Dobbies Garden Centres is encouraging paw-rents to show their pooches some love this Valentine’s Day at its brand-new dog event at its Edinburgh store that will raise money for national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.
Renowned for its love of dogs, Dobbies is hosting this event from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 February, giving customers a great opportunity to take a paw-fect digital picture against the Valentine’s backdrop to treasure for years to come. Dogs will snuffle around the store in a sniff-ari trail, with a gift bag reward at the end featuring a Valentine’s dog toy, dog treats and money off vouchers.
Customers at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will be able to share the love and add a donation while booking the event, helping with Dogs Trust’s mission of caring for, rehabilitating, and rehoming thousands of dogs every year.
Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, is looking forward to welcoming a variety of dog breeds to the event, supporting a wonderful cause. She said: “This is the first in our series of experiences for dogs at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store this year and we’re excited to see every customer (paws included) enjoy all the fun that can be had at the My Paw-fect Valentine event.
“Share the love with your pooch, create a memorable moment and support Dogs Trust who are doing remarkable work for dogs in need.”
Well behaved dogs on a lead are warmly welcomed at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and in a dedicated area of the restaurant. Explore the fantastic range of pet products at Dobbies, with everything from healthy treats and dog attire to terrific toys.
Customers can take part in Dobbies’ monthly social media competition, Dogs at Dobbies, by posting a picture and using the hashtag #dogsatdobbies to be in a chance of winning a gift voucher.
Dobbies’ Paw-fect Valentine event at the Edinburgh store is priced at £12.50 per pooch.
For more information about the event and participating stores, visit www.dobbies.com/events.
What’s your Edinburgh? To celebrate Edinburgh 900, join Dr. Katie Ailes for a free poetry workshop inspired by your impressions of the city.
We’ll write short poems about places and experiences in Edinburgh that are meaningful to you. No previous experience writing poetry required; all are welcome-
Come along and join in Tuesday 21st of January at 6pm!
Workshop participants will be invited to submit their poems to the Edinburgh 900 bookmark competition, where winners will have their poems printed on 300 bookmarks and distributed at libraries across the city.
To take part in the workshops and bookmark competition, you must be resident in the Edinburgh (EH) postcode area.
Please note that you do not need to participate in a workshop in order to submit to the bookmark competition, and participation in a workshop will not be a factor that judges will consider.
New major awards scheme for the British Business Community unveiled
NatWest Group and Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, are unveiling a brand-new national business awards event to recognise the achievements of significant companies and leaders across the UK.
The British Business Awards, in association with NatWest, will take place on April 24th, 2025, at the EICC in Edinburgh. The event will be run on a not-for-profit basis and has set a target of raising £1million for this year’s beneficiary charity, Social Bite.
Chaired by Alan Jope CBE, the former CEO of Unilever, the awards are expected to attract some of the UK’s most important companies and preeminent business leaders to convene in Edinburgh. The dinner will feature a fireside chat and a rare, unplugged music performance from the iconic musician and activist Sting.
The evening will be hosted by comedian, presenter and TV star, Rob Brydon and feature a keynote address from the event’s patron Sir Bob Geldof, who is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Band Aid in 2025.
Anticipated to be the largest business dinner in the UK, the British Business Awards is anticipated to have 2000 business leaders in attendance, representing companies with a combined turnover of over £200 billion.
There are 18 award categories to enter including: Entrepreneur of the Year, Socially Responsible Business of the Year, International Business of the Year, Employer of the Year and Retail Business of the Year. To enter businesses are required to submit a 1000 word written application by 7th of March 2025.
The independent judging panel is made up of 18 key figures from British industry including; Phil Urban, CEO of Mitchells & Butlers; Emma Crystal, CEO of Coutts Bank; Sharan Parischa, founder of Gleneagles Hotel’s parent company Ennismore, Shaf Rasul, serial entrepreneur and investor; and Vinodka Murria OBE, known as the ‘Queen of Tech’ having founded three tech companies that have a – “multi-unicorn’” valuation in excess of $2.5 billion.
Josh Littlejohn MBE had previously founded the Scottish Business Awards, which went on to attract keynote speakers including President Bill Clinton, Sir Richard Branson, George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Sir Bob Geldof, British Business Awards patron, said: “The British Business Awards is a vital event. For one night, the leaders of British business will come together in Edinburgh to celebrate success and make a difference. I look forward to seeing you on the night”
Alan Jope CBE, Chair of the judging panel, said: “The British Business Awards will bring together entrepreneurs and leaders from across the UK for one amazing night in Edinburgh, to celebrate their achievements.
“As well as enjoying the proud distinction of being nominated or winning, businesses will be helping to raise vital funds for the most vulnerable people in society.”
James Holian, Head of Business Banking and International Retail, NatWest Group said: “As the UK’s biggest bank for business, NatWest is proud to support the launch of the British Business Awards.
“This event is the perfect way to bring together the UK’s leading companies and entrepreneurs to recognise their achievements and make a difference. I look forward to hearing about the many success stories on the night.”
Josh Littlejohn MBE, founding partner of the British Business Awards said: “British Business has seen a huge amount of change, turmoil and challenge over recent years, yet despite this we seeing companies continue to thrive to be major market leaders across the world.
“The British Business Awards will recognise the very best of entrepreneurship, innovation and growth, as well as supporting the important work of Social Bite in tackling homelessness across the UK.”
For further information on the awards or for more details on how to enter visit:
Major new drive to get offenders into stable jobs and away from a life of crime
New Employment Councils to bring probation, prisons and local businesses together
Household UK names including the Co-op and Oliver Bonas backing new initiative
Scheme aims to get more offenders into work to cut crime as part of Plan for Change
Bosses from household names including Greggs, Iceland and COOK will be among those to sit on new Employment Councils supporting offenders serving their sentence in the community into work.
They will build on the success of prison Employment Advisory Boards, which were created by Lord Timpson before he became a government minister. These have brought local business leaders into jails to improve education and prisoners’ ability to get work when released.
The new regional Employment Councils will expand this model out to the Probation Service and the tens of thousands of offenders serving their sentences in the community.
Each council will also have a representative from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help improve links with local job centres.
The initiative was a manifesto commitment and will play a crucial role in the Government’s mission to make streets safer by tackling reoffending under the Plan for Change.
Around 80% of all crime is reoffending but latest data shows offenders employed six weeks after leaving prison had a reoffending rate around half of those out of work.
Alongside breaking the cycle of crime, getting offenders into work helps employers fill vacancies, build their businesses, plug skill gaps and boost the UK economy.
Minister for Probation, Prisons and Reducing Reoffending, James Timpson, said: “Getting former offenders into stable work is a sure way of cutting crime and making our streets safer. That’s why partnering with businesses to get more former offenders into work is a win-win.
“The Employment Advisory Boards I spear-headed have made huge progress and now these Employment Councils will expand that success to steer even more offenders away from crime as part of our Plan for Change.”
Employment Councils will provide support to frontline probation staff already involved in getting offenders into work. They will provide them with a greater understanding of the local labour market and help build better relationships with suitable employers.
Further support from the DWP will help link offenders with work coaches placed at job centres throughout the country.
These coaches will be on hand to get offenders job-ready through mock interviews, CV advice and by sharing tips on how to secure further training opportunities in the community.
DWP Lords Minister, Baroness Maeve Sherlock, said: ”As well as making our streets safer, helping offenders into work will enable employers to fill vacancies and plug our skills gaps.
“This work is vital in our Plan for Change as we begin our task of fixing the fundamentals of the social security system and progress with wider work to reduce poverty, put more money in people’s pockets and keep our streets safe.
“That’s why I am pleased that DWP staff will also be a part of the new regional Employment Councils to directly connect them with the frontline support delivered every day by Jobcentre staff across the country – offering work experience and access to our employment programmes.”
Research from the Ministry of Justice shows that 90% of businesses that employ ex-offenders agreed that they are good attenders, motivated and trustworthy
Rosie Brown, co-CEO of COOK, said: “A job provides a key way to help people restore their lives and relationships following a stretch in prison.
“In return, we get committed, loyal team members to help us build our business. Re-offending is reduced, and families, communities, and society as a whole wins.”
Employment Councils will serve as the successor to regional Employment Advisory Boards and will officially bring together probation, prisons, local employers and DWP under one umbrella for the first time, with a renewed focus on broadening support to offenders in the community.
The Boards will continue at 93 individual prisons but the addition of regional Employment Councils will help prison leavers look for work across an entire region, not just the immediate vicinity of the last prison they were in.
Are you looking to get out and about and meet new people? Then we hope you will join us 11am – 1pm on Monday 13th January at LifeCare’s warm and welcoming community cafe, CafeLife (2 Cheyne Street), as we celebrate the 1st birthday of our Chatty Cafe and help turn Blue Monday into Brew Monday.
Enjoy coffee, tea, cake and conversation as we bring the community together round our Chatter and Natter Table.
We’re incredibly proud of all we have achieved this year and hope you can join us to celebrate!
Chatty Cafe is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
The City Art Centre, dedicated to championing historic and contemporary Scottish visual arts and crafts, has announced an exciting range of exhibitions for 2025.
Additional details on each exhibition, along with a diverse public events programme, will be revealed later in the year.
Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945-2000 17 May – 12 October 2025 The post-war era was a period of seismic shifts – political and social, scientific and cultural. Emerging from the events of the Second World War, communities lived with the legacies of conflict while looking ahead to the future. Contemporary artists responded to these changing times, addressing both traditional and modern themes in their work as they pushed the boundaries of creativity. By the end of the century, the artistic landscape was entirely transformed.
Scheduled to complement John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture, this survey exhibition examines the wider context of post-war Scottish art. Charting the years between the late 1940s and late 1990s, it showcases evolving approaches to figurative and landscape subjects, the growth of abstraction and pop art, and the development of new media. Out of Chaos presents a range of artworks from the City Art Centre’s permanent collection, featuring key pieces by William Johnstone, Joan Eardley, Eduardo Paolozzi, Ian Hamilton Finlay, Elizabeth Blackadder and Maud Sulter.
John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture 31 May – 28 September 2025 John Bellany was one of the most significant Scottish painters of the modern era. A Life in Self-Portraiture brings together over 80 autobiographical drawings, paintings, prints and sketchbooks, spanning from the early 1960s until the artist’s death in 2013.
John Bellany was one of the most prolific self-portraitists in history, obsessively documenting his own image throughout his lifetime. This exhibition captures the wide range of works created across different mediums, from carefully observed student studies, to his epic pictorial narratives where he disguised himself in different roles and fantastical characters. The exhibition contains works on loan from public and private collections across the country, including the artist’s estate, many of which have never been seen publicly before.
An accompanying publication includes a foreword by Helen Bellany, plus an essay and interview from exhibition curators’ Bill Hare and Sandy Moffat. Moffat’s account charts his long-term friendship and collaboration with Bellany, from their time at art school up until the latter’s death.
John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture captures the span of an extraordinary life and career, told through the lens of the artist’s own eyes and the words of the people who knew him best.
Unmasked: Exploring Scottish Portraiture 13 September 2025 – May 2026 Portraiture is an age-old artform with a seemingly simple purpose: to record the likeness of a human subject. Yet the enduring appeal of portraiture lies in its complexity. Behind every portrait is a series of stories – interwoven narratives about the sitter, the artist, and the circumstances that brought them together.
Unmasked: Exploring Scottish Portraiture examines this genre in depth, with a selection of highlights from the City Art Centre’s permanent collection. Featuring examples of painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and photography, the exhibition spans almost 400 years of artistic production, from historic portraits by George Jamesone to contemporary works by Sekai Machache. Unmasked shares new research findings from the collection and reveals several recent acquisitions, on display for the first time.
Carla van de Puttelaar Facing the Law: Portraits Past & Present 8 November 2025 – 8 March 2026 Carla van de Puttelaar (b. 1967) is an internationally acclaimed Dutch photographer and art historian based in the Netherlands. She has always had a keen interest in portraiture and over the last two years she has been photographing women working in the Scottish legal profession.
Facing the Law: Portraits Past & Present will feature around 80 of these portraits, celebrating women in the law, from individuals at the outset of their careers to those pioneers who have paved the way for the next generation, such as the Right Honourable Lady Dorrian, who is the first female Lord Justice Clerk. Displayed alongside these photographs will be a small group of oil paintings from public and private collections, dated from the 17th and 18th centuries, a time when the law was an entirely male dominated occupation, by leading portraitists of the era including David Scougall, Allan Ramsay, and Henry Raeburn.
This exhibition explores Scottish portraiture in the legal profession, drawing parallels and contrasts between past and present.
Carla van de Puttelaar; Facing the Law: Portraits Past & Present is being sponsored by Burness Paull.
Michael Fullerton 22 November 2025 – 22 February 2026 This major exhibition by Glasgow-born artist Michael Fullerton will feature a new body of paintings, as well as a survey of screen-prints and works selected from the City Art Centre Collections.
Mona Yoo 2025 Artist in Residence
Edinburgh-based artist Mona Yoo has been invited to develop a long-term project throughout 2025. A period of research and on-site investigation into the history and architecture of the City Art Centre building will result in a series of interruptions and interventions, and culminate in an exhibition outcome in early 2026.
Councillor Val Walker, Edinburgh’s Convener of Culture and Communities said:“The City Art Centre is set for an extraordinary year ahead as we begin to reveal highlights from the 2025 programme.
“Since its opening in 1980, the Centre has always been more than just a gallery—it was created as a space for artists, craftspeople, and art lovers to gather. Now, 45 years on, the City Art Centre remains one of the most accessible and welcoming venues for art enthusiasts in the capital and is proud to house Edinburgh’s art collection, one of the finest in the country.
“2025 brings many exciting exhibitions, starting in the Spring with ‘Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945-2000’ and ‘John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture‘. This two-floor exhibition, featuring over 80 works, showcases Bellany’s impressive body of work, many pieces of which are being shown publicly for the first time, courtesy of public and private collections, including the artist’s estate.
“I’m also thrilled to welcome Mona Yoo as our new artist in residence. I’m sure Mona’s creativity and vision will bring some new energy and inspiration to our venue – and I’m excited to see the resulting exhibition early next year.
“Later in the year, we’ll delve deeper into the world of portraiture with ‘Unmasked: Exploring Scottish Portraiture’ and ‘Carla van de Puttelaar’s Facing the Law: Portraits Past & Present’. We’ll also host a major exhibition featuring new works by Michael Fullerton.
“With a mix of charged and free exhibitions throughout the year, 2025 promises to be an excellent opportunity for visitors to reconnect with beloved and favourite artists, and perhaps discover some exciting new ones.”
Childline delivered almost 5,000 counselling sessions across 2023/24 where the main concern was loneliness.
Causes include being bullied by peers and seeing their friends having fun on social media and feeling as though they are missing out.
This January, Childline continues to be there for young people who need a safe and confidential place to turn to.
Thousands of children and young people across the UK continue to turn to Childline to discuss and seek help for feelings of loneliness.
In 2023/24 the NSPCC service delivered almost 5,000 counselling sessions related to the concern, both online and over the phone from one of their 13 bases around the country, including Aberdeen and Glasgow in Scotland.
Reasons children and young people have cited for feeling lonely in the last year include moving house or school and having to make new friends, their parents working long hours, being bullied by peers, and seeing their friends having fun on social media and feeling as though they are missing out.
One 11-year-old girl from Scotland said to Childline: “I feel so lonely at school, I only really have one friend.
“What’s harder though is I feel I can’t talk about how much it upsets me. My parents seem annoyed or judgemental when I try to talk about my feelings. Speaking to Childline feels like a weight has been lifted.”
The charity is revealing these figures to remind children and young people that they are not alone this January, or any other time of the year, with Childline ready to provide help and support 24/7.
Adeniyi Alade, Childline Service Head, based in Aberdeen, said: “The dark and cold winter months can be a difficult time for many of us when feelings of loneliness and isolation can become more intense.
“Sadly, a high number of children and young people contact Childline because they feel lonely and isolated. We know this can have a serious impact on their mental wellbeing, often leaving young people feeling depressed and helpless.
“Children don’t have to face these emotions alone. Childline is here for every young person, no matter what their situation. Whether they’re missing a member of their family, struggling with friendships and bullying, or finding it difficult to talk with those around them, our counsellors are ready to listen.
“We’d encourage young people to get support as early as possible because that can help prevent the situation from getting worse.”
Tips for adults to help children and young people who may be experiencing loneliness include:
Communicate openly: Encourage children to talk about their feelings and listen without judgement.
Discover what’s causing the problem: Gently explore why they might be feeling this way and validate their emotions.
Encourage socialising: Help children find opportunities to connect with peers through hobbies, clubs, or activities.
Help them build their confidence: Celebrate their strengths and achievements and remind them of the positive relationships in their lives.
Build a supportive environment: Loneliness isn’t something that can be resolved with one conversation. It is important to create an environment of openness where a child can talk to you about their feelings and any struggles they may be facing.
To support young people who may be dealing with loneliness, the NSPCC also offers an online text befriending service called Building Connections.
Barratt Homes East Scotland will soon be welcoming prospective buyers to visit one of the UK’s most iconic redevelopment projects, as homes at Bangour Village, West Lothian launch next month.
Built on the grounds of former Bangour Hospital outside Livingston, the regeneration of the site is being carried out by a variety of housebuilders, including Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes which will join in May.
Earlier this year, Ambassador Group finalised the sale of 14.55 acres of land to Barratt Homes for the development of 179 private residences. The first phase of properties will be available to reserve from February 2025 and includes three and four-bed homes.
These new homes will become part of the larger Bangour Village Estate, an ambitious redevelopment nestled in 215 acres of woodland. In total, the project aims to introduce up to 998 energy-efficient homes that will benefit from excellent transport links to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Once completed, the brand-new community will have a range of amenities including a primary school, nursery, playing fields, a commercial hub comprising a supermarket, café/restaurant, and expansive woodland that has been preserved.
Lorraine Paterson, Sales Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “As locals will know, the Bangour site is cherished within the community for its scenic beauty and rich heritage.
“We’ve taken care at every opportunity when designing and planning quality homes on the grounds, making sure properties reflect the needs of families, couples and individuals, while being inspired by the spacious tranquillity of Bangour.
“By working with Ambassador Group and other housebuilders, we hope to see the site reborn as a place to live and thrive.”
To find out more about Barratt @ Bangour Village, visit:
Somewhere by Nico is calling for all detectives as it brings back its sell-out Murder on the Midnight Express cocktail experience, inspired by the classic game of suspense
Running for a limited time only, the menu will be available at Somewhere by Nico in Edinburgh at Charlotte Lane from 8th January – to 2nd February 2025
0% alcohol options are also available, providing new ways to enjoy the experience without compromise
Back by popular demand, Murder on the Midnight Express is making its highly anticipated return to Somewhere by Nico in for a limited time only. From 8th January — 2nd February, this thrilling cocktail experience invites guests to step into a world of mystery, inspired by the classic game of suspense.
As the train pulls back into Somewhere by Nico, guests will be immersed into the exhilarating journey to solve the mystery of who shot Gustave Laroche. For £45 per person, the five-course cocktail menu takes participants on a flavourful and intriguing ride, with each sip revealing a new clue.
For those seeking an extra twist, an optional bonus cocktail provides an additional hint to elevate the detective experience.
Perfect for a new year outing with friends or family, Murder on the Midnight Express is an experience like no other – combining captivating storytelling, exceptional cocktails, and an immersive mystery to solve. With 0% alcohol options available, there’s something for everyone at Somewhere by Nico – without compromising on taste.
This limited-time menu will be available at both Somewhere by Nico Edinburgh (39a Charlotte Lane) and Somewhere by Nico Glasgow (358 Byres Road).
Limited-Time Offer Guests are encouraged to book early to secure their seat in January with a limited-time offer at just £30pp (saving £15pp).
Whether for a friend, loved one, or a treat for yourself, Murder on the Midnight Express is the perfect gift that provides an unforgettable experience to share.
Nico Simeone, CEO and Founder of Six by Nico, commented:“We’re thrilled to bring back Murder on the Midnight Express to Somewhere by Nico for a limited time. This unique cocktail journey blends mystery, adventure, and creative storytelling to offer our guests an experience that goes beyond just drinks.
“We can’t wait to welcome guests as they put their detective skills to the test and solve the mystery of Gustave Laroche’s murder. With a carefully crafted five-course cocktail journey, plus 0% alcohol options, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.”
For more information about Somewhere by Nico and to secure your booking, please visit here
