THURSDAY 29th JANUARY at 8pm
ST MARY’S EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL, PALMERSTON PLACE
On Thursday 29th January, St Mary’s Cathedral is hosting a very special concert: Daughters of Donbas — Songs of Stolen Children.
This is a fundraising concert for SaveUkraine, which helps rescue children kidnapped from the Donbas region of Ukraine.
With famous Ukrainian singer Marichka, accompanied by string quartet and bandura.
Tickets are £20/10, via our website.
A 45-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment following the death of a man in Edinburgh.
Paul Menzies was found guilty of the murder of a 53-year-old man, Brian Ramsay, today (Wednesday, 14 January, 2026), following a trial at Edinburgh High Court.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 18 years.
Officers were called to Westfield Road in the city centre around 12.55pm on Friday, 7 June, 2024, following concern for a man within a property. Mr Ramsay was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detective Chief Inspector David McAlinden said: “This was a violent attack that cost Brian Ramsay his life, and Menzies will now face the consequences of his despicable actions.
“While this conviction cannot change what has happened, I hope it gives Brian’s family and friends some closure.
“I want to reassure the public that violent incidents such as this will not be tolerated in our communities, and our officers will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.”
NEIL GRAY PRAISES STAFF AFTER SUSTAINED IMPROVEMENT
Health Secretary Neil Gray has thanked NHS staff for their efforts as latest figures show that in the 12 months to November 2025 the number of operations carried out increased by 5.3% on the same period the year before.
A total of 272,465 operations were performed during this time according to the statistics from Public Health Scotland.
In November alone, 794 operations took place each day – up from 756 a day in November 2024.
The 12 month period also saw the highest number of operations performed in a single month since January 2020, with 25,261 procedures carried out over the 31 days of October.
Today’s statistics come after Public Health Scotland figures last week showed progress in other areas including a 12.8% fall in the number waits over 52 weeks for a new outpatient appointment between October and November 2025
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “It is welcome to see sustained and continued improvement in the number of operations carried out, despite ongoing pressures on services. This is further evidence that our NHS has turned a corner.
“I am extremely grateful to all the staff who work so hard every day to make progress like this possible.
“We want to build on this success and we are investing £135.5 million to tackle the longest waits for procedures and operations.
“Our record investment in the NHS this year is allowing us to target specific areas that are experiencing long waits, reducing backlogs and getting people the appointments and treatments they need as quickly as possible.”
The UK’s first safer drug consumption facility, known as The Thistle, marks its first year in operation on 13 January 2026.
Since opening, 575 individuals have registered to use and access services provided within the facility.
The Thistle offers drug users a clean and safe environment in which to inject drugs, obtained elsewhere, under the supervision of nursing and social care staff, as well as access to other health and treatment services.
The facility has been accessed 11,348 times by the 575 people (448 male 127 female) who have so far registered to use the service.
There have been 7,827 injections, with 93 medical emergencies all safely managed within the facility by staff.
Councillor Allan Casey, City Convener for Workforce, Homelessness and Addictions, said the first year has been remarkable and hopes the services continue to be well used. He said: “The first year has been very encouraging.
“People are engaging with the service and trusting it as a safe space. Each of these 10,000 visits represents an opportunity to reduce harm, connect individuals with support, and ultimately save lives.
“We know there is still much to do, but what we are seeing from the first-year data is the real impact of a compassionate, evidence-based approach to this public health emergency and reinforces why progressive policies matter and why Glasgow continues to lead the way in tackling complex challenges with practical solutions.”
The Scottish Government has committed to making up to £2.3 million available per year for the development, set up and running of The Thistle service in Glasgow from 2024/25 which will continue to be overseen by Glasgow City Integration Joint Board.
Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said: “The Thistle, which complements other harm-reduction and treatment and recovery services, has had a profound impact in its first year.
“Through the ability of staff to respond quickly in the event of an overdose it has undoubtedly saved lives. Backed by £2.3 million in Scottish Government funding, it continues to demonstrate the value of an evidence-based approach to safeguarding life and reducing drug-related harm.
“I would like to thank all staff and partners for their work in establishing the service, working with some of the most vulnerable people in our society to help save and improve lives, and their continuing efforts to support and engage with the local community.”
Prior to opening, the Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership (GHSCP) carried out extensive engagement with the community, stakeholders and businesses.
Pat Togher, Chief Officer for the GHSCP with overall responsibility for the service, expressed his gratitude for the staff at the Thistle. He said: “The progress in the first year of the Thistle commencing has exceeded expectations and is testament to the commitment from all concerned, including the important role of lived and living experience in helping shape the service.
“As the first of its kind in the UK, the Thistle service has, as expected, been the focus of much media and public attention and we strive to ensure our communication and engagement remains a key priority.
“Staff from a range of health and care services are involved in helping people who use the Thistle get the support they need when they need it and we remain keen to develop this.”
Dr Saket Priyadarshi, Associate Medical Director and Senior Medical Officer for Glasgow Alcohol and Drug Recovery Services, said: “We are delighted with how well the Thistle is being used.
“The service has exceeded any expectations we had for the first 12 months. It has been great to see service users engaging with the wider services from showers and clothing to referral for treatment and care. I would like to thank our colleagues delivering the service safely and effectively on a daily basis.
“The rising numbers in recent months is a positive sign and is promising for the year ahead, as well as our plans to progress a smoking/inhalation space in the facility.”
The Thistle is a three-year pilot. It will be monitored and evaluated to demonstrate the impact it has on the local area and those who use the service. The evaluation will look at various aspects including litter levels, discarded needles, anti-social behaviour and crime.
The Thistle is open 365 days from 9am to 9pm.
Further information can be found here
Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) is set to grow for the fifth consecutive year as it launches its funded programme of events.
Taking place from 23rd February – 1st March 2026, the annual initiative is this year supporting 63 projects and events across Scotland, with hundreds more expected to be staged across the week.
Applications for their Small Grants Scheme, funded by Bòrd na Gaidhlig and Scottish Government, broke records once again, up almost 20% on 2025 as even more people sought to get involved in the nationwide initiative and celebrate Gaelic in their community.
Seachdain na Gàidhlig highlights the vitality and enduring presence of Gaelic as a living language. The 2026 theme, Use It or Lose It (Cleachd i no caill i), emphasises the importance of actively using Gaelic to keep it thriving.
2026 is the first time World Gaelic Week will be staged since Gaelic became an official language of Scotland in law, signalling a historic milestone in the recognition and protection of the language, and underscoring its vital place in Scottish life and cultural identity.
This year’s week-long celebration will see activities and events staged up and down the country including across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Individuals, community groups and organisations with any level of Gaelic can stage their own events or host an activity in their community that promotes the language.
Events can be added to the World Gaelic Week website at:
seachdainnagaidhlig.scot/events/community/add.
Seachdain na Gàidhlig also encompasses the popular Say a Gaelic Phrase Day which engages thousands online each year and returns on Thursday 26th February 2026.
Joy Dunlop, Director of Seachdain na Gàidhlig, said: “Seachdain na Gàidhlig celebrates Gaelic as a living language, highlighting its vitality, enduring presence and growing popularity. The initiative provides a platform for speakers, learners, and advocates to promote Gaelic locally and globally.
“We’re so excited to unveil our programme of funded events for 2026 which showcase the diversity of ways to celebrate Gaelic. Each activity is tied into this year’s theme, cleachd i no caill i (use it or lose it), which is a powerful reminder that the future of Gaelic depends on us all actively using and sharing it in our daily lives.
“Whether you’re fluent, learning, or simply curious, Seachdain na Gàidhlig is an opportunity to connect with the language, celebrate its rich heritage, and ensure its place in Scotland’s future. We’re thrilled to see the enthusiasm and creativity of people across Edinburgh, the Lothians and beyond as they come together to make Gaelic visible, vibrant and valued.”
Supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Scottish Government, and spearheaded by the Scottish traditional culture and music organisation Hands Up For Trad, Seachdain na Gàidhlig draws inspiration from other minority language movements such as Seachtain na Gaeilge in Ireland and Mìos nan Gàidheal in Nova Scotia.
The week-long initiative was the first official nationwide language week of its kind in Scotland, providing a platform for Scottish Gaelic speakers, learners, and advocates to honor and promote the language locally and globally, fostering greater national awareness and recognition.
Seachdain na Gàidhlig has grown year on year, with 170 events and 40,000 participants in 2025. Participation in the schools programme increased by 32% in 2025, reaching 16,700 students. People celebrated World Gaelic Week in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, England, New Zealand, Northern Ireland and the USA.
Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026 will take place from 23rd February – 1st March 2026. Visit seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.
Seachdain na Gàidhlig is delivered by cultural charity Hands Up for Trad and donations make their work possible.
Support the initiative at seachdainnagaidhlig.scot/support-us.
This January the city’s only high street energy hub is celebrating Warm Welcome Week, starting on ‘Blue Monday’ and running from 19 to 25 January.
January can be the coldest and loneliest month of the year. It’s the time of year when Warm Welcome Spaces such as Utilita’s Energy Hub are needed most. Warm Welcome Spaces are a lifeline to those who are struggling to keep warm and those feeling lonely or isolated.
Hub Supervisor Natasha Baillie says: “Warm Welcome Week is all about raising awareness of Warm Welcome Spaces like ours, so more people can find a place of warmth and connection close to home.
“In Warm Welcome Week, we’re taking ‘Blue Monday’ back by giving it a colourful makeover. We’re asking everyone to wear warm colours and get creative with pinks, oranges, reds, and purples to chase the blues away and raise awareness of Warm Welcome Spaces.
“We don’t want anyone to feel cold or lonely this winter, which is why we are working hard to send a message that our Energy Experts are waiting to welcome you in.”
The hub aims to serve the community, offering energy advice to absolutely anyone that requires it, and the team of Energy Experts also engages in community events, as well as working with local charities.
Natasha continues: “We want more people to know about Warm Welcome Spaces like ours. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with others, make new friends, and have some fun. We want everyone to know that a warm welcome is waiting for you just around the corner.
“People coming to our space say they always leave with a smile on their face. We’d love you to come along and get to know us over a cuppa. Please help us to spread the word so everyone can find our Warm Welcome Space.”
David Barclay, Warm Welcome Campaign Director, adds: “We know demand for Warm Welcome Spaces will be high again this winter, not only supporting people struggling to pay the bills but also playing a vital role in connecting communities and giving people a place of belonging.
“The dark winter days and nights of January can be extremely tough. We don’t want anyone to feel cold or alone this winter.
“We’re asking everyone to join us in Warm Welcome Week to raise awareness so more people can find a place of belonging and connection close to home and by encouraging more community spaces to become Warm Welcome Spaces.
“Everyone can get involved; whether you simply pop on an old orange bobble hat or get creative with craft or cooking, together we will chase away the blues. In Warm Welcome Week, we will create a surge of warmth and positivity in the coldest week of the coldest month.”
The Utilita Leith Energy Hub is open from Monday to Saturday at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA and anyone interested in using the hub’s dedicated community space free-of-charge can book a session by emailing edinburgh@utilita.co.uk.
See more on Utilita Energy Hubs at https://utilita.co.uk/energy-hub.
East Lothian business, Archerfield Walled Garden, raises over £80,000 for Reverse Rett, a charity dedicated to funding research to treat and cure the neurological condition, Rett Syndrome.
Since 2013, funds have been raised at the retail and leisure destination in various ways, including hosting the ‘Reverse Rett Run’. For the last decade, 50p from every burger sold from the main menu has been donated, raising £12k towards the total amount.
At Christmas, 750 turkey sandwiches were also sold with 50p from each one donated to the charity.
Visitors have been able to donate at the Wishing Tree, located on the Willow Walk, leading to the Fairy Trail, where they can choose a piece of twine, tie it to a branch on the tree and make a wish. Customers have also donated in collection boxes located at till points.
Catherine McKinney, mother of Eliza, who has Rett syndrome, and a trustee of Reverse Rett, said: “As a family, we have always been incredibly grateful to Elly and everyone at Archerfield Walled Garden for choosing to support Reverse Rett in so many ways.
“Eliza, our second child, was born seemingly healthy and developed typically as a baby. Around the age of two, she began to miss developmental milestones and then gradually lost skills she had already gained. She was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome just days after her third birthday — a birthday we had celebrated at Archerfield Walled Garden.
“We all love Eliza so much and are devastated by the impact this condition has had on her life. Ultimately, we want a better life for her — one where she has choices, can stand up for herself, laugh, argue and play, and tell us when she is in pain, as well as share her dreams and fears. Reverse Rett is the only UK charity funding medical research to help make this a reality.
“I began fundraising for Reverse Rett shortly after Eliza was diagnosed and joined the board in 2018. Every penny raised through the support of Archerfield Walled Garden is potentially life-changing, and we are so thankful for the support.”
Elly Douglas-Hamilton, Chief Executive of Archerfield Estates Limited, said: “Reverse Rett is a charity very close to our hearts, which is why we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has visited us and donated money and to those who have taken part in our fundraising events to help raise this fantastic amount over the years.”
Various other charities and local community groups have also received ongoing support from Archerfield Walled Garden over the years, including Dirleton Playgroup, who have received donations for raffles, a location for their Dirleton Run and use of the gardens. Dirleton Primary School has also received support with various donations, including a Christmas tree every year and hampers.
As part of its ongoing community support initiatives, local groups like Dirleton Village Association, have received hands-on help at their Market on the Green.
Archerfield Walled Garden has also hosted many charity events, including ‘Hops in the Garden’ for Leuchie House and the annual ‘Edinburgh Taxi Outing’ which culminates with a funfair on the Estate.
In addition, everything from compost and seeds to flowers, logs and willow are donated to local environmental charities and gardening projects, like Gullane Art Club and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People who received willow for their Lantern Festival.
Elly continued: “As a local visitor landmark in the area, it is important for us to be part of the community and provide help and support whenever we can.
“There are so many highlights over the years which we love being involved in, with the Edinburgh Taxi Outing definitely being one of them.”
A former photography student at Edinburgh College has been named one of the winners of the prestigious annual Portrait of Britain award.
The award, organised by the British Journal of Photography, recognises the 100 best portrait images captured across the UK in 2025, celebrates Britain’s modern diversity, and is in its 8th year.
Ritchie Elder, a former student of the College’s BA (Hons) Professional Photography course, will have his striking picture, titled “Faith”, displayed on digital screens up and down the country as part of the UK’s biggest annual photography exhibition. It’s also set to be published in the dedicated Portrait of Britain hardcover book.
His portrait forms part of a larger documentary project, examining the diversity of religious experience and identity in Edinburgh.
Ritchie, who left a career in finance to pursue his passion, says it’s a great honour: “In terms of portrait photography, this is really about as good as it gets.
“I think it’s important not to get all your validation from awards, but it is really special to be recognised like this. Knowing that your work will be seen by people up and down the country is quite special.
“The image was originally part of my portfolio for the College, and to see it make its way from there to an actual physical book is amazing.”
The 32-year-old Edinburgh native is encouraging anyone interested in pursuing a career in photography to consider studying at Edinburgh College:
“It’s the best decision I’ve ever made, my wife encouraged me to go for it and I have absolutely zero regrets. The College really gives you all the tools you need to succeed in what is a tough industry.
“The equipment available is of the highest standard, and the support and guidance you receive from the lecturers is unbelievable.
“If you’re a mature student, 30, 40, or if you’ve just left school, I can’t recommend enough studying at Edinburgh College.”
His work will be displayed on billboards, bus stops and other screens across high streets, airports and shopping centres until early February.
Jon Lee, course leader for Photography at Edinburgh College, says it’s a proud moment for Ritchie, and the College: “We’d like to offer Ritchie our sincere congratulations on winning this award, it’s well-deserved recognition for a photographer we always knew would go on to great things.
“Everyone at the College is proud of his achievement, and its further proof of how well our courses set students up for success”.
It’s been a good few weeks for Edinburgh College’s photography alumni, with Jack Currie, another graduate, recently winning the Gold Award at the Association of Photographers Emerging Talent Awards 2025.
Launched: Scotland’s Apartheid Free Zones Map
SCOTTISH Palestine Solidarity Campaign @scottish_psc has launched a new Scotland-wide interactive map spotlighting 120+ Apartheid Free Zones, including @govanhillapartheidfreezone.
Cafés, shops, unions, musicians, community groups and organisations standing in solidarity with Palestine. 
These spaces have pledged to support the BDS movement, boycott companies complicit in Israeli apartheid, and build anti-racist, ethical communities rooted in justice.
From local workplaces to cultural hubs, AFZs show that while governments stall, people are taking action. An act of solidarity forming a powerful, growing network of hope and resistance across Scotland. 
Explore the map: www.apartheidfree.scot�
Not listed yet? Businesses and organisations are invited to join and help grow the movement.
The Jewish Council of Scotland (JCoS) is alarmed at the announcement reported in yesterday’s media of the Apartheid Free Zones in Scotland campaign – launched by the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which aims to achieve a boycott of Israel across Scotland in support of the Boycott, Divestment Sanctions (BDS) movement.
The strident hatred and intimidation associated with this movement has a profound effect on Jews living in Scotland, and with ever increasing incidents of antisemitic behaviour towards the Jewish population this activity is of significant concern to us.
JCoS believes the impact of this campaign will build on the fear created by the so-called Leith ‘Zionist Free Zone’ in Edinburgh, which many Jews in Leith regarded as targeting them, regardless of their personal views on Israel.
“Our concern is that Jewish people in Scotland will be branded as racist”, says Timothy Lovat, Chair of JCoS. “This campaign does nothing to attack racism and promote racial equality in Scotland.”
“In an increasingly turbulent economic climate, people need the support of frontline services like Samaritans all the way down to local community services that outreach to the most rural areas of Scotland.” – Joel Borseth
It’s a new year, and many people will think of a fresh start, a clean slate, and they may have some personal goals they’ve set for the year ahead. Whether they last longer than January is a different story. But this year, there’s a renewed opportunity for Scotland, and the people who call it home. A chance that we at Samaritans want to take with both hands.
When politicians and parties bring their manifestos to the people of Scotland, with promises of a brighter future ahead, what kind of difference is really possible?
The kind that saves lives.
Life can be wonderful. Life can be tough. Relationships. Work. Money. Loneliness. Mental health. Self-harm. We can all struggle. Any place. Any time. One in four of us have had suicidal thoughts.
Suicide is often viewed as a health issue only – but this isn’t the way we need to look at suicide to be able to save lives. Suicide is complex, and often suicidal feelings arise from a multitude of factors rather than one single issue. The next Scottish Government needs to treat suicide in the same way.
We need to do more to help people before they reach crisis point. Suicide prevention needs to be embedded across government policy, from social care to finance to employment.
We recently launched our manifesto, ‘Five Priorities to Save Lives’ ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in May this year. We’re asking the next Scottish government to make prevention a priority.
Our asks are based on research and evidence, and on the insight of people with lived and living experience of suicide. If delivered, we believe that it we will begin to see a fairer, more compassionate Scotland where fewer lives are lost to suicide.
Our five priorities to save lives:
· Increase funding for frontline mental health services
· Deliver a Minimum Income Guarantee for Scotland
· End harmful stigma through workforce training
· Increase support for people in prison
· Increase resourcing for community services
At the heart of our manifesto is our Lived Experience Advisory Group. This group of people come together with us to share their insights and perspectives as people with lived or living experiences related to suicide or bereavement by suicide.
Joel Borseth, one of the group members, shared why these five asks are fundamental in helping others through suicidal crisis and into recovery: “As an individual who has had Lived Experience of crisis, mental health services – both in the local community and from frontline services – played a pivotal role in not just my recovery, but in enabling me to see my own worth in supporting others on their journey to recovery.
“Committing to provide more funds to mental health services, both within the NHS and other national to local services, can enable some individuals, such as myself, to not just to have a better mental wellbeing, but to ‘pass on’ that support to other individuals both in a volunteer and employed setting.
“It is with this experience and confidence that I am able to contribute to the Lived Experience Advisory Group at Samaritans Scotland.
“If I had not had support from these services at the right time over ten years ago, I would have never been able to contribute to society and likely continued to struggle with my wellbeing for many years.
“In an increasingly turbulent economic climate, people need the support of frontline services like Samaritans all the way down to local community services that outreach to the most rural areas of Scotland.
“For myself, it was just one simple conversation from that made me believe I could have positive life experiences twelve years ago again that changed everything for the better.
“I know that I have provided similar moments for others in their journey to recovery. Funding for mental health services does not vanish into a void – people like me can change their whole lives around from the support this funding provides.”
Join us in calling for the next Scottish Government to make suicide prevention a priority.
Visit www.samaritans.org/manifesto for more information and how to contact your local candidate.
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