Monday 15 June 2026 has officially been confirmed as a national bank holiday to mark Scotland’s participation in the men’s football World Cup finals.
The holiday was proposed by First Minister John Swinney to allow people, businesses and other organisations in Scotland to celebrate after the team’s opening game against Haiti.
His Majesty King Charles has approved the Royal Proclamation, confirming the bank holiday which will allow Scotland to celebrate the first time the men’s national team has participated in the tournament since 1998.
The First Minister said: “Scotland will be on the world stage this summer and I want as many people as possible to be able to celebrate that moment. Football means a great deal to many people in this country and it has been almost three decades since our men’s national team played at the World Cup finals tournament. The joyous reaction when Steve Clarke and his players secured qualification demonstrated what it meant to end that long absence.
“We want to make the most of Scotland’s participation in this global sporting event by ensuring people have the opportunity to come together and celebrate – no matter the outcome of the match. That is why I proposed making the Monday following our opening game in Boston a national bank holiday.
“I am very grateful to His Majesty King Charles for approving the proposal and I encourage employers around the country to work with staff to put in place suitable arrangements that will allow as many of them as possible to join in the celebrations.”
As is the case with other bank holidays in Scotland, there is no law requiring banks or any other businesses to close. Employer policy regarding bank holidays will be set out in contracts of employment.
Almost 30,000 jobs have been created or supported since 2018 thanks to the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, according to a new report.
The Deal, which launched in 2018, is at the halfway point in its 15-year delivery timeline and has already contributed £3.6 billion in economic growth.
The £1.3 billion Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal is supported with £300 million each from the Scottish and UK governments.
Over 5000 businesses have engaged directly with the Deal through partnerships or collaborations on training and skills development, innovation, and jobs, and more than £1 billion in additional funding has been secured for Deal-related projects.
From Fife to the Scottish Borders, the Deal is delivering investment across housing, transport, innovation, culture, and skills and employment.
Highlights include seven new innovation hubs to increase links between university research and industry, housing developments that have so far delivered almost 8,500 new homes, and two industrial innovation zones.
Councillor Jane Meagher, Chair, Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal Joint Committee, said: “The Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal is delivering real results.
“Now worth £1.7 billion, it generates the greatest additional investment of any Scottish city region or growth deal. The programme is driving economic growth, improving the services and functions the city relies on and creating sustainable communities, while ensuring benefits reach all of the region.
“To date, it has created over 29,000 jobs and built more than 8,000 homes and supported over £3.6 billion in Gross Value Added. The jobs created and skills improvements ensure that local people can access high-quality, better-paid work and benefit from the prosperity created by the City Region Deal.”
Garry Clark, Chair of the Deal’s Regional Enterprise Council, said: “Businesses across Edinburgh and South East Scotland will rightly judge the City Region Deal by the difference they can see on the ground. The Deal set ambitious targets from the outset, and it has consistently delivered measurable results.
“In Fife, for example, small firms are benefiting from new industrial units that fill a vital gap in the local property market, and East Lothian’s new Innovation Hub is already home to a diverse group of businesses.
“Across the region, employers now have access to a stronger talent pipeline thanks to the award winning Integrated Regional Employability and Skills programme. The Deal is helping strengthen partnerships between industry, the third sector, and academia—collaboration that would be far harder to achieve in isolation.
“It has also helped build a resilient local supply chain, ensuring that local businesses and local skills have been central to the delivery of each project.
“Together, these achievements show an impressive track record and signal even greater transformation ahead as the Deal continues to support the regional economy and the people who drive it.”
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Working together with local partners we have provided £300 million towards this Deal to drive economic opportunities and help communities across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and the Borders to thrive.
“From new jobs and skills training to investment in innovation and thousands of new homes this funding is delivering tangible benefits that people across the region can see and feel in their daily lives.
“Whether it’s a new concert hall for Edinburgh, delivering a national centre for robotics and AI at Herit-Watt University or supporting Scotland’s largest brownfield regeneration project at Granton Waterfront, these investments will shape this region for generations to come.”
UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: “We are backing Edinburgh and South East Scotland with £300 million UK Government funding.
“It’s great news that half has already been spent on transformational projects in areas such as innovation, skills and employment, helping to create or support tens of thousands of jobs and contributing billions of pounds of economic growth.
“We look forward to working with partners over the rest of the deal to maximise the benefits from the remaining funding to deliver economic and community renewal across Scotland.”
Cats Protection has announced the launch of a national short story competition, inviting aspiring writers from across the UK to submit imaginative tales that celebrate the unique bond between cats and humans.
Whether heartwarming, magical or mysterious, entries must feature cats at their core and highlight the special connection they share with people.
Stories will be judged by acclaimed authors Jane Fallon and Anne Twist as well as Scottish television presenter and mental health advocate Gail Porter and comedian Matt Richardson.
“Cats have a magical place in my heart,” said Gail. “My cat always knows… well, my cat knows everything! Her special presence makes me feel so happy and I hope I do the same for her.
“I’m delighted to be involved in a competition that involves the many magical, wonderful stories you have about what makes cats so special to you. I can’t wait to read them all.”
The winning entries will be published in The Cat magazine and showcased on Cats Protection’s website, offering writers a valuable platform to share their work.
Both category winners will also win a goody bag gifted by competition partner, Cult Pens, each with a retail value of £350 as well as being offered a visit to a Cats Protection adoption centre to meet the cats awaiting rehoming.
Eligibility
Open to residents of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Entrants must be aged 18 or over
Stories must be original and written in English
Two categories: children’s literature and adult literature
Minimum word count 250 words, maximum word count: 1,000 words
Stories must use Arial, 12pt, be double-spaced and be submitted by a word document or PDF using the entry form with the short story title as the file name
One entry per person per category (separate entry fee required)
Entry Process
Complete the entry form and pay the fee of £10
Instructions for submitting stories will be sent via email
The competition is open to entries between Tuesday 20 January and Tuesday 31 March 2026.
“This competition is a wonderful opportunity to explore the charm, mystery and companionship of cats through storytelling,” said Abby Jackson from Cats Protection. “We’re excited to read the creative ways people capture the human-cat bond.”
All stories must include or centre around a cat. Writers are encouraged to refer to Cats Protection’s Cat Welfare guidance to ensure responsible representation.
Full terms and conditions, along with tips from the judging panel, can be found at cats.org.uk/shortstory
Tracy Gilbert MP has spoken out about the impact of knife crime in Edinburgh North and Leith, warning that violence must never become accepted as part of daily life and that stronger preventative action is urgently needed.
Ms Gilbert was speaking following Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar’s commitment to strengthen knife safety measures across Scotland, including tougher regulation around the sale of knives.
Tracy Gilbert MP said:“Knife crime cannot be normalised. The impact it has on families and communities is devastating, and the loss of John McNab is something that continues to be felt deeply across our community. No family should ever have to endure that pain.”
Ms Gilbert paid tribute to John’s mum, Lisa Petrie, whose campaigning has led to bleed kits being installed in public spaces across the constituency and beyond.
“Lisa’s strength and determination in the face of unimaginable loss is extraordinary. Her work to bring bleed kits into our community is genuinely lifesaving, and it has already made a real difference. It shows what community action can achieve when people come together.”
However, Ms Gilbert stressed that while bleed kits are vital, they are not a substitute for prevention.
“Bleed kits save lives, but they exist because violence has already occurred. Families should not be left to lead campaigns after tragedy strikes. We must do more to prevent knives from being used as weapons in the first place.”
Ms Gilbert welcomed Anas Sarwar’s commitment to enhanced knife safety measures and action to support young people.
“It is reassuring that Anas Sarwar has committed to taking knife safety seriously. Strengthening controls on knife sales, alongside action on youth violence and mental health, is an important step towards breaking this cycle.”
“Everyone in Edinburgh North and Leith deserves to feel safe in their own community.”
11.48 million people filed their Self Assessment tax returns by 31 January.
Anyone who missed the deadline should file their return and pay any tax owed as soon as possible.
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:
27,456 people submitted theirs in the final hour (23:00 to 23:59)
the busiest hour for submitting a return was 17:00 to 17:59, when 32,982 people filed
HMRC advisers handled 5,409 webchats and 10,483 calls to the helplines which, unusually, were opened on a Saturday to provide extra support to customers on the deadline 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:
an initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time
after 3 months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900
after 6 months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater
after 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater
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:
12,029,168 Self Assessment returns expected
11,489,825 returns received by 31 January. This includes expected returns, voluntary returns and late registrations
10,957,825 expected returns received by 31 January (91.09% of returns, following adjustments)
an estimated 1 million customers missed the deadline
11,173,825 returns were filed online (97.25% of returns, following adjustments)
316,000 paper tax returns were filed (2.75% of returns, following adjustments)
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.
Supportive evening session to help families plan with confidence
WHEN a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, the emotional impact is often compounded by urgent and unfamiliar decisions about care, legal authority and financial planning.
As part of Dementia Awareness Month, a free public information evening in central Edinburgh will offer families the chance to hear from a panel of experienced professionals, offering expert insights into Powers of Attorney, property, guardianship and the wider support available.
The event, titled Supporting Loved Ones with Dementia: A Practical Guide to Power of Attorney & Property, will take place on Tuesday 17 February 2026 at the ESPC Property Lounge on George Street, Edinburgh.
Hosted by legal and property specialists Ralph Sayer, the event is being delivered in partnership with The Dementia Trust and supported by ESPC, which is providing the venue as part of its commitment to supporting public education and community wellbeing.
The free session will run from 5.30pm until 8pm, with short presentations from guest speakers between 6:00pm and 6:45pm, followed by an informal Q&A and the opportunity for one-to-one discussions with experts.
Attendees will hear from Kimberley Mackay, Partner and Head of Private Client at Ralph Sayer, who will speak about the importance of putting a Power of Attorney in place.
Kimberley explains: “We encourage everyone to consider making a power of attorney whilst they are fit and able. However, a diagnosis of dementia does not automatically mean that is no longer possible to do so. Taking legal advice at the earliest opportunity is a good idea to understand the options.”
“We want people to leave this session feeling better informed and more in control when supporting someone through a dementia diagnosis.”
The panel will also feature Tzana Webster, Head of Estate Agency at Ralph Sayer, who will explain the role of property in funding care and how to navigate property transactions when acting under a Power of Attorney or guardianship
Tzana added: “Property is often a person’s most significant asset but selling it on their behalf can bring both legal complexities and emotional strain. We’ll be sharing practical advice for families facing those decisions and advise what steps they can take to prepare in advance.”
The event will also include perspectives from The Dementia Trust, which works directly with families, carers and individuals living with dementia to offer guidance and emotional support.
Professor June Andrews, a leading dementia expert, and Sandra McDonald, former Public Guardian for Scotland and respected authority on capacity and decision-making, are expected to join the panel to bring vital insight from their combined decades of frontline experience.
Sonia Mangan, Interim Lead Officer from the Dementia Trust said: “This event reflects the kind of practical, empathetic support that makes a real difference to people navigating life after a diagnosis. Dementia can feel overwhelming, but families are not alone.
“We know how uncertain and isolating a diagnosis can feel, especially when it comes to legal and financial decisions. That’s why we’ve launched our Planning Ahead campaign and why we’re calling February 2026 Power of Attorney Month. Our message is simple: put Power of Attorney in place early.
“The average age of people in Scotland making a Power of Attorney is 79 – and too often we see people waiting until it’s too late.”
In addition, Dianne Millen, Director of specialist incapacity law firm Datrys Legal, and an accredited specialist in incapacity and mental disability law, will demystify the guardianship process, helping attendees understand how the court procedure works when a Powers of Attorney is not already in place.
Dianne said “Going to court is an intimidating prospect for most people and can feel overwhelming when you are also caring for a loved one with dementia.
“Understanding the process can make you feel more in control.”
Paul Hilton, CEO of ESPC, added: “As an organisation made up of Solicitor Estate Agents with huge amount of legal and property expertise, ESPC has long supported opportunities for our firms to help the public make informed decisions.
“Our Property Lounge isn’t just a shopfront, but also a space for education, connection and community. We’re proud to host events like this that support people through difficult times with clear, trusted advice. Many families don’t realise the vital role property can play in funding care or planning for later life, so this kind of event offers an important way to begin those conversations.”
Spaces at the event are free but strictly limited to 30 attendees, with advance registration required. Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided.
Attendees are invited to submit questions in advance when registering, helping to tailor the session to the most pressing concerns.
The event is open to anyone supporting a loved one with dementia, considering legal planning for later life or simply seeking clarity on where to begin.
People who have chosen to defer their State Pension are encouraged to apply for this year’s Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
The payment has been made automatically to most people over the age of 66 this winter, but some people in this age group will need to apply for the benefit. People who have deferred their State Pension since they were last paid Pension Age Winter Heating Payment or the Winter Fuel Payment will need to apply.
They can apply by phone or by post. The deadline to apply for winter 2025 to 2026 is 31 March 2026.
We are currently looking for volunteers at Leith Library and across the city to support our Library Link groups and Home deliveries for elderly, housebound and disabled service users.
The Scottish Parliament has installed a new Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) outside the public entrance to the Parliament building.
The installation is a collaboration between The Scottish Parliament and St John Scotland.
Every year, over 3000 people in Scotland suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, an event which is fatal unless CPR and defibrillation are started by bystanders within minutes.
The installation provides 24 /7 access for the public 365 days a year to the PAD.
The Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament said:“We’re pleased to partner with St John Scotland to give the public access to a defibrillator outside the Parliament building.
“Evidence shows the chances of survival from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest can be increased two-to-threefold by the immediate provision of bystander CPR and defibrillation so this is a very positive step which can help save lives.”
Barri Millar, Chief Operating Officer, St John Scotland said:“St John Scotland is proud to support the Scottish Parliament with a new Public Access Defibrillator. We are committed to strengthening community resilience across Scotland and ensuring lifesaving equipment is accessible in every community.
“Together with our ‘Save a Life for Scotland’ partners, we continue to expand CPR awareness and increase access to defibrillators — helping save lives across the country.”
Val McDermid, Irvine Welsh and Joseph Coelho lead major free programme for North Edinburgh – including 100 free books for local children
Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh will return to the Muirhouse library he visited as a child this February, as the Edinburgh International Book Festival brings some of Scotland’s biggest literary names directly into the heart of North Edinburgh.
The programme – part of Paper Trails, a flagship initiative launched by Her Majesty Queen Camilla in 2025 – will see Val McDermid, Doug Johnstone, Claire Mitchell, Zoe Venditozzi, Maisie Chan and former Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho OBE appear at North Edinburgh Arts and Muirhouse Library. All events are completely free to attend.
Welsh’s appearance marks a significant homecoming for the globally renowned author, who will appear digitally to discuss his Edinburgh roots and literary career to young people sat in the same library that helped shape his love of reading decades ago.
Jenny Niven, Director of Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “Libraries are where so many of us first fell in love with books, and they remain at the heart of our communities.
“Having Irvine Welsh return to the library that shaped him as a reader shows exactly why Paper Trails matters – these aren’t just buildings, they’re launchpads for imagination and possibility.
“At a time when literacy rates are declining and more than a quarter of older adults experience weekly loneliness, we’re committed to ensuring that world-class literature and creative experiences reach every neighbourhood, not just festival venues.
“This programme is about co-creating with communities, listening to local voices, and supporting libraries as the vital cultural hubs they’ve always been.”
Irvine Welsh, novelist, short story writer, screenwriter and filmmaker, said: “I’m joining remotely, but it still feels like I’m back in the room that first lit the fuse for me.
“Muirhouse gave me a quiet seat, a friendly word and a shelf full of new worlds—that’s all it takes to set a life on a different course.
“It’s brilliant to see Paper Trails investing in these spaces so every young person here can feel that same jolt of inspiration.”
Tony Stewart, Librarian at Muirhouse Library, said:“We see every day the impact and benefit for our users and the community, in having access to a safe and welcoming space filled books, activities and a team dedicated to helping in any way we can, and of course, a good book recommendation.
“We are very excited to be able to work with EIBF and Paper Trails to bring top class authors right to our community’s doorstep and provide some inspiration for any budding authors in the Muirhouse area, maybe even the next Irvine Welsh…”
The February programme will distribute over 500 free books to children attending events with Maisie Chan and Joseph Coelho – part of the festival’s five-year commitment to supporting Edinburgh’s libraries as creative community hubs.
Programme Highlights – February 2025
Claire Mitchell & Zoe Venditozzi: How to Kill a Witch
Wed 4 Feb, 6pm — North Edinburgh Arts
A lively, provocative exploration of Scotland’s witch-trial history from the hosts of the popular Witches of Scotland podcast. Mitchell, one of Scotland’s leading lawyers, and Venditozzi uncover the brutal reality behind historical persecution.
Val McDermid: Winter Crime
Monday 9 Feb, 6pm — North Edinburgh Arts
Scotland’s ‘Queen of Crime’ discusses her latest Karen Pirie thriller Silent Bones and her new memoir Winter. With over 18 million books sold worldwide, McDermid rarely appears in intimate community settings.
Doug Johnstone: 20 Years in the Making
Wed 11 Feb, 6pm — North Edinburgh Arts
The bestselling crime writer reflects on two decades of literary success ahead of his landmark 20th novel. Johnstone’s Edinburgh-set thrillers have earned international acclaim and multiple award nominations.
Irvine Welsh: Writing Edinburgh
Thurs 26 Feb, 6pm — Muirhouse Library
A special remote appearance from the Trainspotting author, returning to the library he visited as a child. Welsh will discuss how Muirhouse and Edinburgh shaped his groundbreaking literary voice, followed by audience Q&A.
Maisie Chan: Family Fun
Wed 18 Feb, 2–3pm — Muirhouse Library
A half-term celebration of stories and creativity for families. Every child attending receives a free book to take home.
Schools Event: Joseph Coelho OBE — Poetry Alive!
Wed 11 Feb, 10.30–11.15am — Muirhouse Library An energising poetry workshop from the former Children’s Laureate (2022-24). Local primary school pupils will receive free books and participate in creative writing activities.
