NHS Scotland long waits have fallen for the sixth consecutive month with significant year-on-year increases in activity, according to new figures published today.
Public Health Scotland data shows that the number of patients waiting over 52 weeks for an outpatient appointment fell by 12.8% in a single month between October and November 2025 – numbers are now lower than April 2025. Inpatient and day case treatment waits of 52 weeks are also down compared to April 2025.
Backed by £135.5 million of targeted Scottish Government funding, the figures show progress in other areas, including:
a 6% drop in the waiting list for new outpatient appointments between April and November 2025
more than 265,000 inpatient / day case procedures carried out over a 12-month period to November 2025, a 3.8% increase on the previous year
over 1.3 million outpatient appointments in a 12-month period to November 2025, up 2.8% from the previous year.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “These figures demonstrate real and sustained progress in reducing waiting times for patients across Scotland, ensuring thousands more people receive the care they need.
“We have delivered record investment of £21 billion for health and social care, with £135.5 million of additional funding targeted at specialty areas with the longest waits.
“There is still much more to do, but I am encouraged that we are demonstrating consistent month-on-month improvement. We remain committed to ensuring no patient waits longer than 52 weeks by March 2026.”
GRANTON YOUTH at ROYSTON WARDIEBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE
Our Youth Clubs return next week and we’ve adjusted the timings on Mondays EVER so slightly to allow our team more time to make sure we are delivering the best groups possible!
We’re looking forward to welcoming the 330+ young people we have worked with so far this term and of course, yourself if you are interested in joining us!
Please see our posters for details on the youth clubs you can attend!
As always, our full provision, info on our team, and up to date news are all listed at www.grantonyouth.com and you can follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X for regular updates!
(PLEASE NOTE Pitt Groups are not back until 27th January and we will announce this in a separate post)
This year, our much loved art group ‘Make Your Mark’ returns, but with a small change! Instead of a weekly group for five weeks, we’re changing it to a monthly group, running for five months!
This group is a creative space where patients and carers can explore and experiment with materials and connect with each other. A new technique or media will be introduced each session for participants to try, should they wish. However, the space can also be used to work on personal creative projects, utilising the studio space and artistic support.
This is an extremely popular group, so booking is required. Book via the Wellbeing page on the website, or by contacting the arts team on arts@stcolumbashospice.org.uk
Join us in the orchard for our annual Wassailing: a joyful winter gathering to sing, share, and mark the turning of the year together.
Led by Penny Stone, we’ll sing traditional and contemporary wassailing songs, spend time outdoors, and celebrate the season as a community. Apple-based food and drinks will be available by donation.
All are very welcome — whether you come to sing along, listen, or simply enjoy the atmosphere!
New measures will be introduced to make online public services more secure and resilient
£210 million plan to strengthen cyber resilience across government
Government Cyber Unit to coordinate risk management and incident response across departments
Leading firms with strong track record of cyber security to drive best practice through new Software Security Ambassador Scheme
New measures will be introduced to make online public services more secure and resilient, so people can use them with confidence – whether applying for benefits, paying taxes or accessing healthcare.
Backed by over £210 million, the Government Cyber Action Plan published today (Tuesday 6 January) sets out how government will rise to meet the growing range of online threats. Driven by a new Government Cyber Unit, the plan will rapidly improve cyber defences and digital resilience across government departments and the wider public sector, so people can trust that their data and services are protected.
It underpins UK Government plans to digitise public services. This will make more services accessible online, reduce time spent on phone queues and paperwork, and enable citizens to access support without repeating information across multiple departments. This approach could unlock up to £45 billion (note) in productivity savings by using technology effectively across the public sector.
However, realising these benefits depends on trust. As services move online, they must be secure and resilient. Cyber attacks can take vital public services offline in minutes, disrupting lives and undermining confidence. The new plan addresses this challenge head-on.
Released as the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill has its Second Reading in the House of Commons, the Bill sets out clear expectations for firms providing services to government to boost their cyber resilience.
From energy and water suppliers to healthcare and data centres, strong defences throughout supply chains will help keep the water running and the lights burning – facing down the cyber attackers who want to grind our country to a halt.
The plan will lead to:
clearer visibility of risks: shining a light on cyber and digital resilience risks across government, so we can focus efforts where it matters most
stronger central action on the toughest challenges: taking decisive, joined-up action across departments on severe and complex risks that no single organisation can solve alone with a dedicated team overseeing coordination
faster response to threats and incidents: reacting quickly to fast-moving cyber threats and vulnerabilities to minimise harm and speed up recovery by requiring departments to have robust incident response arrangements in place
higher resilience across government: boosting resilience at scale, with targeted measures to close major gaps and protect critical services
Digital Government Minister Ian Murray said: “Cyber-attacks can take vital public services offline in minutes – disrupting our digital services and our very way of life.
“This plan sets a new bar to bolster the defences of our public sector, putting cyber-criminals on warning that we are going further and faster to protect the UK’s businesses and public services alike.
“This is how we keep people safe, services running, and build a government the public can trust in the digital age.”
Today’s plan is also bolstered by further steps to take the UK’s cyber defences further and faster.
A new Software Security Ambassador Scheme will now help drive adoption of the Software Security Code of Practice – a voluntary project designed to reduce software supply chain attacks and disruption.
Software underpins the economy as a core component of all technologies that businesses rely on. Yet weaknesses in software can cause severe disruption to supply chains and the essential services the public use every day with more than half (59%) (note) of organisations experiencing software supply chain attacks in the past year.
These issues can be addressed by embedding basic software security practices across the software market. Among others, Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, Sage, Santander and NCC Group will come on board as the scheme’s ambassadors, championing the Code across sectors, showcasing practical implementation, and providing feedback to inform future policy improvements.
Cyber risk to the public sector remains high. The plan responds with £210 million to spark a step change in public sector cyber defences, holding organisations to account for fixing vulnerabilities. This includes setting clear minimum standards and investing in more hands-on support to minimise the impact when incidents do occur.
Cyber resilience is central to the government’s mission of national renewal. Secure, reliable digital public services help protect citizens, support growth, and deliver better value for taxpayers, while maintaining trust in the services communities rely on every day.
Thomas Harvey, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Santander UK said: “We are pleased to be an ambassador for the UK government’s Software Security Code of Practice and it reflects our broader commitment to collective resilience.
“By advocating for these standards we’re not just protecting Santander and our customers, we are helping to build a more secure digital economy for everyone.”
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) convened yesterday to discuss ongoing efforts to recover from the recent heavy snow in northern Scotland and preparations for further snow and ice warnings.
The meeting was chaired by Justice Secretary Angela Constance and attended by First Minister John Swinney, Cabinet Secretaries, the Met Office, transport operators, Police Scotland, local authorities, resilience partnerships and utilities companies.
First Minister John Swinney has asked people to continue to follow advice on staying safe in winter and thanked those involved in supporting others.
Mr Swinney said yesterday: “The cumulative impact of the heavy snowfall across northern Scotland has been significant and there has been a huge effort to keep transport moving and public services open.
“At present, there is still some travel disruption but trunk roads are open and rail, ferry and air services are working to get back to normal as quickly as possible. Likewise many schools are closed today but remote learning is in place for young people, while contingency plans are in place for affected health and social care services.
“There will be further snow and ice, with yellow warnings in large parts of Scotland and temperatures set to remain cold, so impacts will continue to be felt in the coming days which could include transport problems and I would encourage everyone to plan ahead, look out for each other and pay close attention to the range of weather and travel advice available.
“I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard, day and night, to keep Scotland open and moving. Public services have been collaborating well in sharing information and vehicles, while I have heard of truly exceptional efforts by farmers, volunteers and members of the public offering to clear local roads, dig out cars and keep people safe. That community spirit is truly heartening to hear.
“Ministers will continue to keep the situation under review.”
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said: “Local resilience partnerships are continuing to meet to co-ordinate and deliver the response to disruption experienced by communities in the north and north east of Scotland following heavy snowfall over the weekend.
“We have been working closely with resilience partners across local authorities, other emergency service partners, transport partners, NHS and health and social care partnerships, and other local organisations to support communities affected by adverse weather and keep public services open where possible.
“Some services may be impacted by adverse weather, and I would encouragethe public to check on neighbours or relatives, if they are able to do so safely.
“Heavy snow and ice means driving conditions are likely to continue to be hazardous in some areas. Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary.
“If you need to travel, please fully clear your vehicle windows of snow and ice before you drive, drive to the conditions, be prepared for delays and allow extra time for your journey.”
Amber snow warnings in place in Scotland, with much of UK in yellow alert.
In 2024, 47 people were killed, 734 were seriously injured, and 2,204 were slightly injured in reported road collisions on Great Britain’s roads where the road surface was slippery due to weather conditions.
Many UK drivers return to work this week amid cold snap
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is warning motorists to take extra care as freezing temperatures and icy conditions grip the UK this week. With many people returning to work after the festive break, the safety charity says winter weather is creating challenging road conditions nationwide.
RoSPA advises motorists to plan journeys carefully, check vehicles before setting off, clear all snow from windscreens, thoroughly de-ice their vehicle, and adapt driving styles to suit conditions. Key steps include reducing speed, increasing braking distances, and carrying emergency supplies such as warm clothing and a charged mobile phone.
Winter weather can create a range of risks, with braking distances up to ten times longer on icy roads. Snow, fog, and flooding add further hazards, making road conditions challenging.
Key Safety Advice for Drivers:
Avoid unnecessary journeys: If conditions are extreme, consider delaying travel or working remotely where possible.
Prepare your vehicle: Check lights, brakes, tyres, battery, and fluid levels. Stock up on de-icer, screen wash, and anti-freeze. Ensure that before setting off, you have thoroughly de-iced your vehicle and cleared any snow.
Carry an emergency kit: Include a shovel, tow rope, warm clothing, blankets, food, water, and a fully charged mobile phone.
Plan ahead: Monitor weather and travel updates, keep your fuel tank topped up, and let someone know your route and expected arrival time.
Allow extra time for your journey: Challenging conditions require slower speeds and greater care. Leave extra time for your journey and for preparing your vehicle safely before leaving.
Adapt your driving:
Reduce speed and increase the distance between vehicles in front of you—braking distances can be up to 10 times longer on icy roads.
Avoid sudden braking or acceleration and steer gently.
Use dipped headlights in poor visibility and keep windows clear.
Specific hazards:
Snow/Ice: Drive slowly, avoid sudden movements, and clear all snow from your vehicle before setting off.
Floods: Avoid deep water and do not attempt to drive through if the water seems too deep. If unavoidable, drive slowly in first gear and test brakes afterward.
Fog: Use fog lights when visibility is poor, reduce speed, and never park on the road without warning lights.
Strong winds & low sun: Hold the wheel firmly, give extra space to cyclists and high-sided vehicles, and keep windscreens clean to reduce glare.
If you become stranded: Stay with your vehicle and call for assistance rather than attempting to walk in severe conditions.
Rebecca Guy, Senior Policy Manager at RoSPA, said: “With many people heading back to work this week, it’s vital to plan ahead and drive cautiously.
“Winter weather demands extra care. By preparing your vehicle and adjusting your driving style, you can help keep yourself and others safe.”
First Minister John Swinney will propose Monday 15 June 2026 is designated a national bank holiday to mark Scotland’s participation in the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
This will allow individuals, businesses and other organisations in Scotland to celebrate after the men’s team play their opening game against Haiti in Boston.
The First Minister said: “Scotland qualifying for the men’s World Cup was a remarkable achievement and a landmark moment, and the reaction to the dramatic win against Denmark reminded us all what football means to the country.
“This year, we want to make the most of this huge opportunity for Scotland and ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to celebrate the team’s success.
“Not only is this an historic sporting event, it’s also a chance for Scotland to be on the world stage, to attract business development, create tourism interest within the country and to make cultural and sporting connections.
“That is why I am taking steps to ensure the Monday after our opening game should be national bank holiday, so that – no matter the outcome of the match – we can all come together to share the occasion.”
