The @Morrisons food collection is this week!
From Monday until Sunday 9 February, Trussell staff and volunteers will be in local Morrisons stores raising vital donations of food.
If you can, please pop by and donate. Every item makes a difference to people facing hardship in your community.
Tanny Gill, one of Scotland’s World Cheese Awards judges, has announced the launch of The Scottish Cheese Academy.
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, the Scottish Cheese Academy has been created to fill a gap in professional education, help cheese lovers learn more about Scottish cheese, and help give Scottish cheese the cultural status and global reverence of Scottish Whisky.
The Scottish Cheese Academy is the first of its kind in Scotland, and will deliver certified cheese education, bespoke hospitality training, and cultural tourism experiences, acting as the official voice for Scottish cheese expertise. Whether looking to boost a career or simply refine a palate, The Scottish Cheese Academy brings sommelier level expertise.
Recognising the need for a definitive educational body, The Scottish Cheese Academy is the only Academy of Cheese partner to cover Scottish cheese history, provenance, and product evolution alongside globally recognised certification content.
The Scottish Cheese Academy will deliver a number of services designed for luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, retailers, international visitors and cheese lovers. With delivery of the globally recognised Academy of Cheese certified programs, beginning with Level 1, The Scottish Cheese Academy will help hospitality businesses ensure staff are qualified to industry standards.
The Hospitality Partnership Programme offers staff training to help improve employee expertise and career development. Specialist Masterclasses will offer high value workshops focusing on cultural pairing, including advanced cheese and Scotch Whisky matching, Gin pairing, and seasonal wild food integration.
There are also sessions for cheese lovers and tourists with sessions designed to focus on storytelling, provenance, and the rich history of Scottish artisan food with high end sensory experiences.
Tanny Gill, Founder of The Scottish Cheese Academy, said: “The Scottish Cheese Academy was born from a desire to transform passionate industry individuals into experts, having worked from the production floor at Isle of Mull to the premium retail environment of La Fromagerie, I realised there was a missing link in how we educate our professionals.
“My goal is to raise the standard of service across the hospitality sector and champion our heritage with the same rigor applied to the world’s finest wines and whiskies.
“Hospitality teams need the confidence to sell and describe artisan cheese with the same fluency they use for wine.
“But equally, the Academy delivers the high-end sensory experiences food lovers need to truly understand the history and flavor profiles of our amazing cheeses.”
The launch is bolstered by a Strategic Advisory Board with experts from the global luxury and dairy sectors. Board members include international experts like Patricia Michelson of La Fromagerie, Andrew Baker the Chair of Highland Fine Cheeses, and Susan Sturman the Head of Makers & Mongers, establishing immediate credibility for The Scottish Cheese Academy.
Tanny Gill’s career encompasses hands-on production at Isle of Mull Cheese, specialised retail mastery at London’s iconic La Fromagerie, and over two decades in commercial leadership at Clarks Speciality Foods. One of Scotland’s only World Cheese Awards judges, Tanny Gill is also actively involved with the Royal Highland show Cheese and dairy awards, launching The Scottish Cheese Academy with international tasting credibility.
The courses at The Scottish Cheese Academy are designed to be interactive and transformative, creating confident ambassadors for Scottish cheese. The Scottish Cheese Academy is now open for inquiries regarding training partnerships, course bookings, and media collaborations.
For more information, visit: https://scottishcheeseacademy.com/
Over 1.5 million winter heating payments, including more than a million payments to older people, have been made so far this winter.
The vast majority of Pension Age Winter Heating Payments – more than 1,009,000 – have now been paid. The payment has replaced the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland and is paid at a higher rate than elsewhere in the UK.
The benefit, delivered by Social Security Scotland for the first time this winter, is designed to help people aged 66 and over with the cost of heating a home in the colder winter months.
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment is just one element of the unique package of winter support available in Scotland.
Child Winter Heating Payment supports families caring for children with the highest disability support needs. Over 44,000 payments have now been made.
Winter Heating Payment is a reliable, annual payment that is not triggered by weather. People can get the payment if they receive certain benefits, with over 454,500 payments made this winter so far.
Social Security Scotland’s winter payments are issued automatically in most cases.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “As the cost of heating homes continues to rise, I’m incredibly proud of the extra support which we’ve made available this winter, with over 1.5 million payments made in total.
“Our package of winter heating support, which is stronger than anywhere else in the UK, provides the helping hand that many families and individuals need to manage their bills in the winter – without waiting for temperatures to hit a certain level.”
Lynn Campbell, senior welfare rights lead at Glasgow’s Golden Generation, a charity supporting older adults in the city, said: “Pension Age Winter Heating Payment means a great deal to many older adults. It will help alleviate the stress and worry associated with rising heating costs.
“This additional financial assistance provides reassurance to them, their families, and their carers that they have not been forgotten and that their past contribution to society is recognised and valued.”
The Scottish Household Survey (SHS) is an annual survey of over 10,000 households. It covers a range of different topics including your home, your neighbourhood and your views on local public services.
The Scottish Government, local councils and various charities use the results to improve the lives of people in your area and across Scotland. The survey has been running since 1999 and is independent of all political parties.
The latest survey was published yesterday.
Commenting on statistics released today in the Scottish Household Survey Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager for Independent Age said: “Older people now make up 13% of all private renters across Scotland.
“Privately renting in later life can be difficult, especially when living on a low, fixed income. Almost one in three (32%) older private renters live in poverty. With a growing proportion of the private rented sector made up of older people, it’s vital the Scottish government ensures renters of all ages, including those who are older, can live securely.
“With the Holyrood election fast approaching, we’re calling on all parties standing for election to commit to policies to support older renters in their manifesto. Over 25,000 pensioners are on the waiting list for a social home in Scotland, with almost three quarters (74%) waiting over a year.
“The next Government must build more affordable social housing. They must also improve access to, and increase funding for, Discretionary Housing Payments. These can help make up the shortfall between Housing Benefit and rental costs.
“They are vital to avoid older people making dangerous cutbacks on essentials like food and heating to be able to afford their rent, but most older people who could potentially access them are unaware they exist.”
NEW NATIONAL CANCER PLAN FOR ENGLAND
For the first time, the NHS will commit to ensuring three in four people diagnosed with cancer from 2035 onwards are cancer-free or living well after five years.
This represents the fastest rate of improvement in cancer outcomes this century and will translate to 320,000 more lives saved over the lifetime of the plan.
The NHS has not met its central cancer performance target - that 85% of patients start treatment within 62 days of referral - since 2014. Survival rates are below Romania and Poland for some cancer types.
Under this plan, that will change – by March 2029, the NHS will meet all three cancer waiting time standards, meaning hundreds of thousands more patients will receive timely treatment. This demonstrates the real change being delivered by the government’s record investment as we rebuild the NHS.
60% of patients currently survive for 5 years or more and around 2.4m people are currently living after a cancer diagnosis.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Cancer survial shouldn’t come down to who won the lottery of life. But cancer is more likely to be a death sentence in Britain than other countries around the world.
“As a cancer survivor who owes my life to the NHS, I owe it to future patients to make sure they receive the same outstanding care I did.
“Thanks to the revolution in medical science and technology, we have the opportunity to transform the life chances of cancer patients. Our cancer plan will invest in and modernise the NHS, so that opportunity can be seized and our ambitions realised.
“This plan will slash waits, invest in cutting-edge technology, and give every patient the best possible chance of beating cancer.”
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, said: “Almost everyone will know someone who has been affected by cancer – a friend, a partner, a parent or a child – and for many people it will be part of their own story too.
“This plan sets a clear roadmap for the NHS to diagnose more cancers earlier, ensure more patients are treated on time and improve survival, so that hundreds of thousands more people live longer, healthier lives with or after cancer over the next decade.
“This is alongside delivering the latest breakthroughs in cancer treatment and care to every corner of the country, improving access to pioneering trials and ensuring there is wraparound support for people closer to home.
“The National Cancer Plan will see the NHS deliver world-class cancer care, offering renewed hope for millions and ensuring the health service is there for patients whenever they need it.”
Gemma Peters, Chief Executive at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “It’s encouraging to see such bold survival ambitions in the National Cancer Plan for England. This comes at a time when people living with cancer tell us all too often that their care hasn’t been good enough, from long waits for tests and treatment to being left without the support they need once treatment ends.
“This Plan has the potential to transform care for people living with cancer, ensuring people not only live longer but live better with their diagnosis. We look forward to working with the government to make this vision a reality: adding life to years, as well as years to life.”
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “The publication of the National Cancer Plan for England represents a significant commitment by the UK government to treat cancer with the seriousness it deserves.
“Across England, too many cancer patients are waiting too long to start treatment, so it’s important that the UK government has committed to meeting cancer waiting time targets by 2029. A wide range of measures will be needed for these to be met.
“In addition to this, it’s promising to see the government’s ambitious commitment to saving more lives from cancer. England lags behind comparable countries on cancer survival and it’s vital that this changes, so more people affected by cancer can live longer, better lives.”
Chris Walden, Chief Executive Officer, Cancer52, said: “For the first time, an England cancer plan includes a specific focus on rare and less common cancers. This is a step change; the needs of our community have been heard.
“We welcome the government’s response to our calls to switch gear on improving diagnosis, increasing research and introducing leadership so that rare and less common cancers have parity.
“Now the changes outlined in the Plan, and the Rare Cancers Bill, have to be implemented in full. They have the potential to make a real difference to the lives of people living with a rare and less common cancer now and in the future.”
Dame Laura Lee, chief executive of Maggie’s, said: “If we are to usher in a new era of world-leading cancer care that is truly catered to the needs of people with cancer, it is vital that the right practical and emotional support is provided to help people manage and live with cancer.
“That’s why we are really pleased to see the government recognise the need to improve support for people at every stage of cancer and acknowledge that the challenges of cancer don’t end when treatment ends.
“We warmly welcome the introduction of the new target and look forward to working with the government and the NHS to ensure people can live well with cancer.
“At Maggie’s, we believe that with the right support, people can live full, productive lives with and beyond cancer. While the number of people diagnosed cancer is only going to rise, more people are surviving than ever before or living for many years as medical advancements effectively keeping cancer at bay.”
The plan sets out sweeping reforms to how cancer is diagnosed and treated:
The UK government has also announced a new AI pilot to help detect hard-to-reach lung cancers sooner with fewer invasive tests as well as a new employer partnership to support England’s 830,000 working-age cancer patients to remain in employment during and after treatment.
While more people survive cancer than ever before, progress has slowed over the last decade, and England remains behind other comparable countries including Australia and Denmark. For some cancers, such as brain cancer, survival rates in England trail behind countries like Croatia and Romania.
The cancer plan comes as the government continues to make strides on cancer waiting lists, diagnosing or ruling out cancer on time for 213,000 extra cases since July last year.
One hundred and seventy community diagnostic centres are now open – with over 100 of them available at evenings and weekends – bringing checks, scans and tests closer to where people live and at times that work around them.
The government is also taking tough action on the causes on cancer: introducing a generational ban on smoking and a ban on junk food ads before 9pm.
The new England Cancer Plan carries a bold and ambitious message for people affected by leukaemia and other blood cancers according to Colin Dyer, chief executive of blood cancer charity, Leukaemia Care.
Reacting to the launch of the Government’s England Cancer Plan earlier today, he said: “We are particularly encouraged to see a strong focus on earlier diagnosis, more personalised and joined-up care, and better practical support for children and young people with cancer.
These are three core elements we’ve been doing, and championing, for many years here at Leukaemia Care.
Leukaemia is still far too often diagnosed in an emergency setting, such as A&E. Around 37% of people are diagnosed this way, which can be more traumatic for patients and families and is linked to poorer outcomes.
Greater emphasis on improving diagnostic pathways, supporting GPs and frontline services to recognise cancer sooner, and reducing emergency presentations has real potential to save lives.
This reflects exactly what we have been calling for through our Spot Leukaemia campaign and our work to improve awareness of symptoms among both the public and healthcare professionals.
We are also pleased to see the plan highlight more personalised, joined-up care. A cancer diagnosis does not just involve treatment – people need emotional, practical and coordinated support throughout. Through our patient Navigator service, already embedded in more than 20 hospitals, we see every day how having a dedicated professional to help patients navigate appointments, information and support alongside NHS care can transform their experience.
We hope to see this kind of model recognised and expanded as the plan is delivered.
Finally, the commitment to cover hospital travel costs for families of children and young people with cancer is hugely significant. We know from running our own CAR-T travel fund for families needing this specialist treatment that travel costs can be a major additional burden at an already overwhelming time.
We are delighted to see this need recognised nationally, and that more families facing other cancers will benefit from similar support.
While an ambitious, and hugely welcome plan, the priority now must be turning these commitments into consistent improvements in care and outcomes for everyone affected by leukaemia. We will be watching closely and will continue to engage with NHS and government partners.
We believe it is essential the NHS works closely with the third sector, drawing on the expertise and proven models charities have developed over many years.
LYMPHOMA Action charity said: The publication of the NHS National Cancer Plan today marks a significant milestone for the cancer community and is a much-needed step forward for cancer care across the country.
At Lymphoma Action, we will be watching the rollout of the plan with interest on behalf of our community.
The plan shows real promise for the future of cancer treatment and care, and our focus is to make sure that lymphoma receives the same level of attention as other cancer types, and that the plan reflects the unique needs of people affected by the condition.
We are ready to offer our expertise and in-depth understanding of the patient experience of lymphoma to help the NHS make a success of the plan, and drive improvements in treatment and care for everyone affected by this type of blood cancer.
Lymphoma Action is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma, the most common blood cancer in the UK.
We offer expert information, dedicated support and a community that understands. For 40 years we have supported the lymphoma community, and we’re pushing harder than ever to make sure everyone with lymphoma gets the care they need.
Further information can also be found on our website: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk
NATIONAL CANCER PLAN FOR ENGLAND
For the first time, the NHS will commit to ensuring three in four people diagnosed with cancer from 2035 onwards are cancer-free or living well after five years.
This represents the fastest rate of improvement in cancer outcomes this century and will translate to 320,000 more lives saved over the lifetime of the plan.
The NHS has not met its central cancer performance target - that 85% of patients start treatment within 62 days of referral - since 2014. Survival rates are below Romania and Poland for some cancer types.
Under this plan, that will change – by March 2029, the NHS will meet all three cancer waiting time standards, meaning hundreds of thousands more patients will receive timely treatment. This demonstrates the real change being delivered by the government’s record investment as we rebuild the NHS.
60% of patients currently survive for 5 years or more and around 2.4m people are currently living after a cancer diagnosis.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Cancer survival shouldn’t come down to who won the lottery of life. But cancer is more likely to be a death sentence in Britain than other countries around the world.
As a cancer survivor who owes my life to the NHS, I owe it to future patients to make sure they receive the same outstanding care I did.
Thanks to the revolution in medical science and technology, we have the opportunity to transform the life chances of cancer patients. Our cancer plan will invest in and modernise the NHS, so that opportunity can be seized and our ambitions realised.
This plan will slash waits, invest in cutting-edge technology, and give every patient the best possible chance of beating cancer.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, said: “Almost everyone will know someone who has been affected by cancer – a friend, a partner, a parent or a child – and for many people it will be part of their own story too.
“This plan sets a clear roadmap for the NHS to diagnose more cancers earlier, ensure more patients are treated on time and improve survival, so that hundreds of thousands more people live longer, healthier lives with or after cancer over the next decade.
“This is alongside delivering the latest breakthroughs in cancer treatment and care to every corner of the country, improving access to pioneering trials and ensuring there is wraparound support for people closer to home.
“The National Cancer Plan will see the NHS deliver world-class cancer care, offering renewed hope for millions and ensuring the health service is there for patients whenever they need it.”
Gemma Peters, Chief Executive at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “It’s encouraging to see such bold survival ambitions in the National Cancer Plan for England.
“This comes at a time when people living with cancer tell us all too often that their care hasn’t been good enough, from long waits for tests and treatment to being left without the support they need once treatment ends.
“This Plan has the potential to transform care for people living with cancer, ensuring people not only live longer but live better with their diagnosis. We look forward to working with the government to make this vision a reality: adding life to years, as well as years to life.”
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “The publication of the National Cancer Plan for England represents a significant commitment by the UK government to treat cancer with the seriousness it deserves.
“Across England, too many cancer patients are waiting too long to start treatment, so it’s important that the UK government has committed to meeting cancer waiting time targets by 2029. A wide range of measures will be needed for these to be met.
“In addition to this, it’s promising to see the government’s ambitious commitment to saving more lives from cancer. England lags behind comparable countries on cancer survival and it’s vital that this changes, so more people affected by cancer can live longer, better lives.”
Chris Walden, Chief Executive Officer, Cancer52, said: “For the first time, an England cancer plan includes a specific focus on rare and less common cancers.
“This is a step change; the needs of our community have been heard. We welcome the government’s response to our calls to switch gear on improving diagnosis, increasing research and introducing leadership so that rare and less common cancers have parity.
“Now the changes outlined in the Plan, and the Rare Cancers Bill, have to be implemented in full. They have the potential to make a real difference to the lives of people living with a rare and less common cancer now and in the future.”
Dame Laura Lee, chief executive of Maggie’s, said: “If we are to usher in a new era of world-leading cancer care that is truly catered to the needs of people with cancer, it is vital that the right practical and emotional support is provided to help people manage and live with cancer.
“That’s why we are really pleased to see the government recognise the need to improve support for people at every stage of cancer and acknowledge that the challenges of cancer don’t end when treatment ends.
“We warmly welcome the introduction of the new target and look forward to working with the government and the NHS to ensure people can live well with cancer.
“At Maggie’s, we believe that with the right support, people can live full, productive lives with and beyond cancer. While the number of people diagnosed cancer is only going to rise, more people are surviving than ever before or living for many years as medical advancements effectively keeping cancer at bay.”
The plan sets out sweeping reforms to how cancer is diagnosed and treated:
The UK government has also announced a new AI pilot to help detect hard-to-reach lung cancers sooner with fewer invasive tests as well as a new employer partnership to support England’s 830,000 working-age cancer patients to remain in employment during and after treatment.
While more people survive cancer than ever before, progress has slowed over the last decade, and England remains behind other comparable countries including Australia and Denmark. For some cancers, such as brain cancer, survival rates in England trail behind countries like Croatia and Romania.
The cancer plan comes as the government continues to make strides on cancer waiting lists, diagnosing or ruling out cancer on time for 213,000 extra cases since July last year.
One hundred and seventy community diagnostic centres are now open – with over 100 of them available at evenings and weekends – bringing checks, scans and tests closer to where people live and at times that work around them.
The UK government is also taking tough action on the causes on cancer: introducing a generational ban on smoking and a ban on junk food ads before 9pm.
A dedicated group of six S4 pupils from James Gillespie’s High School are racing their way into the national final of the global STEM Racing Challenge.
STEM Racing is a worldwide competition that inspires young people aged 9–19 to design, build, test, and race miniature cars, putting them on the fast track to STEM success.
The team, Cirrus Racing, formed in 2024, comprises of Olly Montgomery (15), Calvin Martin (15), Erin Booth (16), Archer Chen (15), Calum Wignall (15), and Seamus Eglinton (15). Last year, they placed second in Scotland, outpacing hundreds of pupils from across the country.
The national finals will take place from 24th–26th March at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham, where over 100 teams will compete to become UK champions.
Participants are assessed on design, speed, pit displays, verbal presentation, project management, and brand identity, culminating in the thrilling race of their expertly engineered cars down a 20-metre track. Students also gain invaluable opportunities to engage with industry professionals.
Each team needs to raise over £2,000 to fund their route to the final and Cirrus Racing have already secured fantastic support from large technical firm NXP ( https://www.nxp.com ), local design consultancy business GoMerry Studio (https://www.gomerry.co.uk ), local architecture firm Jefcoate Anderson (https://jefcoate-anderson.com ) and neighbourhood restaurant and bar McLarens on the Corner (https://mclarensonthecorner.co.uk ).
As Cirrus Racing heads towards the national finals, the team is actively encouraging businesses and individuals to become part of their exciting journey.
Those interested in sponsoring or collaborating are invited to get in touch directly and help support Edinburgh’s next generation of STEM talent.
Contact sponsorship@cirrusracing.uk
Waiting lists continue to fall in Scotland with waits over 52 weeks reducing for 7 months in a row.
New figures from Public Health Scotland show at 31 December 2025 new outpatient waits of more than 52 weeks had reduced by 15.4% when compared to November 2025. These waits have reduced every month since July 2025 with total waits over 52 weeks down by 40.1% in that period.
The data also shows long waits for inpatient and daycase procedures have fallen every month since July 2025, with 52 week waits decreasing by 23.9% in that period.
New operation statistics also show an increase in activity in the last year – between January 2025 and December 2025 the number of operations carried out increased by 5.6% compared to the same period the year before. A total of 274,638 procedures were carried out in this period.
To further build on this progress, extra funding of up to £20 million is being made available to health boards for the current year.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “These latest figures show our plan is delivering for the people of Scotland and our NHS has turned a corner – we are seeing sustained progress in reducing waiting times with activity also increasing compared to last year.
“Thousands more appointments, operations and procedures are being delivered this year and we are determined to continue to build on this momentum, ensuring people receive the treatment they need as soon as possible.
“We are seeing downward trends across nearly all waiting list indicators which shows our targeted investment this year is having a real impact on people’s lives. None of this would be possible without out hard-working NHS staff and I want to thank each and every one of them for the progress they are delivering.”
More than 11.48 million people beat the deadline and filed their Self Assessment tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year by 31 January, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) can reveal.
There were 475,722 taxpayers who waited until the final day to file their return. On the day:
More than 12 million Self Assessment customers were expected to file a tax return and pay any tax owed for the 2024 to 2025 tax year by 31 January. Anyone who needs to file a return and missed the deadline should meet their tax obligations as soon as possible, as late filing and late payment penalties are charged.
Customers can file their tax return now and pay any tax owed via GOV.UK. One of the quickest ways to pay is via the HMRC app. Time to Pay arrangements are available for those who cannot pay their tax bill in full, if they meet the relevant criteria. A full list of payment options is available on GOV.UK.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Thank you to the millions of people and agents who filed their Self Assessment tax return and paid any tax owed by 31 January.
“Anyone who missed the deadline should file their return as soon as possible, as penalties and late payment interest may be charged.
“HMRC digital channels are always the quickest and easiest way for people to sort their tax affairs. Search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”
The penalties for filing a tax return late are:
There are also additional penalties for paying late – 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months. Interest will also be charged on any tax paid late.
Customers will be able to file their Self Assessment tax return for the 2025 to 2026 tax year from 6 April 2026.
More information about Self Assessment is available on GOV.UK.
Self Assessment 2026 facts summary:
Voluntary returns/late registrations are an estimate based on returns received by early January and previous filing behaviour.
These figures are indicative and may be subject to further adjustments once all figures have been ratified.
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 they’re signing up a client or themselves, get ahead of the curve by taking the first step and sign-up on GOV.UK to access the new service and start preparing now.
The Winter Fuel Payment, or Pension Age Winter Heating payment in Scotland, payments received in Autumn 2025 will be recovered in the 2025 to 2026 tax return, due by 31 January 2027.
Anyone who believes they no longer need to complete a tax return should notify HMRC as soon as possible.
On 7 and 11 March in Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scottish Opera is presenting two opera in concert performances of Richard Wagner’s timeless tale of forbidden love, Tristan und Isolde.
With the Glasgow show almost sold out, and Edinburgh tickets going fast, this is a special chance to see Wagner’s epic story of longing and death, which he himself described as his ‘most audacious and original work’.
Conducted by Scottish Opera Music Director, Stuart Stratford, and directed by Justin Way, noted Wagnerian Gwyn Hughes Jones (Tosca 2019) brings his signature Tristan to Scotland for the first time. Acclaimed Dutch soprano Annemarie Kremer makes her Company debut as Princess Isolde.
In their Company debuts, the supporting cast includes mezzo-soprano Khatuna Mikaberidze as Isolde’s maid Brangäne, and Hansung Yoo as Kurwenal. Dingle Yandell (Daphne 2023) is King Marke and Mark Le Brocq (The Makropulos Affair, 2025) is Melot. They are joined by former Emerging Artist Shengzhi Ren (Oedipus Rex 2024)and current Emerging Artist, Edward Jowle (La bohème 2025).
Justin Way, who directed all seven of Wagner’s operas in concerts at the BBC Proms in 2013, brings his expertise in concert staging to probe every dramatic nuance of these complicated characters. He has previously directed productions for companies including Opéra National de Bordeaux, and Opera di Roma.
Costume designs are by Lorna Price, Scottish Opera’s Head of Costume, and lighting designs are by Lizzie Powell, who has worked on previous productions for the Company including Falstaff in 2021 and A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2022.
A medieval tale based on a Celtic legend and inspired by the German poem by Gottfried von Strassburg, it follows Cornish knight Tristan, who is sent to Ireland to fetch Princess Isolde for marriage to his uncle, King Marke. However, when Tristan and Isolde accidentally drink a love portion on the journey home and fall in love, it sets off a tragic chain of events.
First performed in 1865, the opera features the famous ‘Tristan chord’, which is initially heard in the prelude and left unresolved until the very end. It has notably been included in various films including Vertigo in 1958, Tender is the Night in 1962 and more recently in the 2011 Lars von Triers film, Melancholia.
Due to the extended runtime, this performance will begin earlier than usual, starting at 3pm in Glasgow, and 5.30pm in Edinburgh.
Stuart Stratford said: ‘If Tristan und Isolde is not the Mount Everest of opera, it is certainly one of the highest and trickier ascents of the Himalayas requiring unparalleled feats of bravery and stamina from all – including the listener!
“At over four hours of music, it has its own way of slowly unfolding, which is at first fascinating, then revealing and finally devastating. Oh, and did I say that it preludes the most decadent period in classical music and indeed seeds the very destruction of tonality. I don’t think you should miss it!’
Director Justin Way said: ‘My job as director is to facilitate the connection that the artists have with their characters and the score and free them up to explore, so that we create a vivid world where the audience writes their own mis-en-scene. We can then allow the metaphor and poetry of Wagner’s dramaturgy to fill the space. Tristan und Isolde could be summarised in a very brief paragraph, but the philosophy is enormous.
‘It’s not about action – each act starts and ends with action, but the rest is self-discovery and struggles with needs and desires. The orchestra tells you what to do. Crisis, serenity, nostalgia, and regret are all written there. Every single psychological colour is in the score.’
Scottish Opera ensures world-class opera remains accessible to everyone across Scotland. At these performances of Tristan und Isolde, tickets at Usher Hall Edinburgh are priced from £20, and from £23 at Theatre Royal Glasgow, with almost 40% of tickets £45 or under at both venues. £15 tickets are available for under-26s and students, as well as concessions for Registered Unemployed, Students, Registered Disabled, over 60s and groups.
The Company has provided over 1500 free tickets to schools since 2022, often introducing pupils to live opera for the first time, and over 1,600 free tickets have been distributed to New Scots communities across Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh. Free tickets are also available for schools, colleges, and community groups, with travel subsidies where needed.
Tristan und Isolde is supported by The Scottish Opera Endowment Trust.
Tickets are available now at Tristan und Isolde | Scottish Opera
