Business Gateway has announced that nominations are now open for its annual staff Impact Awards. The awards celebrate exemplary service, commitment, and impact made by Business Gateway local staff in supporting business owners across the country.
Last year’s awards saw eight advisers recognised for their outstanding contribution to the local business community, spanning regions from East Lothian to Angus and from Edinburgh to Falkirk.
Nominations are now being sought from SMEs and business owners in Edinburgh who have benefitted from the service and would like to acknowledge the positive impact their Business Gateway team member has had, whether it is offering invaluable guidance, helping to solve complex challenges, or providing crucial support during key milestones.
Nominations can be submitted through a short form available here, where nominators are asked to provide a brief description of how their contact helped them. The deadline for nominations is 27th February 2026.
The Impact Awards will take place at the Business Gateway Staff Conference on 23rd April 2026.
With around 350 staff located around the country, Business Gateway’s teams are the backbone of Scotland’s business support system. Available free of charge to anyone looking to turn their idea into reality or grow their business, they offer virtual and in-person support on everything from building the foundations of a strategy to setting up an e-commerce website, to help with tax and budgeting.
In 2024-25, Business Gateway advisers supported 51,000 customers, managed over 30,000 enquiries and celebrated the launch of almost 7,000 new businesses.
Councillor Gail Macgregor, COSLA Spokesperson for the Environment & Economy and Chair of the Business Gateway board, said: “The calibre of nominations we received last year was exceptionally high, highlighting the vital role our local teams play in supporting businesses through a rapidly changing economic environment.
“Their dedication has helped business operators not only survive, but adapt and grow.
“The Impact Awards will shine a spotlight on those who continue to empower the local business community, helping organisations navigate challenges, reach new milestones and achieve lasting success.”
For more information on Business Gateway and its services, please visit:
Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information following the attempted theft of an ATM in Barnton early this morning.
The incident happened around 2.50am on Wednesday, 7 January, 2026 at a supermarket in Whitehouse Road.
A black Nissan Navara is understood to have been used in an attempt to steal the ATM which then drove deliberately at a police car. The police officer was not hurt.
The driver exited the Nissan Navara and got into a vehicle which could be an Audi A3 with another two men.
The vehicle made off in the direction of Maybury Road. The Nissan Navara was recovered at the scene.
The three men were dressed in black clothing with face coverings.
Detective Inspector Alan Sharp said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious.
“As part of enquiries, we are carrying out a review of CCTV and conducting door to door enquiries.
“I would ask residents to check doorbell footage to see if you have captured anything that can assist our enquiries. I would ask motorists to do the same and check dash-cam footage.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 0257 of 7 January, 2026, or alternatively anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
STV staff across Scotland are out on strike today (7 January), braving the cold weather and heavy snow to oppose damaging cuts planned by the company’s management.
Around 50 staff members are part of the picket line outside the Glasgow office, carrying “stop the cuts” and “save local news” placards. They have been joined in solidarity by Laura Davison, NUJ general secretary, and Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour leader.
More than a dozen members are also picketing outside the STV North HQ in Aberdeen, where significant programming cuts are looming.
Members working at the company’s bases in Edinburgh, Dundee, and Inverness are involved in today’s action too.
Members at STV voted overwhelmingly in favour of the strike action in December over the company’s plans to make compulsory redundancies and axe the north edition of its News at 6 programme.
On 16 December Ofcom gave provisional approval to a revised watered-down version of its original plans which would see STV have a single news programme across its two North and Central licence areas, but with a guaranteed minimum amount of regional coverage. The NUJ has repeatedly criticised the plans as being bad for viewers, advertisers, and journalism.
On Monday (5 January), the NUJ wrote to STV’s CEO Rufus Radcliffe stating that the strike was not inevitable and could be avoided if the company were to stop the compulsory redundancies.
Today’s strike has gone ahead despite extreme weather and travel disruption, demonstrating the dedication and strength of feeling among NUJ members at STV.
Nick McGowan-Lowe, NUJ national organiser for Scotland, said: “The company knew that avoiding industrial action was within their grasp, but they have decided to sit back and fold their arms instead.
“Our members are angry at these cuts, angry at how management have handled them, and are angry at the plans to axe one of Scotland’s most successful prime time news programmes in the north of Scotland.
“All this has happened in the same week that STV has launched a new commercial radio station, which is not expected to make a profit until 2027, and the cost of which is being paid for by the jobs of hard-working journalists.”
Roz Foyer, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) general secretary, said: “These callous cuts from STV management would be a hammer blow to our media landscape and must be resisted at every turn. In an age when misinformation runs riot, it’s more important than ever to have trusted news sources which tell the stories of our communities and of our nation.
“STV management shouldn’t therefore abandon those communities and the journalists that serve them so well in their pursuit for profit.
“Management must realise the palpable anger from the workforce, unions, politicians and the public in opposition to their plans and we would urge a radical rethink; one that prioritises the staff of STV and the viewers they serve so well.”
Rebecca Long-Bailey, MP for Salford and NUJ parliamentary group chair, said: “Launching a new radio station is all very well, but STV bosses are still pushing proposals which cost jobs and undermine the channel’s ability to serve audiences with dedicated regional news journalism.
“The NUJ’s cross-party Parliamentary Group in the Westminster Parliament sends our support and solidarity to NUJ members taking strike action at STV and asks STV management and Ofcom to listen to journalists and the viewing public alike and stop these cuts.”
The University and College Union (UCU) Scotlandsaid: “UCU Scotland sends solidarity to NUJ members at STV across Scotland striking to protect jobs and journalism.
“UCU knows the value of the quality journalism produced by NUJ members at STV and we see daily the incredible job done by NUJ members covering issues in universities and UCU action in defence of jobs, pensions and pay in our sector.
“NUJ members at STV are striking to protect quality journalism, and you have UCU Scotland’s full support in this dispute.”
RMT Scotlandsaid: “Solidarity and best wishes to your members forced into taking industrial action today in defence of jobs and proper journalism.”
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)said: “Full solidarity with NUJ members and journalists at STV who are striking in Aberdeen and Glasgow.
“Local news matters. Let’s unite to save jobs and quality journalism.”
The NUJ Reach Group Chapelsaid: “Reach NUJ members give their solidarity and support to colleagues at STV opposing damaging cuts that threaten quality journalism.
“The fact that union members have had to resort to strike action in the most demanding circumstances shows how important the issues are. We urge the company to get back round the table immediately to find a sensible way forward through negotiation.”
The NUJ Leeds & West Yorkshire Branchsaid: “We commend members at STV for the action they are taking in defence of jobs and regional programming. Proposals to cut back on regional editions and updates will mean a poorer service for audiences, who rightly share the anger of journalists whose jobs are on the line.
“The plans have also been met with opposition from all five party leaders in Scotland, who recognise the vital role played by regional programming in supporting local democracy and holding power to account.
“It is shameful the company is pushing ahead with redundancies while Ofcom is still consulting on the proposal and that its new commercial radio station has been launched at the expense of journalists’ jobs and local journalism.
“We urge STV to listen to the concerns of the public and their own staff, to suspend its redundancy programme and enter into fresh talks with the NUJ.”
Patrick Harvie, The Scottish Greens culture spokesperson, said: “In an age of viral misinformation people want good quality national and regional news sources that they can trust. These cuts are the last thing we need.
“The plans put forward by STV bosses would be a serious blow to Scotland and our media, particularly to regional news. They will also have a devastating impact on workers who have already experienced a great deal of stress and uncertainty as a result of the announcement.
“STV may have just launched an expensive new radio station, but they have clearly lost the trust of the workers who hold the organisation together.
“Our solidarity is with all of the journalists, producers and workers at STV who are enriching our media and our news environment.
“With cuts taking place at publishers and broadcasters across the country, these are difficult times for an industry that is needed more than ever.”
Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour leader, said: “It is vital that we protect Scottish journalism, which serves communities across the country.
“I’m proud to stand with journalists at STV as they take strike action over the wrongheaded decision to cut staff and programming for the north of Scotland.”
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting pet parents to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their beloved furry friends at its Edinburgh store. Back for its second year, the experience is bigger and better with increased capacity to meet demand.
My Paw-fect Valentine takes place at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February, with a great line-up of activities, treats and photo opportunities.
Tickets are priced at £15 per pooch and include access to the Dobbies’ mini-Valentine’s Garden where dogs willl get a ‘forever’ rose toy for every dog; create a paw-print keepsake picture; and pose for a digital photo in front of a Valentine’s themed backdrop. One owner can enjoy a free hot drink in the restaurant while their dog has a puppuccino, with the purchase of a cake or breakfast roll. Each party will also receive money-off vouchers to redeem in store.
There is also a sniff-ari around the Edinburgh store which allows dogs to explore their environments with their noses. The dogs set the pace and direction, and there’s plenty for pooches to find and explore with scented baskets and Valentine’s balloons placed around the garden centre.
For My Paw-fect Valentine, customers can donate to Dogs Trust when booking online, helping with Dogs Trust’s mission of caring for, rehabilitating, and rehoming thousands of dogs every year.
Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, is looking forward to welcoming the dogs attending My Paw-fect Valentine. She said: “We are very excited to welcome dogs and their owners back for our dog-friendly Valentine’s Day event.
“After a successful launch in 2025, we are pleased to encourage furry friends back for a bigger and better experience of enjoying treats and making memories. Share the love with your pooch and join us for an adorable event this Valentine’s Day at Dobbies.”
Well-behaved dogs on a lead are warmly welcome in the Edinburgh store and in a dedicated area of the restaurant. Customers can also explore the fantastic range of pet products at Dobbies, with everything from healthy treats to dog accessories and toys.
Dobbies Garden Centre in Edinburgh is also home to a ‘The Pet Shop,’ a new area featuring an expanded pet product offering. The bespoke area includes dog accessories, toys, puppy training and health products, as well as an impressive range of dried dog food and fresh frozen products from brands like Barking Heads, Pooch & Mutt, Boost Pet and Orijen.
Customers can take part in Dobbies’ monthly social media competition, Dogs at Dobbies, by posting a photo and using the hashtag #dogsatdobbies to be in a chance of winning a Dobbies’ gift card to spend in store.
My Paw-fect Valentine is priced at £15 per pooch and takes place on 14 and 15 February at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store.
Social security support can make a difference to lives
From Shetland to the Borders, people across Scotland are being urged to check if they are eligible for financial support.
Social Security Scotland helped over 960,000 people receive the money they were entitled to in financial year 2024/25.
The organisation now delivers 17 benefit payments, including support for families on low incomes, disabled people, pensioners, young people looking for work and unpaid carers. There is also financial help for heating homes and contributing towards the cost of a funeral.
Amongst the payments is Scottish Child Payment, which is only available in Scotland. Families who receive Universal Credit, or other qualifying benefits, may be entitled to a weekly payment of £27.15 for every eligible child under 16 years of age. There is also no limit on the number of children who can benefit.
Financial support is also available for disabled people, those who have long-term health conditions or are terminally ill.
Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment can help cover the extra costs disabled people face. Pension Age Disability Payment replaces Attendance Allowance in Scotland and can support disabled people aged 66 and over who need help looking after themselves or supervision to stay safe with a weekly payment of up to £110.40 a week.
Scotland’s unpaid carers receive more support than anywhere else in the UK. Carer Support Payment, a payment of £83.30 per week, has replaced Carer’s Allowance with more carers in full time education able to access it. Further improvements for carers, including new extra support for those caring for more than one person, will come into effect in March 2026.
Young people aged 16-24 who have been out of work for at least six months and receiving a low-income benefit may be able to get Job Start Payment. It is a one-off payment of £319.80 to help cover the cost of starting a new job.
People are urged to check if they can get social security support and can access an online benefit calculator to help them to do this. Many are available online, are free, and can provide more detail on the benefits available to an individual and how to apply.
Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “We know that many people are feeling the strain right now – especially after Christmas – and we don’t want anyone to miss out on the support they’re entitled to.
“That’s why we are investing in the people of Scotland with social security when they need it most. These payments can make a real difference to everyday lives, whether it’s helping with heating costs, caring responsibilities, enabling someone to be more independent or with raising a family.
“Many of our payments are available for people in and out of work, for example Adult Disability Payment is available no matter whether someone is in work or has savings. Social security is a public service that anyone may need at any point in their life. I urge people to check if they are eligible and get the help they are entitled to.”
Rebecca Fagan, Benefit and Welfare Policy Executive at Advice Direct Scotland, added: “Every year, millions of pounds worth of vital benefits go unclaimed because people are unaware of what they may be entitled to.
“Sometimes people just assume they won’t qualify.
“At a time when many households are under significant financial pressure, it is more important than ever that people check what support is available to them.
“At Advice Direct Scotland, we see first-hand the essential support provided to people across the country through every stage of life by Social Security Scotland benefits.
“Our trusted online benefits calculator – at www.benefits.advice.scot – is a simple, confidential way to get an accurate picture of what you are entitled to.
“This type of calculator can help people make informed decisions, boost household income and act as a vital first step in accessing advice and support before problems escalate.
“Our skilled advisers are also here to help people find out what they can do to claim all the benefits that they are entitled to.
“Our advice.scot team can be reached on 0808 800 9060 or via www.advice.scot.”
The number of people helped by Social Security Scotland in financial year 2024/25 is 962,525. A full report can be found at:
As Scotland faces a sharp drop in temperatures, national children’s charity, Children First, is encouraging families in Edinburgh who are struggling with the cost of living and keeping warm this January to reach out for help.
The charity warns that they are hearing every day from parents and carers that are struggling to make ends meet and provide basic essentials for their children.
Children First’s support line offers practical, emotional and financial help to families across Scotland 365 days a year.
The team saw the number of callers rise by close to 50 percent towards the end of 2025.They can help with benefit checks, budgeting advice, and accessing emergency support to ensure families stay warm and well this winter.
Simon McGowan, Assistant Director at Children First, said: “We want every parent and carer in Scotland to know they are not alone if they are worried about paying bills or keeping their children warm.
“Our friendly support line team is here to listen and provide expert advice to ensure families get the support they need. We understand how hard it can be trying to make ends meet and the pressure families are under.”
In 2024, Children First’s support line helped families secure close to £2.5 million in financial gains and deal with half a million pounds in debts to make them more manageable.
Kinship carer Tony* who is bringing up his two-year old granddaughter Cara* and had been struggling to make ends meet, got help with his finances from Children First’s support line.
He said: “It was only when Children First support line got involved that things started to get better. I feel like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders, it’s such a relief.”
Alcohol producers and retailers are calling on the next Scottish Government to target their efforts to tackle alcohol harm while recognising the positive role the industry can have in helping consumers make informed choices about their drinking.
The Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership is an alliance of retailers and producers committed to tackling alcohol harm by devising and delivering targeted interventions and supporting community-based activities.
The SAIP has launched its manifesto ahead of the Scottish election and has two main asks: to move towards greater use of targeted interventions, and to acknowledge the positive role that the alcohol industry plays in promoting responsible moderate consumption and tackling harmful drinking.
Examples of targeted interventions include Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAPs) to target underage drinking and assertive outreach treatment to reach and support harmful drinkers.
CAPs work by supporting local partnerships of councils, police, retailers, schools, health providers and other community groups in reducing alcohol harm among children and young people, improving their health and wellbeing and enhancing their communities.
Assertive outreach treatment (AOT) is a service which makes proactive and persistent (‘assertive’) attempts to engage and provide tailored support to harmful drinkers.
SAIP Chairman Paul Waterson said: “We are looking for a greater emphasis and focus on delivering targeted interventions.”
Another change called for by the SAIP is recognition that the industry has a valid and long-standing role to play in tackling alcohol harm.
“The SAIP is a unique partnership that has demonstrated its commitment,” said Waterson. “We have devised and rolled out a national campaign with Police Scotland to tackle the proxy purchase of alcohol by adults for minors and supported the expansion of CAP schemes around Scotland.
“We have also worked with Best Bar None and Drinkaware – all proven ways of making real change in people’s attitude to the safe consumption of alcohol.”
The First Minister’s Independent Advisers on the Ministerial Code have concluded their investigation into the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance.
The Advisers concluded that Ms Constance unintentionally breached two provisions of the Ministerial Code. They conclude that:
“…the two breaches were inadvertent without any deliberation or intention to mislead.”
As part of their role, the Advisers can provide advice on any sanction that the First Minster should impose. In this case their advice on sanctions states that this is:
“…at the lower end of the spectrum provided for in the Code and therefore does not call for anything beyond a reprove which should be formal and in writing accompanied by a statement to Parliament by Ms Constance…”
First Minister John Swinney has accepted the conclusions and recommendations in full. In line with the terms of reference of the Independent Advisers, the report has been published by the Scottish Government. Ms Constance will make a statement to Parliament today.
First Minister John Swinney said: “I greatly value the important and impartial role of the Independent Advisers on the Ministerial Code and I am grateful to the Advisers for concluding their investigation promptly.
“I set up this system of Independent Advisers so that they could call in any issue they feel needs to be examined under their own authority and make recommendations as they see fit. They have exercised their ability to examine this case and make recommendations on sanctions. That provides real assurance that there is appropriate, independent scrutiny of Ministers.
“I therefore accept the Independent Advisers’ conclusions, including that Ms Constance acted without any intention to mislead. The requirements of the Independent Advisers’ report will be followed in full.”
As colder weather conditions remain, Water Safety Scotland (WSS) is issuing a warning about the dangers that frozen-over bodies of water present.
WSS aims to prevent fatalities and accidents and to alert the public that most ice-related incidents are preventable with the correct knowledge and behaviour.
Carlene McAvoy, from Water Safety Scotland, said: “We encourage everyone to enjoy the outdoors and the benefits it brings, but it’s important to do so safely and with awareness. One key risk we want to highlight is the danger posed by frozen bodies of water.
“While ice can appear solid and inviting, there’s no way to know if it can support your weight or how deep the water is beneath. For this reason, we’re urging people to stay well clear of frozen water, keep children away, and ensure dogs are kept on leads.”
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour, Scottish Fire and Rescue’s Head of Prevention said: “We don’t want your winter walk to end in tragedy so please avoid going near frozen water when you are out with loved ones and pets.
“Falling through ice could be fatal. While ice can look and feel solid, it can suddenly crack and cause a person or dog to fall through, potentially becoming trapped under the ice.
“Pets should be kept on leads and owners should avoid throwing objects onto the ice for them to retrieve.
“If anyone does get into difficulty on the ice, do not attempt to rescue them. Dial 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service, then wait for help to arrive.”
This is the key advice from Water Safety Scotland:
Most importantly, stay off the ice. Never be tempted to venture onto ice – you have no way of knowing how thick it is and how cold and deep the water beneath is. The water beneath could also be fast-flowing. Don’t ever risk it.
Keep a safe distance from the edge. Fallen leaves or snow could obscure the water’s true boundary.
Stick to well-lit areas – the reduction in daylight in the winter adds to risks around water
Check for safety signage. This can help inform you of hazards in that area you may not be aware of.
Always supervise children. Just a moment’s distraction could have serious consequences for a curious child.
Keep dogs on leads. Otherwise, they could end up on the ice and in danger. Also don’t throw sticks and balls for dogs near ice. If your dog falls through the ice, don’t go in for your dog – encourage the dog to swim over to you or use a branch or pole to pull them out without venturing onto the ice.
If you fall through the ice:
Float on your back with your arms and legs extended until you can control your breathing
Stay calm and call for help if possible
Look for something to hold onto to help yourself out the water
If you encounter someone who has fallen through ice:
Call 999 and request the assistance of the emergency services
Remain calm and give clear, accurate information about the situation and location
Do not attempt to go out onto the ice yourself
To support communities to share and display this advice in their local areas, WSS have developed ice safety resources such as posters, a leaflet and social media assets which are available from the WSS website to download and use.
These are free of charge and available to everyone. The resources can be accessed here.
