Budding gardeners will learn how to recycle their Christmas trees
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free-to-attend children’s workshop on Sunday 4 January at its Edinburgh store, where children can discover fun and creative ways to recycle their Christmas trees as the festive season comes to a close.
In January’s Little Seedlings Club workshop, children will learn about where real Christmas trees come from, why Christmas trees are good for nature, what happens to them after Christmas, the importance of recycling and how to stay safe while doing so.
Children will then get to take part in a true or false game to test their knowledge on what they have learnt during the session. This is then followed by a build a mini wildlife habitat activity which involves children using recycled Christmas tree branches to make a habitat for their own gardens, that animals from hedgehogs, insects to frogs can call home in the cold winter months.
Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club is designed to be fun and engaging space for kids to learn about gardens and nature, with interactive activities and games, and the chance to ask lots of questions. The session takes place monthly at Dobbies’ Edinburgh and covers a range of topics and activities to fit with the seasons.
Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, said: “Our Little Seedlings Club in January is ideal for young gardeners looking for an exciting project now that Christmas is over.
“The workshop at our Edinburgh store also covers some simple ways to help the planet. We are all looking forward to welcoming the Little Seedlings for the first session of 2026 and to see their wildlife habitat creations created from recycled Christmas trees.”
Those interested in learning more about the free children’s workshops at Dobbies’ Edinburgh are encouraged to visit www.dobbies.com/events to book a free space.
Labour MSP for the Lothians, Sarah Boyack has expressed her disappointment that the committee has not endorsed her member’s bill.
The Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill aimed to embed legally defined definitions of sustainable development and wellbeing into law.
It would also have created a Future Generations Commissioner, modelled off the Welsh equivalent, that would have oversight powers to ensure that public bodies would have to consider the long-term implications of their actions.
The bill had been making its way through the Social Justice Committee at Holyrood as experts gave evidence regarding the bill.
The bill was first unveiled by Ms Boyack in 2023.
The SNP backed a wellbeing and sustainable development bill in their 2021 manifesto but came out against Ms Boyack’s bill earlier this year.
Commenting after the committee’s decision, Sarah Boyack said: “I am extremely disappointed that my member’s bill has not been supported by the majority of the committee’s members.
“The bill would have ensured that Scotland focuses on implementing sustainable development and wellbeing policies and deliver the leadership, accountability, advice and guidance we urgently need.
“I want to thank all those who supported my proposed bill as it has raised the need for joined up action and implementation onto the Parliament’s agenda.
“It’s clear from reading the committee’s report that there is action which the Scottish Government needs to deliver.
“I still believe that my bill would complement and reinforce that action.”
More than 4,800 Self Assessment scams have been reported to HMRC.
In the last 10 months, HMRC received more than 135,500 reports of suspected scams.
HMRC urges people to stay alert to potential scams ahead of the Self Assessment deadline.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning after more than 4,800 Self Assessment scams have been reported since February 2025.
Scammers use persuasive and threatening tactics to target people when they are more likely to receive correspondence from HMRC. They send fake tax demands or attempt to pressurise people to hand over personal information.
In the last 10 months, customers have reported more than 135,500 HMRC-related scams, including 29,000 scams referring to fake tax refund claims.
HMRC is reminding customers to be vigilant as the Self Assessment deadline nears and check whether the email, SMS message or phone call claiming to be from HMRC is genuine on GOV.UK.
The Self Assessment deadline to file returns and pay any tax owed for the 2024 to 2025 tax year is 31 January 2026. Customers can file online on GOV.UK.
Lucy Pike, HMRC’s Chief Security Officer, said:“Millions of people file a tax return each year and scammers mimic HMRC to try and catch unsuspecting victims out.
“I’m urging people to stay vigilant and if any emails, text messages or phone calls appear suspicious – don’t be lured into clicking on links or sharing your personal information – report it directly to HMRC. Just search ‘report an HMRC scam’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”
HMRC has taken swift action to close down nearly 25,000 fake websites and phone numbers in the last 10 months. HMRC will never:
leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest
ask for personal or financial information via text message or email
contact customers by email, text, or phone to inform them about a refund or ask them to claim one
Anyone who receives suspicious communication from HMRC can forward emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, SMS messages to 60599 or report phone calls mimicking HMRC on GOV.UK. Find out more about how to report scam activity to HMRC on GOV.UK.
From everyone at LifeCare Edinburgh, thank you to all who donated, attended an event, volunteered, visited our café or liked or shared our social posts this year – we couldn’t have delivered our vital support for over 1,000 local older people and their unpaid carers without you.
On behalf of us all, have a lovely Christmas and we can’t wait to welcome you again in 2026!
New process will cut waiting times and support earlier skin cancer diagnosis
Patients at all GP practices in Scotland are benefiting from a digital dermatology service designed to reduce waiting times and improve outcomes.
Since the national rollout in September, GPs have referred more than 12,000 patients. It is estimated that up to 130,000 dermatology referrals a year could be made this way, reducing demand on dermatology waiting lists by up to 50%.
The national rollout has been funded by £1.8 million from the Scottish Government through the Accelerated National Innovation Adoption (ANIA) initiative.
GPs can now securely send images of a patient’s skin condition to dermatology specialists for analysis using a mobile device. An initial assessment of the condition is done digitally, and patients are then offered a face-to-face appointment, directed to a more suitable service, or given advice on managing their condition.
Around half of annual dermatology referrals are for suspected skin cancer, and the new service means that cancer can be ruled in or out more quickly – providing either earlier relief or diagnosis for patients.
Early melanoma diagnosis is vital for patient outcomes. At stage one, almost all patients live five years or more, compared to only 50% at stage four.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Digital dermatology is a fantastic example of how innovation is improving access to healthcare and delivering our Programme for Government commitments.
“It provides faster reassurance for patients who do not have cancer and earlier diagnosis for those who do, potentially leading to better treatment options and outcomes.
“I want to thank everyone who has worked hard to deliver this successful national rollout as we continue to harness technology to reform our NHS for the future.”
Dr Fiona Macdonald, Consultant Dermatologist and Clinical Lead for Dermatology at the Centre for Sustainable Delivery said: “Digital dermatology helps dermatologists carry out robust referral triage without the patient being present, enabling them to prioritise the most urgent referrals.
“Referrals with images also allow the option to offer advice and/or a diagnosis to colleagues in primary care at the point of referral rather than patients having to wait for an appointment.
“The new system will help support the referral process where appropriate, and patients will still have the choice of whether to include an image. If they choose not to then the referral will be processed efficiently in the usual way.”
Giving children with cancer the chance to bring their imaginary friend to life
Cancer Support UK has launched the 2026 Create Your Dream Bestie competition, inviting children receiving treatment for cancer to design their very own imaginary best friend – with the winning creation being brought to life as a real cuddly toy by Warmies® – famed for their cuddly toys and wellness products, which can be microwaved for warmth and comfort.
Now in its second year, the national competition encourages children in hospital to dream big, be creative, and let their imaginations soar, despite going through the toughest of times. The initiative follows the success of 11-year-old Spencer Codling (pictured above), winner of the 2025 competition and designer of the hugely popular Bat Cat toy, produced and sold by Warmies in support of Cancer Support UK.
Giving children moments of joy, hope and distraction
For many children undergoing cancer treatment, art and storytelling offer precious moments of escape. Spencer’s mum, Karen Codling, said the competition was “a lifeline of joy” during her son’s treatment.
“Taking part in the competition gave Spencer something positive to focus on during each stage of his treatment,” Karen said. “It distracted him from the difficult days, gave him hope, and gave us something to look forward to together. Seeing Bat Cat come to life was absolutely magical.”
Following the success of Bat Cat, which has sparked messages of support nationwide – Spencer himself shared a message for other children considering entering this year’s competition:
“I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who bought a Bat Cat teddy in support of me and Cancer Support UK,” said Spencer, who wanted to create a superhero teddy, which children could cuddle when having treatment to make them feel better.
“Your kindness and generosity made our hearts smile! Every purchase puts a HUGE smile on my face and helped Cancer Support UK do their amazing work.
Encouraging creativity during treatment
The 2026 competition invites children undergoing cancer treatment in hospitals across the UK to create and submit drawings of their “Dream Bestie” – a companion who makes them feel brave, happy, safe or magical.
Mark Guymer, CEO of Cancer Support UK, said: “Every day, we meet children who show extraordinary bravery while facing cancer. The Create Your Dream Bestie competition gives them a chance to escape into creativity, to imagine someone who brings comfort and to see that imagination celebrated.
“This competition is about joy, hope and believing that dreams can come true, even in the hardest times. Last year Spencer inspired us all with Bat Cat, plus we received some amazing designs from children across the UK. Now we can’t wait to see what children create for the 2026 competition.
“Entry forms are available to download from the Cancer Support UK website. In addition, forms will be available from all major cancer treatment centres in the UK.
“We really hope people will be inspired to buy one of the remaining limited edition Bat Cats – it’s a lovely comforting toy that anyone can appreciate.”
Warmies® bring the magic to life
Warmies®, known for their heatable soft toys designed to provide comfort and calm, will once again manufacture the winning design as a limited-edition cuddly toy – to be sold in support of Cancer Support UK’s work with people of all ages who are affected by cancer.
David Tweedale, CEO at Warmies®, said: “Partnering with Cancer Support UK on this competition is one of the highlights of our year. Seeing the joy on Spencer’s face when Bat Cat was created was unforgettable and we’re honoured to bring another child’s Dream Bestie to life in 2026.
“Warmies toys are all about warmth, comfort and soothing moments, and this competition brings those values to children who truly deserve them.”
The winning Dream Bestie will be professionally designed, manufactured and released by Warmies in 2026, with proceeds supporting Cancer Support UK’s services people living with and beyond cancer.
Primary cancer treatment centres in the UK
Entry forms for the competition will be available at these hospitals (as well as online)
Addenbrookes
Alder Hey
Birmingham Children’s Hospital
Cardiff and Vale UHB -Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital
Edingburgh
John Radcliffe Hospital Oxford
Leeds – Leeds General Infirmary
London – The Royal Marsden Hospital
Manchester – Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital
Newcastle – Great Northern Children’s Hospital
NOTTINGHAM Childrens Hospital
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital
Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children
Royal Hospital for Children Glasgow
Sheffield – Sheffield Children’s Hospital
Southampton – Southampton Children’s Hospital
University College London Hospital
University Hospitals Plymouth
Bristol Royal Hospital for Children- Ocean Unit and wards
Commenting on the Employment Rights Act becoming law (Thursday), TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “This is a landmark day for millions of workers.
“The Employment Rights Act represents the biggest upgrade in workers’ rights in a generation.
“It will deliver common sense changes like banning exploitative zero hours contracts, protecting workers from harassment and sick pay for all – and so much more. These are hard-won rights that the union movement and workers have long campaigned for.
“For too long, we have lagged behind our European counterparts on workers’ rights. This legislation takes us closer to the mainstream.
“We are finally closing the door on the broken status quo defined by insecurity, poor pay and weak rights.
“It’s now vital the government finishes the job – ensuring workers feel the benefits of all these new protections as soon as possible. That means watertight secondary legislation, which delivers new rights fully and quickly.”
The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) has welcomed the new Employment Rights Act, describing it as a significant opportunity for employers and staff to work together to help businesses thrive and improve working lives.
The Act, which received Royal Assent on Thursday, will update British employment law and includes the following changes:
· protection from unfair dismissal will become a right after 6 months of being in a job instead of two years
· new rules to limit “fire and rehire” practices
· the right to guaranteed hours for workers on zero hours contracts
· statutory sick pay will be paid from the first day of illness
· whistleblowing protection for disclosing sexual harassment at work
· proactive duty on employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment and obligations to prevent employees from 3rd party harassment
· paternity leave will become a day one right instead of needing to work for an employer for 26 weeks
· stronger protections against dismissal for pregnant workers and those returning from maternity leave
· new rules around trade unions’ right to access workplaces to meet and support workers, and simplified rules for trade unions to negotiate with employers over pay and conditions
Niall Mackenzie, Acas Chief Executive, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation change to employment law in Britain and an opportunity for employers and workers to work together to bring all workplace relations up to the standard of current best practice, and help businesses thrive and improve working lives.
“Acas will be updating its training and advice as the new laws are implemented. We stand ready to help employers, workers and their trade unions work together to make the most of the opportunity presented by these reforms to build better, healthier and more productive workplaces.”
Acas will play a crucial role in supporting the Act’s implementation, through:
· developing comprehensive advice on all aspects of the new legislation as they take effect
· producing statutory Codes of Practice to ensure employers and workers understand their legal obligations and good working practices
· providing a range of training and support, including webinars, workshops and resources
· continuing to provide expert, impartial conflict resolution through its conciliation and mediation services
Acas is working with the Department for Business and Trade, as well as other partners to provide advice and help employers and employees prepare for the changes.
Employers and workers seeking information can visit www.acas.org.uk.
Around 3,000 more parent carers who look after disabled or seriously ill children will be able to take a break from their caring routine thanks to increased investment.
Theywill receive cash grants to help finance a short break, like a day out or time away with their loved ones, after an additional £1.1 million was given to Family Fund, a charity supporting parents who look after disabled and seriously ill children.
Taking the total number of short breaks supported by the Scottish Government up to more than 8,500 in 2025-2026, the cash grants will go to those who originally applied for financial assistance but were unsuccessful due to high demand.
Recognising their selflessness over the festive period and throughout the year, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Unpaid carers are the unsung heroes of so many people’s lives. They go above and beyond to provide comfort and dignity for thousands of people, and they do so with pride.
“But it can also be a demanding and tiring responsibility. I am proud that we are supporting more parent carers to look after themselves, helping them to reset with a short break away from the day-to-day routine of caring.
“They show dedication, love and support, not just over the festive period, but every single day. They have my utmost respect and gratitude for the work that they do.”
Family Fund previously supported Yunus, 46, who is a Livingston-based father of four, to take his family to Blackpool last year.
Yunus had stopped working in cyber security to become a full-time, unpaid carer for his daughter, Arya, 5.
She suffered from Acute Lympoblastic Leukaemia, a cancer in blood cells, which her dad described as “hell on earth.”
Arya rang the bell last Christmas, marking the end of her treatment. Now, she receives regular health checks and is doing well aside from minor side effects from treatment.
Yunus also cares for his wife and his son with autism. He said: “The support that organisations like Family Fund provide people facing the circumstances I have is invaluable.
“You never expect the worst to happen to your own family, but when it does, it’s crucial that help is available. I am so proud of my daughter and of my entire family.
“Being able to take a short break brought some light back to our lives during one of the toughest periods for my wife, my children, and myself. I’m pleased the Scottish Government is helping to make that a reality for many others.”
Community projects across Scotland have secured £990,000 funding in the latest round of Open Fund awards from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
Broadening access to culture and creativity lies at the heart of the Open Fund. November’s awards showcase this commitment with projects such as a solar-powered mobile theatre space bringing puppetry to Scotland’s most remote communities, Scots folktale workshops welcoming the nation’s new residents, a theatre residency in the Highlands offering transformative skills development and initiatives tackling gender barriers in the music industry.
Vision Mechanics is setting the stage for a new era of theatre with The Solar Stage – a travelling, solar-powered and carbon neutral performance space, designed to tour bespoke marionette puppets across the country. This self-sufficient mobile venue will bring live theatre to communities where cultural access may otherwise be limited-bringing creativity to peoples’ doorsteps.
With over 40 years dedicated to the art of marionette puppetry Vision Mechanics will use The Solar Stage to showcase their latest project, The Circus of Dreams, inspired by the magic of Edwardian and Victorian travelling circuses. Audiences can expect a fully immersive space, exploring the intricate craftsmanship behind each puppet and stepping into a world where puppetry meets sustainability.
Symon Macintyre, Artistic Director at Vision Mechanics said: “Creative Scotlland’s Open Fund has enabled us to create The Solar Stage, not simply a theatre, but a sculptural, solar-powered artwork that becomes home to the last touring marionette show in Scotland.
“This support allows us to bring a rare and fragile art form to communities that seldom experience it, while touring in a truly sustainable way. The fund is helping us preserve marionette heritage, nurture new artists, and share something magical with audiences across the country.” country.”
Folktales for New Scots is a vibrant community arts initiative designed to share Scotland’s rich storytelling tradition with those making Scotland their home.
Led by Beetroots Collective CIC,the project will deliver 24 interactive storytelling and art workshops across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Ayr and Peebles. Each session pairs a local storyteller with an arts workshop inspired by the chosen folktale, creating space for cultural exchange and artistic expression.
Marta Adamowicz and Robert Motyka, Directors and leading artists at Beetroots Collective CICsaid: “The Open Fund will provide us with the opportunity to foster new collaborations, explore artistic experimentation, and engage socially across diverse Scottish locations.
“Through these initiatives, we will welcome new participants and reach new audiences, thereby contributing to Scotland’s rich cultural landscape.
“Migrant communities will gain deeper insight into Scottish culture while sharing their own traditions, creating a meaningful exchange.”
Vivid Roots Collective is launching its Pilot Residency Project to empower Highland-based theatre makers with the skills and support to create original work.
Taking place across three venues in the north of Scotland, the residencies will offer local theatre makers the chance to develop new projects while participating in workshops and scratch nights, building regional connections and strengthening local theatre communities.
Vivid Roots will offer 11 public events, create paid opportunities for seven openly recruited artists, and casual work for mentors and workshop facilitators. In total, 29 artists will be involved with audiences across online and in-person events – bringing fresh creative energy to the Highlands
Laura Walker, CEO and Creative Producer at Vivid Roots Collective, said:“This funding has allowed us to make a huge transition as an organisation.
“We announced in the autumn that we would be moving away from a festival model so that we can support more artists across a year-long programme of events, and a wider area of delivery.
“This programme is all about supporting artists to invest in their own creative and professional development, with a big focus on delivery across multiple locations in the Highlands, which we have been working on since the beginning.”
Hen Hoose Collective is tackling gender-based barriers in the music industry with a 16-month programme of free, practical skills development initiatives for women and non-binary creatives.
The programme will offer writing camps, production workshops and career development sessions, while partnering with organisation such as Music Broth, We Are Here Scotland and One Groove to produce a collaborative project.
Participants will also have the opportunity to up-skill at a songwriting residency in Fife, working alongside acclaimed producer Dan Gautreau at First Cut Studios.
Tamara Schlesinger, founder and CEO of Hen Hoose said: “The funding from Creative Scotland Open Fund has been absolutely transformative.
“It has allowed us to uplift and support nearly 700 women and non-binary artists across Scotland through panels, workshops, mentoring, and collaborative songwriting projects … for so many, this fund has been genuinely life-changing, and we are incredibly grateful to be able to continue this work.”
These awards are among 50 individual grants made to artists and creative practitioners across Scotland in November 2025. Other awards spanning artform and location include:
Overcoming The “Invisible Women” Syndrome – a social and educational group based in Edinburgh providing older female writers with a safe, inclusive space to hone their craft, led by author Anne Hamilton.
Outer SpacesScotland Residency – collaborating with artists and the public in Aberdeen to explore our shared connection with nature. Insights gathered will shape an immersive exhibition designed to travel sustainably – using public transport – to underserved Scottish island communities.
The2026 Lammermuir Festival – taking place in East Lothian and Midlothian throughout September 2026, with a 12-day classical music programme.
Commenting on November’s Open Fund awards, Paul Burns, Interim Director of Arts at Creative Scotland said: “This group of awards demonstrates the ingenious ways organisations are ensuring all parts of society and all areas of Scotland have access to culture.
“Thanks to the support of National Lottery players, communities across the country will be able to enjoy award-winning musical performances, experience innovative new theatrical environments and learn new skills, as well as developing their own creativity.”
