He was the biggest Traitor, but now faithful Harry Clark is laying down a mission of his own – to help fight poverty.
Harry – the winner of series 2 of the hit BBC show The Traitors – is backing SCIAF’s ‘Big Lent Walk for Water’ which asks people to walk to Walk for Water in return for donations to its WEE BOX Appeal.
Harry said: “We filmed The Traitorsupin Scotland, so I’m proud to support SCIAF’s Big Lent Walk for Water this Lent. Raise money for an incredible cause and explore this beautiful country on foot. Get involved today … and be a Faithful!”
SCIAF’s Lorraine Currie said: “In the places SCIAF works, like Ethiopia, women and young girls and boys walk for miles every day to collect water for their families. This Lent, you can stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers around the world by walking with them during our Big Lent Walk for Water.
“Commit to a distance, contact your friends and family for sponsorship, then commence your walking challenge!
“Money raised will help keep hope flowing in the places SCIAF works, helping provide life essentials like food, shelter, healthcare and clean water.
“Instead of walking miles every single day, women, young girls and boys can have access to safe, clean water sources closer to home, affording them the time to invest in educational opportunities to build a better future.”
If you want to be a SCIAF faithful, all you need to do is sign up at:
To find out more, you can call 0141 354 5555. If you’re taking part as a school or parish group, you can email getinvolved@sciaf.org.uk and if you’re walking it yourself you can contact Catriona at cmunro@sciaf.org.uk.
Due to staff shortages, the garden will be closed this Sunday, 25 January. Thank you for your understanding.
We will be open tomorrow, Saturday, 24 January, from 1–3 pm. It’s looking like a wet day, so please come prepared for rain and muddy paths if you do visit.
Even in the rain, the garden has its own quiet charm, and we’d love to welcome you if you’re feeling hardy. Thank you for supporting the garden
For parents looking to kick-start their search for the right nursery, Bright Horizons is opening its doors for its Winter Open Day tomorrow – Saturday, 24th January.
Bright Horizons’ Cramondis inviting parents to drop in and speak with early years professionals about places, funding and admissions, with the opportunity to watch your child enjoy some of the activities the nursery has to offer.
What: Bright Horizons Cramond Winter Open Day When: Saturday 24th January 2026 between 10am – 1pm Details: Reserve your spot today here: Open Days | Bright Horizons
The open day is designed to be informal and flexible – from brief drop-ins to longer visits – allowing parents to explore the setting at their own pace, meet the team and learn more about The Nurture Approach, Bright Horizons’ unique child-centred framework.
The SNP government voted down Sarah Boyack’s Wellbeing and Sustainable Development bill yesterday (Thursday), despite promising to deliver such a bill in their manifesto.
Ms Boyack has been working on this bill since 2021, and it was formally introduced in March 2025.
The SNP Government initially put forward a consultation in 2023 on their own wellbeing and sustainable development bill before not progressing with it.
Ms Boyack highlighted in her speech that the Deputy First Minister had assured her that the Scottish Government would work constructively with her on her bill.
However, the government then came out in opposition to Ms Boyack’s bill.
Dozens of stakeholders and industry experts came out in support of the bill and took part in the consultation process.
The bill aimed to create a Future Generations Commissioner, to deliver guidance and have investigatory powers, to ensure that key policy decisions are made with the long-term interest in mind.
It would also have delivered a legal definition of sustainable development that public bodies would have to abide by.
Speaking after the vote, Ms. Boyack said: “I am extremely disappointed with today’s decision.
“The SNP promised this bill in their manifesto but now vote it down just weeks before an election.
“Instead of ensuring Scotland is a world leader in sustainable development, the SNP Government has kicked the issue into the long grass.
“I hope after the election, the new government takes this issue on board and finally cements joined up, long-term thinking into Scottish policy making and decisions.
“I am certain Scotland can and will be a world leader in sustainable development and deliver the change people urgently need but we must have a government that is willing to prioritise the long-term over short-term gains.”
Scottish Higher Education Minister Ben Macpherson delivered a strong welcoming message to Indian students at the INSA India-Scotland Student Leadership Summit 2026 held at the Scottish Parliament yesterday (22 January 2026).
Addressing 78 Indian student leaders representing 9 Scottish universities, he emphasised that Scotland values their contribution and wants to see more Indian students choosing Scottish universities.
The summit comes amid ongoing UK-wide debate over international student policy and graduate migration routes, placing Scotland’s position in contrast to proposed national measures. It brought together Indian students from universities across Scotland and marked the first event in INSA UK’s year-long 10th anniversary celebrations under the banner “INSA@10: Ten Years of Empowering Indian Students in the UK.”
In his address to students, Minister Macpherson made clear Scotland’s position on the proposed international student levy, stating that Scotland does not support the measure. He emphasized that the Scottish Government values the significant contribution Indian and international students make to Scotland’s economy and growth, and expressed his desire to welcome more Indian students to Scotland’s universities.
The Minister’s attendance at the summit represented his first direct engagement with the Indian student community in Scotland, lending significant weight to the government’s commitment to international education partnerships.
Siddharth Malik, Consul General of India in Edinburgh, reinforced the Minister’s message by describing the relationship as “a two-way partnership” where Indian students bring potential that helps Scotland grow and nurture talent. He highlighted the deep historical ties between India and Scotland that have strengthened over the years.
Sue Webber MSP, who hosted the event at Holyrood, welcomed the continued growth of Indian students into Scottish universities. A former hockey player who actively promotes sport, Webber called on attendees to support the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Scotland this year, drawing a natural connection between sport, inclusivity, and the Commonwealth ties that bind India and Scotland.
The summit featured the launch of the INSA@10 logo, symbolizing a decade of service since the organization’s founding in 2016 at the High Commission of India in London. What began as a small initiative has grown into the UK’s largest Indian student network, now representing over 100,000 students across more than 50 universities.
Professor Sue Rigby of Edinburgh Napier University praised the “immense talent and technical caliber” of Indian students, emphasizing her university’s industry-oriented Polytechnic heritage. She stressed the shared responsibility of universities and employers to ensure Indian students “don’t just land in Scotland, but are given the inclusive pathways to truly take root in the economy.”
A panel discussion explored the skills and mindsets needed to navigate Scotland’s professional landscape. Professor Neville Wylie of the University of Stirling connected the concept of “Scottish Grit” to the determination required in a global economy.
Professor Brad Mackay of the University of St Andrews addressed intensifying global competition for talent, urging students to remain self-reflective and deeply engaged with the educational ecosystem.
Professor Moyra Boland of the University of Glasgow noted that “seeing Indian women walking in sarees represented a visible blend of confidence, intelligence, and determination,” emphasizing that cultural inclusivity is essential for students to thrive and contribute to the Scottish economy.
Dr Chris Yeomans of the University of Edinburgh discussed preparing Indian students to lead Scotland’s workforce in an AI-driven future, with Edinburgh committed to “redefining graduate skills” to ensure technically gifted students move beyond entry-level roles.
Amit Tiwari, INSA UK National President, outlined the organization’s role as “a voice of hope for anyone facing challenges,” providing support and assistance whenever students need help.
Puneet Dwivedi MBEdescribed INSA as “a crucial bridge for networking, representation, and leadership development,” helping students transition into meaningful professional engagement in Scotland.
Abhishek Bhatia inspired students by highlighting how immigration processes have evolved, making it easier for students to pursue opportunities today.
Also in attendance was Dr Poonam Mallik, Chair and Co-founder of MicroplateDx and former Board Member of Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International. The event was co-hosted by Aishwarya Raman, INSA Scotland Lead, and Aadhi Saravanan, University of Glasgow INSA Lead. The South Asian Network supported the event as the media partner.
The India-Scotland Student Leadership Summit represents the beginning of a year-long series of INSA@10 events that will take place across the UK throughout 2026, celebrating a decade of empowering Indian students and building the next generation of leaders.
The Utilita Energy Hub in Leith will host part of this weekend’s Leith Chooses voting event after the lift at Newkirkgate Shopping Centre was confirmed to be out of order.
This year, the people of Leith will help decide how just over £44,000 of Edinburgh Council funding is allocated to community projects aimed at improving wellbeing across the area. Leith Chooses is a long‑running example of participatory budgeting, giving local residents a direct say in how public money is spent.
Voting Day – Saturday, 24 January 2026
Voting will take place at Leith Community Centre on Saturday, with a quiet voting hour from 11am, followed by general voting from 12pm to 3pm.
Due to the lift closure at Newkirkgate, volunteers in branded t‑shirts will be stationed throughout the area to support anyone requiring step‑free access.
Voters can either:
Access Leith Community Centre via the ramp in the Lidl car park, or
Cast their vote at the Utilita Energy Hub, located on the ground floor of Newkirkgate.
At the Utilita Energy Hub, visitors will find volunteers ready to assist, along with complimentary hot drinks, biscuits, and free energy‑saving advice.
Who can vote
Anyone aged 8 or over who lives, works, studies, or volunteers in Leith is eligible to vote. All votes will help determine which local projects receive funding to support community wellbeing.
The Commissioner has initiated legal proceedings following the Scottish Government’s failure to comply with the timescales set out in a recent decision relating to the James Hamilton report:
Statement on Scottish Government compliance with Decision 281/2025:
The Scottish Information Commissioner has instructed his solicitors to bring legal proceedings against the Scottish Government in the Court of Session.
This follows a failure by the Scottish Government to provide evidence of compliance with a December 2025 decision requiring the Scottish Government to disclose some information relating to the James Hamilton Report into the conduct of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and associated legal advice.
Following the Scottish Government’s failure to comply with an initial deadline of 15 January 2026, the Commissioner wrote to Ministers on the 16 January to warn of legal action if the Scottish Government failed to comply by 22 January 2026.
The Commissioner’s decision in this case requires the disclosure of some of the requested information, while also requiring the Scottish Government to issue a new response in relation to other information, which had been incorrectly withheld on cost grounds.
The Commissioner notes that the full and timely compliance with his Decision Notices is a key element ensuring the effective operation of FOI in Scotland. He will not hesitate in exercising his power to refer non-compliance to the Court of Session in circumstances where an authority fails to comply.
He has, therefore, instructed his solicitors to take the next steps in the certification process to the Court. This is the first time that the Commissioner has made such a report to the Court on non-compliance.
Once certified, the Court may then investigate the matter, and may treat a failure to comply as contempt of court.
The Traitors: Drama Expert Reveals the Psychological Tricks That Make a ‘Bulletproof’ Traitor
It’s not the slickest actors who make the best Traitors – it’s the ones who feel the most real, according to a drama expert decoding the hit show’s psychological twists.
Zara Wardrop, a drama expert at Kelvinside Academy, has lifted the lid on the key skills she believes can help Traitors fly completely under the Faithfuls’ radar and, just as importantly, how those same traits can expose them.
Throughout the series, Traitors must present themselves as honest and truthful all while secretly plotting to betray fellow contestants, and sometimes even each other, in pursuit of the cash jackpot.
While it may look like a game of deception, Zara says the biggest mistake Traitors can make is trying too hard to act innocent. Instead, she believes authenticity, even when it looks messy, is the real secret weapon.
Zara points to Stephen’s handling of suspicion as a textbook example. When he threw fellow Traitor Fiona under the bus, he didn’t deliver a perfectly scripted defence. Instead, he let emotion take over, stumbling over his words, allowing his voice to break.
Was it genuine emotion or clever performance? Either way, it worked.
“People under suspicion tend to completely overact in order to try and come across more innocent, and it becomes too rehearsed,” Zara explains. “Being authentic is not the same as being perfect. Just because someone stumbles over their words doesn’t make them guilty, it just makes them human.
“Innocence isn’t always expressed through behaviour; it’s just a state of being when you’re innocent … or acting innocent.”
According to Zara, the most effective approach is what actors call method acting, fully stepping into the mindset of a Faithful, rather than performing one on the surface.
“The best way to do this is by believing the lie,” she says. “Have you ever told a lie that you’ve somehow managed to convince yourself was the truth? You start to live the lie, and it becomes much easier to appear Faithful.
“The goal here is to convince yourself you’re innocent first, before you look to convince others. That way, you’ll come across as authentic as possible.”
But while authenticity can protect a Traitor, Zara warns that the smallest slip can still give the game away, particularly when it comes to eye contact.
“The dead giveaway is eye contact all the time, or not at all. You can always see when someone is not being truthful,” she says. “The eyes are the gateway to the soul, and that can be the first giveaway.”
For the Faithful hoping to catch a Traitor out, Zara says consistency is key, or rather, the lack of it.
“There’ll be a lack of consistency,” she explains. “You can see them reminding themselves to sustain this character sometimes, and then it just drops because, you know, you’re human. That’s my first kind of dead giveaway.
“Also watch how they react to others. Because they’re so wrapped up in their own mind, they sometimes fail to pick up on other people’s cues and body language. They misread the room, which leads to an inconsistent response that can catch them out.”
With suspicion at an all-time high and the final looming, the question remains: will the remaining Traitors take Zara’s advice and stay hidden in plain sight?
All will be revealed when The Traitors concludes tonight.
First Minister John Swinney has confirmed the Scottish Government intends to establish a new national housing agency with a focus on simplicity, scale and speed to enable the delivery of housing of all types, helping to meet housing need across Scotland.
The executive agency will be called ‘More Homes Scotland’ and is expected to start operating from 2027-28 and be fully functional in 2028-29, subject to the outcome of the Scottish Parliament election.
It will focus on a number of key areas – large-scale affordable housing projects; rural and island housing; acquiring, preparing and releasing land; enabling infrastructure work to unlock stalled sites; and closer working with the Scottish National Investment Bank to make best use of private finance.
A process to co-design the functions and operating model of the new agency will be led by the Cabinet Secretary for Housing in partnership with local authorities and the Scottish National Investment Bank over the coming months, with an update expected to be provided to the Scottish Parliament in March.
The First Minister made the announcement on a visit to a housing development in Wallyford, East Lothian alongside Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan. The 90-home site, developed by Wheatley Homes, includes mid-market and social rented homes.
The First Minister said: “Since 2007, the Scottish Government has supported the delivery of 141,000 affordable homes in Scotland, including 101,000 for social rent – proportionately far more than other parts of the UK.
“We have helped thousands of families to have a warm, safe and affordable place to call home. However, Scotland is facing a housing emergency. We recognise the difficulty that many Scots – in particular young Scots - have finding a home they can afford to rent or buy.
“We have firm foundations and have recently stepped up our efforts. The 2026-27 draft Scottish Budget includes the single largest funding allocation to affordable housing since records began in 1989.
“We have committed to invest up to £4.9 billion over the next four years, backed by a record £4.1 billion of public investment, helping to deliver 36,000 affordable homes and providing a place to live for around 24,000 children. This is providing record funding and more multi-year certainty than ever before
“This, along with other policy measures, has given confidence to the investment community. However, we must have a public sector delivery model that can rise to our enhanced ambitions.
“A new national agency will mean less duplication, greater expertise, increased efficiencies, and making our substantial investment go further. It will also provide enhanced support to our local authority partners and we will work in partnership with the Scottish National Investment Bank to attract more commercial investment.
“It is a new body that will offer simplicity, scale and speed – boosting delivery, and maximising savings, as part of our commitment to a decade of public sector modernisation and reform.
“More Homes Scotland will meet the needs of this time. It will deliver – for a new generation of Scots – new homes more quickly, more affordably, in more liveable, climate friendly communities.”
David Ritchie Scottish National Investment Bank Chief Executive David Ritchie said: “The Bank has invested more than £130 million in housing to date, with a robust pipeline of more potential housing investments.
“We welcome More Homes Scotland being established to bring momentum in finding housing solutions.
“As a mission-led investor, the Bank makes commercial investments that drive long-term societal and economic growth for Scotland. Our ‘Place’ mission is focused on improving communities, and a good home is a key tenet of that.
“Working with private investors and homebuilders we have developed innovative approaches to unlock finance, getting much-needed homes built across Scotland.”
What: Bright Horizons Cramond Winter Open Day
When: Saturday 24th January 2026 between 10am – 1pm
Details: Reserve your spot today here: 
