January 2026 – Page 26 – The NEN

M Core invest almost £5m in the regeneration of The Centre, Livingston

RANKED THE MOST ATTRACTIVE SHOPPING CENTRE IN SCOTLAND

M Core, owners of The Centre, Livingston invests almost £5m on the regeneration of the shopping centre, which includes launching a new leisure hub later this year and a new sustainability programme which includes reusing pallets for planters and bug hotels.

Since acquiring The Centre, Livingston less than two years ago, M Core has delivered a comprehensive ‘repositioning’ of the shopping centre, which is one of Scotland’s largest retail destinations, spanning 1m sq. ft. and attracting 15.4m visitors a year.

The regeneration programme has focused on strengthening its retail, leisure and social offer while ensuring long-term sustainability for the local community.

In 2025 the shopping centre welcomed various new brands, including Wingstop, a 90-seater Starbucks, Sostrene Grene, MINISO and Flying Tiger, with more new openings in the pipeline this year and expansions, including JD Sports, which will be tripling in size and launching in the spring.

Sustainability has been central to the regeneration programme which includes replacing a section of the roof using a 100% recyclable membrane and improved recycling systems, which have all contributed to lower consumption and reduced carbon emissions.

Further improvements are underway with the phased replacement of the Building Management System which will monitor and control all lights, heating and cooling systems more effectively to help reduce its carbon footprint. Delivery pallets have also been recycled to build planters and bug hotels.

In recognition of the significant transformation at The Centre, Livingston, the company, which is one of Europe’s leading property collectives, has been named a finalist in the Regeneration Project of the Year category at the 13^th Scottish Property Awards, which takes place in Glasgow next month.

M Core has also been announced as the leading Investment Manager in Scotland in the Going Shopping 2026 report by Trevor Wood Associates, with The Centre, Livingston ranked the most attractive shopping centre in Scotland.

Simon Eatough, Director at LCP, part of M Core and Asset Manager to The Centre, Livingston said: “Our regeneration programme is well under way at The Centre, Livingston with even more exciting plans afoot.

“Being recognised for our efforts to revitalise the shopping centre is a great achievement for everyone who has been involved in the regeneration programme.

“Our work at The Centre, Livingston is grounded in long-term investment, active management and close collaboration with our partners and community.

“We’re very proud of the progress achieved so far and remain committed to ensuring The Centre, Livingston continues to thrive as a retail, dining and leisure destination for West Lothian and beyond.”

Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East divisions deliver £131.9m boost to local economy

572 new energy-efficient homes brought to market in East Scotland, supporting almost 2,000 jobs across the region

Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, part of the UK’s leading housebuilder Barratt Redrow, have injected £131.9m in the Scottish economy for the year ending 29 June 2025 through its East Scotland Division, reinforcing their role as key contributors to economic growth, housing delivery and employment across the country.

The premium housebuilders operate across the north, east and west of the country. Through their East Scotland Division alone, a total of 572 new homes were brought to market, including 45 affordable homes.

Underlining their commitment to sustainability, 99% of all homes achieved an EPC rating of A or B. Every home was also built with access to renewable energy sources such as solar thermal panels, solar PV and air-source heat pumps.

With 90% of materials manufactured or assembled in the UK, Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes directly and indirectly supported 1,887 jobs across its East Divisions, its sub-contractors and suppliers. They also generated an estimated £111.6 million in total spend with suppliers and sub-contractors.

The two businesses continue to create high quality communities in some of Scotland’s most scenic and popular locations, from West Craigs in Edinburgh to St Andrews in Fife.

Together, Barratt Homes East and David Wilson Homes East made £4.6m in local contributions, creating 207 new school places in communities and generating more than £22.4 million in tax revenues for reinvestment across the region.

Their approach to purposeful building focuses on creating long-term value through sustainable, inclusive communities. Affordable homes are sold at an average of 36% below equivalent private market prices, helping more people access high-quality, energy-efficient housing.

Environmental commitment remains central to delivery, with eight hectares of green space created through public open spaces and private gardens in East Scotland alongside the installation of 133 electric vehicle charging points. They also supported 18 graduates, apprentices and trainees through its various skills programmes.

Andrew Morrison, Managing Director, Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “At Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes our purpose is to create strong communities where sustainable living is a reality for everyone. In 2025, we continued to deliver against this commitment, making a meaningful contribution to the Scottish economy, local communities and businesses.

“It is particularly encouraging to see the growth in skills and employment opportunities, and we remain firmly committed to investing in the future of our young people and our industry.

“Scotland continues to face a significant housing challenge. While we are proud of the difference we have made in delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes so far, we recognise that there is still much more to do to ensure everyone can access housing that meets the needs of modern living.

“Looking ahead, 2026 will be a landmark year for Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes as we begin construction on significant developments like Lingerwood in Midlothian. Across all our projects, our commitment to people, places and nature will remain at the heart of everything we do.”

Other key findings from Barratt Homes East and David Wilson Homes East Scotland 2025 socio-economic report include:

£111.6 million total spend with 326 sub-contractor companies and 294 supplier companies.
£15.1 million invested in physical works benefiting local communities, including highways, environmental improvements, affordable housing and community facilities.
£16.3 million annual spending in local shops and services by residents of new homes, supporting 157 retail and service-related jobs.
£62,000 in charitable donations made directly or via the Barratt Redrow Foundation and 1,058 hours of employee volunteering.
£74.6 million of land approved for future investment.
128 nature interventions installed, including integrated nesting bricks, bat boxes, and the creation of hedgehog highway routes.

The assessment was carried out by independent experts who analysed socio-economic impacts through the delivery chain for new housing based upon Barratt Redrow datasets, published research and national statistics.

For more information about Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, please visit: www.barratthomes.co.uk/ and https://www.dwh.co.uk/

Letters: Volunteer in 2026 with NSPCC

Dear Editor,

As we step into 2026, many people will be thinking about the positive changes they’d like to make in the year ahead. For anyone looking to give back to their community, volunteering with the NSPCC is a meaningful way to support children and young people across Scotland.

One of the ways to support children is by becoming a Childline counsellor. Our Childline bases in Aberdeen and Glasgow are always looking for new volunteers to support children and young people through our phone and online services.

With a child contacting Childline every 45 seconds, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, volunteers play a vital role.

Another rewarding opportunity is with our Schools Service. Volunteers deliver our Speak out, Stay safe workshops in primary schools, helping children understand their right to be safe, recognise the signs of abuse, and know who they can turn to for support. Last year, the programme reached more than 60,000 across Scotland, and in 2026 we hope to reach even more.

Full training is provided, and visits can be arranged around work or family commitments. Every shift is different, and volunteers often tell us that the enthusiasm and curiosity of the children they meet is what makes the role so special.

If this sounds like something for you, visit the NSPCC website to find out more.

Yours sincerely,

Adeniyi Alade

NSPCC Scotland Service Head Helplines

Scottish Building Society & Edinburgh Rugby celebrate 1,000 children tackling maths

‘Tackle Maths’ a joint programme between Scottish Building Society and Edinburgh Rugby has now been delivered to over 1,000 children, helping to develop maths skills and get more pupils active.

Launched just over two years, the programme helps pupils aged between eight and 12 gain practical maths skills by using rugby and real-life examples to show how the subject factors into all elements of everyday life.

The milestone was reached as students from Broughton Primary School in Leith attended Hive Stadium to take part.

Seeing students apply maths outside of the classroom, from measuring the length of a rugby pitch, to working out the capacity of a stadium and estimating the height of the posts, the programme is designed to encourage pupils to think about maths lessons in a different way.

As well as gaining practical guidance, Tackle Maths sessions see students explore the world of rugby also, being treated to tours of Hive Stadium, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, the Scotland Team dressing room and the Scottish Rugby shop as part of the programme.

Paul Denton, chief executive, Scottish Building Society said: “When we started Tackle Maths our aim was to help at least 175 children get to grips with maths.

“Just over two years later it is incredible to have massively surpassed this, providing a thousand children across the country with a practical learning environment which shows why maths is important to their everyday lives.

“As a mutual organisation giving back to communities is incredibly important to us and this programme is a fantastic way of inspiring kids to think differently about learning.”

Douglas Struth, managing director, Edinburgh Rugby said: “Edinburgh Rugby is at its heart a community rugby club. That’s why working in partnership with Scottish Building Society to deliver this programme makes perfect sense.

“This programme is all about getting kids out of the classroom and learning in a practical manner. Having helped 1,000 children across the country to get excited about maths, we’re pleased to say it’s worked to great effect and look forward to supporting many more in the future.”

Melanie Bertram, a teacher from Broughton Primary said: “For many children, learning comes easier when they’re able to apply lessons in a real-life situation and a fun environment.

“Tackle Maths is perfect in this regard, giving them an experience which showcases how important maths is.

“A huge thank you to Edinburgh Rugby and Scottish Building Society for working with us to launch a brilliant and educational initiative.”

For more information, visit: https://www.scottishbs.co.uk/

Motorists could save hundreds of pounds by following these tips

Expert advice from car insurance comparison specialists

UK motorists are being shown how simple adjustments could help them save hundreds on their car insurance in 2026.

Car insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk are urging drivers to consider what modifications they choose, how they word their job title, and to be realistic about the annual mileage covered each year.

Although car insurance prices have fallen in 2025, with the current average cost coming in at £591 as of Q3 2025, small changes to how and when people purchase their premiums could create further savings.

Recent data has revealed how slight changes in job title wording could impact insurance pricing, as providers can categorise job roles differently.

Another major consideration for drivers is the modifications they make to their car, with common modifications like window tints, tow bars, and even sunroofs having the potential to not only increase insurance premiums, but invalidate insurance altogether if they are undeclared.

A Quotezone survey earlier this year showed 65% of drivers didn’t realise adding a sunroof could be seen as a modification, meaning many drivers could be unknowingly risking higher insurance premiums or invalid cover.

Drivers have also been warned about how much their mileage can really affect their insurance premiums, with those clocking up the miles potentially paying hundreds more each year.

The timing of car insurance renewal remains a huge saving, with drivers potentially able to cut costs by up to 45% simply by renewing 15 to 24 days before their policy ends.

The later drivers leave it, the more expensive premiums are likely to be. A recent Quotezone survey showed two-thirds buy at the last minute when costs are potentially at their highest.

Research also shows that premiums purchased between midnight and 6am are 22% higher on average than those secured during the day.

Quotezone.co.uk CEO and car insurance expert Greg Wilson said: “This year has been really positive for many motorists as car insurance costs continued to decline quite significantly.

“This time last year we were looking at an average of £770 and now the average cost is coming in at just over £590. A decrease of £180 in the space of 12 months is welcome news for drivers who may be struggling with rising fuel and repair costs.

“But there are further savings to be had and a number of small changes could help put more money back into drivers’ pockets.

“While each individual’s circumstances are different and car insurance premiums are based on a series of risk factors such as age, location, and the cost of the vehicle – it is always worth ensuring drivers have the best possible price for their situation and reviewing these price sensitive questions and keeping these money saving tips in mind is key.

“It’s hard to predict what car insurance prices will do in 2026. While recent months have seen some easing in average premiums, there’s no guarantee this will continue, as inflation pressures, rising claims rates and the increasing cost of car repairs may make it challenging to keep prices lower for long. This makes it vital that drivers know how to get the most competitive price possible.”

Quotezone.co.uk’s top five car insurance saving hacks of 2025:

1.Choose your job title carefully

Insurers categorise job roles differently, meaning slight changes in job title wording can also impact insurance pricing. For example, someone describing themselves as a “Healthcare Assistant” might receive a different quote by selecting “Care Assistant” or “Care Worker” instead. As long as the title remains accurate, it could help reduce premiums.

2.Consider the car modifications you make

Car modifications can cause higher insurance premiums as they often increase the value of the vehicle and insurers may view them as an increased risk of theft. It’s also important to make sure any modifications are declared to the insurer or you run the risk of invalidating your policy.

3.Review how much annual mileage you’ll really cover

Driving habits and your circumstances can change over time, so it’s important to regularly review your policy and let your insurer know of any changes to ensure you are in the correct mileage band, especially if you’re driving much less miles than you initially covered yourself for. Motorists clocking up fewer than 1,000 miles a year pay an average of £520, while those who exceed 30,000 miles face average costs of £800.

4.Hit the insurance renewal sweet spot

Those who are organised and give themselves plenty of time to compare quotes from other insurers will likely get a better deal than those who leave it until the last minute. Quotezone data reveals that 15 to 24 days before the policy is due to start is the sweet spot, with drivers purchasing during this timeframe saving themselves an average of 33-45%.

5. Park somewhere safer

The closer you can park to the house, the safer your car is likely to be, reducing the risk of theft or damage, which could help reduce your insurance premiums. Those who park their car out on the road overnight could see average premiums of £1136, whereas the average for parking on a private driveway is 24% less at £868.

Quotezone helps over 4 million customers every year compare and find savings on all sorts of motoring products such as car, truck and van insurance.

NHS 24: When should you call 111?

Wondering when to call 111? Here’s what you need to know:

For minor illnesses like colds or sore throats, your local pharmacy is the best place for advice and treatment. Call 111 when you need urgent health advice but it’s not an emergency.

Know your options and get the right care, at the right time.

https://nhs24.info/when-to-phone-111

Last chance to shape the future of Scotland’s heritage

Final call for public input on long-term management of cultural heritage in state care across Edinburgh and the Lothians
Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) Properties and Collections strategy consultation closes 23 January

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is urging people across Edinburgh and the Lothians to have their say on the future of its historically significant properties and collections, which they manage on behalf of the people of Scotland.

HES is set to finalise its long-term Properties and Collections strategy later this year and is encouraging those with an interest in Scotland’s heritage to share their views before the consultation closes on 23 January at 23:59.

HES looks after more than 300 historic sites including Edinburgh and Tantallon Castles and Linlithgow Palace; 43,000 objects; and 5 million archival records on behalf of the people of Scotland. Many of Scotland’s historic assets are facing increasing challenges in their management but there are also opportunities for this national network of cultural heritage to do more for Scotland.

Proposals within the draft strategy include how HES will adapt to the realities of a changing climate and consider how some properties could be used by community groups throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians.

HES wants to hear what matters to the people of Scotland when it comes to heritage and how best to care for it, so it continues to benefit future generations.

Scottish influencers Historic Ally and Black Scottish Adventurers have joined the call urging people to take part in the consultation.

Dr David Mitchell, Director of Cultural Assets at HES said: “The sites and objects that we look after don’t ‘belong’ to HES – we look after them on behalf of the people of Scotland and we want to hear all views and ideas on the draft strategy. The choices we make now will shape how the properties and collections we look after are managed for decades to come.

“We want to hear from everyone – whether you visit our sites often, work with heritage, or simply feel a connection to Scotland’s past. With the consultation closing soon, we’re encouraging as many people as possible to take part.

“The context in which the cultural heritage sector operates is changing significantly and the time is right to consider what the future of state care should look like – how we can best engage with communities, deal with the traditional skills crisis, deliver more sustainable tourism, and make the right decisions with transparency.”

The consultation is available now on CitizenSpace and will remain open until 23 January 2026. The final strategy is expected to be published later in 2026 following approvals by Scottish Government Ministers.

Edinburgh Agroecology Co-op: Lauriston Farm Tour

Welcome to the first Lauriston Farm Tour of 2026!

Find out what a difference 12,000+ tree and hedgerow saplings are making to this urban farm …

Sunday 1 February 11am (finishes 2pm)

£6 with solidarity options of £3 or £9

Book tickets on Eventbrite: https://tr.ee/1yCViS

If you’re curious to learn more about Lauriston Agroecology Farm – and especially about why we planted so many trees – come along to our farm tour on Sunday 1st February.

Farming with trees (‘agroforestry’) was once commonplace, and nearly got swept away by large scale industrial agriculture and monocrop growing. We will share how we are reviving it here at Lauriston Farm, with all the hope and excitement this brings.

You’ll hear from the folk who look after the trees on the farm – sharing what we’ve done, why we’ve done it, and what we’ve learned so far + then all return to the Community Kitchen for soup, bread and chat from 1pm-2pm.

(If you want to make a day of it, please stay on for the Orchard Wassailing in the afternoon)

Who is This For?

We welcome all curious visitors, including total newcomers with no previous knowledge about farming or trees, as well as farmers and growers and anyone interested in a career or volunteering in this type of work. The tour is aimed at adults or interested young people (the free event in the afternoon is more suited to children).

Accessibility Notes

This is a walking tour across the farm, lasting around 1.5hrs, potentially also suitable for all terrain/off road wheelchairs or mobility scooters, but probably not standard wheelchairs. The ground is rough, and will be wet and muddy in parts. We will be in groups of 15-20 people.

Please contact us if you have any accessibility questions or requests

Work ongoing as new amber weather warning issued

Warning of flood risks

The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) met again yesterday as agencies continue to deal with the impact of sustained cold and wintry weather across much of northern Scotland and other parts of the country.

The Met Office has issued a number of weather warnings covering much of Scotland, including an Amber warning for snow in parts of central and north-east Scotland – valid from 3 am to 2 pm on Sunday – with a complex mix of snow, heavy rain, strong winds and possibly freezing rain due to mark an end to the cold spell in place since the start of the year.

Several Yellow rain warnings have been issued for western, northern Scotland and southwest Scotland, highlighting some risks of flooding, including in those areas further north where rainfall combines with snow melt. Wind will also become a factor, with a wind Yellow warning in place for much of the country for most of Sunday. SEPA has also issuing regional flood alerts.

The forecast conditions are expected to impact both road and rail networks, with the potential for challenging driving conditions and route closures, as well as delays and service cancellations.

More widely, there is a possibility of power cuts and a potential risk to life and property. People and communities should consider travel plans and take action to minimise these risks. There is a high risk of disruption in particular in snow amber areas and drivers are advised to follow police advice on the conditions.

The Cabinet Secretary for Justice & Home Affairs Angela Constance chaired the latest SGoRR meeting, attended by the First Minister as well as agencies including the Met Office, SEPA, police, local authorities, resilience partnerships, transport and utilities companies.

Ms Constance said: “At today’s SGoRR meeting the Met Office advised partners how we are facing a complicated multi-hazard event, affecting various parts of the country in different ways and at different times over Sunday and into Monday. It involves various combinations of continued snowfall, milder conditions leading to snowmelt, and with heavy rain in some areas leading to a flooding risk from Sunday afternoon.

“Given that complexity I was reassured to hear how partners remain stood up and are working tirelessly across the weekend to continue supporting communities and to respond as the conditions and the nature of the hazards change.

“I am grateful for the work of partners, from frontline responders and agencies to contractors, voluntary groups and individuals who have worked so hard to respond to the impacts of this prolonged period of heavy snowfall and other wintry weather.

“The sustained nature of this weather event, and the different elements of it, are clearly very challenging for communities and responders alike, given the difficulties already caused by the weather since the start of the year.

“As ever, I would encourage people to follow the advice for their local area provided by key agencies, online and on social media, including from the Met Office, SEPA and Police Scotland and to plan ahead for the coming days.”

Met Office weather warnings are available on the Met Office website.
A three day forecast of flood risk for Scotland is available on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency website.
Advice on preparing for severe weather can be found on the Ready Scotland website.
Follow Traffic Scotland for the most up-to-date information on the trunk roads throughout the warning periods, via their website, social media channels and radio broadcasts. Updates on ScotRail services and road conditions are available online.
To report a power cut or damage to electricity power lines or substations call the SP Networks national Freephone number 105. More information on what to do during a storm can also be found on SP Energy Website.

Supporting domestic abuse victims to stay in their homes

Law change will give social landlords greater control to transfer tenancies from abusers to victims

Regulations have been laid in Parliament that will make it easier for victims of domestic abuse to remain safely in their homes with the tenancy in their name.

For the first time social landlords, rather than the victims themselves, will be allowed to take legal action to end an abuser’s tenancy.

Subject to Parliament’s approval the regulations will bring Part 2 of the Domestic Abuse (Protection) (Scotland) Act 2021 into force.

This will mean that from 1 August 2026, where conditions set out in the new law are met, social landlords will be able to apply for a court order to enable them to transfer a tenancy from an abusive tenant to their victim.

Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “Domestic abuse must be eradicated from our society and as Housing Secretary I am determined to protect the housing rights of women and children.

“No one should have to choose between their safety and their home. These new regulations will give social landlords new powers to protect victims of domestic abuse and hold perpetrators to account.

“By allowing social landlords to take action on behalf of victims, we are removing a significant barrier that has forced too many people to flee their homes to escape abuse. Now, the perpetrator can be made to leave – not leaving this to the victim or survivor.

“This is an important step in our commitment to tackling domestic abuse and to supporting those affected by it to rebuild their lives.”

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Scottish Women’s Aid CEO Dr Marsha Scott said: “We welcome the change in the law, which we have been campaigning for.

“Housing is one of the main challenges women face when ending a relationship with an abusive partner and keeping a roof over the heads of their family and avoiding homelessness are critical pressures.

Not all can stay in their own homes safely, which is why refuge provision is so important, but for the many who could, this regulatory change will bring much-needed reform.

“This change should enable women and their children to stay in their home, their schools and the area where they often have a support network and moves the consequences of abuse where they belong – the abuser.”