiative, blending seasonal cheer with a nod to the building trade.

To bring the industry to life, Adriano Molfino from Barratt’s West Craigs development and Michael Palmer from David Wilson Homes @ West Craigs Quarter visited Maybury Primary School to judge the entries and share insights into careers in construction.

The winning design earned its creator, Ruby Ray, age 8, a £50 Smyths voucher, while all participants were rewarded with a chocolate selection box as a festive treat.

Lorraine Paterson, Sales and Marketing Director for Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “This year’s hard hat challenge has been a fantastic way to combine creativity with an introduction to the construction sector.

“We want young people to see the exciting opportunities this industry offers, from design and engineering to building communities. The standard of entries at Maybury Primary School in Edinburgh has been exceptional, and it’s inspiring to see the pupils engage with the concept in such imaginative ways.

“Barratt and David Wilson Homes are committed to creating vibrant new communities across Scotland, and initiatives like this help bring communities together to inspire the next generation of engineers, designers and builders who will shape the future of construction.”

Barratt at West Craigs is an exciting new community of high-quality family homes in north-west Edinburgh, offering a range of thoughtfully designed 3- and 4-bedroom properties. Designed with modern living in mind, the development benefits from a wide range of on-site and nearby amenities, including a newly opened school, health centre and nursery. Ideally located close to the City Bypass, West Craigs offers excellent connectivity to key road networks across the central belt, while frequent bus, tram and rail services provide convenient links to Edinburgh city centre and beyond. Homes are available from £366,995 to £599,995. £614,995.

West Craigs Quarter is a development of luxury houses designed with flexible living in mind, with a range of 3- and 4- bedroom homes currently for sale. Homes are available from £421,995 o £687,995.

For further information about Barratt Homes West Craigs development, visit Barratt @ West Craigs, and for more information on David Wilson Homes at West Craigs Quarter, visit David Wilson Homes @ West Craigs Quarter.

Consultation on care homes and ‘care at home’ services

Views sought on extending Freedom of Information provisions

Private and third sector providers of care home and ‘care at home’ services may be made subject to Freedom of Information laws.

Following the Covid pandemic, ministers agreed to look at extending provisions in the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) to cover care services. The Act enables the Scottish Government to extend Freedom of Information rules to cover organisations delivering ‘functions of a public nature’.

A consultation will seek views on whether providers of care homes and ‘care at home’ fall under that definition and if so, whether and how the Government should exercise its power to extend FOISA to cover them.

It will also cover other issues, including whether services should only be covered if they receive public funding, whether services for children and young people should be included and how a change in the rules might affect organisations of different sizes.

Minister for Parliamentary Business Graeme Dey said: “Care home and ‘care at home’ services are of the utmost importance to people, including some of our most vulnerable citizens.

“There is a good argument that these services can be considered to be public functions, and that statutory FOI obligations should therefore be extended to private and third sector providers in this area. Doing so would put the same obligations on those providers to be open and transparent that we already place on public sector providers of similar services, such as local councils.

“We will therefore publish a public consultation to gather the views of people who rely on these services for the care of themselves, their friends and family and the wider community. We also want to hear the views of people who work in and with the sector, and from provider organisations. 

“This government recognises the significant pressures that the social care sector is facing and to be effective, any future roll out of Freedom of Information will need to take place in partnership with the sector, taking this into account. Therefore I hope as many people as possible will engage with this consultation.”

The consultation will open on January 5th 2026 and close on March 30th 2026.

GIQ – consultation on care homes

Give communities the power to shape Scotland’s future

Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS) has launched its new community-led manifesto, calling for a fairer Scotland where local people have the power, investment and opportunity to shape their own futures. 

Representing nearly 400 development trusts across Scotland, DTAS works with communities to take ownership of local assets, build sustainable enterprises and drive local regeneration. Its support helps communities safeguard vital services, bring a new lease of life to local spaces and strengthen social and economic wellbeing in towns, villages and islands across the country.  

Last year, DTAS supported 81 local organisations, helping them secure more than £1.1 million in funding.

The manifesto highlights the ways in which communities are already leading change – from transforming disused buildings into thriving community hubs, to tackling rural depopulation and building a fairer local economy. However, it also highlights how limited funding and a lack of long-term investment is still holding them back.

To help Scotland’s communities reach their full potential, the manifesto sets out practical steps and policy asks centred around five key pillars:

  • A sustainable and supportive environment for communities
  • Developing local democracy
  • An inclusive, sustainable, wellbeing economy
  • Land reform and community ownership
  • A just transition and climate action

Among its proposed actions, DTAS is urging greater investment in long-term community development, reforms to land policy to expedite community ownership, and the creation of a community wealth fund to help local people take on and transform assets for public benefit.

Pauline Smith, CEO at DTAS, said: “Communities across Scotland are already delivering life-changing solutions to the challenges they face – from keeping vital services running to building a fairer local economy. But too often, their ambitions are limited by short-term policy and centralised control.

“This manifesto is our call for change to give local citizens real power, not just a voice. With the right investment and trust, they can shape a fairer, greener and more resilient future for Scotland.”

Case study: Huntly Development Trust

With DTAS help, member Huntly Development Trust has been able to secure the Strengthening Communities Funding needed to grow its organisational capacity and sharpen its impact locally.  DTAS’ Community Ownership Support Service has helped the Trust taken ownership of key community assets and accelerate its vision for local regeneration.

Donald Boyd, general manager at Huntly Development Trust, said: “Development trusts across Scotland are the beating heart of local action. We’re practical, on the ground anchor organisations – the “first responders” of community development – finding ways to meet local needs and secure new opportunities for local wellbeing.

“Here in Huntly, our work results in major local benefits and cost-savings to the public purse, but it requires long-term, consistent support.

“While we’ve made great strides in tackling local challenges, the support mechanisms identified by DTAS could help us and other communities across the country achieve so much more to drive lasting change.”

DTAS-Manifesto_FinalDownload

Over 837,000 winter heating payments made

Scotland benefits from the strongest package of winter heating support in the UK

Over 837,000 payments have been made to people across the country to help with heating costs this winter – thanks to a unique package of support that provides more for people in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK. 

More than 268,500 payments for Child Winter Heating Payment and Winter Heating Payment – support only available in Scotland – have been paid and are likely to have already landed in people’s bank accounts. 

Child Winter Heating Payment supports families caring for children with the highest disability support needs and the vast majority of payments have already been made.  

Winter Heating Payment is a guaranteed, annual payment for people receiving certain benefits. 

This is irrespective of how cold the temperature gets outside, unlike the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Cold Weather Payment which is only paid if the average temperature reaches, or is forecast to reach, freezing or below for a full week. 

Over 568,000 Pension Age Winter Heating Payments have been paid to people aged 66 and over. This has replaced the DWP Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland and is at a higher rate than elsewhere in the UK. Payments will continue to be made throughout the winter.  

All Social Security Scotland winter payments are automatic with no need to apply. 

Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Costs are rising and there will be many people struggling with household bills this winter. 

“That’s why the Scottish Government is taking action and will deliver the strongest package of winter support than anywhere else in the UK.  

“We’re providing winter help, no matter the weather and I’m pleased that over three quarters of a million payments have already been made to do just that.”

Joe Cluxton, energy coordinator at FEL, a service that provides free home energy advice to residents in the Forth Valley added: “We welcome the range of winter heating support delivered by Social Security Scotland as a means to address fuel poverty and the rising cost of heating our homes.  

“The cost of living crisis may drive some to keep the heating off or too low in homes with vulnerable residents, and this is a valuable move to keep people safe through the coldest seasons.” 

Keep warm in the cold weather  

 

♨️
  • Heat rooms you regularly use to a comfortable temperature (at least 18°C if you can) 
  • Wear several layers of clothing 
  • Try move around every hour 

More info:

http://nhsinform.scot/cold-weather