Uncategorized – Page 16 – The NEN

Scotland’s Self-Catering Industry sets out stall ahead of Holyrood elections

The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) has launched its 2026 Manifesto for the upcoming Holyrood Elections, setting out a clear call to all political parties to champion fair regulation, evidence-based policymaking and sustainable growth across Scotland’s £1bn self-catering sector.

The manifesto, Championing Scotland’s Self-Catering: Fair Regulation, Strong Partnerships, Sustainable Growth, highlights the vital role self-catering plays within Scotland’s tourism economy, one which supports more than 29,000 jobs, driving local employment and spending in rural, island and urban areas alike.

The ASSC also calls for a reset in the relationship between government and tourism businesses, with a move away from piecemeal regulation towards proportionate, coherent and market aware policy that supports sustainable growth while addressing genuine community concern.

The six key priorities set out in the ASSC’s manifesto include:

· Fair, lawful and proportionate reform of short-term let regulation: secured through a clearer separation of planning and licensing, as well as protection for compliant operators from disproportionate enforcement.

· Ending the scapegoating of self-catering in housing policy: self-catering accounts for just 0.8% of Scotland’s housing stock while boosting the economy by £1bn, so it is time to change the narrative.

· A new partnership model between government and industry: the creation of a new statutory Tourism & Hospitality Partnership Forum with earlier, structured engagement on policy design.

· Future-fit regulation reflecting market conditions and cumulative regulatory impact: using impact assessments before introducing yet more regulation or taxation affecting tourism.

· A fair fiscal framework for tourism: with much-needed reform of Non-Domestic Rates and recognition of the sector as a key growth industry in Scotland’s economic strategy.

· A simple and deliverable visitor levy: use of a simple flat rate for those councils who wish to proceed, and shifting liability from operators to guests supported by QR-code or online payment systems.

The ASSC argues that tourism remains one of Scotland’s most resilient and dynamic industries, and that self-catering underpins its success, particularly in sustaining local economies and communities.

The manifesto therefore recommends the next Scottish Government to champion tourism through a dedicated Minister for Tourism.

Commenting on the launch, Fiona Campbell MBE, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, said: “Scotland’s £1bn self-catering industry is at the heart of this country’s tourism success, supporting jobs, local communities and economies in every corner of the land.

“As we look ahead to this important election, our message is clear: fair regulation, strong partnership and evidence-led policy are essential if tourism is to continue delivering for Scotland.

“This manifesto sets out a positive, practical route forward, one which reflects the real-world experience of thousands of small businesses. The ASSC wants to usher in a new era of collaboration between government and industry, and we are calling on all parties to work with us to reset the relationship with business, rebuild trust, and create the conditions for sustainable growth which benefits us all.”

ASSC 2026 Election Manifesto Download

The Big Debate: Europe wins by acclimation

On Friday evening (16th Jan) a packed Glasgow University Union approved by acclimation the motion that Scotland and the UK should rejoin the European Union.

Alyn Smith, the SNP’s Scottish Government candidate for Stirling and a former Member of the European Parliament, was the lead speaker for the motion. He was supported by Sir Ian Forrester.

Sir Ian, who was knighted in the New Year’s Honour for services to international law, is a Glasgow University graduate and was a leading student debater. He was a judge at the General Court of Justice of the European Union, until the UK left the EU.

Student debater, Emilia Faulkner, a second-year law and Spanish language student, who has won public speaking awards, was the final speaker for the motion. She used her time to also call for a revival of foreign languages teaching across the UK.

The opposition was led by Glasgow University political scientist, Dr Michael Scanlan and by award winning student debaters Harry Braid and Harry Olden.

While accepting that Brexit is a failed policy, the team argued that rejoining the EU should not be part of the UK’s politics at present.

The debate, which was organised jointly by the European Movement in Scotland and Glasgow University Debating Society, was chaired by Convener of Debates, Colson Merrill.

Colson Merrill said: “This was a fantastic debate argued with facts, analysis, humour and passion by both teams.

“We had insightful and knowledgeable questions from the audience in the gallery. The debate was about serious politics of the highest importance, conducted in a wholly constructive way.”

Speaking for the European Movement in Scotland, its President, David Martin said: “Our primary aim was to have the issue of our place in Europe aired and discussed by a generation of students who were too young to vote in the 2016 Brexit referendum.

“When they were asked to vote for or against the motion, the students overwhelmingly opted for Scotland and the UK returning to the EU.”

Glasgow University Union is one of the most successful university debating unions in the world. It has been world debating champions five times and won the European Championships in 2017 and have been British and Irish Champions a record 16 times.

Former Presidents of the debating society include the journalist Andrew Neil, former Lord Chancellor Derry Irvine, Conservative politician Liam Fox, and Labour MSP Paul Sweeney.

Late politicians who were Presidents include Lord “Ming” Campbell, Charles Kennedy, who both led the UK Liberal Democrats; Scotland’s first First Minister Donald Dewar and John Smith, who led the UK Labour party.

Rethink Blue Monday: How to turn the toughest day of the year into a financial and emotional reset

Holiday cheer has faded, credit card bills have arrived, and motivation is running low; Blue Monday on 19th January is billed to be the most depressing day of the year.

But what if instead of being something to endure, it marks the start of a powerful reset? GroceryAid – a charity that provides relief in tough times for grocery workers and their families – is urging anyone struggling with money worries and emotional strain to use Blue Monday as a chance to reach out and access the wide range of support available and kickstart a happier and healthier 2026.

Mandi Leonard, Welfare Director at GroceryAid, shares top tips for accessing vital help that could change a negative date into the start of something positive:

Find out if you’re eligible for free money

A quick search on grants-search.turn2us.org.uk will tell you if you could be eligible for a financial grant from a range of sources. Or if you’re one of the 2.6 million people working in the grocery industry, GroceryAid should be your first port of call. Last year the charity provided £4.6m in financial grants to help with everything from priority debts to supporting those on a reduced income due to caring responsibilities. Find out if your eligible to apply at groceryaid.org

Combine quick-impact help with long-term support

If you’ve got money worries and are struggling to make ends meet, see if you’re eligible for a financial grant, but don’t stop there. Underpin it with money management advice and practical support to better equip you for the future.

Check out groceryaid.org for handy budgeting tools and help managing bills or turn to StepChange and MoneyHelper for free debt advice.

Don’t wait until you are at crisis point

Many people assume support is only available in extreme circumstances but it’s available long before crisis hits. If you’re experiencing an unexpected bump in the road which is affecting your financial and emotional wellbeing, it’s time to seek help now – don’t wait for a blip to turn into an emergency.

Contact your mortgage company or energy provider to discuss payment plans when bills start to get on top of you, and look into mental health hints and tips to tackle niggles before they get bigger.

Talk to your friends and family

Let’s make suffering in silence a thing of the past. Opening up to friends and family can be the first step in making a change and by being a good listener yourself, you could be the catalyst to helping someone get back on their feet.

Most people know someone who works in the grocery industry and could potentially benefit from GroceryAid support, whether now or in the future. Be ready to spread the word about the support available.

Don’t see help as a handout

There is zero shame in asking for help and it isn’t a handout. GroceryAid, for example, provides free and confidential financial, emotional and practical support to grocery workers, from shop workers to factory operators, because they help feed the nation – it is the help they have earned.

Mandi adds: “Blue Monday doesn’t have to be something people simply get through. It can be a moment to pause, reset and take that first step towards feeling more in control.

“At GroceryAid we see time and again how reaching out early – whether for financial help, emotional support or practical advice – can make a real difference. If things feel tough right now, you’re not alone, and support is there to help you start 2026 in a stronger, more positive place.”

For more information on the free and confidential support available, visit: groceryaid.org.uk/get-help/ or call 08088 021 122.

The best of British theatre takes centre stage at Vue venues in Edinburgh this Spring

There’s lots for theatre lovers to be excited about at Vue this year, with several productions taking over the big screen in the first quarter of 2026.

Kicking things off is the Royal Ballet and Opera’s La Traviata, arriving on screens from 14 January. Audiences can enter a world of seductive grandeur, experiencing the tender and devastating beauty of Verdi’s opera, directed by Richard Eyre.

Also heading to Vue from the Royal Ballet and Opera is Woolf Works (from 9 Feb), Giselle (from 3 March) and Siegfried (from 31 March). In the former, resident choreographer Wayne McGregor leads a luminous artistic team to evoke Woolf’s signature stream of consciousness writing style in this immense work that rejects traditional narrative structures.

Meanwhile, Giselle conjures up the earthly and otherworldly realms in a tale of love, betrayal and redemption with Peter Wright’s 1985 production of the quintessential Romantic ballet – set to Adolphe Adam’s evocative score with atmospheric designs by John Macfarlane.

The latter is brought to life under Barrie Kosky’s inspired eye, following his spectacular Das Rheingold (2023) and Die Walküre (2025). Andreas Schager, in his much-anticipated debut with the productions house, stars as Siegfried’s titular hero, with Antonio Pappano conducting, drawing out the unspoken tensions and ethereal mysticism of Wagner’s dynamic score.

Fans of Shakespeare can enjoy two of the world’s greatest playwright’s productions at Vue, with Othello heading to Vue from 4 March after being filmed at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London especially for the big screen.

Directed by Tony Award-winner Tom Morris OBE (War Horse, Dr Semmelweis, The Grinning Man) with music by PJ Harvey, this epic story of manipulation, jealousy and toxic masculinity explores the darker side of power, rage and desire.

Meanwhile, the National Theatre’s Hamlet will be arriving from 22 January. Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) takes on the titular role in this fearless, contemporary take on the famous tragedy.

Also returning from the National Theatre is Academy Award-winner Helen Mirren in The Audience (from 26 February), where she plays Queen Elizabeth II in Olivier Award–winning hit production that inspired Netflix’s The Crown.

Finally, from the Metropolitan Opera is Tristan und Isolde– arriving on screens from 24 March. The electrifying Lise Davidsen tackles one of the ultimate roles for dramatic soprano: the Irish princess Isolde in Wagner’s transcendent meditation on love and death. Heroic tenor Michael Spyres stars opposite Davidsen as the love-drunk Tristan.

To find out more or book tickets, visit www.myvue.com/tinc

Full listings

RBO: La Traviata – From 14 January
NT Live: Hamlet – From 22 January
RBO: Woolf Works – From 9 February
NT Live: The Audience – From 26 February
RBO: Giselle – From 3 March
Othello – From 4 March
MET: Tristan und Isolde –From 24 March
RBO: Siegfried – From 31 March

The Real Mary King’s Close celebrates another record-breaking year as visitor numbers continue to rise

VISITORS FROM 147 COUNTRIES FUEL RECORD YEAR

One of Edinburgh’s leading visitor attractions, The Real Mary King’s Close, has reported another record-breaking year after welcoming 296,726 guests in 2025, marking continued year-on-year growth and reinforcing its position as one of the Capital’s most popular experiences.

The latest figures represent an impressive 5% increase on 2024, when the attraction welcomed 282,525 visitors, making 2025 the third consecutive record year for The Close. Located beneath Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, the attraction continues to draw strong interest from both domestic and international audiences keen to explore the city’s hidden history.

Traditionally one of Edinburgh’s peak summer months, July saw 38,079 visitors undeterred by warmer weather, instead choosing to step below the Royal Mile to uncover Auld Reekie’s rich heritage, hidden streets, and stories from the city’s past.

Over the course of the year, The Real Mary King’s Close welcomed visitors from 147 countries, underlining its global appeal. International guests travelled from as far afield as the Åland Islands, Belize, French Polynesia, Kyrgyzstan, Mauritius, Namibia and Nepal, alongside key tourism markets in Europe, North America and Asia.

The visitor site’s reputation is further reflected in its online performance, now boasting over 5,780 reviews across Google and Tripadvisor, with 93% rated four stars or higher, positioning it among Edinburgh’s highest-rated cultural experiences.

Alongside its core offering, The Real Mary King’s Close continued to expand and diversify its programme in 2025, launching two new tours while seeing strong ongoing demand for its established special experiences. Introduced in April, Carnage and Contagion: The Plague Tour welcomed 574 guests; Coffee & Closes, in partnership with John’s Coffee House, attracted 884 guests in its first year.

These new additions sat alongside the continued success of specialist and limited-run experiences, which allow returning visitors the opportunity to delve into different facets of Scotland’s history, including the Dr Arnott Experience, which welcomed 3,043 guests, and four Underground Unlocked free-flow events that together welcomed 976 guests.

Retail performance also remained strong, with historically inspired merchandise proving particularly popular. Best-selling items included the Plague Dr Shopper bag, with 5,363 units sold, and the Plague Ducktor, which sold 3,538 units during the year.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close said: “Achieving another record-breaking year is a fantastic milestone and demonstrates the overwhelming appetite for immersive, high-quality historical experiences in our Capital City. Our dedicated team welcomed nearly 300,000 guests in 2025, from 147 different countries.

“We are continuing to evolve our offering through new tours and experiences while staying true to what makes The Close distinctive – its powerful storytelling, authenticity and a deep connection to Edinburgh’s past. It’s so encouraging to see consistent growth across both the peak and shoulder seasons, and we’re excited to build on this momentum.”

For more information about The Real Mary King’s Close and bookings please visit:

www.realmarykingsclose.com

The £800 Postcode Penalty: Aldi reveals Scottish towns that are paying hundreds more for groceries

Families in towns across Scotland are paying up to £2,437 more per year on their grocery shopping simply because they lack access to a discount supermarket, new analysis from Aldi reveals.

The findings form part of Aldi’s national review of towns facing the steepest postcode penalty, with shoppers in places such as Cathcart in Glasgow missing out on the savings enjoyed by those with access to Aldi.

The analysis shows that households without access to Aldi – which has been named the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket by consumer champion Which? for the past five years – pay £826 more on average, rising to £2,437 in areas dominated by the highest-priced supermarkets.

These figures are based on the average monthly cost difference between Aldi and either the average major UK supermarkets, or the most expensive UK supermarket, using the prices of a typical 68-item shopping basket tracked by Which?*.

Across the UK, Aldi has mapped 220 locations where shoppers are disproportionately affected by this postcode penalty.

In Scotland, this includes towns such as Cathcart, Bonnyrigg, Clarkston, Barnton (? – Ed.) and Largs where residents are paying more for identical groceries because no discount supermarket is available locally.

Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, said: “No one should pay more for their weekly shop simply because of where they live. We believe every household should have access to high-quality, affordable food.

“With household budgets under intense pressure, local access to a discounter isn’t just convenient – it can save families hundreds of pounds a year. These findings show that expanding access to Aldi is one of the simplest ways to reduce the cost of living for many.”

Aldi has invested £650 million across Britain through its store opening and refurbishment programme in 2025, with each new site creating around 40 jobs.

The discounter also recently announced it would be doubling down on its investment in Britain with a £1.6 billion commitment over the next two years, opening 40 stores each year as it moves towards its ambition to have 1,500 UK stores.

NAS Scotland launches ‘Act Now for Autistic Rights’ Campaign

The National Autistic Society Scotland is calling for real change for autistic people, ahead of the Scottish Parliament election in May.

The new campaign calls on the next Scottish Government to introduce the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill to parliament as soon as possible.

Autistic people in Scotland are waiting months, if not years, for an assessment and experience poorer health outcomes than the general population. At school, autistic pupils face exclusion and isolation due to lack of support, and in community settings autistic people face discrimination stemming from a lack of understanding and access to services.

The campaign is split into four key areas: diagnosis and support; accessible healthcare; support in schools; and inclusive communities. The LDAN Bill can play a transformative role in each of these areas by introducing national and local plans to tackle waiting lists, introducing mandatory training in healthcare and education, and addressing a glaring lack of accountability in the public services and systems meant to support autistic people in Scotland.

Rob Holland, Director of the National Autistic Society Scotland, said: ‘Too often we hear from autistic people and families that do not have the support they need to live fulfilled lives on their terms, and who are continually being driven into crisis.

“Despite many good laws, strategies and policies in Scotland, there remains a gap between the support people should receive and what they actually receive, whether in school, social care, healthcare or employment.

“The importance of the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill in tackling the inequalities faced by autistic people and their families cannot be underestimated. It is a vital opportunity to address systematic injustices and to improve outcomes for autistic people of all ages, and that is why we are calling on all political parties to commit to introducing the Bill in Government.”

Becca, NAS Campaigner, said: “We must be allowed to have equal access and opportunity. We are not a burden on society. We are useful, we are intelligent, we are creative. We are inspiring. We are contributors.

“We must be allowed the chance to belong, the chance to make a difference, to be educated and be educators, to be validated, taken seriously. We must be allowed to live in a fair and just society where we are not discriminated against and where we have the chance to live our lives fully and freely.

“The LDAN bill will give autistic and neurodivergent people a chance to be involved in a fairer society. It will decrease the amount of discrimination and invalidation by making people aware, trained and knowledgeable.

“It will increase independence and choice, helping people to feel they are active in the decisions that affect their own lives whilst also receiving valuable support.”

You can read more about the campaign on the NAS website.

Act Now for Autistic Rights manifesto Download

Verdict on 19 years of SNP power: Edinburgh Union hosts Election Debate

On Monday 19 January, the Edinburgh Union will host a landmark debate on the motion: This House Has No Confidence in the Scottish Government Ahead of the Holyrood Election.

With the Holyrood election fast-approaching, this debate will examine the legacy of nearly two decades of SNP governance and assess the Scottish Government’s record across key policy areas. The event will bring together MSPs and election candidates from across Scotland’s major political parties to debate the motion and put their arguments directly to the audience.

Alongside guest speakers including Paul McLennan MSP, Katherine Sangster, and Alex Cole Hamilton MSP, student speakers from the University of Edinburgh will also take opposing sides in the debate.

The audience, comprising students and academics from across Edinburgh’s universities, will have the opportunity to question speakers and ultimately vote on whether they retain confidence in the Scottish Government ahead of the upcoming election.

This debate marks the beginning of the Edinburgh Union’s summer term programme. Following a series of sold-out events last semester, the Union continues its mission to provide a platform for open, rigorous debate on contemporary political and cultural issues in Scotland’s capital.

The forthcoming term card includes debates on whether immigration is the biggest issue facing the UK, and if NATO can solve modern security challenges – as well as a Varsity debate against the Cambridge Union.

Each debate takes place in Rainy Hall, New College, and offers audience members the opportunity to engage directly with speakers from across the political spectrum in a traditional Union-style format.

Finn Tyson, President of the Edinburgh Union, said: “With the Holyrood election approaching, this debate gives students and the wider academic community the chance to assess the record of the Scottish Government and directly question candidates seeking to govern Scotland.

“The Edinburgh Union exists to foster open, challenging, and respectful debate. Our events are open to all students, and we are proud to bring together voices from across the political spectrum to start this semester with an event centered on democratic engagement and rigorous discussion.”

Health Secretary welcomes increase in number of NHS operations

NEIL GRAY PRAISES STAFF AFTER SUSTAINED IMPROVEMENT

Health Secretary Neil Gray has thanked NHS staff for their efforts as latest figures show that in the 12 months to November 2025 the number of operations carried out increased by 5.3% on the same period the year before.

A total of 272,465 operations were performed during this time according to the statistics from Public Health Scotland.

In November alone, 794 operations took place each day – up from 756 a day in November 2024.

The 12 month period also saw the highest number of operations performed in a single month since January 2020, with 25,261 procedures carried out over the 31 days of October.

Today’s statistics come after Public Health Scotland figures last week showed progress in other areas including a 12.8% fall in the number waits over 52 weeks for a new outpatient appointment between October and November 2025

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “It is welcome to see sustained and continued improvement in the number of operations carried out, despite ongoing pressures on services. This is further evidence that our NHS has turned a corner.

“I am extremely grateful to all the staff who work so hard every day to make progress like this possible.

“We want to build on this success and we are investing £135.5 million to tackle the longest waits for procedures and operations.

“Our record investment in the NHS this year is allowing us to target specific areas that are experiencing long waits, reducing backlogs and getting people the appointments and treatments they need as quickly as possible.”

Cancelled planned operations