Ambulance staff had an extremely busy night across Scotland on Hogmanay as they dealt with 2,006 calls to Ambulance Control Centres between 7pm on New Year’s Eve and 7am on January 1st.
Hogmanay is traditionally one of the busiest nights of the year for the Service and during this year’s New Year’s Eve, there was an increase of 2.2 percent compared the same period in 2022.
The most intense period was between 1:30am – 2:45am where staff handled 328 calls – around a call every 15 seconds.
Julie Carter, On-call Executive Director with the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: “The overall level of demand for our service over the festive period has exceeded previous years and Hogmanay was one of our busiest nights of the year.
“Yet again, our staff in our Control Centres, on the frontline and support staff showed what an incredible group of dedicated professionals they are. They are a true credit to the SAS.
“This winter we continue to face significant challenges as a result of the time of year and continuing long hospital turnaround times at some hospitals which are stopping our staff from getting back out on the road to help other patients in need.
“To help our staff, we’d like to remind people to please only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.
“If you need urgent care, but it’s not life-threatening, you can call NHS 24 on 111, day or night, or your GP during opening hours.”
RECORD BREAKING YEAR FOR BARRHEAD TRAVEL CAMERON TOLL
Barrhead Travel Cameron Toll is set to close 2023 as its “best ever” trading year as demand for travel continues to soar.
The Glasgow-headquartered travel agency group has celebrated 11 consecutive record-breaking months since January 2023 and has forecast that the month of December will also conclude with record sales. Year to date bookings for the group are up by 26 percent, compared with 2019 sales which, before 2023, was the company’s best trading year.
Barrhead Travel’s performance is bucking the trend on the high street. Despite recent ONS figures indicating that October retail sales fell to the lowest levels since the 2021 lockdowns, the travel group says its retail network is “busier than ever” with sales in-store growing by more than 25 percent. The group attributes its strong retail performance to the continued demand for travel as well as consumers returning to reputable travel agents to book their holidays.
Forward bookings for 2024 are performing particularly well with the agency reporting that customers have been securing their annual holiday plans earlier than usual. Last-minute bookings for winter holidays remain a popular option with around 25 percent of new bookings travelling across the 2023/24 winter period.
Earlier this year, Barrhead Travel confirmed it would pursue further expansion during 2024 with multiple store openings planned for the year ahead. Investment will also be channelled into existing stores for refurbishments, additional full and part time roles, and new technology.
Victoria Dodds, Manager at Barrhead Travel Cameron Toll said:“Over the last year, we prioritised smart and sustainable growth, which has seen us deliver record breaking results. This year, we will have recorded our highest ever sales and we expect to continue that pace in 2024.
“Holidays remain a spending priority for consumers of all ages. The demand for a reputable travel agent is at an all-time high which is why we believe that now is the time to move ahead with further expansion throughout the UK.
“Retail travel is thriving, and communities across the country are benefiting from busy travel agency stores. Our commitment to investing in retail has never wavered and we’re excited to be bringing new jobs and opportunities as our expansion progresses over the coming 12 months.
“We are in the process of reviewing our new locations and we expect to announce details in the first quarter of 2024.”
Barrhead Travel has also announced the addition of a USA specialist division which will be launching in early 2024 as part of its wider plans for organic growth.
Scottish households have saved more than £3.5 billion in council tax since the Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme was introduced a decade ago.
The latest figures published by the Scottish Government show 460,860 recipients received CTR in October 2023, meaning one-in-five households were benefiting from the scheme.
People on low incomes are eligible for CTR if they live in Scotland – there is no equivalent benefit in England where most councils require each household to contribute a minimum amount of council tax, irrespective of ability to do so.
People who receive CTR save on average £800 a year and become eligible for up to 35% off their water and waste charges.
As part of the 2024-25 Scottish Budget the Deputy First Minister also made £144 million available to enable local authorities to freeze Council Tax rates at their current levels, benefitting every Council Tax payer in Scotland.
Public Finance Minister Tom Arthur said: “The Council Tax Reduction scheme celebrated its tenth anniversary in April and these latest figures show the scale of support it has provided to people in Scotland over the last decade.
“Our social contract with the people of Scotland means we are committed to giving an extra helping hand through targeted additional support to those who need it most and it is important everyone is aware of the help that is available to them.
“Some people are also eligible for other council tax discounts or sometimes full exemptions, including students, people with disabilities and carers amongst others.
“I urge people to check their eligibility for council tax reduction , council tax discounts and other financial support by visiting our online resources or by contacting their local council.”
People can check whether they are eligible for Council Tax Reduction through mygov.scot or by contacting their local council.
Details of other help available including extra financial support or for things like food, heating and electricity can be found on the Scottish Government’s cost of living crisis support website.
Retail trade union Usdaw is disappointed with the response of Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf, to a question from Scottish Labour Deputy Leader Jackie Baillie about closing large retail stores on New Year’s Day 2024, so that retail workers can spend the day with their loved ones.
The exchange took place in the Scottish Parliament at today’s First Minister’s Questions. The Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Trading (Scotland) Act 2007 barred large stores from opening on Christmas Day and gave the Scottish Government powers to introduce a similar ban on New Year’s Day. However the SNP Government continues to refuse to use that power to give shopworkers a proper festive break.
Tracy Gilbert – Usdaw’s Regional Secretary for Scotland says:“The First Minister’s warm words about ‘fair work’ and taking another look at this issue is too little too late.
“It won’t mean much to our members while the Scottish Government continually refuses to enact their power to stop the opening of large stores on New Year’s Day. They have persistently not listened to the 98% of Scottish shopworkers who want stores to close. Too many will now being going to work on 1 January next year when they’d rather be somewhere else.
“Our members are deeply disappointed with the attitude of the Scottish Government. Retail staff have work every day to keep our communities fed and healthy, face high levels of abuse and are now dealing with a very busy run up to the festive season. The very least these key workers deserve is that the Scottish Government shows their appreciation for the essential work they do by giving them a proper festive break.”
Councils will receive a record £14 billion funding settlement, according to provisional details published by the Scottish Government last night.
Local authorities have each been allocated a share of £13.9 billion to fund their day-to-day activities, including £6 million to support the expansion of free school meals, £242 million for teacher pay rises and more than £266 million for local government pay deals.
Ministers have also made available a further £144 million to enable local authorities to freeze Council Tax rates at their current levels, equivalent to an above-inflation 5% rise in council tax nationally. The Scottish Government is in talks with COSLA over how this will be allocated.
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance Shona Robison said: “In the face of a profoundly challenging financial situation, we are making available record funding of over £14 billion to councils – a real-terms increase of 4.3% on the previous year – should they agree to freeze council tax.
“The £144 million for the council tax freeze would be equivalent to an above-inflation 5% rise in council tax nationally.
“We recognise the crucial role councils play in their communities, which is why we have increased their overall share of the Scottish Budget.
“We have made no secret of the tough choices that have been required to balance our Budget, after an Autumn Statement that failed to provide the funding Scotland needs for its public services. While I know councils had sought more funding, the settlement confirmed today represents a fair and sustainable offer.
“We have chosen to invest in our people and public services. This is a Budget that reflects our shared values as a nation and speaks to the kind of Scotland that we want to be with a record settlement for local councils at its heart.”
The Deputy First Minister’s comments are a response to a statement made on Thursday by local authority umbrella body COSLA. Scotland’s council leaders argue that their funding has been CUT.
The Scottish Government has delivered a major blow to communities and has put councils at financial risk with a cash cut to Local Government in its draft Budget (published on 19th December) and no provision for inflation or pay increases, COSLA said.
COSLA Leaders described the draft Budget as not only leaving councils at real and significant financial risk for the coming year, but as it stands, it will mean cuts in every community in Scotland and job losses across Scottish Local Government.
Following a full meeting of Council Leaders on Thursday COSLA said that whatever way the Government presents the figures, the reality is that once again the people in our communities have been left at the end of the queue. That is why we are calling for urgent discussions with Scottish government to ensure a meaningful negotiation on the budget takes place before the final budget is presented to Parliament.
COSLA’s President Councillor Shona Morrison said: “COSLA’s initial analysis, shows a real terms cut to our revenue and capital spending power which will leave Council services at breaking point, with some having to stop altogether.
“The Budget in its current form could result in service cuts, job losses and an inevitable shift to providing statutory services only. This means potentially losing Libraries, leisure centres and all the things that improve our lives.
“COSLA’s initial analysis of the Budget is that the Council Tax freeze is not fully funded. Leaders from across Scotland agreed today that decisions on Council Tax can only be made by each full Council, and it is for each individual Council to determine their own level of Council Tax. With any sort of shortfall in core funding, the £144m revenue offered for the freeze is immediately worth less.”
COSLA Vice President Steven Heddle said: “Despite the Verity House Agreement rhetoric about working together on shared priorities it is the same outcome at Budget time for Local Government in reality.
“The Scottish Government is claiming to protect public services, but are not protecting the essential public services provided by councils– Scotland’s councils are key, they deliver your homecare, schools, road maintenance, street lighting, leisure and waste services and have been locked out again.
“We needed increased funding to cope with inflation, but have been given less instead. The cut to Revenue funding we have been given is a devastating blow and the cut to our Capital funding means that we will be unable to meet our targets in terms of a move towards Net Zero and mitigating climate change targets.”
COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson Councillor Katie Hagmann said: “The Scottish Government has disappointingly failed to recognise that investment in Councils is investment in cities, towns and villages across Scotland.
“As it stands, this is not a good Budget for our communities or the people who deliver our essential front-line services. This is a Budget which will mean job losses – real jobs that support families, and deliver vital services that make a positive difference to people’s lives.
“Sadly, the budget as it stands, leaves nothing for meaningful pay rises in 24/25 so we would call on the Scottish Government to look again, so that our workforce can get the pay rise they deserve next year.”
POLICE are seeking your assistance in trying to locate a 14-year-old girl, missing from Penicuik.
Connie Cochrane was last seen in Dean Place, Penicuik around 1.30pm on Tuesday, 19 December, 2023. She is around 5ft 2 inches in height with long black hair. When last seen, she was wearing a black, shiny Canada Goose body warmer, a pink jumper and black leggings.
Police are growing increasingly concerned about Connie and just want to know she is safe and well.
Officers have been checking relevant CCTV images and continue to liaise with partner agencies in case Connie is using public transport to get around.
Inspector Cheryl Blanch said: “We are continuing to speak to Connie’s family and friends for any small details that could assist in our enquiries.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have seen Connie or who has any information about her whereabouts to please contact us.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2905 of 19 December, 2023.
A new income tax band will raise additional revenue to deliver high quality public services and support the social contract with Scotland’s people, Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary Shona Robison has announced.
The Advanced rate band will apply a 45% tax rate on annual income between £75,000 and £125,140. Other changes include an additional 1p being added to the Top rate of tax and the Starter and Basic rate bands increasing in line with inflation. There are no changes to the Starter, Basic, Intermediate and Higher tax rates. The Higher rate threshold will be maintained at £43,662.
The Scottish Fiscal Commission estimates that overall Income Tax will raise £18.8 billion in 2024-25.
The Commission also estimates that next year the Scottish Government will raise around £1.5 billion more in income tax revenue than if it had followed the Income Tax policy of the UK Government, as a result of changes to rates and bands it has brought in since 2017-18.
The Finance Secretary also announced plans to:
Freeze the non-domestic rates poundage at 49.8 pence, delivering the lowest poundage rate in the UK for the sixth year in a row. The Intermediate Property Rate and Higher Property Rate will rise in line with inflation to 54.5 pence and 55.9 pence respectively
Offer 100% rates relief for hospitality businesses in island communities, capped at £110,000 per business
Maintain existing Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) rates and bands at their current levels. Relief allowing first-time buyers to claim a reduction in the amount of LBTT they need to pay will continue
Increase the standard and lower rates of Scottish Landfill Tax to continue to support Scotland’s circular economy ambitions, while ensuring these do not encourage cross-border movement of waste
Ms Robison said: “Managing the cumulative impacts of the UK Government’s disastrous Autumn Statement, high inflation and ongoing economic damage from Brexit means we have had to make difficult choices and prioritise support for those who need it the most.
“We are proud that Scotland has the most progressive Income Tax system in the UK, protecting those who earn less and asking those who earn more to contribute more. This in turn allows us to provide a more comprehensive set of services than in the rest of the UK.
“These targeted tax decisions are expected to increase our Income Tax revenue by £389m and have been carefully balanced with the needs of individuals, businesses and the wider economy, while ensuring we continue to build upon our progressive approach to taxation.
“Our decisions on tax in this budget – including both Income Tax policy changes and the freeze in Council Tax – provide a net benefit to around 60% of Scottish households, with around 80% of households paying no more tax as a result of these measures.
“On non-domestic rates, the support I have outlined for businesses is estimated to be worth £685 million this year and ensures that over 95% of non-domestic properties continue to be liable for a lower property tax rate than anywhere else in the UK.”
The Scottish Conservatived responded: “Scotland is already the highest taxed part of the UK. But today’s Budget means that 100,000 more Scots are now paying the higher rate of tax.
“Scots are paying more and getting less under this financially incompetent SNP Government.”
The Scottish Income Tax bands and rates proposed in the 2024-25 Budget are:
2024-25
Band
Rate
Starter
£12,571 – £14,876
19%
Basic
£14,877 – £26,561
20%
Intermediate
£26,562 – £43,662
21%
Higher
£43,663 – £75,000
42%
Advanced
£75,001 – £125,140*
45%
Top
Above £125,140
48%
*Under the UK Government’s Personal Allowance policy, those earning more than £100,000 will see their Personal Allowance reduced by £1 for every £2 earned over £100,000.
The UK Government confirmed in the 2023 Autumn Statement that the UK-wide Personal Allowance will remain frozen at £12,750.
The Small Business Bonus Scheme, which offers up to 100% relief from non-domestic rates, will be maintained at the rates and thresholds introduced in 2023-24. 100% rates relief will also be available for hospitality businesses on islands, as defined under the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018.
The standard and lower rates of the Scottish Landfill Tax will increase to maintain consistency with planned UK Landfill tax increases to:
From £102.10 to £103.70 per tonne (standard rate) from 1 April 2024
From £3.25 to £3.30 per tonne (lower rate) from 1 April 2024
The Scottish Government has allocated £144 million to enable local authorities to freeze council tax rates at their current levels. Final decisions by councils on the rates in their respective areas are expected to be made by mid-March 2024.
Salvesen Mindroom Centre sees 18% surge in enquiries
The soaring need for support with neurodiversity has signalled a huge jump in demand for the services of Salvesen Mindroom Centre.
The charity, which champions all forms of neurodiversity, has experienced an 18% rise in enquiries over the last year.
Access to education and assessment and diagnosis were key issues raised by parents and carers, along with communication, rights and responsibilities and mental health.
Data shows that children and young people were particularly concerned with challenges including post-diagnosis support, mental health and the transition from leaving school to moving into adulthood.
The latest statistics from the Edinburgh-based charity, which supports children and young people under the age of 25 with all forms of neurodiversity, show that over 1,393 people have been helped in the first three quarters of 2023, an increase of 19% against the entirety of 2022. The most common condition, affecting 82% of clients, was autism.
The enquiries came from within Scotland, predominantly from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and East Lothian, with the vast majority coming directly from potential service users and a third via professionals.
Salvesen Mindroom Centre’s Chief Executive Officer Alan Thornburrow says: “Raising awareness is one of the key goals of Mindroom. Our vision is a world where no mind is left behind. And while we’re delighted to have been able to help so many people this year, the story behind the statistics is one of huge need.
“It’s encouraging that so many more people are now aware of the help and support we can offer but the big rise in demand demonstrates an ever-growing desire among parents, carers, professionals and the young people themselves to help them lead the best life they can. We’re committed to doing everything we can to facilitate that.”
The charity’s latest initiative is a three-year specialist outreach service, financed by a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, to deliver a dedicated one-to-one support service for children and young people who have neurodevelopmental conditions and neurodiverse families in North and South Lanarkshire.
Alan Thornburrow says: “We saw a rising demand in this area and have responded because we know just what an enormous difference receiving the appropriate help can make.
“The latest rise in figures is a challenge for us but one we are longing to overcome to help people achieve their true potential.”
The Edinburgh International Festival of Magic is back for a 14th year, with international star Kevin Quantum topping the bill. Known as MagicFest it runs from 20-31 Dec. and will be a dazzling showcase of new and established magical talent.
There are new collaborations with Edinburgh Castle’s “The Castle of Light” and Wonder and Co (the capital’s new magic shop) as well as The Joker and the Thief, plus the welcome return of Future Magicians, and family shows at The Scottish Storytelling Centre.
This year’s programme
Kevin Quantum’s Christmas Special: Straight from sell-out shows in Edinburgh and Australia, Kevin returns with a high-energy, wonder-packed family show at the Church Hill Theatre. Join the Edinburgh-based international star and special guest, the contemporary conjuror Oliver Tabor, for a magical night out, with big laughs, amazement and adventure.
Venue: Church Hill Theatre.
Duration: 1hr 45 min including 15 min intermission
Ages: 5+
Tickets: Standard £20, £18 Concessions, £18 Child
Dates, times: 24 Dec 15:00. 27, 28, 29, 30 Dec 14:00 and 19:00. 31 Dec 14:00
Future Magicians: A welcome return for this very special MagicFest initiative where you get to see tomorrow’s magicians today. We take a group of would-be young magicians and pair them with professional tutors to prepare a special 15-minute magic act – which they then present on stage for you.
Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Duration: 60 minutes
Ages: 7+
Tickets: £12 and £10 concessions
Date: 29 and 30 Dec
Time: 14:00
Vincent Gambini: This is not a magic show: What makes magic magic? Is there really a Magic Circle Emergency Hotline for magicians in distress? A critically acclaimed performance of and about sleight-of-hand magic, its invisible mechanics, clichés, and what it tells us about live theatre and make-believe. Vincent Gambini presents astonishing close-up magic that invites us to question how enchantment and wonder are made within a theatrical situation.
Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Duration: 70 minutes
Ages: 14+
Tickets: £14, concessions £12
Date: 27, 28, 29, 30 Dec.
Time: 16:00
Cameron Gibson and Friends: Edinburgh magician Cameron Gibson presents a fast-paced magic and variety show that will knock your proverbial socks off. From classic sleight of hand to mind-reading and comedy, it has something for everyone. Every show features special guests from the world of magic and variety – so you never quite know what wonders await…
Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Duration: 60 minutes
Ages: 12+
Tickets: £14, concessions £12
Date: 28, 29, 30 Dec.
Time: 19:45
Richard Wiseman: Mind Magic: Enter the strange world of illusion, magic, and mystery. How do magicians produce objects from thin air and defy gravity? Does the paranormal exist? Join psychologist, best-selling author, and member of the Inner Magic Circle Professor Richard Wiseman as he explores the limits of the human mind. A fun hour for all the family.
Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Duration: 55 minutes
Ages: 12+
Tickets: £12, concessions £10
Date: 28 Dec.
Time: 14:00
Elliot Bibby: The Best of Bibby: After a complete sell out at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival with the Insane Magic boys, Elliot is back with a solo hour of magic. Bringing the best he has to offer from 10 years of professional shows in this comedy magic extravaganza.
Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Duration: 55 minutes
Ages: 10+
Tickets: £14, concessions £12
Date: 27, 28, 29, 30 Dec.
Time: 18:00
Tricky Ricky: Festive Funtime: After sell-out performances last year, the Trickster returns with more festive fun and lots of his puns in a show starring Jingles the Reindeer and his mischievous rabbit Sonny the Bunny. Prepare to be amused and amazed in this fast paced and chaotic magic show. It’s cabaret for kids and grown-ups.
Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Duration: 50 minutes
Ages: 4+
Tickets: £12, concessions £10
Date: 29, 30 Dec.
Times: 10:45 and 12:15
Gary James: Wonderland: A fast-paced family-friendly show with jaw-dropping magic inspired by wide-eyed childhood memories and a career in entertainment. Gary captures the excitement and mystery from his childhood visits to the legendary Lothian Road store called Wonderland. Who’d have thought that family trips to this shop as a child would have inspired a life in entertainment?
Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre
Duration: 50 minutes
Ages: 7+
Tickets: £12, concessions £10
Date: 27 Dec.
Times: 10:45 and 12:15
Gary Dunn: Jokes & Tricks: One of Scotland’s favourite family entertainers returns to MagicFest for another show filled with mad magic and silly jokes.
Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Duration: 50 minutes
Ages: 5+
Tickets: £12, concessions £10
Date: 28 Dec.
Times: 10:45 and 12:15
Kevin Quantum: Edinburgh Magic: Unlock hidden Edinburgh and enjoy magic that’s fooled the greatest minds associated with the city, from Harry Houdini to King Charles. Amazing moments tied to the secret stories hidden in the cobbles and closes of the capital.Objects float before your eyes, money multiplies, time stands still…
Venue: Waldorf Astoria: The Caledonian.
Duration: 70 minutes
Ages: 12+
Tickets: £30-£35
Date: 20 Dec.
Times: 18:00 and 20:30
Vincent Gambini: Out of Thin Air: Stories about magicians at magic conventions, an attempt at presenting a show in which nothing happens, and magic poems about you, the spectator. Deft sleight of hand, strange poetry, and low-key spectacle.
Venue: Wonder & Co., 14 Haymarket Terrace
Duration: 30 minutes
Ages: 14+
Tickets: £8, concessions £7
Dates: 28, 29, 30 Dec.
Times: 12:00
Richard Wiseman: The World’s Greatest Card Trick and Other Mysteries: The world’s greatest card trick was invented in 1942. It has been performed by many famous magicians, amazed and astounded millions of people, and made Winston Churchill late for Parliament. In this intimate show, a small group of people join magician Professor Richard Wiseman as he reveals the unknown genius behind the trick, demonstrates other jaw dropping mysteries from the mind of this master magician, and celebrates the invention of the impossible.
Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Duration: 40 minutes
Ages: 12+
Tickets: £7, concessions £6
Dates and times: 28 Dec 16:00, 29 Dec 13:00 and 16:00
Cameron Gibson: Street Magic Masterclass: Spend a morning with professional magician Cameron Gibson to gain hands-on experience in simple yet mind-blowing magic that you can do. You will master tricks with everyday objects that you can use to entertain and amaze your friends and family.
Venue: Wonder & Co., 14 Haymarket Terrace
Duration: 90 minutes
Ages: Varies depending on session
Tickets: £20
Date: 28 Dec (ages 12-18), 29 Dec (ages 18+), 30 Dec (ages 10+)
Time: 09:30
Close-Up Magic at The Joker & The Thief: Astonishing close-up magic at The Joker & The Thief pub with resident magician Tim Licata, one of Scotland’s most entertaining sleight-of-hand artists.
Venue: The Joker & The Thief, Elm Row
Duration: 120 minutes
Ages: Strictly 18+
Tickets: Free – donations welcome
Date: 28 Dec.
Time: 20:00
Castle of Light: MagicFest is partnering with Castle of Light, which transforms Edinburgh Castle with magical installations and illuminations. Watch out for some of our astounding tricks and illusions. Venue: Edinburgh Castle.
Tickets now on sale – Check out the full line up and times, and book tickets at www.magicfest.co.uk.
