The Global Fraud Report 2024 witnessed not only a marked increase in fraud, but also genuine concern from research with 1,200 fraud professionals: 96% of the professionals are worried about the industrialisation of fraud, while 79% have seen a significant increase in the sophistication of fraud attacks in the past 12 months.
“Fraud is always evolving and with criminals now exploiting AI and machine learning, our expectation is that scams will be increasingly more sophisticated,” comments Metro Bank’s Head of Fraud & Investigations, Baz Thompson.
“Our systems have to constantly evolve to protect our customers, but we would remind all consumers and businesses to be wary of anything that seems too good to be true and think twice before sharing any financial or personal information to help protect themselves.”
We are predicting the five scams to be wary of in 2025:
Facebook Marketplace purchase scams
Impersonation of reputable organisations e.g. bank staff/police/courier firms/HMRC
Peer to peer selling on Facebook Marketplace has been targeted by scammers offering goods that simply do not exist. Be wary of any deal that seems too good to be true and be cautious of new profiles.
Ideally, only pay on collection when you have had a chance to review the goods in person. In the last 12 months we have seen an increase in fraudulent merchants offering goods for sale at attractive prices and then convincing the customers to purchase with card payments being accepted.
So, not only do you need to be mindful of sellers asking for you to make a payment, but there are also sellers who accept card payments that you need to be aware of.
Impersonation of reputable organisations e.g. bank staff/police/courier firms/HMRC
Consumers are being bombarded by phone, text or email from “trusted” organisations such as their bank, the police, HMRC, delivery companies and utility providers asking for payment or personal and financial details – but these requests are all scams.
Ahead of the new financial year in April, this time of year HMRC scams are rife. Threatening calls from HMRC asking you to act quickly to pay an outstanding tax bill should be a red flag to pause. Contact HMRC directly if you have concerns and do not respond to any urgent demands, share any personal information, or click on any links provided.
Investments in Crypto via a rogue broker
However attractive this type of investment may seem, it is inherently risky as online platforms can be breeding grounds for fraudulent schemes, so thorough research and caution are crucial.
Off platform ticket sales
Popular sporting events and major music tours are natural targets for scammers. Be wary of any tickets not offered through known, reputable sites.
Car finance reimbursement scandal
Lenders and dealers have been accused of hiding commission payments made when cars were bought on finance deals. Motorists are being encouraged to sign up for compensation – be wary of sharing your bank details with a random text or email about this compensation scheme. Instead, check out the form and tool guide on Martin Lewis’s MoneySavingExpert.com website.
Ensure you use the correct link to this site as opposed to any links sent via email or other means as the fraudsters do impersonate well known celebrities to make the scam look more attractive.
Consumers can find more information on the Take Five to Stop Fraud website. Take Five is a national campaign that offers straightforward and impartial advice to help everyone protect themselves from financial fraud.
Three easy steps can help prevent a scam from being successful:
Stop -Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information. It could keep you safe.
Challenge – Ask yourself, could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
Protect – Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been scammed and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or call them on 0330 123 2040.
It’s been another busy year taking theatre out on the road across Scotland and beyond. Moving memoirs brought to the stage, new twists on Country classics and jaw-dropping dramatic moments.
We have been touring to theatres, schools, community halls, art centres, hospitals, cinemas, libraries and festivals. As well as exhibitions, short films, documentaries, podcasts, residencies and more.
In 2024, we visited 62 venues across Scotland, and beyond.
Here are some highlights of the year from your national theatre…
We kick started the year celebrating young audiences and performers.
Cloud Man by Constellation Points/Ailie Cohen and Lewis Hetherington, presented by Scottish Theatre Producers. Going for Gold: Me and Linford Christie by Victoria Beesley, presented by Catherine Wheels.
Meanwhile Hannah Lavery’sProtestcontinued to inspire youth activism at the Traverse Theatre.
Co-commissioned and co-produced by Fuel, Imaginate and Northern Stage in association with National Theatre of Scotland.
In January we presented work in Edinburgh and toured to schools in Edinburgh, Grangemouth, Coatbridge, Bathgate, Aberfeldy, Dallas, Fort William, Kenmore, Pitlochry, Glasgow, Airdrie and Wishaw with Theatre in Schools Scotland (TiSS).
Cloud Man and Going for Gold continued their TiSS adventures.
“I’ve learnt that anything is possible. If I never came out my comfort zone I’d never have made these memories… Life changing.”
Thank U, Next participant.
We took up residency at Bellahouston Academy with 21Commoners Lucy Gaizely and Gary Gardiner to explore teen lives with a cast of 12-to-16 year olds with the extraordinary Thank U, Next.
A National Theatre of Scotland production in association with Bellahouston Academy, created by 21Common.
National Theatre of Scotland and Selkie Productions, Supported by Screen Scotland and Sky Arts.
We celebrated our 18th birthday!
We toured to Bellahouston and Glasgow, presented work in Edinburgh, Harrogate, London, Cambridge, Colchester, Coventry, Poole and Victoria, Canada and the Netherlands and visited schools in Dunkeld, South Queensferry, Cumbernauld, Grangemouth, Edinburgh, Oban, Dallas, Tain, Lairg, Orkney, Sanday, Westray and Stronsay with TiSS.
“A startling, unique, powerfully honest work.”
★★★★ – The Telegraph
Marc Brew and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s raw and life affirming an Accident/a Life had its UK premiere at Tramway following a presentation in Holland.
A Marc Brew Company and Eastman co-production in association with National Theatre Scotland.
We brought the drama to Rockvilla with the BBC’s Bring the Drama creative careers event.
And we launched Caring Scotland, a wide-reaching nationwide Listening Project, led by artist and foster parent Nicola McCartney, to record the testimony of care-experienced people across Scotland.
A National Theatre of Scotland, Who Cares Scotland and National Library of Scotland project.
And Going for Gold ran its final furlongs with TiSS
In March we toured to Glasgow and presented work in Plymouth, Exeter and Newcastle and visited schools in Dumfries, Langholm, Edinburgh and Glasgow with TiSS.
“Delightfully creative and warming show.”
★★★★ – The Reviews Hub
We shō’ed up for Independent Arts Projects with our support of Shō and the Demons of the Deep, written by Zoë Bullock, adapted from the work by Annouchka Gravel Galouchko and directed by Shilpa T-Hyland, which opened at Platform Glasgow.
An Independent Arts Projects (IAP) production in association with National Theatre of Scotland.
We celebrated surviving Thatcher’s Britain at the Mitchell Library, with Damian Barr and James Ley chatting to our Artistic Director Jackie Wylie as part of the Aye Write book festival.
We launched A Big Map for the Big Yin where we encouraged folks to leave their own homages to Scotland’s most beloved comedian, Billy Connolly.
In April we toured to Glasgow, Aberdeen, Shetland and Tobermory.
“Funny, moving and powerful in equal measure, it’s an expertly told story and it deserves to be a hit.”
★★★★★ – WhatsOnStage
Maggie & Me James Ley and Damian Barr’s epic adaptation of his celebrated memoir, directed by Suba Das took the Tron Theatre, Glasgow by storm.
A National Theatre of Scotland production.
Damian Barr returned to North Lanarkshire for a sell-out event at Motherwell Library.
“A poignant, colourful and hilarious performance.”
★★★★★ – Scottish Field
The mighty Dear Billy – Gary McNair’s love letter to the Big Yin from the people of Scotland returned with a run at His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen.
A National Theatre of Scotland production.
And an Accident/a Life continued to astound audiences at the Steps Dance Festival in Switzerland, visiting Sierre, Bulle and Basel and at the Norfolk and Norwich Festival.
In May we toured to Dunoon, Dunkeld, Melrose, Wick, Dumfries, the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, Inverness, Perth, Cumbernauld, Dundee, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Inverness and presented work in Switzerland and Norwich.
Damian Barr popped over to the National Library of Scotland to talk about taking his memoir from page-to-stage with Chitra Ramaswamy.
In June we toured to Inverness, St Andrews, Dundee, Northampton, Edinburgh and Manchester.
We invited local people to take to the stage at Springburn Auditorium for a joyous celebration of the North Glasgow region, led by our community artist in residence, Eoin MacKenzie with theNeighbourhood Variety Show.
A performance project by Eoin McKenzie as part of the National Theatre of Scotland’s Neighbourhood Project.
We announced that Kal Sabir was the winner of our South Asian short film commission with his forthcoming short filmKinaara.
And we aspired to get greener by launching the second edition of the Theatre Green Book.
In July we presented work in Glasgow.
The Fifth Steppreviewed at Dundee Rep Theatre, ahead of opening at the Edinburgh International Festival.
“Highly entertaining, often very funny, and sometimes brilliantly tense.”
★★★★ – The Scotsman
We provoked audiences with David Ireland’s sizzling two-hander, directed by Finn Den Hertog, marking a homecoming to Scottish stages for Jack Lowden, alongside Sean Gilder.
A National Theatre of Scotland production.
“this production is absolutely joyous – a truly magnificent story of two remarkable women.”
★★★★★ – Broadway World
We hoe-downed with Grid Iron, for Charlene Boyd’s June Carter Cash, The Woman, Her Music and Me, directed by Cora Bissett which opened at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe enjoying a sold-out run, winning a Fringe First, with a shout out for Parents in the Performing Arts too.
A National Theatre of Scotland and Grid Iron co-production.
Pamela Carter and Stewart Laing delved into the archive and pulled out Extraordinary Trash: A Theatre Essay featuring Adura Onashile as ‘The Archivist’ at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
Dear Billyended its 2024 World Tour of Scotland and Salford by bringing joy to audiences at the Assembly Rooms during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Meanwhile, over in Glasgow, we headed down the canal to premiere Wonder Lands at Pinkston Gala Day, Roisin McLinden, our community artist in residence’s, film fusing community arts practice and cycling.
In August we toured to Edinburgh, Banchory, Glasgow and Dundee.
June Carter Cash saddled up and hit the road for a sold out tour across Scotland, including opening the Outwith Festival, and ending its journey at Findhorn Bay Festival.
We welcomed Gus Gowland as our first Resident Composer.
In September we toured to Glasgow, Dunfermline, Kirkcudbright, Stranraer, Arran, Oban, Ullapool, Findhorn Bay.
Thank U Next enriched young lives at Cumbernauld Academy with the next troupe of talented young performers taking to the stage at Lanternhouse.
A National Theatre of Scotland production in association with Cumbernauld Academy, created by 21Common.
A National Theatre of Scotland and All the Queens Men project in partnership with Eden Court Theatre and Luminate
We marked Care Experienced Week with a special in conversation event at National Library of Scotland, with artist Juano Diaz and sent our project facilitators around the country to listen and gather testimony from care experienced individuals.
We embraced Gothic horror at Halloween with a special free screening of TheStrange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde with a post-show chat from the lead creatives at the National Library of Scotland at Kelvin Hall.
In October we toured to Cumbernauld, and presented work in Glasgow, Livingston, Sweden and Norway.
We paid tribute to the much loved and missed Beldina Odenyo with the powerful Tero Buru at Platform, Glasgow, directed by Julia Taudevin.
A Leah McAleer project, produced by Disaster Plan in association with the National Theatre of Scotland.
We Pushed the Boat Out with our support for new commissions at Edinburgh’s spoken word festival, at the Storytelling Centre.
And we made gingerbread men with pupils in schools across the country as the playful Ginger went on tour with TiSS.
Created by Tortoise in a Nutshell, created in association with Platform and Lyth Arts Centre.
In November we toured to Glasgow and Edinburgh and visited schools in the Isle of Lewis, North Uist, Kinross, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Blackridge, Livingston, Orkney, Sanday, Westray, Stronsay, Shetland, Aberdeen, Bellshill, Cumbernauld and Oban with TiSS.
Jack Hunter and his deeply personal and political One of Two ended its important TiSS tour.
Presented by Independent Arts Projects.
We celebrated Scottish playwriting by supporting Fergus Morgan’s podcast –A History of Scottish Drama in Six Plays featuring NTS shows, Black Watch, Men Should Weep and TheCheviot, The Stag and The Black, Black Oil.
Produced by the Scottish Society of Playwrights in association with Bespoken Media and the Traverse Theatre.
In December, we toured to schools in Tain, Alness and Culloden with TiSS.
A YEAR IN REVIEW
Throughout 2024 we:
Toured to 62 venues across Scotland and beyond
Visited 62 schools with Theatre in Schools Scotland
Added 2 new shows and resources to our Education Portal
Hosted 15 First Nights events connecting with 275 Participants
Delivered 74 accessible performances
Continued to reduce our carbon footprint
Won 3 awards at the UK Theatres Awards, Audio Production Awards and Scotsman Fringe First and were nominated for 12 more!
Please do read our Annual Report and Financial Statement for 2022 to 2023 here.
A standing ovation for the hundreds of actors, creatives, artists, technicians and freelancers that worked with us this year. Full creative credits are available for each project and production via the links above.
With thanks to…
Our funders, friends and followers, our audiences and allies, our participants and partners, our co-producers, cheerleaders and communities.
And all our wonderful donors and supporters.
None of this would be possible without your generosity and goodwill!
We send our thanks to the Board too for their ongoing enthusiasm, guidance and governance.
We are really looking forward to getting out round Scotland in 2025 – our full season will be announced in January 2025.
We hope to see you at your local theatre this year!
With love from all the team at the National Theatre of Scotland.
Police Scotland has released an image of a man who may be able to assist with their enquiries into an incident in Edinburgh which occurred in the early hours of the morning on Saturday, 14 September on Rodney Street.
The man (pictured above) is described as white, aged in his twenties, around 6ft in height with dark hair. He was seen to be wearing a hooded top, reflective trousers and black trainers.
Officers are urging the male or anyone who may recognise him to contact police.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 1807 of 14 September, 2024.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
As the world welcomes in 2025 and the “New Year, New You” mantra resonates, Edinburgh Leisure is offering an exciting opportunity for fitness enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
With a £0 Joining Fee promotion throughout January 2025, there’s never been a better time to embark on your wellness journey.
Exclusive Membership Promotion: Zero Barriers to Fitness
Designed to make fitness accessible to everyone, regardless of age or fitness level, Edinburgh Leisure, the city’s largest provider of sports and leisure facilities, is breaking down financial barriers with its £0 Joining Fee offer.
Comprehensive Fitness Options
Members gain unlimited access to an impressive range of facilities:
12 pools
17 gyms across the city
New Evolve Hybrid gym at Meadowbank
Lead and speed climbing facilities
Six golf courses
Over 750 weekly fitness classes
The no Joining Fee membership is available to new members from January 1st to 31st, 2025.
Fitness for Every Journey
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned athlete, Edinburgh Leisure offers tailored fitness solutions.
Cutting-Edge Fitness Trends
Edinburgh Leisure has revolutionised the fitness landscape with the launch of Evolve Meadowbank, an official Hyrox Affiliate Training Club.
As the first leisure trust affiliated with Hyrox, they offer classes for both Hyrox newcomers and experienced participants. With a Hyrox competition in Glasgow in March 2025, their specialised membership is perfect for those looking to get competition-ready.
At the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA: Ratho), a significant £100,000 investment from sportscotland’s Sport Facilities Fund and National Lottery Players has transformed climbing opportunities.
The centre has unveiled a state-of-the-art competition bouldering wall, designed by the Serious Climbing team at Rockcity in partnership with Dreamwall.
This remarkable facility makes EICA: Ratho the only climbing centre in the UK with Olympic and International standard facilities across all three climbing disciplines: lead climbing, speed climbing, and bouldering.
This investment demonstrates Edinburgh Leisure’s commitment to providing world-class sporting infrastructure. Climbing enthusiasts and aspiring athletes can now access cutting-edge facilities that support progression at every skill level, from beginners to competitive climbers.
Group Fitness Renaissance
Post-pandemic, group exercise is experiencing a revival. Edinburgh Leisure provides a diverse range of classes:
Cardio
Dance
Strength training
Mind and body classes (Yoga and Pilates)
Inclusive Fitness for All Ages
Recognising the importance of fitness across all life stages, Edinburgh Leisure offers:
“Get up and Go” gym classes specifically designed for older adults
Low-level studio classes for those preferring a slower pace
Introductory and personal programmes at no extra cost to support you with a personalised fitness plan to reach your goals.
Your 2025 Fitness Transformation Starts Here
Whether you’re a tech-driven fitness tracker, a studio class enthusiast, or seeking a holistic wellness approach, Edinburgh Leisure provides the tools, support, and motivation to help you achieve your goals.
Embrace the New Year. Transform your fitness. Start your journey today!
Your local community pharmacy provides a free stop smoking service.
You can drop in when it suits you to chat to your local pharmacy team. They will explain the nicotine replacement products available to help you quit smoking and advise on the pros and cons of each to help you decide which option is the best for you.
Ahead of the Bells, Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray reflects on 2024 and looks ahead to 2025
This time of year is a chance for us all to look back and reflect, as well as look forward.
Looking back, I think we can all agree that 2024 has been quite a year.
People voted for change. And we are delivering on that with the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.
Since July’s election we have made huge strides. We have taken the difficult decisions so we could fix the foundations of our economy, dealing with the appalling fiscal and industrial inheritance left by the previous administration.
We have made great progress in laying the foundations for delivering on our missions.
We launched the legislation to deliver Great British Energy, which will place Scotland right at the heart of our green energy revolution. We have put in place a £100 million package to support the workers at the Grangemouth refinery and boost the Falkirk and Grangemouth area.
We have published the biggest upgrade of workers’ rights in a generation. And I was very pleased to be able to support the Dad Shift lobby of Parliament for better paternity rights.
We have put more money in people’s pockets by increasing the minimum wage, uprating benefits and increasing pensions with the triple lock. Our Child Poverty Taskforce is working with partners to tackle the scourge of children living in poverty.
I went to Norway and South East Asia to launch Brand Scotland – our campaign to sell Scotland and Scottish businesses around the world.
We are doing politics differently.
We invited MPs and Peers from all parties to come to Dover House to sign White Ribbon Scotland’s pledge to help stop the scourge of violence against women and girls.
We have reset the relationship with the Scottish Government so that we can work constructively together on the issues that matter to people in Scotland.
I was very proud that, working with the Scottish Government, we were able to bring 19 female Afghan medical students to Scotland. They are an incredibly brave and inspirational group of women. Now settled at Scottish Universities, they will be a huge contribution to our NHS when they finish their studies.
And speaking of that important joint working, I want to make a special mention of our Ukrainian friends who have made new homes in Scotland, many of whom I have had the pleasure of meeting in Edinburgh. I have been inspired by their bravery and resilience – and by their overwhelming desire to return home as soon as they can.
We are determined to make life better for everyone living in Scotland. The Chancellor’s Budget delivered an extra £4.9 billion for the Scottish Government, meaning a record £47.7 billion settlement for them next year, as well as £1.4 billion for local growth projects across Scotland – projects which will help create jobs and improve local communities.
That is all good progress, but of course it is not enough.
The UK Government is driving investment and reform to deliver growth. We are rebuilding Britain in a decade of national renewal.
As we look ahead to next year, I and the Scotland Office are focussed on my four priorities – clean energy, economic growth, tackling poverty and rolling out Brand Scotland around the world.
We will get GB Energy, headquartered in Aberdeen, moving. This will drive our green energy revolution and ensure our energy security. We will bring in our new Skills Passport, to ensure our highly skilled oil and gas workers can transition to new green technologies. Project Willow will set out how we can ensure a sustainable future for the Grangemouth site as part of our clean energy future.
I intend to take Brand Scotland to new markets this year, to ensure that we attract inward investment to Scotland and help Scottish businesses export. Not just our fantastic products like whisky and salmon, but energy, financial services, culture, technology and manufacturing.
Our Child Poverty Taskforce – of which I am a member – will publish a comprehensive strategy in the Spring. That will set out how we will work with the Scottish Government and others to make sure that all children and families in Scotland have a decent standard of living and the opportunities they deserve. It will look at how we bring together all different strands of this – including housing, job security, health and education – dealing with the underlying causes of poverty so that children can be lifted out of poverty for good.
I am confident that, by the end of 2025, we will be making real progress in improving living standards and making life better for people in Scotland.
So, as we chomp on our black bun and head towards the Bells, may I wish everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.
COSLA has shared two new documents setting out high-level analysis of the Scottish 2025-26 Budget and what it means for Councils and essential local social care services.
What does the Scottish Budget mean for councils?
Following the Scottish Budget announcement earlier this month, we shared a short briefing setting out high-level analysis on what the Budget means for Scottish Local Government.
Commenting, COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson, Councillor Katie Hagmann, commented: “This Budget is a welcomed step in the right direction for Local Government and provides a small amount of additional uncommitted revenue and capital funding for 2025/26.
“However, due to the unprecedented financial challenges being faced by our councils, this additional funding may not be enough to reverse planned cuts to vital services across our communities.”
What does the Scottish budget mean for social care?
Our councils have increased real terms spend on social care by 29% since 2010/11 at the expense of other preventative, non-statutory services. However, rising operational costs, escalating demand for services, and high inflation mean that the need for greater funding is more urgent than ever.
The level of funding provided in the 2025/26 Budget will not resolve the unprecedented challenges being faced in local social care services.
COSLA’s Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly, added: “Without additional funding to increase capacity across all of our social care services, there is a very real risk that key services will not be able to transform to the scale that our communities require and deserve.
“COSLA and Local Authorities are ready and willing to work constructively to support improvement and reform in social care that is aligned to local needs and priorities, but this should be backed by the much-needed investment.”
As the festive season brings warmth to many homes, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is calling for a final wave of support for its Winter Appeal to ensure no pet—or person—feels abandoned during these difficult months.
With record demand for its services this year, the Home aims to raise £134,500 through its Winter Appeal to cover the rising costs of care, including £22,000 for heating over the cold months.
Over the past year, the Home has processed 1,635 surrender requests, a figure nearly matching the entire estimated dog population of Edinburgh’s EH1 postcode. The rise in demand this year has brought extraordinary challenges for Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, leaving the home in a position where it has no choice but to turn people away.
Between January and June 2024, the helpline handled an incredible 17,995 calls, exceeding the total of 17,021 calls received in all of 2023.
These calls amounted to 872 hours of support—equivalent to watching all of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films 44 times. From desperate surrender requests to heartfelt pleas for advice on keeping pets during financial struggles, each call highlights the vital role the helpline plays in supporting pet owners through challenging times. More than numbers, the calls represent people in crisis, seeking support and reassurance during some of their darkest days.
Amid these challenges, due to the hard work of the Home, there have been bright moments, too. So far this year, the Home found loving families for 216 cats and dogs and reunited 95 missing pets, proving that even in difficult times, hope and happy endings are possible.
Beyond rehoming animals, the Home provides vital emotional support to pet owners through its helpline. Each call represents a person or family facing tough decisions—seeking guidance, advice, or just a compassionate ear. The team works tirelessly to keep pets in loving homes whenever possible, offering signposting to resources, training tips, and practical advice.
Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine, CEO of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said: “We’ve seen an overwhelming demand for our services this year.
“Each call we take, and each family we support, reminds us why this work is so vital. Our Winter Appeal is about ensuring we can continue being a beacon of hope for pets and their people in the toughest of times.
“Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference.”
Staggering operational costs mean that every penny raised will ensure that the animals of the Home are well cared for this winter and donors can be part of creating more stories like Maple’s—a young dog rescued in desperate need of care who now thrives in her forever home.
Donations of as little as £10 can provide essential vaccinations for a cat, while £150 could keep all the Home’s dogs warm for the day.
Founded in 1883, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has been a lifeline for the community for over 140 years, relying entirely on public donations to sustain its vital work.
HM The King’s New Year Honours List 2025 recognises unsung heroes who have made outstanding contributions to their communities across the UK
More than 1,200 recipients receive honours this year across all sectors, with particular commendation to role models in sport, healthcare, academia and voluntary service.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Each and every day, ordinary people go out and do extraordinary things for their communities.
“They represent the very best of the UK and that core value of service which I put at the centre of everything this government does.
“The New Year Honours List celebrates more of these unsung heroes, and I thank them for their incredible contribution.”
Among those being honoured today is former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate, who receives a Knighthood for services to Association Football. Beyond the pitch, Southgate has been actively involved in charitable work including supporting the Prince’s Trust, a youth charity that helps young people get into education, training, and employment.
The List awards a Companion of Honour, of which there are only 65 recipients at any time, to author and screenwriter Sir Kazuo Ishiguro; and a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire for author Dame Jacqueline Wilson, and a Knight Grand Cross for Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz lately Chair of Cancer Research.
Damehoods are being awarded to Professor Alison Fuller for her work in Higher Education and Ruth Cairnie, Chair of Babcock International. Notable CBE recipients include Alan Titchmarsh, and actors Sarah Lancashire and Carey Mulligan.
The oldest recipient, World War Two Mosquito pilot Colin Bell, is 103 years old and receives a BEM for his charitable fundraising and public speaking about WWII Bomber Command.
The List also features two further centenarians: George Kelly aged 101, who receives an MBE for services to the Royal British Legion and to Royal Air Force Veterans. George had a distinguished career as an RAF navigator and has given over 40 years of selfless voluntary service to the RBL. And Roy Gibson, aged 100, was awarded a BEM for services to space. Roy has had an immeasurable impact on UK and European space policy over his 70-year career as a leader for multiple international space organisations.
The Government is committed to ensuring that honours are awarded to outstanding people from across the whole of the UK and the system reflects the best of society. The List ensures that people from underrepresented communities and a wide variety of types of work are rewarded, to celebrate the fantastic contribution of people throughout the country.
Both of this year’s youngest recipients are aged 18 years old. Mikayla Beames, aged 18, has been awarded a BEM for her charitable fundraising for children with cancer in Oxfordshire.
After being diagnosed with brain cancer at 4 years old, she founded her namesake charity, Team Mikayla in 2014, has supported hundreds of children who are fighting cancer, and distributes thousands of gifts at Christmas and Easter.
She has also helped to raise over £300,000 since 2014. Paralympian William Ellard, aged 18, receives an MBE after winning three medals including gold at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris.
Wendy Ansell, from Swansea, is a specialist midwife who has received an MBE for services to survivors of harmful practices and to women seeking sanctuary for her work supporting survivors of female genital mutilation (FGM) and vulnerable women. She has developed bespoke training programmes for healthcare professionals to enhance their understanding of the needs of women who have undergone FGM or are seeking asylum.
Anyone can nominate someone for an honour. If you know someone who has achieved fantastic things worthy of recognition, go to www.gov.uk/honours to find out more about how you can put them forward.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Rt Hon. Pat McFadden MP, said: “This year’s New Year Honours List celebrates the unsung heroes who contribute selflessly to their communities across the UK. I send them all my congratulations for their achievements.
“Our honours system uniquely recognises the generous contributions of individuals across our nation.
“If you know someone in your community who has done something extraordinary, nominate them for an honour so the nation can recognise their achievements.”
Other recipients include:
Community
Michael Bennion, aged 72, receives an MBE for services to Scouting and to Young People after supporting hundreds of young people during his 54 years as a Scout Leader.
Deirdre Amor has been awarded an MBE for services to the Community in Northern Ireland. She has worked in state education for 45 years, where she developed after-school meetings that brought together staff and parents from across the political divide in Belfast. Upon retirement she voluntarily gave of her time and skills to improve two failing schools.
Young people
This year’s youngest recipients are aged 18 years old.
Mikalya Beames, aged 18, has been awarded a BEM for her charitable fundraising for children with cancer in Oxfordshire. After being diagnosed with brain cancer at 4 years old, she founded her namesake charity, Team Mikayla in 2014, which is dedicated to granting the wishes of children who are fighting cancer. As of this year, the charity has granted 220 wishes to children who are fighting cancer, and distributed over 1000 Christmas presents and 1000 Easter Eggs. She has also helped to raise over £300,000 since 2014.
Paralympian William Ellard, aged 18, receives an MBE after winning three medals including gold at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris.
Rebecca Clarke, aged 20 received a BEM for services to Young People with Disabilities and Autism. She champions marginalised young people, particularly focusing on intersectionality. Through her work with NCS, she has also contributed to disability policy, submitting evidence to the disability access youth select committee and speaking about her lived experience to over 400 people.
Health
Stephen Fry receives a Knighthood for his work on mental health awareness. He is an honorary fellow of Royal College of Psychiatrists and President of the mental health charity Mind since 2011. During his time as President of Mind, he has been instrumental in changing the conversation around mental health and has worked tirelessly to change public attitudes in the UK about mental health for the better.
Neil Liam Halford and Nicola Claire Halford receive an MBE for services to Charitable Fundraising for Children with an Illness after co-founding the charity Time is Precious in 2011. The organisation works alongside specialists to purchase equipment and refurbish areas to support not just those sick children and their families. Since 2017, raised over £1.3m using the funds to help provide facilities in a number of hospitals in the area.
Sarah White and Kenneth White both receive a BEM for services to Children and Young People Suffering Paediatric Cancer. Supershoes have donated over 6000 pairs of shoes to children across the UK and raised over £25k to provide children with a unique pair of shoes they can wear with pride.
Sport
Receiving an OBE, Helen Glover, one of the most decorated female rowers in the history of British rowing with more than 20 gold medals to her name. She is a two-time Olympic, three-time world and five-time European champion. Glover initially retired from rowing after the 2016 Olympic Games to start a family.
After giving birth to three children, she returned to training in 2021, winning a gold medal at the European Championships that year and a silver medal in the coxless four at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Keely Hodgkinson from Greater Manchester is a two time Olympic Medalist who has been awarded an MBE for services to Athletics after winning an Olympic gold medal in Paris 2024.
Eleanor Aldridge receives an MBE for services to Sailing after becoming the first athlete to ever win a sailing kiteboarding gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Bryony Page of South Yorkshire receives an MBE for services to Trampoline Gymnastics after winning her third Olympic medal at Paris 2024.
Sabrina Fortune receives an MBE after winning a gold medal at Paris 2024 in the F20 shot put, beating her own world record in the process.
Jackson Gibbons, from London who founded City of London Academy Southwark’s Basketball Academy, now one of the UK’s most successful youth basketball programmes, has been awarded a BEM for services to Young People and to Basketball.
Arts
Author Dame Jacqueline WILSON DBE has been awarded a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire for services to literature.
First Minister congratulates recipients
First Minister John Swinney has paid tribute to Scotland’s recipients of The King’s New Year’s Honours.
In recognition of exceptional contributions to public life, this year’s awards celebrate recipients that are ‘giving back to the community’ as well as athletes from the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Ken McCallum, Director General of MI5, receives a Knighthood within the Order of the Bath for public service. Artist, Colourist and Master Printmaker Barbara Davis Rae CBE becomes a Dame Commander for services to art.
Among those receiving the CBE are Retired Chief Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Ross Haggart KFSM for services to fire and rescue and charities, Michelle Macleod for services to criminal justice and law enforcement, Laura McIver formerly Chief Pharmacist at Healthcare Improvement Scotland for services to the pharmacy profession and patient safety and Professor Alex McMahon, Retired Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland.
Athlete Sammi Kinghorn MBE and swimmer Duncan Scott MBE have each received an OBE, with football manager David Moyes and William Wright, former chair of Haemophilia Scotland, also receiving OBEs.
MBEs are awarded to cyclists Finlay Graham and Jenny Holl, archer Nathan MacQueen, swimmer Stephen Clegg and boccia player Stephen McGuire. Journalist and presenter Jackie Bird is awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting and charities, alongside David Rickman from the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, St Andrews, and Jennifer Craw of Opportunity North East.
BEMs have been awarded to Dr Anne McArthur for services to Scottish Country Dancing and the community in Portsoy, Banffshire, Pipe Major Christopher Armstrong from Glasgow, and Lanark Amateur Swimming Club Head Coach Karen Kelly.
Other BEM recipients are Stephen Mallen founder of the Zero Suicide Alliance, Crieff, Community Volunteer Andrew Nisbet for services to the community in Yell, Shetland and Maureen Morris, a Board Member for Easterhouse Citizens’ Advice Bureau.
Retired Superintendent Shaheen Baber and Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs receive The King’s Police Medal. The King’s Fire Service Medal is awarded to Retired Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Bruce Farquharson and Station Commander Karla Stevenson. The King’s Ambulance Service Medal is awarded to Regional Director for East Region Kenny Freeburn.
The First Minister said: “The King’s New Year’s Honours list recognises exceptional individuals – from unsung heroes to well-known names. Each recipient is worthy of their award and has made a significant difference to their community or excelled in their field.
“My congratulations to our emergency services members awarded The King’s Fire, Police or Ambulance Service Medals. Throughout Scotland people benefit from the skills and expertise of our ‘blue light’ services personnel whose skills and expertise keep our communities and people safe, in often challenging circumstances.
“These honours celebrate the best of Scotland’s courageous spirit and sense of community. Congratulations and my personal thanks to every worthy recipient.”
