This Midwinter, something remarkable is stirring on the banks of the River Nith. The Stove Network has announced the launch of Phanto Spectra, a brand-new immersive installation forming part of the Northern Lights Dumfries trail at the 2026 Big Burns Supper.
Running from 15th – 17th January 2026, Phanto Spectra will transform the banks of the River Nith into an immersive, auditory exploration of Dumfries’ deep cultural connection with Scotland’s Travelling Showpeople.
Created as part of the Stove’s Hear Here initiative and created by artist Martin Joseph O’Neill, the work invites audiences to step into an evocative blend of sound, scenic design, storytelling and place-based memory.
Phanto Spectra appears in the festival programme as one of the highlighted installations within the Northern Lights trail, described as “An odyssey of the fair. A ghost in the town. A ride through memory, presence, and what is yet to come.”
A Living Landscape of Memory and Light
Drawing on centuries of Showpeople heritage dating back to the 1500s, Phanto Spectra uses binaural sound and theatrical sleight of hand to reveal hidden stories and celebrate the remarkable cultural contributions of travelling fairs. Audiences are invited to listen to spectral voices and rediscover the town’s deep connection to these traditions, as the surrounding environment subtly shifts in response to movement.
The installation has been developed through collaboration with Showpeople, local artists, historians and community groups. It reimagines the riverbank as a dreamlike landscape where past and present overlap in a fluid and immersive experience. The work also reflects on the changing future of Dumfries’ waterfront and the social questions raised by ongoing flood defence developments.
A Major New Work for Northern Lights Dumfries
Phanto Spectra joins the expanded 2026 Northern Lights programme, which features 16 free light and sound installations across Dumfries. This forms part of a large-scale creative reimagining of public space during the festival period.
Big Burns Supper’s refreshed 2026 format introduces new collaborations between artists, cultural partners and community organisations throughout the town. These include installations such as Burns Light, Washing Line, Birds on a Wire and Divided
The work is supported by £20,000 of Experiment funding from Immersive Arts UK, enabling the project to explore innovative approaches to immersive storytelling, accessibility, public engagement and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage.
The Stove Network has emphasised the importance of this moment for the town and the relevance of immersive storytelling in shaping local conversations – “The Stove is thrilled and honoured to be part of this important national project.
“This funding will allow us to use immersive technologies to bring to life the compelling stories of less-represented groups in our town, at a moment of significant decision-making about Dumfries’ future.”
Most events in the Northern Lights trail are free to attend. Optional VIP tickets are available to support event sustainability and to provide queue-skipping options during Big Burns Supper 2026.
Event Details
Phanto Spectra
Dates: 15 to 17 January 2026
Location: River Nith, Dumfries.
Presenting
Partners: Northern Lights and Big Burns Supper Festival
Created by: Martin Joseph O’Neill for The Stove Network
Supported by: Immersive Arts UK and Hear Here initiative
Hogmanay and the first few days of 2026 will be very busy for the 111 service, which may mean a prolonged wait for calls to be answered. Here’s what you can do to help yourself, save time, and help us care for those in the most need first.
NHS inform has a range of symptom checkers for common illnesses and conditions you can use to help you decide what to do next: https://nhs24.info/symptom-checkers
Check out the winter illness hub on NHS inform if you need help with colds, flu, coughs, sickness bugs, etc: https://nhs24.info/winter-illness
If you are using a mobile phone to call please switch to WiFi calling and ensure your device is charged. This will help to prevent your call being disconnected. Some mobile providers disconnect calls due to network capacity demand. NHS 24 does not cut calls.
NHS 24’s staff are working exceptionally hard to answer as many calls as we can, quickly and safely. Please be patient and we will answer. If you can try the above options first, it could save you time.
We want to help you get the right care, in the right place.
As winter bites and forecasters predict another spell of frosty weather, UK motorists are being urged to allow greater stopping distances to help prevent avoidable collisions.
Car insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk are warning that wintry conditions like snow and ice require stopping distances up to 10 times greater than usual.
Winter also sees a rise in UK road accidents due to reduced daylight hours and challenging weather conditions – with drivers six times more likely to have an accident between October and March.*
As driving conditions become more difficult and potentially hazardous, it’s crucial that motorists understand how dramatically stopping distances can increase.
In dry weather, the Highway Code advises stopping distances of 23 metres at 30mph, 53 metres at 50mph, and 96 metres at 70mph – the equivalent of around 24 car lengths.**
However, these distances can increase significantly in winter. Snow and icy conditions can require up to 10 times the usual distance, while wet weather demands at least double the normal stopping distance.***
It’s also important to remember that stopping distance isn’t just about braking. It also includes thinking distance – the distance a vehicle travels from the moment a driver perceives a hazard, to the time they react by applying the brakes, allowing the vehicle to come to a complete stop.
If drivers are tired, stressed or distracted, it can affect the thinking distance and reduce the speed at which drivers react, taking even longer for the vehicle to come to a halt.
Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone said: “It’s crucial that drivers don’t underestimate winter weather and are fully prepared for worsening conditions.
“With accidents more likely throughout the winter months, remembering stopping distances and giving other drivers plenty of space is key – the more time and visibility drivers have, the more likely they will be able to react in time and avoid dangerous situations.
“If drivers are involved in an accident when driving in ice or snow, their insurer could challenge the claim if they were found to be driving negligently, such as ignoring safety advice or speeding – drivers need to adhere to the rules of the road no matter what the conditions, to avoid reckless driving.”
Double your stopping distance on wet roads and increase the distance up to 10 times the normal amount when roads are icy and snowy.
Reduce your speed
You have more time to react to hazards and maintain control when you’re driving at a lower speed. Speed limits are the absolute maximum speed you can legally travel – when conditions are poor, drive below the speed limit.
Leave plenty of space
Your visibility can be reduced by fog, frost, or heavy rain. Always keep extra distance between yourself and the car in front during these weather conditions.
Check tyres before driving
Before you set off, ensure tyre tread is above the legal minimum UK limit of 1.6mm and that tyres contain enough pressure – accurate tyre pressure improves grip.
Keep windows and lights clear
Frost, ice, snow, and condensation should be removed from all windows before setting off, and when visibility is low, use headlights to make sure you are visible to others.
Brake gently
Where possible, use engine braking to maintain control, and when driving in ice or snow, avoid sudden braking or acceleration.
Be prepared for black ice
Locations such as shaded roads, bridges and overpasses are most commonly prone to black ice. If you hit black ice, don’t hit the brakes, maintain your speed and keep the steering wheel straight, avoiding any sudden movements.
Pack winter essentials
Carry an ice scraper, de-icer, warm clothing, a blanket, and emergency supplies – ensure you keep your phone charged or carry a portable charger in case of emergencies.
Adjust for fog and poor visibility
Slow down and increase the distance between yourself and the vehicle in front. Use low-beam headlights when driving in fog and only turn on fog lights when visibility drops below 100 metres.
Plan your journey
Look at the weather forecast and check for traffic updates before setting off, allowing extra time to reach your destination when conditions are poor. If weather warnings are in place only travel if it is essential.
Quotezone helps millions of drivers every year compare and find savings on all sorts of car insurance products, such as young driver insurance, van insurance and breakdown cover.
John Lawrie is a listening volunteer with Samaritans in Edinburgh. He’s dedicated five decades to being there to listen to people in some of their darkest moments, giving them the opportunity to open-up about the struggles they’re going through without judgement.
Technology, social attitudes, and how we communicate with each other are just some of the things to have changed rapidly in the years since John first picked up the phone. To mark his 50th year of being a listening volunteer, John held a talk in Edinburgh on the 12th November, recalling these changes and what they have meant for volunteers and callers alike over the last 50 years. On the 30th November, John sat down to take a listening shift on the exact date and time that he took his first ever shift in 1975.
We spoke to John about how he found these changes as a Samaritans volunteer, how they impacted the organisation and the service, and on the changing ways in which we think and speak about mental health and suicide.
John first got involved with Samaritans in 1975, a few years after a friend of the family spoke about her volunteering role as a listener. Like many people, when they hear someone say they volunteer with Samaritans, John thought this was something far beyond his capabilities. Much to his surprise, after posting his written letter of application, John was interviewed, given the opportunity, and remains in his post 50 years later.
Despite the changes we’ve seen over those years, some things remain familiar. We can talk more openly about mental health, mental illness, and have more awareness and understanding of neurodivergence, yet talking about suicide is still something that we seem to find more difficult as a society.
“There’s a lot more understanding nowadays of the types of illnesses and challenges people have with their mental health. We’re more familiar with things like autism and ADHD, which can have an impact on how someone experiences the world and how they feel within themselves.
“Something that hasn’t changed much over time are the callers. A bereavement is still a bereavement. A lost job is still a lost job. A broken relationship still causes the same pain as it did 50 years ago. What does change is the social background, social attitudes, and technology.”
John spoke about some of the most distinctive changes over the last five decades of being one of the voices people hear when they call Samaritans for help.
“One of the main differences is how we receive calls. Back then, around one quarter of the population had no phone in the house, and of course mobile phones weren’t around then either. That meant a lot of the calls in those days were from phone boxes.
“Communication has changed rapidly in the last 50 years and will continue to evolve over the next 50. As more people got access to telephones, face-to-face calls declined. It’s important that Samaritans as an organisation reflects those changes so that we can support people by being available to them in the ways that they need us to be.”
As time passes, attitudes change, legislation changes. Suddenly, we’re 50 years into the future and the past seems like a stranger. John talked about the social changes in Scotland and in the rest of the UK, and what this meant for both the people who needed Samaritans and those behind the phone line.
“We can’t underestimate the impact of social change over the last five decades. The way we think and act as a society affects the nature of the calls that Samaritans might get.
“For example, homosexuality between men was a crime in Scotland until the 1980s. Divorce was frowned upon in some sections of society. The Sex Discrimination Act had just been passed in 1975. All of these changes and social norms and attitudes can have an impact on the reasons and types of issues people might call Samaritans to talk about.”
It’s always been a core value of Samaritans to be there for people without judgement and provide that anonymous space. Since the first call was answered in 1953, Samaritans has given people that space to be open during times like this when they felt they couldn’t speak to anyone else for fear of retribution.
“There are calls that stick with you for a long time, and it’s these ones that make everything worthwhile. The feeling is quite unexplainable, when you end your shift and think about the people you’ve spoken to that day.”
The historical context through the last 50 years had a huge impact on Samaritans and its volunteers. In 1975, Margaret Thatcher was about to take leadership of the Conservative party, unemployment was on the rise, and the UK’s economy was volatile. Even over the last 10 years, we’ve seen unprecedented events unfold that will take their place in history books to come.
“It’s hard to believe how many pivotal moments in history have occurred in the last 50 years. The 20-year period around when I first joined Samaritans was tumultuous for different reasons.
“The economic history of the late 70s and 80s had a huge effect on people, and of course we’ve also come through a global pandemic more recently – to name a just few events.
“The older you get, the more you realise how little you know. Being a Samaritans volunteer has shown me the world in clearer colours, many times I have listened to people on the phone and it has been a stark reminder that luck is the only thing that stands between me and the person on the other side of the phone.
“Volunteers are just callers on a good day. There is so much desperation, people in such terrible situations. Being a volunteer and helping people through some of those moments gives you both empathy and a sense of gratitude.”
Despite the changes, one thing is clear and unchanged – and that is our need to talk about what we are going through, and to be able to talk about suicide. Samaritans is as needed now as it was 50 years ago, perhaps in different ways, but the emotions we feel and the pain of situations outside of our control are the same in 2025 as they would have been in 1975.
Neil Mathers, Executive Director for Scotland, said: “Without volunteers like John, countless people in crisis would not have someone there to listen, without judgment, in their darkest moments.
“Someone who through listening can help them find hope. It’s incredible to think of all the people that John has listened to over 50 years, the distress he has helped alleviate and lives he has changed for the better.”
Volunteers across Scotland spent 35,400 hours responding to calls for help in 2024, and continue to be there around the clock for anyone who needs a listening ear, helping them believe in tomorrow.
ASH Scotland is encouraging people in Edinburgh who smoke to aim for a tobacco-free 2026 to save thousands of pounds and improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
The health charity’s call is part of its campaign encouraging people who smoke to give up using self-determination or access NHS Scotland’s free, expert stop-smoking support service Quit Your Way.
Quitting smoking is one of the most impactful steps a person can take to lower their risk of long-term smoking-related illnesses.
When people decide to make give up smoking as their New Year’s resolution, not only will they find their health can improve within days, but an average smoker can save in the region of £277 by 31 January and £3,332 by the end of the year.
With specialist support from Quit Your Way, people who smoke can access in-person or over the phone advice which can help to make 2026 the year they quit for good.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Tobacco can be highly addictive so, if you’ve tried to quit before and gone back to smoking, don’t be discouraged. Each attempt helps you to understand better what methods work best for you.
“Giving up tobacco is the most important step you can take to improve your health, your finances, and the wellbeing of you and those around you.
“You don’t have to face quitting alone. This New Year, we are encouraging people in Edinburgh who smoke to reach out to NHS Scotland’s national or local Quit Your Way stop-smoking service. With their specialist support, you’ll gain the confidence, tools and motivation you need to have a tobacco-free 2026.”
For tips and resources to help you quit smoking, visit QuitYourWay.Scot or call the Quit Your Way Scotland free helpline on 0800 84 84 84.
Recipients of blue light service medals in Scotland
King’s Police Medal
Joanna Farrell Chief Constable, Police Scotland
Stephen Dolan, Chief Superintendent, Police Scotland
Andrew Freeburn, Assistant Chief Constable, Police Scotland
King’s Fire Service Medal
Alexander Muir, Firefighter, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Stuart Stevens, Chief Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
King’s Ambulance Service Medal
David Lee Bywater, Lead Consultant Paramedic, Scottish Ambulance Service
KING’S POLICE MEDAL
Joanna Farrell, Chief Constable, Police Scotland
Chief Constable Joanna Farrell has an exemplary police career spanning more than 33 years across three Forces. For the past 6 years, she served as Chief Constable in Durham Constabulary and continues to serve as Chief Constable in Police Scotland, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic vision, together with personal resilience and commitment to public service. Recognised as a progressive and personable police leader, she places a clear focus on people, prevention and innovation, delivering a more efficient, effective and community centred policing for the public.
Chief Constable Farrell’s strategic leadership of Police Scotland has been a trailblazer for engaged well-informed decision making ensuring stronger outcomes for communities. She has carried this approach throughout her career, combining vision, collaboration and a clear focus on public benefit.
As the first female Chief Constable of Police Scotland, she is a role model to others both in what can be achieved but importantly how it can be achieved, through hard work and humility and without compromise on values and people focus, including family. Her approach to empowering and enabling staff goes beyond creating an environment for them to thrive, it is evident daily through her own personal demonstration of visible effective leadership in action.
Stephen Dolan, Chief Superintendent, Police Scotland
Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan has demonstrated exceptional dedication throughout his 32 years of distinguished service with Police Scotland and formerly Lothian and Borders Police. His career exemplifies unwavering commitment to protecting communities, building vital partnerships, and inspiring colleagues through compassionate leadership.
Beginning in West Edinburgh in 1992, Chief Superintendent Dolan’s early career showcased his tenacity in community policing and crime disruption. A pivotal role investigating sudden deaths and missing persons revealed his profound empathy, and helped shape his understanding of compassionate leadership. This experience propelled him into training roles where he mentored over 500 probationary officers.
In corporate leadership, Chief Superintendent Dolan delivered transformational change. He led the £21 million Mobile Working Project, rolling out devices to 11,000 frontline officers, saving 440,000 hours and enhancing officer safety and wellbeing—deemed “exemplary” by Scottish Government reviews.
Currently commanding Lanarkshire Division’s 1,350 officers serving 670,000 residents, Chief Superintendent Dolan has transformed partnership working. Council and NHS executives praise his compassionate leadership, particularly his advocacy for care-experienced young people and vulnerable communities.
His career embodies dedication, compassion, and distinguished public service worthy of the highest recognition.
Andrew Freeburn, Assistant Chief Constable, Police Scotland
Andrew Freeburn MBE served 32 years in policing across Northern Ireland and Scotland, rising from joining the Royal Ulster Constabulary in 1992 to Assistant Chief Constable within Police Service of Scotland.
As Assistant Chief Constable, leading Organised Crime, Counter Terrorism, Cyber and Intelligence with Police Scotland he worked tirelessly to build partnerships at the Scottish Crime Campus, driving collaboration across over 30 law enforcement agencies through the Multi-Agency Tasking and Delivery Board.
As Executive lead for Counter Terrorism, he strengthened key partnerships and embedded a ‘one team’ approach between Police Scotland and CT partners, directly increasing Scotland’s ability to mitigate terrorist threats.
Assistant Chief Constable Freeburn also served as Senior Responsible Officer for the ‘Policing in a Digital World Programme’, developing Police Scotland’s operational Cyber Strategy.
Beyond operational duties, Assistant Chief Constable Freeburn’s commitment to ethics and values shaped policing across the United Kingdom. He contributed to Police Scotland’s ethics framework and devoted 10 years lecturing Law at Ulster University Belfast. His community service included serving as Non-Executive Director for the Simon Community homeless charity (2017-2022) and as Trustee for the Police Treatment Centre and Police Children’s charity.
KING’S FIRE SERVICE MEDAL
Alexander Muir, Firefighter, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Alex Muir’s remarkable 46-year firefighting career demonstrates exceptional dedication to serving Glasgow’s communities. Joining the service in 1979, he served at Springburn Fire Station until 1986 before transferring to Cowcaddens Fire Station, where he remains today. Simultaneously, since 1981, he has been a pivotal FBU Scotland union official, now serving as West Area Secretary.
Throughout his career, Alex Muir has been an unwavering advocate for firefighter safety and employee rights, successfully campaigning for improvements that have enhanced outcomes for Scotland’s communities. His operational excellence is evidenced by his response to major incidents including the 1980 Fruit Market fire, 1987 Treron’s Department Store fire, 1989 Belgrove train crash, 1999 Melrose Street fire, 2004 Clarendon Bar fire, and 2014 School of Art fire.
Alex Muir’s unique ability to understand issues from both union and fire service leadership perspectives has helped shape Scotland’s fire service direction. His decades-long involvement in the trade union movement demonstrates sustained commitment to firefighter wellbeing. Through nearly five decades of service, his legacy encompasses not only the fires fought and lives protected, but also the countless firefighters he has supported through his union work.
Stuart Stevens, Chief Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Chief Officer Stuart Stevens has demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout his career with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), making significant contributions to community safety, operational excellence, and workforce development.
Chief Officer Stevens was instrumental in establishing the SFRS Prevention agenda during the formation of Scotland’s single national fire service, developing a unified approach to community safety through partnership working.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Officer Stevens provided decisive leadership that maintained operational continuity whilst prioritising staff safety. His calm approach ensured vital services continued during the national crisis, reinforcing public trust in the SFRS. He led the SFRS response to Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations, working with the Scottish Government’s Ministerial Working Group to implement necessary reforms and enhance fire safety standards.
A passionate advocate for firefighter safety, Chief Officer Stevens has driven s improvements which have created safer working environments and more effective emergency response capabilities.
Appointed Chief Officer in November 2024, his tenure exemplifies integrity, innovation, and unwavering dedication to public service.
KING’S AMBULANCE SERVICE MEDAL
David Lee Bywater, Lead Consultant Paramedic, Scottish Ambulance Service
David Lee Bywater has been a dedicated member of the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) since 1996, qualifying as a a in 2001. In 2022, he was appointed to the substantive role of Lead Consultant Paramedic and acted as the interim director of Care Quality on the board from April 2024 to May 2025, where he strengthened the link between the front line and decision making.
He demonstrated leadership in supporting colleagues during the challenging winter of 2024. Bywater possesses a deep understanding of the complexities of pre-hospital emergency care. He has collaborated with the British Heart Foundation to develop a UK-wide solution for public access defibrillator use and has worked with Police Scotland to reform the procedure for dealing with pre-hospital child deaths.
He played a key role in delivering SASs commitment to Scotland’s Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest strategy and leads on paediatric care in SAS. He is a reservist with Scotland’s charity Air Ambulance and teaches and directs courses in pre-hospital emergency care, paediatric life support and major incident management and continues to volunteer as a responder in rural communities.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – PLEASE READ AND SHARE
NHS inform has a range of symptom checkers for common illnesses and conditions you can use to help you decide what to do next: 
Check out the winter illness hub on NHS inform if you need help with colds, flu, coughs, sickness bugs, etc: 
If your call is related to medicines please visit 
By using NHS resources wisely, we can keep well and get the care we need quickly, safely and as close to home as possible.
