December 2025 – Page 33 – The NEN

CAMHS waiting times standard met for a year

Sustained improvement in mental health care for children and young people

Progress on waiting times for children and young people waiting for specialist mental health care has been maintained for a year, according to the latest statistics.

New figures from Public Health Scotland show that between July and September, 91.5% of children and young people started treatment within 18 weeks of referral to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). This exceeds the national standard of 90%.

CAMHS provides specialist NHS support for children and young people with serious mental health needs. To provide alternatives to this specialist service, over £80 million has been invested in community mental health services, plus £16 million a year for school counselling.

From this year, £15 million annually will go to local authorities to maintain community-based support for children and young people who need it.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said: “I welcome the continued progress in these specialist children and adolescent mental health services.

“Over the last year, these services have exceeded the national standard, with 91.5% of children and young people starting treatment within 18 weeks of referral to CAMHS in the latest quarter.

“This achievement is down to the dedication of our CAMHS staff, who work tirelessly to support families during some of their most difficult moments. We have invested significantly in strengthening services, increasing CAMHS staffing by more than 50% over the last decade and exceeding our commitment to fund 320 additional posts by 2026.

“Local CAMHS teams are responding quickly, with half of all children and young people beginning treatment within five weeks. We are also seeing positive signs, with the overall CAMHS waiting list decreasing by 5.3% in the previous year.

“While we continue working with Boards to reduce waiting lists, we recognise that services remain under pressure and that performance may vary in coming months. There is still more to do to ensure performance is consistent across the country, and we are supporting all NHS Boards to meet the standard and continue delivering improvements.”

Latest figures highlight 128 children waiting more than a year for mental health treatment

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education to vulnerable children and young people, is calling for parity of action and parity of spend as new figures highlight that 128 children and young people have been waiting more than a year for mental health treatment in Scotland.

These figures were highlighted in the latest waiting time statistics from Public Health Scotland published yesterday (2^nd December, indicating that 128 children and young people had been waiting over a year for treatment from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in the quarter ending September 2025.

This is an increase from 115 for the same period last year.

Additionally, 277 individuals have been waiting between nine months and a year for treatment.

This comes against the background of a mental health emergency, with an increasing demand on services, exacerbated by the long shadow of the Covid lockdown and cost-of-living crisis.

The Scottish Government’s target, dating back to December 2014, is for 90 per cent of children and young people to start treatment within 18 weeks of referral to CAMHS.

Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, cases of poor mental health in children and young people were at unprecedented levels, with overstretched and under-resourced services struggling to keep pace with growing demand.

However, despite this greatly increased demand, only 0.82 per cent of the total frontline NHS budget was spent on CAMHS in the 2023/24 financial year, amounting to £134.188 million (real terms). This equates to just 82p in every £100 of the NHS budget.²

A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “The latest figures highlighting that 128 children and young people have been waiting over a year for mental health treatment are extremely alarming.

“While the fact that the Scottish Government is meeting its waiting time target is to be welcomed, many children and young people are still waiting years for help, which worsens their mental health and is a sure-fire way to add to their pain.

“What we need is not just parity of esteem between mental health and physical health, it’s parity of action and parity of spend.

“We are facing a mental health emergency, and many of our children and young people are at breaking point, with stress and anxiety reaching alarming levels as they battle with the long shadow of lockdown and the rising cost of living. This is also having a negative impact on classroom behaviour, affecting the young people concerned, their fellow pupils and staff.

“Each one of these statistics is an individual, and we would urge the Scottish Government to ensure the adequate resourcing of mental health services for our children and young people so that they can get the care and support they need, without lengthy waits.”

Green MSP calls for free bus travel for everyone under 30

Lorna Slater, the Scottish Green MSP for Lothian has called for the upcoming Scottish budget to extend free bus travel to everyone under 30, describing it as a lifeline for young workers and families in the area.

This would build on the groundbreaking free bus pass scheme already delivered by the Scottish Greens for those under 22. Over 250 million free journeys have been taken by young people since the scheme’s launch, with over 45 million of those in Edinburgh.

Free bus travel for young people has been one of the greatest successes of devolution, saving them and their families a fortune and helping to tackle the climate crisis.

Extending it to everyone under 30 would give over half a million more people a free bus pass, opening up new opportunities to find work or education and to see more of Scotland.

Lorna Slater the Scottish Green MSP for the Lothian region said: “The Greens’ introduction of free bus travel for everyone under 22 has been a huge success for people across our capital city.

“Thousands of young people across our communities are saving money, finding new opportunities, and helping to tackle the climate crisis.

“This scheme is one of the clearest achievements of the Scottish Parliament. Families all over Edinburghhave saved thousands of pounds in a period when bills and other costs have otherwise soared.

“But the cost of living crisis doesn’t stop for people the day they turn 22. For many young people the impact of losing their bus pass is huge, with new travel costs eating into their budgets.

“Too many workers in their 20s are trapped in a cycle of ever-rising costs and insecure work, with far too many in the citystruggling to cover their rent and bills every month.

“Lowering the cost of public transport is a win-win for people and planet. That’s why the Scottish Greens are pushing for more people to get a free bus pass as soon as possible.”

Fort Kinnaird joins forces with local charities to support people who feel lonely at Christmas

New research has revealed one in two people (56 per cent) living in Edinburgh have experienced feelings of loneliness at Christmas, with almost one in five (18 per cent) saying they expect to feel lonelier this year than they did last Christmas.

The research, conducted by Fort Kinnaird in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation, also found that more than half (53 per cent) of people in Edinburgh said they wouldn’t know where to turn for help when struggling with loneliness or isolation.

Worryingly, almost half (49 per cent) also said they don’t feel comfortable confiding in someone they trust about how they feel – a tendency that increases with age.

In response, Fort Kinnaird has teamed up with Edinburgh-based charities Cyrenians and Edinburgh Young Carers to help raise awareness of the support they can provide for vulnerable groups experiencing feelings of loneliness, including people who are homeless and young carers.

Cyrenians works to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness, including social isolation, by offering prevention, early-intervention and supported-housing services.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh Young Carers provides respite and support to young people who care for somebody at home. They aim to improve the lives and wellbeing of young carers by raising awareness, offering emotional and practical support and by giving each young person the opportunity to take a break from their caring role which can be very isolating.

Fort Kinnaird will be donating advertising space to both of the local charities, helping to signpost the vital support for those who need it most, while also encouraging donations. Adverts promoting the charities will feature across its digital screens, on posters and bathroom mirror vinyls, as well as on social media and the centre’s website during the festive period.

Later this month, the centre will also bring back its popular Letters of Hope initiative for the second year, where shoppers are encouraged to share messages of support that will once again be distributed by Cyrenians to vulnerable members of the community, helping to combat social isolation over the festive period.

Shoppers will also be able to make a voluntary donation to Cyrenians through a donation point located next to the ‘Letters of Hope’ Mailbox.

To support young people experiencing loneliness, the centre will also be hosting digital workshops run by animation and film makers D Fie Foe, in partnership with Edinburgh Young Carers. The workshops will aim to provide young people with useful skills in digital filmmaking, whilst using creativity as a platform to connect and collaborate with others.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “The festive period is a truly special time for us at Fort Kinnaird, bringing people from across the community together to enjoy our Christmas markets and festive activities, but sadly we know that it can be a lonelier time for some.

“Having worked closely with Cyrenians over the past year, we’re acutely aware of the impact that social isolation and loneliness can have and wanted to build on our partnership to increase our support for those in need this Christmas.

“We’re proud to be partnering Cyrenians and Edinburgh Young Carers to raise awareness of the local support available, whilst creating opportunities for meaningful moments of connection this Christmas.

“We look forward to seeing the messages of festive joy shared by our visitors through Letters of Hope, whilst raising valuable donations for Cyrenians.”

Alexa Knight, Director of Policy and Influence for the Mental Health Foundation, said: “We can all feel lonely at times, but when loneliness lasts for a long period, it can have a profound impact on our mental health.

“At Christmas, this can feel even harder because the portrayal of the season as full of joy and togetherness can deepen feelings of isolation if we are lonely.

“Working with Fort Kinnaird allows us to shine a light on an issue that is often hidden, encourage open conversations, and connect people with the support and understanding they need this Christmas and beyond.

“It’s important to note that loneliness isn’t something individuals should have to fix alone; we all have a role to play. Taking time to check in with people around us, offering a listening ear, or creating spaces where others feel welcome can make a real difference.”

The research also revealed that whilst loneliness is often associated with older generations, younger people are increasingly struggling too, with more than a third (34 per cent) of 18–24-year-olds anticipating greater feelings of loneliness this year.

Social media also emerged as a key influence, with almost a quarter (24 per cent) of people saying that online platforms make them feel more alone at Christmas, whilst financial pressures (43 per cent), being physically distant from family and friends (29 per cent) and the recent loss of a loved one (27 per cent) and were the key reasons behind feelings of disconnection.

Margaret Murphy, Chief Executive at Edinburgh Young Carers, said: “Edinburgh Young Carers are delighted to be working with Fort Kinnaird on this campaign in the run up to the festive period.

“Young carers take on incredible responsibilities for their loved ones throughout the year, and Christmas can often be an isolating and difficult time.

We hope this campaign will highlight the support that young car”ers and young adult carers have a right to access – including a break from caring and a chance to have fun and spend time with friends.”

Throughout the festive period, Fort Kinnaird will also be transformed into a festive wonderland filled with seasonal street food, artisan gifts, fairground rides and spectacular circus shows for all to enjoy.

To find out more visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/christmas.

RCEM: Scottish government must act now to avoid a “truly ugly winter”

12-hour waits in EDs joint worst on record for October

The Scottish government must take urgent action on overcrowding and delayed discharges, or Emergency Departments (EDs) in Scotland will be completely swamped – and patients will be the ones who suffer.

ED performance figures, released today (2 December 2025) by Public Health Scotland (PHS) for October 2025, showed that one in 16 (7,362) patients waited 12 or more hours before being admitted, transferred or discharged in that month.

That is the same proportion as last October, which was the worst since records began in 2007 for 12-hour waits.

The figures also showed:

16,659 patients, or 14.1% of all attendances, waited eight or more hours, the worst of any October on record, and an increase of 1,211 on last year

Only 62.8% of patients were seen within four hours at major (Type-1) Emergency Departments, which is the worst four-hour performance for any October since records began and far below the target of 95%

There was an average of 1,981 beds each day occupied by patients medically fit to be discharged

These figures come shortly after the publication of the Scottish government’s winter plan, in which it pledged £20m to tackle delayed discharges across the devolved nation.

Dr Fiona Hunter, RCEM Vice President for Scotland, said: “The figures for October demonstrate the unacceptable pressures our departments are under, and just how bad things are as we go into winter.

“Now, seasonal pressures such as flu are beginning to hit EDs and the system is starting to crack under pressure,which means patients and staff are suffering. And we are only in the early stages of winter so it will likely become even worse for patients if nothing changes.

“As our hospitals deal with the inevitable strains and stresses on vital resources that the colder weather brings we’ll once again see the consequences of the failure to properly tackle the issues EDs face; overcrowding, long delays and avoidable deaths.

“The number of patients experiencing the longest waits is utterly unacceptable and something must change. Clinicians, through no fault of their own, are struggling to provide our patients with the care they deserve and need.

“Last month, we welcomed the government’s £20 million funding announcement to boost social care capacity this winter, and its accompanying plan for the health service to tackle the cold months.

“This showed that the government understood the issue. But we need that understanding to translate into further meaningful short and long-term action. Urgent action is needed to ensure that health boards can make the improvements that are needed to improve patient flow and tackle delayed discharges.

“Our EDs will only get through the coldest months if the government steps in – or we all need to brace ourselves for a truly ugly winter.”

Graphs of the data can be found on the RCEM website.

#ResuscitateEmergencyCare

Massive win for animal welfare as new new vet-backed law set to clamp down on puppy smuggling

After a long and sustained campaign by British Veterinary Association, the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill has received Royal Assent to become law.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has hailed the passage of the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill into law today as a huge win for animal welfare, as well as public health.

Introduced as a Private Members’ Bill earlier this year by vet and MP Danny Chambers with support from BVA, this legislation will introduce crucial measures to clamp down on puppy smuggling and ban the import of dogs and cats with illegal mutilations like cropped ears or declawing.

It will also better protect public health by reducing the risk of diseases such as rabies and Brucella canis from being imported into the country, by increasing the minimum age that puppies can enter the UK and preventing heavily pregnant dogs from being brought in.   

Data from BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey revealed that 1 in 5 UK small animal vets had seen puppies they believe to have been imported illegally into the country in the last year. French bulldog puppies were by far the most common breed vets reported concerns about, with just under half (48%) of vets who had seen suspicious puppies referring to this breed. 

Responding to news, British Veterinary Association President Dr. Rob Williams MRCVS said: “Every day, vets in practice see the devastating consequences of puppy smuggling and the loopholes that allow illegal and brutal mutilations like ear cropping and tail docking to continue.

“After years of tireless campaigning by the British Veterinary Association, the wide-ranging measures in this new legislation will finally stop criminal gangs from abusing pet travel rules for profit as well as tackle rising cases of imported diseases, such as Brucella canis, which are not currently endemic to the UK and which can be passed from pets to people.”

Danny Chambers, vet and MP for Winchester who introduced the Bill, said:  “As a vet, I’ve treated many dogs with cruelly cropped ears or docked tails, leaving them physically scarred and emotionally traumatised.

Knowing this Bill will help us put a stop to this abuse and have a bigger impact on animal welfare than I could possibly have achieved in a lifetime treating individual animals, demonstrates how important this legislation will prove to be.

“Thanks to the support of organisations like the BVA and other animal welfare nonprofits, we got the Animal Welfare Bill through the Commons, through the Lords, and today passed into law.”

Read more about BVA’s campaign here:

https://www.bva.co.uk/take-action/pet-imports/

Trussell: Food banks in Scotland braced for winter surge

Last winter, food banks in the Trussell community across Scotland provided an emergency food parcel to someone every 2 minutes 12 seconds.
Over 19,000 food parcels were provided for Scottish children last winter – that’s just under one in every three parcels, according to new figures
Over 5,400 families visited a Trussell food in Scotland for the first time last winter, with thousands expected once again this year
The level of support provided by food banks to people in Scotland aged 65 and over last winter was almost double (+99% higher) than what it was before the pandemic
Still Games star Sanjeev Kohli calls on the public to support food banks this Christmas

New figures from Trussell reveal alarming numbers of people in Scotland needing support from a food bank over the winter period.

Over 59,000 emergency food parcels were distributed overall last winter between December 2024 and February 2025 to people across Scotland with more than 19,000 of these provided for children – representing just under one in every three parcels.

There has been an alarming increase in the support provided for people aged 65 and over. Last winter, people aged 65 and over received more than 1,400 food parcels – that’s nearly double (99% higher) the level of support compared to the same period five years ago.

Last winter alone, over 5,400 families visited a Trussell food bank in Scotland for the first time and -as the country heads into the festive season – the charity estimates that once again thousands of people will need to turn to a food bank for the first time.

Last winter food banks in the Trussell community across Scotland provided emergency food to someone every 2 minutes 12 seconds.

Over the coldest months this year, as the rising costs of essentials – like food, electricity and rent – push more families to the brink, we expect to see sustained high levels of need.

Winter is consistently the busiest season for food banks, with need typically peaking due to colder temperatures and increased energy costs. At this time of year, food banks play a vital role in ensuring that people who cannot afford the essentials can still get by.

But worryingly, over half (58%) of Trussell’s community of  food banks across the UK say that preparing for this winter feels harder than ever, as levels of need continue to outpace donations.

Many food banks say they are at breaking point and having to purchase significant amounts of food just to keep up.

Last winter alone, food banks in Scotland spent an estimated £205,000 on food as donations struggled to keep up with high levels of need.

That’s why Trussell is urging people to support them and their local food banks in any way possible – to help provide emergency food and advice for people facing hardship and play their part in ending hunger for good. 

Sanjeev Kohli, Still Games star and Trussell supporter, said: “Finport and Craiglang might be fictional, but in very real communities the length and breadth of our  country, too many people will struggle to afford the essentials this winter and will have no choice but to turn to their local food bank for support.

“No one should have to face our bitterly cold months worrying about whether to heat their home or have a hot meal, but so many people sadly will. No one should be forced to a food bank because they don’t have enough money to live on.  

“Winter is often the busiest time for food banks, but when you walk through their doors you’re met with such warmth and care. I’ve witnessed first-hand the relief that food banks provide to people facing hardship and it’s a reminder of the compassion and dignity that brings our communities together, even in the toughest of times. 

“It breaks my heart that so many people will be forced to turn to a food bank to support themselves or their families this winter, that’s why I’d ask all of you to get down to your version of Navid’s and fill your basket with items for your local food bank. You can also support Trussell’s winter appeal by making a donation through their website.”

Lynsey, a mum from Fife who was forced to turn to a food bank after her relationship broke down, said: “I was working full-time but my world collapsed when my partner left.

“It meant I had to leave my job to care for the children, and not long after I was also registered disabled. I have five children and after I became ill, I reached a point where I was completely overwhelmed.

“I was nervous when I first went to the food bank. I was worried I’d be judged but this wasn’t the case at all. The staff and volunteers were so welcoming and reminded me that keeping my children happy and fed was what mattered most.

“They provided us with emergency food when we couldn’t afford the essentials and I couldn’t be more grateful. Life is still tough and this winter will be a struggle once again with extra costs, like heating and energy bills.

“Thankfully, it’s such a relief to know that the food bank will be there to support my family. I don’t know what I’d do without them.”

Cara Hilton, Trussell’s senior public affairs manager in Scotland, said: “Christmas should be a time of joy and celebration, but too many people in Scotland will be struggling just to get by.

“Thousands of families will be forced to turn to a food bank for the first time as they are left exhausted, isolated and without enough money to live on.

“Essentials like food on the table, a warm home and toiletries become a luxury many people simply cannot afford as people will be forced to make impossible decisions like whether to eat or heat their homes this winter.

“As the coldest months draw in, food banks need your help now more than ever. If you are in a position to help, you can make sure food banks are there for everyone who needs their support this winter by donating to Trussell’s winter appeal.

“Food banks are a lifeline, but they shouldn’t have to exist. This winter, will you help end hunger for someone today, and play your part in ending hunger for good?”

Lori Hughes, project manager at Perth and Kinross Foodbank, said: “We’re preparing for another very tough winter, and we’re asking for the support of our whole community so we can continue to be here for people facing hunger and hardship.

“Every week we see working families, carers, pensioners, and people just doing their very best to get by – and it shouldn’t be this way.

“This winter, we expect to distribute almost 2,500 emergency food parcels, and this means we’ll need over 24 tonnes of food to be donated to meet need. To put that in perspective, that’s the weight of 46 adult male polar bears.

“Food banks are not the answer, but right now they’re a lifeline. Donations are down, while need remains consistently high. When people’s cupboards are empty, our shelves must be full – and that is becoming harder to sustain.

“If you’re able to support us, whether through food, money, or time, it will make a real and immediate difference this winter.”

To support, please visit trussell.org.uk   

HILLSBOROUGH: No Justice

New Hillsborough report: summary of findings of IOPC and Operation Resolve investigations published

A report published yesterday sets out a summary of the wide-ranging investigations conducted by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and Operation Resolve into the role of the police in the Hillsborough disaster and its aftermath.  

Our findings reinforce, and build upon, those of the Hillsborough Independent Panel (HIP) Report published in 2012.

Both investigations supported the Goldring Inquests—providing more than a million pages of documentation and hundreds of hours of audio-visual footage—which determined in 2016 that all those who died were unlawfully killed.  

The investigations again found no evidence to support police accounts that the behaviour of supporters caused or was a contributing factor to the disaster.  

We found South Yorkshire Police (SYP) fundamentally failed in its planning for the match, in its response as the disaster unfolded and in how it dealt with traumatised supporters and families searching for their loved ones. 

There is considerable evidence of the defensive approach adopted by SYP to the investigations and inquiries that followed, as it attempted to deflect the blame. This included allegations about the behaviour of supporters, which have been repeatedly disproven.  

For the first time, we examined the actions of West Midlands Police (WMP), which had been tasked with investigating the disaster and supporting the Taylor Inquiry. We found this investigation to be wholly unsatisfactory and too narrow. We also found evidence to indicate that the actions of two senior WMP officers were biased in favour of SYP.   

Speaking about the new report, IOPC Deputy Director General Kathie Cashell said:  “I would like to thank everyone who supported our investigations by sharing their very personal accounts of what happened in 1989 and the years that followed, and to pay tribute to the courage they have shown in revisiting those events.  

“The 97 people who were unlawfully killed, their families, survivors of the disaster and all those so deeply affected, have been repeatedly let down—before, during and after the horrific events of that day.  

“First by the deep complacency of South Yorkshire Police in its preparation for the match, followed by its fundamental failure to grip the disaster as it unfolded, and then through the force’s concerted efforts to deflect the blame onto the Liverpool supporters, which caused enormous distress to bereaved families and survivors for nearly four decades.

“They were let down again by the inexplicably narrow investigation into the disaster conducted by West Midlands Police, which was a missed opportunity to bring these failings to light much sooner. 

“What they have had to endure over more than 36 years is a source of national shame.” 

We carried out 161 separate investigations into 352 complaints and conduct matters. More than 100 of the complaints related to the actions of senior officers at SYP and WMP, who were integral to either the policing of the match or involved in the aftermath of the disaster. 

Our findings include that: 

the SYP Chief Constable at the time, would have had a case to answer for gross misconduct, had he still been serving, for his part in attempting to minimise culpability and deflect blame for the disaster away from SYP and towards Liverpool supporters 
nine other SYP officers would have had a case to answer for gross misconduct, if still serving, for their role in preparing for and policing the match, their handling of the response to the disaster as it unfolded or their part in the defensive response and attempts to deflect the blame
a WMP assistant chief constable and detective chief superintendent would have had cases to answer for gross misconduct, had they still been serving, in relation to their roles leading the investigation into the disaster, including for alleged bias towards police and against supporters 
92 complaints about police actions have been upheld or individuals would have had a case to answer relating to the planning and preparation of the match, the investigation by WMP into the actions of SYP, what officers said in the aftermath of the disaster and officers’ behaviour towards families and survivors  
327 statements from officers were found to have been amended, over 100 more than had previously been uncovered, as part of a defensive approach SYP adopted to control the evidence submitted to the Taylor Inquiry and WMP

Where we have not been able to uphold a complaint or give an opinion that an officer would have a case to answer, the outcomes do not seek to challenge the accounts of those who complained.

Where evidence was missing, contradictory or otherwise incomplete, we were unable to meet the necessary legal requirements to uphold complaints or justify an opinion that an individual would have had a case to answer for misconduct.

Ms Cashell continued: “Today’s publication is the culmination of lengthy processes, including the longest inquests in English legal history and a number of criminal trials, which our investigations supported. 

“As I have expressed to those closely affected, this process has taken too long—those who campaigned for so many years deserve better.    

“It is important to remember that the forces we investigated are different to the ones they are today. Policing has seen many changes since 1989 and now, thanks to the tireless campaign of the families and survivors, the Public Office Accountability Bill will introduce a legal duty of candour for all public officials.

“I hope this report serves as a timely reminder of what happens when organisations focus on protecting their reputation rather than admitting their mistakes and acting to put things right.

“If a legal duty of candour had existed in 1989, it could have helped ensure that all relevant evidence was shared fully and promptly.

“The families of those who were unlawfully killed would have experienced a far less traumatic fight for answers about what happened to their loved ones. Had that duty existed, our investigations may not have been necessary at all.”  

SOUTH YORKSHIRE POLICE FEDERATION STATEMENT:

The report can be found at policeconduct.gov.uk/hillsborough 

The Hillsborough Disaster – The Report of the IOPC and Operation Resolve Investigations (printable)Download

Appeal following the destruction of drawings worth around £500,000

POLICE are appealing for information following the destruction of drawings worth around £500,000 in Deans, Livingston.

A silver Ford Transit (VRM SG16SUF) containing the drawings was stolen from Heron Square around 11.30pm on Wednesday, 19 November, 2025, while it was parked and locked.

The vehicle was traced in the Ratho area on Thursday, 20 November, 2025, where it was found to have been stripped of parts and set alight.

There were 1700 historical drawings from the Royal Engineers Museum within the vehicle when it was stolen and destroyed.

Enquiries so far have found a man wearing a face covering was seen entering the vehicle and driving Eastbound on the A89 towards Newbridge, Ratho shortly after 11.30pm on the Wednesday.

Constable Teri McEwan said: “We’re conducting extensive enquiries into this incident and officers are working their way through CCTV and visiting nearby properties.

“I am now asking anyone with information, or anyone who saw someone acting suspiciously in the area around the time, to get in touch with us.

“If you have private CCTV, doorbell or dash-cam footage, please also review this and bring anything which may assist the investigation to our attention.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference CR/0489211/25. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Entertainer opens at The Gyle with Exclusive Gifts

Britain’s toy shop, The Entertainer, has officially opened a brand-new store at The Gyle Shopping Centre.

The 2,225 sq ft store, located at The Gyle Shopping Centre, is officially open and is inviting local shoppers to enjoy a series of exciting in-store celebrations on Saturday (6th December).

The brand-new space brings the world’s most popular toys and collectables to the city centre, many for the first time, including Pokémon, LEGO, Monster High, Disney, POP MART and Wicked 2, as well as its exclusive Meccano, Early Learning Centre and Addo private label ranges.

To celebrate the official opening, The Entertainer is hosting an exciting in-store celebration on Saturday (6th December) for shoppers to enjoy. Fan-favourite Bluey will be visiting the brand-new store between 11am – 3:30 pm, offering families a fun-filled opportunity to meet and take photos with the popular puppy.

Plus, the first 100 customers through the doors of the new store on Saturday will get the chance to pick up an exclusive sealed envelope containing a surprise gift voucher valued between £5 – £50. What’s more, the first 100 shoppers to spend £15 or more in-store will take home a complimentary Bluey Aqua Drawing Pad worth £6.

Located at The Gyle Shopping Centre, The Entertainer joins a host of other leading retailers, leisure providers and restaurants, including JD, NEXT and M&S.

The news follows The Entertainer’s successful recent openings at Dalton Park and Rusden Lakes, as well as the highly anticipated release of its top 10 toy predictions for Christmas, featuring much-loved names such as LEGO, Disney, and heritage brand Meccano, alongside exciting newer brands like Gui Gui and Fugglers, with prices starting from just £8.

Andrew Murphy OBE, Group Chief Executive Officer of The Entertainer, said: “As the UK’s largest toy retailer, we’re thrilled to announce the opening of our new store at The Gyle Shopping Centre, and the exciting activities planned to celebrate with local shoppers.

“Our new The Gyle Shopping Centre store offers everything we’re proud of at The Entertainer – an exciting range of toys for every budget, the introduction of a huge range of global brands and products to Edinburgh, and our market-leading 30-minute click and collect service.

“Across our 160 shops, we’re proud to be famous for our friendly, helpful and knowledgeable colleagues, as well as our support of local charities and communities. Like all our UK stores, our new Edinburgh location also offers a ‘Quiet Hour’ to support customers with sensory difficulties during the first hour of every shopping day.

“We’re confident that local Edinburgh shoppers will enjoy discovering our brand-new toy shop – especially with the festive season just around the corner.”

For more information on The Entertainer and to shop online, visit:

www.thetoyshop.com.

Over 300 people queue for the opening of MINISO for four hours

Over 300 people turned up in their droves to The Centre, Livingston at the weekend, (29^th November), for the opening of the pop culture retailer, MINISO, over four hours before the store opened, including the first customers, mum Helen Cornwell from Linlithgow and her daughters, Bonnie, (10) and Andie, (8) who are big fans of the brand.

The opening was marked with a celebratory ribbon cutting at 12noon, live music and a visit from MINISO’S mascot PenPen. The first 200 shoppers who spent £5 also received a goody bag worth £25.

The brand is known for its colourful and trendy design-led lifestyle products, including unique collectables, fun stationary, plush toys and figurines from brands like Hello Kitty, Harry Potter and Friends, and its beauty and homeware range.

Mum Helen who was in the queue before 8am, said: “My daughters love everything about MINISO, including the soft toys and keyrings, so I thought I’d make their day and start queuing up early with them to get a first peek and the wait was well worth it!

“They both loved browsing the store and getting a goody bag too. I have a feeling we’ll be regular visitors!”

The opening of MINISO follows on from three other launches at the shopping centre over the past three weeks, including the Danish global brand, Flying Tiger on Friday 28^thNovember, where over 200 people queued for over an hour and The Works the day before.

The opening of Wingstop on the 10^th November also attracted huge crowds, with over 200 fans queuing for over two hours to be first in line to get their hands on the famous wings.

The new arrivals follow on from additional recent openings, including the jewellers, F.Hinds at The Centre, Livingston,

The shopping centre, which is one of the largest in Scotland, is owned by LCP UK, part of M Core, one of Europe’s leading privately owned commercial property development and management companies and welcomes over 14.8m visitors a year.

It has over 150 shops and restaurants, all under one roof, including River Island, Flannels, H&M, Pandora, Hotel Chocolat, wagamama and Nando’s, and 7,000 parking spaces.

Simon Eatough, Director at LCP UK, part of M Core and Asset Manager of The Centre, Livingston, said: “This has been a really exciting time for us and our shoppers at The Centre, Livingston as we welcome four new brands to the shopping centre, including MINISO, Flying Tiger, The Works and Wingstop.

“There was such a fantastic buzz in the air at the weekend, not only with shoppers turning up to get a first glimpse of the new stores but also to enjoy some of the Black Friday sales.

“Our new openings continue to further enhance our offering for visitors to enjoy a great day out shopping and dining out at their favourite stores and restaurants in the run-up to Christmas.”