Month: January 2026

Edinburgh College students serve up a Royal feast

A group of Edinburgh College students had the right Royal honour of helping cater and host a ship-naming ceremony attended by The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, in the Port of Leith this week.

Princess Anne took part in the ceremony at Forth Ports Cruise Terminal, breaking a bottle of whisky against the ship’s hull and formally naming the vessel POLE STAR.

The students worked alongside professional caterers in a variety of roles, with some cooking up a storm in the kitchens, others taking on front of house duties to make sure all the VIP guests were as comfortable as possible, and some preparing delicious baked goods and cakes to be enjoyed by all.

The event was put on by East Coast Catering Ltd, which is ran by Edinburgh College graduate Kieran Wight, with our students providing vital support. Their hard work was recognised by The Princess Royal herself, who stopped for a chat and learned from the group all about the skills they are being taught on their course.

Adam Robertson, a Level 1 Hospitality student, set out from his home in the Borders at 5am to make sure he was in Edinburgh in time to do his part in the kitchen. He said it was all worth the effort: “When we found out there was an opportunity to cook for such a prestigious guest, I was desperate to do it.

“I think if you want to go out and work in a professional kitchen, it’s so important to have this sort of experience behind you. The College has given us so many amazing opportunities in the short time I’ve been here, and it’s really helped build up my confidence.”

Jodie Dixon is studying HNC Events and she said it was an honour to take part: “I don’t think you can turn down an opportunity like this, to get involved in a literal royal event.

“There’s so much you can learn just by being here, and it’s really nice knowing you’re part of a group that’s all supporting each other too. The lecturers have been great, and have provided us with a lot of support, but they’re also great at letting us go and do our jobs, it makes you feel like you’re trusted.”

Stephanie Tanner, the Head of School for Cookery, Hospitality, Events, Travel and Tourism, said the experience will prove invaluable for the students: “It’s a proud day for everyone at the College, seeing them putting all of their training to use in the real world, and doing so incredibly well.

“Getting the chance to take part in events like this gives them such an advantage when it comes to finding work after graduation. Employers will be able to look at their CVs, and say ‘Wow, they’ve catered an event for a member of the Royal Family!”

Aisha Elshani, a Professional Cookery lecturer, said the students represented the College well: “They’ve all worked so hard, leading up to the event and on the day itself, and it’s really nice to see how well they are all doing.

“They’re all getting on with their jobs, and just conducting themselves really professionally. I think they all have bright futures ahead in the industry”.

The Traitors series 4 Finale brings more than 9 million viewers to BBC

It’s the most watched overnight audience of the civilian version of the series ever

The series finale of The Traitors averaged 9.4 million with a peak of 9.6 million and an audience share of 54.9%.

This is the biggest overnight audience across the market since the final episode of The Celebrity Traitors in November 2025 and makes it the most watched overnight audience of the civilian version of the series ever.

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC said: “The dramatic conclusion to series four of The Traitors, expertly produced by the brilliant team at Studio Lambert Scotland, proved exactly why this grippingly unmissable game continues to surprise, entertain and delight with over 9 million faithful viewers watching the nail-biting finale so far.

“Only the BBC can bring audiences all across the UK together for edge of the seat entertainment like this that every generation can enjoy.”

WHO statement on notification of withdrawal of the United States

As a founding member of the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States of America has contributed significantly to many of WHO’s greatest achievements, including the eradication of smallpox, and progress against many other public health threats including polio, HIV, Ebola, influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety and more.

WHO therefore regrets the United States’ notification of withdrawal from WHO – a decision that makes both the United States and the world less safe. The notification of withdrawal raises issues that will be considered by the WHO Executive Board at its regular meeting starting on 2 February and by the World Health Assembly at its annual meeting in May 2026.

WHO takes note of statements from the government of the United States that say WHO has “trashed and tarnished” and insulted it, and compromised its independence. The reverse is true. As we do with every Member State, WHO has always sought to engage with the United States in good faith, with full respect for its sovereignty.

In its statements, the United States cited as one of the reasons for its decision, “WHO failures during the COVID-19 pandemic”, including “obstructing the timely and accurate sharing of critical information” and that WHO “concealed those failures”. While no organization or government got everything right, WHO stands by its response to this unprecedented global health crisis.

Throughout the pandemic, WHO acted quickly, shared all information it had rapidly and transparently with the world, and advised Member States on the basis of the best available evidence.

WHO recommended the use of masks, vaccines and physical distancing, but at no stage recommended mask mandates, vaccine mandates or lockdowns. We supported sovereign governments to make decisions they believed were in the best interests of their people, but the decisions were theirs.

Immediately after receiving the first reports of a cluster of cases of “pneumonia of unknown cause” in Wuhan, China on 31 December 2019, WHO asked China for more information and activated its emergency incident management system.

By the time the first death was reported from China on 11 January 2020, WHO had already alerted the world through formal channels, public statements and social media, convened global experts, and published comprehensive guidance for countries on how to protect their populations and health systems.

When the WHO Director-General declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern under the International Health Regulations on 30 January 2020 – the highest level of alarm under international health law – outside of China there were fewer than 100 reported cases, and no reported deaths.

In the first weeks and months of the pandemic, the Director-General urged all countries repeatedly to take immediate action to protect their populations, warning that “the window of opportunity is closing”, “this is not a drill” and describing COVID-19 as “public enemy number one”.

In response to the multiple reviews of the COVID-19 pandemic, including of WHO’s performance, WHO has taken steps to strengthen its own work, and to support countries to bolster their own pandemic preparedness and response capacities.

The systems we developed and managed before, during and after the emergency phase of the pandemic, and which run 24/7, have contributed to keeping all countries safe, including the United States.

The United States also said in its statements that WHO has “pursued a politicized, bureaucratic agenda driven by nations hostile to American interests”. This is untrue. As a specialized agency of the United Nations, governed by 194 Member States, WHO has always been and remains impartial and exists to serve all countries, with respect for their sovereignty, and without fear or favour.

WHO appreciates the support and continued engagement of all its Member States, which continue to work within the framework of WHO to pursue solutions to the world’s biggest health threats, both communicable and noncommunicable.

Most notably, WHO Member States last year adopted the WHO Pandemic Agreement, which once ratified will become a landmark instrument of international law to keep the world safer from future pandemics.

Member States are now negotiating an annex to the WHO Pandemic Agreement, the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system, which if adopted will promote rapid detection and sharing of pathogens with pandemic potential, and equitable and timely access to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.

We hope that in the future, the United States will return to active participation in WHO. Meanwhile, WHO remains steadfastly committed to working with all countries in pursuit of its core mission and constitutional mandate: the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right for all people.

Read here

Crackdown on illegal underage sunbeds use to cut teen cancer risk

UK Government plans to crackdown on illegal underage sunbeds use to cut cancer risks to teenagers

  • Unsupervised sunbed use by young people to be banned as part of National Cancer Plan
  • Consultation to launch in Spring 2026, new rules could come into force as soon as 2027
  • Drive to tackle avoidable cancer and help make the NHS Fit for the Future

More young people will be better protected from skin cancer through a proposed crackdown on sunbed harms, clamping down on rogue businesses flouting the law and putting children’s health at risk by selling sessions to under-18s.

New proposals under the soon-to-be launched National Cancer Plan will strengthen requirements around commercial sunbed use, including banning unsupervised sessions and introducing mandatory ID checks to verify users are over 18.

Recent investigations have shown that teenagers as young as 14 are gaining access to tanning salons, routinely flouting the existing ban on under-18s using sunbeds.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classed sunbeds to be as dangerous as smoking. Using a sunbed before the age of 20 increases the risk of melanoma skin cancer by 47% compared to those who have never used one, according to the WHO.

Reducing avoidable cancer risks is a central action in the upcoming National Cancer Plan and will help make England a world leader for cancer survival.

Health Minister Karin Smyth said: “Stronger protections on sunbeds are needed so people understand risks that could have deadly consequences.

“The evidence is clear: there is no safe level of sunbed use, yet too many young people are being exposed to a known carcinogen with little understanding of the risks.

“These proposals will crack down on rogue operators and ensure the law is properly enforced. Prevention saves lives, and we will do everything we can to protect people from avoidable cancers.”

There are inherent risks associated with exposure to UV radiation emitted from sunbeds. This is why the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 bans under 18s from using commercial sunbeds and requires businesses to prevent children from using them. Despite this, there is evidence that rogue operators are continuing to sell these services to teenagers.

Louise Dodds, who is living with melanoma, said: “My melanoma was found completely by chance during a private consultation for something unrelated, a mole that had become dark and itchy was removed quickly, and within a week I was told it was stage 1B melanoma.

“Hearing the word ‘cancer’ sent me into shock. I was rushed back into the NHS system for more surgery and lymph node tests, all within weeks. The procedures and the waits for results were brutal.

“Although some results were clear, others were inconclusive, leaving me living with constant uncertainty. If I’d known earlier how dangerous UV exposure and sunbeds were, I would never have taken the risk.”

Susanna Daniels, Chief Executive Officer of Melanoma Focus, said: “We are delighted that the Government is taking real steps to tackle the use of sunbeds by those under 18, as well as planning to consult on the use of sunbeds more broadly.

“The need for action is clear, with 34% of UK 16-17 year olds using sunbeds despite them being illegal for under 18s. Additionally, the rates of melanoma in the UK have risen considerably.   

“To protect your skin and reduce your chances of being diagnosed with melanoma or other skin cancers, we strongly advise against using sunbeds. Melanoma skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the UK. The time to act is now and we therefore support the action the Department of Health and Social Care is proposing.”

The crackdown forms part of the government’s wider focus on prevention in the forthcoming National Cancer Plan, which will set out our ambition to reduce lives lost to cancer.

By tackling avoidable risk factors before they lead to serious illness, the government is taking a proactive approach to reducing pressure on the NHS and improving outcomes for patients. Prevention is not just good for public health—it is essential to building a sustainable health service for the future.

In 2023, there were almost a quarter of a million new skin cancer diagnoses in the UK, costing the NHS an estimated £750 million annually.

Despite these risks, public awareness remains dangerously low. Polling from Melanoma Focus shows that only 62% of adults know that sunbed use increases cancer risk, and nearly a quarter of 18-25 year olds wrongly believe sunbeds actually reduce their risk of cancer.

The consultation will also seek views from businesses, including the many small and medium-sized enterprises that operate in the tanning industry.

The government recognises the need to balance public health protections with the impact on businesses and will use the consultation to gather evidence on costs and practicalities. This will ensure that any new requirements are proportionate, enforceable, and deliver meaningful improvements to public safety.

Additionally, a call for evidence will also be launched to understand whether further action to reduce cases of melanoma is justified.

Professor Meghana Pandit, National Medical Director at NHS England, said: “A sunbed tan might only last a few weeks, but the damage can last a lifetime. 

“Sunbeds blast your skin with high levels of UV radiation raising the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers, particularly for young people.

“These proposals, as part of the National Cancer Plan, will help close dangerous loopholes, crack down on illegal sunbed use and keep people safe.”

Boost for towns in southern Scotland

£20 million investment to create jobs and drive growth

Efforts to regenerate nine towns in the south of Scotland have taken a major step forward with the publication of proposals developed by volunteer-led teams.

Town teams are now refining their ideas and preparing business cases ahead of final funding decisions as part of a £20 million Scottish Government investment. Proposals under consideration range from a promenade and indoor family attractions in Stranraer to a town centre regeneration project providing social housing and retail space in Galashiels.

On a visit to Galashiels town centre ahead of the Convention of the South of Scotland, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes toured MacArts, a music and arts venue being considered for funding. She said: “These proposals are an important step forward for towns across the south of Scotland.

“Local volunteers have worked hard to develop these plans and this £20 million investment aims to create hundreds of jobs, attract thousands of visitors and generate tens of millions of pounds for the Borderlands economy.

“Galashiels’ revitalisation over the past decade demonstrates the benefits of giving communities the tools and resources to shape their own future. In addition to this, as part of our draft Budget for 2026-27 we have allocated £47 million towards community-led regeneration across Scotland.”

Laurence Reid, Director of MacArts, said: “It’s exciting to see so much ambition for Galashiels and towns across the south of Scotland, building on the work of the Town Teams and local people as well as the success of the Borders Railway and the Great Tapestry of Scotland Museum.

“This potential funding could be the catalyst for future investment, helping secure the future of a vibrant world-class cultural hub in the Scottish Borders.”

Fast and reliable broadband with Project Gigabit

Homes and businesses across Scotland will benefit from faster broadband through Project Gigabit.

This will help some of the hardest‑to‑reach communities get a better connection. It will bring fast broadband to many more homes and businesses.

Around 12,500 homes and businesses in Dumfries & Galloway are to benefit from gigabit-capable broadband.  

The £18 million investment, funded by the UK Government and co-managed by the Scottish Government, will see premises in Dumfries & Galloway added to the existing Project Gigabit contract being delivered by Openreach.

This builds upon the 8,000 gigabit-capable connections already delivered in Dumfries & Galloway by the Scottish Government’s £600m+ R100 programme.  

The Project Gigabit contract – where build started in Autumn 2025 – will now deliver gigabit-capable broadband to over 77,000 premises in Scotland covering some of the hardest-to-reach communities in the Highlands, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Argyll and Bute, as well as parts of Central and Southern Scotland.  

Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Fast, reliable broadband is essential for connecting communities and supporting economic growth across Scotland.

“This additional investment will ensure that more homes and businesses in Dumfries & Galloway can access the gigabit-capable connections they need to thrive in the digital age.

“Through our own R100 programme and the management of Project Gigabit in Scotland, we are further boosting connections across the region to ensure that even more communities will benefit from faster, reliable broadband for generations to come.” 

UK Government Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd said:   “Whether it’s a farmer managing their business, or people video-calling loved ones, fast and reliable broadband makes everyday life easier.

“This investment will bring those opportunities to thousands more across Dumfries & Galloway.” 

Openreach Partnership Director for Scotland Robert Thorburn said: “We’ve already started connecting some of Scotland’s most rural homes and businesses to Full Fibre through the Project Gigabit contracts, and we’re delighted to continue that progress in Dumfries & Galloway. 

“We’re committed to making sure that people living and working across the country can access faster, more reliable broadband. With more than 1.7 million properties already able to benefit from Full Fibre, this latest investment will help even more communities thrive in the digital age.” 

Impact Arts launches Holyrood Elections Manifesto

🗳️ For the first time ever, Impact Arts is launching a manifesto ahead of the 2026 Scottish elections.

Our vision: A Scotland where people and communities benefit from life-transforming creativity that tackles inequalities and addresses poverty. 🎨

CEO Fiona Doring says: “For decades, Impact Arts has seen first hand how arts-based approaches transform their lives through improving wellbeing, strengthening communities, and developing life chances.

“Ahead of the 2026 Scottish elections, we urge decision makers to recognise the arts as a vital part of building a fairer, healthier, and more connected Scotland.”

OUR MANIFESTO ASKS

📣 Scotland’s leaders, we urge you to:

1. Recognise Creative Engagement as a Public Health Approach

2. Improve Access to Creative Preventative Mental Health Approaches

3. Ensure Access to Arts-Based Therapies for Children Facing Trauma and Poverty

4. Embed Creative, Flexible and Person-Centred Approaches into Whole Family Wellbeing

5. Support Creative Ageing to Bring Joy to Later Years

6. Increase Access to Quality Arts-Based Education & Employment Programmes

7. Support Neurodiverse Young People Through Quality Arts & Creativity Projects

8. Promote Creative Home-Making as Key to Sustaining Tenancies & Preventing Homelessness

9. Celebrate Creative Placemaking

Impact Arts urges Scotland’s leaders to embed creativity across public policy. By investing in arts-based and creative approaches, we can build a more inclusive, stronger, and imaginative society.

📖 Explore our extended manifesto featuring references to research and commentary from Culture Counts, Arts Culture Health and Wellbeing Scotland, Voluntary Health Scotland, Social Biobehavioural Research Group, National Academy for Social Prescribing, Scotland’s Mental Health Partnership, The Scottish Government, Skills Development Scotland, Children’s and Youth Arts Advocacy (CYAA), Scottish Autism, Homeless Network Scotland, and SURF – Scotland’s Regeneration Forum.

Read the full manifesto ➡️https://www.impactarts.co.uk/impact-arts-launches…/

#manifesto

#scottishelections

#artscharity

Luminate: Scotland’s creative ageing organisation

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations – SFHAYouthLink Scotland

Self Assessment: Millions still to file with seven days to go

ONE WEEK left to file your Self Assessment 

  • Eight days until 31 January Self Assessment deadline
  • Miss the deadline and you may face an automatic £100 penalty
  • File your return now at GOV.UK and pay any tax due by 31 January – help and support available online

With just a week until the Self Assessment deadline, 8.6 million people have already filed their return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging taxpayers and agents who haven’t filed, to act now or risk missing the 31 January deadline – and face an automatic £100 penalty.

More than 11.5 million customers successfully filed by the deadline last year and HMRC wants to help the 3.3 million still outstanding this time around to do the same.

Those who haven’t started can find help and support at GOV.UK, including guidance, webinars and YouTube videos. HMRC’s online services are available around the clock.

Once a return is submitted, the quickest and easiest way to pay any tax owed is via the free HMRC app, which takes less than a minute. A full list of payment options is available on GOV.UK.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Don’t leave it until deadline day. Filing now will give you peace of mind that your tax return is completed and if you have tax to pay, you have a week to arrange payment.

“If you’re worried about paying your tax bill, you may be able to set up a payment plan online – search ‘difficulties paying HMRC’ on GOV.UK.”

This year’s deadline falls on a Saturday. Customers who need to speak to an adviser can call HMRC’s phone lines, which are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

Phone lines close on Friday 30 January and reopen on Monday 2 February – after the deadline. For full phone support, contact HMRC before Friday 30 January.

On Saturday 31 January, HMRC will offer webchat support through its Online Services Helpdesk.

The penalties for late tax returns are:

  • an initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time 
  • after 3 months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900 
  • after 6 months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater 
  • after 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater 

There are also additional penalties for paying late. Penalties will be charged at 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months. If tax remains unpaid after the deadline, interest will also be charged on the amount owed, in addition to the penalties above.

HMRC will consider customers’ reasons for missing the deadline. Those with a reasonable excuse may avoid a penalty.

Sole traders and landlords with qualifying income of more than £50,000 will be required to use Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax from 6 April 2026 and be required to submit quarterly summaries of their income and expenses to HMRC.

HMRC is urging eligible customers to act now – whether you’re signing up a client or yourself, get ahead of the curve by taking the first step and sign-up on GOV.UK to familiarise yourself with the new service and start preparing now.

Customers do not need to include their 2025 Winter Fuel Payment, or Pension Age Winter Heating payment in Scotland, on their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year as payments received in Autumn 2025 will be recovered in the 2025 to 2026 tax return, due by 31 January 2027.Customers should be alert to the risk of scams.

HMRC will never ask for personal or financial information by text or email. Check HMRC scams advice on GOV.UK.

Scottish veterans to benefit from specialist support in the criminal justice system

Former serving personnel in police custody are to be offered a referral to a specialist trauma-informed veteran support service.

The formal partnership between NOVA Scotland and Police Scotland Custody Centres will expand efforts to identify, engage with and support Scottish veterans, aiming to break down barriers, such as fear of stigma and shame, that currently prevent veterans in contact with the Scottish criminal justice system from disclosing their service or asking for help.

NOVA Scotland is delivered by the Forces Employment Charity, the UK’s leading provider of justice services to the veteran community.

The majority of former serving personnel transition well to civilian life, but for some, factors including poor physical or mental health, homelessness, debt or substance misuse can lead them into contact with the justice system.

All veterans referred from Police Scotland to NOVA Scotland will receive an individual needs assessment informing a bespoke care plan to address any issues they need support with. This will help to reduce the risk of reoffending and improve outcomes for the veterans, their families and communities.

Marielle Curran, Operations Manager for NOVA Scotland, said: “This partnership marks a pivotal step in ensuring veterans in police custody can access the trauma-informed, specialist support they need to rebuild and redirect their lives.

“Our work saves lives and transforms futures. However, early engagement is critical. Our collaboration with Police Scotland will improve outcomes for veterans, while supporting police and contributing to safer communities across Scotland.”

The partnership, secured by an Information Sharing Agreement, builds on the proven support NOVA Scotland has provided to veterans in contact with Police Scotland’s Vulnerable Persons Unit since 2024.

Chief Superintendent Chris Stewart, Criminal Justice Services Division, said: “This new partnership with NOVA Scotland will provide specialist support to veterans who come into police custody by addressing the underlying factors that brought them into contact with the criminal justice system.

“We recognise that many people in custody do not routinely engage with support services or with their GP – and they are often in crisis. Our national arrest referral scheme connects these vulnerable people with organisations that can help them with issues such as mental health, substance misuse, debt and homelessness.

“Our partnership with NOVA Scotland is a welcome addition to this successful scheme and will enable veterans and their families to get the appropriate treatment and support they need.”

By strengthening early identification and intervention for veterans when they come into contact with the justice system, the partnership directly supports the Scottish Veterans Commissioner’s recommendations in the 2024 report Veterans and the Law, specifically that there be a collaborative approach between statutory and third sector providers to prevent offending, support rehabilitation, and reduce reoffending.

Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton said: “I am delighted to see the development of this formal partnership between Police Scotland and NOVA Scotland, which reflects the recommendation in my ‘Veterans and the Law’ report that there be a collaborative approach between statutory and third sector providers to improve outcomes for the small minority of veterans who come into contact with the criminal justice system.

“By increasing access to effective, tailored support that recognises how service experience can shape behaviour, needs and identity, veterans facing complex challenges can be helped to get their lives back on track.

“In turn, this can help reduce the risk of reoffending, decrease the impact on potential victims and wider society, as well as delivering long-term value for the public purse.”

Her Royal Highness supports The Eric Liddell Community at it’s Dinner for Dementia

On Tuesday, 20 January 2026, The Eric Liddell Community, the Edinburgh-based care charity founded in memory of sporting legend Eric Liddell, was honoured to welcome its Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, to its annual Dinner for Dementia.

Hosted at The Caledonian Edinburgh, the evening provided an opportunity for meaningful conversation around the growing need for community based dementia care and highlighted the great work that The Eric Liddell Community plays in supporting individuals and families across Edinburgh.

The Eric Liddell Community is widely recognised for its vital dementia care services, offering practical day support, social programmes and much needed respite that help enhance wellbeing and reduce isolation.

Its community hub in Morningside now welcomes more than 7,000 people each month, serving as a crucial lifeline for families navigating the emotional and physical and financial pressures of long term caring responsibilities.

The evening featured an expert keynote speech from Dr Claire Durrant, Race Against Dementia Dyson Fellow, Emerging Leader at the UK Dementia Research Institute and Senior Lecturer at the Institute for Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research, the University of Edinburgh.

Dr Durrant provided expert insight into current global dementia research and emphasised the critical importance of pairing scientific innovation with compassionate, community led care. 

Dr Claire Durrant, expert keynote speaker at the event, highlighted the importance of community-led care: “Dementia is one of the greatest health and social challenges of our time and it is vital that scientific research and community based support work hand in hand.

“Events like the Dinner for Dementia create an important space for people to share experiences and raise awareness of the impact of dementia. I was delighted to be part of an evening that brings the community together.”

The Eric Liddell Community’s Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, had the opportunity to meet the charity’s dedicated staff, volunteers, carers, and those living with dementia who benefit so greatly from the charity’s services during her visit in April 2025. 

The charity demonstrates the importance of having a welcoming place within the community, where one is greeted with kindness, a friendly smile, and genuine warmth, and how this can make an immeasurable difference to the lives of those who visit The Eric Liddell Community. Places like this are at the heart of our communities.

John MacMillan MBE, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, added: “We were deeply honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness to this year’s Dinner for Dementia. Her presence reinforced not only the significance of our work but the urgency of the growing dementia challenge in Scotland.

“The evening highlighted the power of collaboration and the vital difference that community led support can make to thousands of families every year.

“We were also delighted to have Dr Durrant speaking at the event. Dr Durrant’s input provided a unique insight into her world renowned research linked to finding a cure for dementia.”