The ‘Bendy Tree’ in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, has won UK Tree of the Year 2026.
This “astonishing and bizarre” wych elm in County Down has been crowned winner of the popular, annual competition run by the Woodland Trust to find the nation’s favourite tree.
With more than 30% of public votes, the Bendy Tree has become the first ever tree from Northern Ireland to win UK Tree of the Year.
Since voting opened in July, tens of thousands of people picked their favourites from a shortlist of 10 tenacious trees, chosen for being impressive, beautiful and sometimes baffling examples of how nature can survive adversity, as part of this year’s theme: ‘Against the odds.’
The extreme seaside gusts that the Bendy Tree has survived are glaringly apparent from its near-horizontal trunk. Its unexpected rainbow shape casts welcome shade for locals resting on the town centre bench located beneath its leafy branches.
Strong coastal winds over many decades have forced the Bendy Tree into its unusual shape.
A much-loved feature of Newcastle’s promenade, the Bendy Tree has also resisted Dutch elm disease (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi), a fungus which, during its second UK outbreak, destroyed most of the UK’s 30 million elms, after it was accidentally imported from North America in the 1960s.
Now over 150 years old, the Bendy Tree was planted as part of a row of wych elms along the town’s original promenade around the mid-19th century to shelter the main street from sea winds. Many of those trees were felled during redevelopments in the 1980s, and the Bendy Tree is now the last one standing.
May Chemais, Ancient Tree Inventory lead for the Woodland Trust, said: “When you look at this astonishing and bizarre tree, there’s no doubt about what it has endured.
“The Bendy Tree has been blasted by extreme winds over and over again, for well over a century. But it has continued to exist and remain rooted, adapting to its surroundings and flourishing into this unusual shape that is providing shade and joy to its community.
“We’ve all been through changes and hardships that have shaped who we are: I think that’s why the Bendy Tree has struck a chord with people.
“Older trees like this one are providing our communities with so much – from shade, wellbeing and health benefits, to stories, culture and pride of place.
The past five years of a near-continuous cost of living crisis have caused the real incomes of typical working-age households to fall rather than grow, leaving them £2,900 (7.9 per cent) worse off this year compared to a world of normal inflation, according to new analysis published today (Thursday) by the Resolution Foundation.
The report Counting the cost, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, assesses the toll of three crises (the post-pandemic supply shock, the invasion of Ukraine, and conflict in the Middle East) that have already delivered 13 years’ worth of ‘normal’ inflation in five, with inflation peaking at 11.1 per cent and prices nearly 30 per cent higher in August 2026 than July 2021.
The report details how energy has been at the epicentre of this price shock. By the autumn of 2022, household energy bills had more than doubled since the start of the crisis. Higher energy costs then bled into other prices: food inflation peaked at nearly 20 per cent in March 2023, and services inflation reached 7.4 per cent in July 2023, its highest level in more than three decades.
Household energy bills and food together account for a quarter of the change in the price level over this period.
The pain felt from these price rises has not been shared equally. Inflation was steepest for essentials, which make up a larger share of poorer households’ spending. As a result, the rise in non-housing costs since before the pandemic has been around one-sixth bigger for the poorest tenth of households than for the richest tenth.
Overall, the report finds the real incomes of a typical working-age household this year (2026-27) are £2,900 a year lower than they would have been compared to a world in which inflation had stayed at 2 per cent over the past five years.
The hit has been similar in scale for households across the distribution. Despite tens of billions in government support, the scars from the cost of living crisis are no smaller for low-income families, and much harder to bear.
The analysis also confirms that between 2020-21 and 2026-27, real median income after housing costs for non-pensioners looks set to fall by 1.3 per cent (£450). Incomes at the 25th percentile are set to fall by 1.2 per cent (£270), while better off households at the 75th percentile will see marginal income growth of 0.3 per cent (£130).
Families have responded to higher prices by heating their homes less – with an extra 1.7 million households saying they were unable to keep warm enough in 2022-23 compared to 2021-22 , 950,000 of whom were in the poorest 40 per cent of the population.
The poorest tenth of neighbourhoods cut energy use by 15 per cent more than the richest in response to price rises in 2023. There were also larger cuts in usage in colder areas, meaning the biggest adjustments happened in the places where those most vulnerable to a gas price shock are more likely to live.
Arrears are also mounting as families fall behind on priority bills, such as energy, water, Council Tax and rent. By March this year, almost one-in-five (18 per cent) households in the poorest half of the country were behind on a priority bill, up from one-in-ten (10 per cent) in September 2020.
The total owed to energy suppliers has more than tripled in real terms since 2018, to £5 billion, while Council Tax arrears in England have more than doubled since 2012-13 (up 117 per cent to £7.5 billion in 2026-26).
As the Government considers fresh cost of living support in the upcoming Budget, the authors warn that recent help was expensive and poorly targeted. The Energy Price Guarantee alone cost over £20 billion and was paid regardless of need. The country cannot afford to repeat that approach.
Instead, any new support should be targeted at the poorer families who have fared worst over the past five years – heating their homes less, taking on more debt, and falling behind on their bills more often – with energy bills the clear priority.
James Smith, Chief Economist at the Resolution Foundation, said:“Having experienced 13 years’ worth of inflation over the past five, families across the country are struggling with the cost of living. Unfortunately, help is needed just when the public finances leave less room than ever to provide it.
“While the hit to incomes from rising prices has been felt right across the board, the hardship has not been equally shared. It is poorer families who have cut back hardest on heating and are falling behind fastest on essential bills, and conflict in the Middle East is set to keep energy prices high.
“The Government can’t borrow its way out of this, and repeating the expensive blanket support of 2022 isn’t an option. Any new help must be squarely targeted at the poorer families facing the greatest hardship – starting with their energy bills.”
Alex Beer, Assistant Director of Strategy at the Nuffield Foundation said:“Five years of unusually high inflation have had a substantial impact on household finances, with lower-income families facing the greatest pressure.
“By showing how rising energy and food prices have reduced living standards and made it harder for people to pay essential bills, the report provides timely and valuable evidence on the consequences of an extended costs of living crisis.
“At a time when policymakers face difficult choices and public finances remain constrained, understanding who has been most affected and why is essential to designing effective policy responses.
“This work forms part of a wider programme of research funded by the Nuffield Foundation examining the consequences of the recent conflict involving the US, Iran, Israel and the wider region.”
Shout out to colleagues from the University’s Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, Accommodation and Events Services and University of Edinburgh Sport for making this happen.
‘WE’LL TRANSFORM THIS FORMAL INDUSTRIAL SITE INTO A NEW COASTAL TOWN AND COMMUNITY’ – COUNCIL LEADER JANE MEAGHER
First Minister John Swinney has marked the start of construction on one of Scotland’s largest net zero housing developments as part of the latest chapter of Granton Waterfront regeneration,
The development will provide 847 net zero homes, including 387 affordable homes, 14 commercial units and a new primary school on former industrial land.
It is part of a wider £1.3 billion transformation of Edinburgh’s waterfront that will create 3,500 homes, new leisure facilities and Scotland’s largest coastal park.
The First Minister joined local school pupils at the site, including young people who have benefited from construction courses supported through Scottish Government investment in Granton’s regeneration.
John Swinney said: “This is one of the largest regeneration projects Scotland has seen in decades and a major vote of confidence in Edinburgh’s future.
“For years, people have looked across this waterfront and seen disused industrial land. Today, we are laying the foundations for a new community that will be home to thousands of people.
“Through our investment, hundreds of families will have affordable, energy-efficient homes as we transform Edinburgh’s waterfront into a thriving neighbourhood with new homes, schools and businesses.
“We are putting the people of Granton at the heart of this transformation, with better transport links, new green spaces, apprenticeships, skills training and investment in local organisations.”
Jane Meagher, Leader of City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This is a big step forward for Granton and the whole city, as construction begins on the first phase of one of the largest public sector led regeneration projects of its time.
“Through our joint efforts we’ll transform this former industrial site into a new coastal town and community. It’s important that those living in neighbouring communities benefit from the investment we’re making in the area.
“Our Place Accelerator approach will ensure residents see the benefits, including more green spaces to enjoy and opportunities for local young people to gain hands on construction skills and qualifications through work on site.”
Telford College
Audrey Cumberford, Principal of Edinburgh College, which works with Cruden Homes to deliver Granton Waterfront Construction Pathway courses for school and college pupils, said: “Edinburgh College has been at the heart of the Granton community for many years and we’re delighted to be involved in the next stage of its regeneration.
“Not only will this project provide hundreds of new homes in the area, this is already providing hundreds of opportunities for students to get hands-on experience in the construction industry.
“These opportunities could be transformative for our learners – allowing them to gain vital skills and develop a career in the sector.”
A Queen Margaret University (QMU) student has won a national entrepreneurship award and £5,000 in funding for a business designed to help artists and theatre producers make better decisions using data.
Aisha Josiah, who is studying MA Arts, Festival and Cultural Management at QMU, received the Converge Performing & Production Arts Challenge Creative Fusion Prize 2026, sponsored by Mark Logan, for her business, ‘Stage Analytics’. The platform brings together information such as ticket sales, audience trends and reviews to give performing arts organisations real-time insights that can help with decisions on marketing, pricing and scheduling.
The idea was partly inspired by Aisha’s experience at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where thousands of shows compete for audiences each year. Stage Analytics aims to address the lack of accessible data available to independent artists and producers, while supporting the sustainability of Scotland’s creative economy.
The £5,000 prize will help Aisha take the next steps in developing Stage Analytics and exploring its potential as a business supporting artists and producers across the sector.
Carolyn Low, Knowledge Exchange Manager at QMU whose role involves providing startup support to students, staff and graduates through QMU’s Startup Studio, said: “Aisha has taken an idea rooted in her own experience of the performing arts and developed it into a business with the potential to address a real challenge facing the sector.
“Being able to support students as they develop ideas like this is an important part of what we do at QMU. Converge gives them the opportunity to take those ideas further, gain valuable business experience and connect with people who can help make them a reality.”
Aisha was one of four QMU innovators to reach this year’s Converge final, with QMU originally having 11 entrepreneurs selected to take part in the 2026 programme. The four finalists represented the breadth of entrepreneurial activity at the University, spanning data and technology, theatre, cultural inclusion, sport and community development.
QMU also had a particularly strong showing in the Performing & Production Arts Challenge, with three of the six finalists coming from the University. Alongside Aisha, the finalists were QMU graduates Mirren McIver, founder of Four Door Theatre, and Lok Pui Lo, founder of ESEA Creatives.
This year, 123 participants entered the competition, with 34 finalists representing 15 Scottish universities. The 34 finalists were selected from across 15 of the 18 universities taking part in the programme, the widest pool of institutions represented in Converge’s 15-year history.
Converge Executive Director Adam Kosterka said: “This year’s finalists represent one of the strongest and most diverse cohorts in our history, spanning industries from healthcare to climate tech.
“Being selected among such a competitive field is a testament to the skill, creativity and commercial potential of all our winners.”
The Converge programme is supported by the Scottish Funding Council, universities and corporate partners. Since launching in 2011, it has trained more than 1,000 aspiring entrepreneurs and supported the creation of more than 500 companies.
Aisha’s success builds on a strong year for QMU in the Converge programme, highlighting the range of entrepreneurial ideas emerging from the University’s creative and cultural community.
Her achievement was announced at the Converge Awards ceremony at Barony Hall in Glasgow, which celebrates promising university entrepreneurs and business ideas from across Scotland.
To find out more about the programme and the projects it supports visit Converge.
Eleven members of the public and six emergency service workers have been presented with Brave@Heart awards by First Minister John Swinney.
Among those commended for acts of courage and bravery are two Police Constables who rescued a man from a burning property despite heavy smoke and risk of the suspect being armed, a Police Constable who faced an armed and aggressive male who pursued officers with a chainsaw, and a member of the public who demonstrated notable courage preventing further risk to the public.
Another winner included a man who helped a mother rescue her two young children from a burning car, saving both their lives, and a four year old child who was able to call 999 after his mother suffered an asthma attack.
Mr Swinney also presented Police Constable Stephen Barr, Donald McNeil, Robert Bell, Cheryl Gourlay, Aisha Javid and Usman Javid with St Andrew’s Awards in recognition of their exceptional bravery.
First Minister John Swinney said: “The Brave@Heart Awards recognise some of the very best of Scotland, celebrating people who have shown exceptional courage, selflessness and determination in the face of challenging circumstances.
“The recipients we honour today include dedicated emergency service workers and members of the public. They are united by the extraordinary actions they took when others needed help most. Their bravery has saved lives, protected others from harm and made a lasting difference.
“It is a privilege to recognise their achievements and to thank them for their service to others. Their stories are an inspiration and a powerful reminder that courage can be found in every community.”
Chair of the Validation Panel David Garbutt CBE QPM said: “As Chair of the Brave@Heart Validation Panel it has been an honour and a privilege to hear of so many inspiring acts of courage and selflessness undertaken by citizens and members of the emergency services in Scotland.
“This year has been no exception and we have been impressed by the actions of all the recipients of awards in the service of others. I would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the senior members of the Emergency Services who were members of the Validation Panel.”
The Centre, Livingston has teamed up with its charity partner, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, CHAS, to give one lucky shopper the chance to win a brand-new Chery Tiggo 4 HEV Summit in time for Christmas – marking the culmination of its 50th anniversary celebrations this year.
For the last four years the shopping centre has raised almost £20k for the charity, which provides the country’s only hospice services for children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families across Scotland.
Generous shoppers have been digging deep at everything from Elf Walks and fashion events to a film night and seasonal kids’ workshops.
To help raise even more awareness of the incredible work the charity does and raise vital funds, one lucky shopper will get the chance to win a brand-new car, which is located next to New Look – and just in time for Christmas!
Entry into the competition to win the car, which has been supplied by Western Chery, is £1, with all proceeds going to CHAS. The prize also includes 12 months road tax.
Entries close on the 10th December, with the winner being announced on the 11th December. Please see all Terms & Conditions at www.thecentrelivingston.com.
Gary Anderson, Operations Manager at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We are delighted to be supporting CHAS this year, which is also a very special milestone for us as we mark the 50th anniversary of the shopping centre – and what better way to culminate our celebrations than to give away a car in time for Christmas.
“All proceeds raised in the competition will allow the charity to continue to provide specialist care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their families across Scotland.”
Zhenya Dove, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “The team at The Centre, Livingston and their wonderful shoppers have shown CHAS so much kindness over the years, and we’re incredibly grateful to be part of their 50th anniversary celebrations.
“This generous giveaway will help us be there for children with life-shortening conditions and their families, providing specialist care, comfort and opportunities to make precious memories together.
“Thank you to everyone making it possible and everyone who takes part. You’ll be helping families across Scotland when they need it most, with the chance of a very special Christmas surprise of your own!”
Queens Manor Care Home in Barnton will be opening their doors to the local community on Saturday 24th October 2026.
Taking place between 10am – 4pm guests will be able to enjoy home-made cream cakes prepared by the home’s Head Chef, and will have the chance to meet the team and take a tour of the home and gardens.
Margaret-Ann, General Manager at Queens Manor Care Home says: “I’m excited about welcoming new visitors and existing friends of the home to our open day.
“Looking for care can be a little bit daunting, but our team here at Queens Manor will do all we can to provide all of our guests with the guidance and support they may need, and answer all of their questions, big or small.
“Our open day is a great chance to enjoy some delightful entertainment in a homely and friendly setting- hope to see you all there!”
Queens Manor care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals.
Queens Manor provides residential care and dementia care for 60 residents from respite care to long term stays.
