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Shoppers help raise almost £19k for children’s charity, CHAS

Kind-hearted visitors at The Centre, Livingston have helped raise a total of £18,985.54 for its charity partner, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, (CHAS), which it has continued to support around the festive period since 2022, hosting various events, including the recent first-ever Elf School.

The charity, which has been supporting babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families for over 30 years, has also been gifted free pop-up space in the shopping centre to host their own fundraising and awareness events and marketing support.

CHAS is the only charity providing children’s hospice services in the country. They have two hospices, one in Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch on the edge of Loch Lomond. The hospices provide palliative and end-of-life care, as well as respite for the entire family, in a home-from-home environment and counselling support for families.

The aim is to help give children the freedom to be themselves, to play outside, laugh, sparkle, smile and have treasured moments of joy, and spend precious time with their loved ones to create special memories.

Over the years shoppers have also kindly donated funds at the mall’s first-ever space-themed event in October last year, a movie night, Elf Walks and fashion events.  

Shoppers who enjoyed free visits to see Santa in December also kindly donated to the charity.

Zhenya Dove, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We are so grateful to everyone at The Centre, Livingston and to the entire community for their incredible support over the festive season.

“Your generosity brings light into the uncertainty many families in our care have to live with. 

“It gives them a chance to make memories they will treasure forever. That joy happens because of you. Thank you for helping us fill not just the holidays, but the entire year with moments worth remembering.” 

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “CHAS is an incredible charity doing amazing work to help children and their families to create magical moments together at such a difficult time in their lives.

“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped us to raise this fantastic amount of money over the years, including our visitors, retailers and our team, to ensure they can continue to help even more children and their families.”

NHS waiting lists fall

Prolonged progress on planned care

NHS Scotland long waits have fallen for the sixth consecutive month with significant year-on-year increases in activity, according to new figures published today.

Public Health Scotland data shows that the number of patients waiting over 52 weeks for an outpatient appointment fell by 12.8% in a single month between October and November 2025 – numbers are now lower than April 2025. Inpatient and day case treatment waits of 52 weeks are also down compared to April 2025.

Backed by £135.5 million of targeted Scottish Government funding, the figures show progress in other areas, including:

  • a 6% drop in the waiting list for new outpatient appointments between April and November 2025
  • more than 265,000 inpatient / day case procedures carried out over a 12-month period to November 2025, a 3.8% increase on the previous year
  • over 1.3 million outpatient appointments in a 12-month period to November 2025, up 2.8% from the previous year.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “These figures demonstrate real and sustained progress in reducing waiting times for patients across Scotland, ensuring thousands more people receive the care they need. 

“We have delivered record investment of £21 billion for health and social care, with £135.5 million of additional funding targeted at specialty areas with the longest waits. 

“There is still much more to do, but I am encouraged that we are demonstrating consistent month-on-month improvement. We remain committed to ensuring no patient waits longer than 52 weeks by March 2026.” 

Make Your Mark at St Columba’s

This year, our much loved art group ‘Make Your Mark’ returns, but with a small change! Instead of a weekly group for five weeks, we’re changing it to a monthly group, running for five months!

This group is a creative space where patients and carers can explore and experiment with materials and connect with each other. A new technique or media will be introduced each session for participants to try, should they wish. However, the space can also be used to work on personal creative projects, utilising the studio space and artistic support.

This is an extremely popular group, so booking is required. Book via the Wellbeing page on the website, or by contacting the arts team on arts@stcolumbashospice.org.uk

‘Plan ahead and look out for each other’: Swinney plea as winter bites

Resilience room updated on impacts of snowfall

The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) convened yesterday to discuss ongoing efforts to recover from the recent heavy snow in northern Scotland and preparations for further snow and ice warnings.

The meeting was chaired by Justice Secretary Angela Constance and attended by First Minister John Swinney, Cabinet Secretaries, the Met Office, transport operators, Police Scotland, local authorities, resilience partnerships and utilities companies.

First Minister John Swinney has asked people to continue to follow advice on staying safe in winter and thanked those involved in supporting others.

Mr Swinney said yesterday: “The cumulative impact of the heavy snowfall across northern Scotland has been significant and there has been a huge effort to keep transport moving and public services open.

“At present, there is still some travel disruption but trunk roads are open and rail, ferry and air services are working to get back to normal as quickly as possible. Likewise many schools are closed today but remote learning is in place for young people, while contingency plans are in place for affected health and social care services.

“There will be further snow and ice, with yellow warnings in large parts of Scotland and temperatures set to remain cold, so impacts will continue to be felt in the coming days which could include transport problems and I would encourage everyone to plan ahead, look out for each other and pay close attention to  the range of weather and travel advice available.

“I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard, day and night, to keep Scotland open and moving. Public services have been collaborating well in sharing information and vehicles, while I have heard of truly exceptional efforts by farmers, volunteers and members of the public offering to clear local roads, dig out cars and keep people safe. That community spirit is truly heartening to hear.

“Ministers will continue to keep the situation under review.”

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said: “Local resilience partnerships are continuing to meet to co-ordinate and deliver the response to disruption experienced by communities in the north and north east of Scotland following heavy snowfall over the weekend.

“We have been working closely with resilience partners across local authorities, other emergency service partners, transport partners, NHS and health and social care partnerships, and other local organisations to support communities affected by adverse weather and keep public services open where possible.

“Some services may be impacted by adverse weather, and I would encourage the public to check on neighbours or relatives, if they are able to do so safely.

“Heavy snow and ice means driving conditions are likely to continue to be hazardous in some areas. Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary.

“If you need to travel, please fully clear your vehicle windows of snow and ice before you drive, drive to the conditions, be prepared for delays and allow extra time for your journey.”

Met Office weather warnings are available on the Met Office website.

Flood alerts are issued by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and can be viewed on their website. 

Advice on preparing for severe weather can be found on the Ready Scotland website.

Back to work? Stay safe on the roads during the cold snap 

  • Amber snow warnings in place in Scotland, with much of UK in yellow alert. 
  • In 2024, 47 people were killed, 734 were seriously injured, and 2,204 were slightly injured in reported road collisions on Great Britain’s roads where the road surface was slippery due to weather conditions. 
  • Many UK drivers return to work this week amid cold snap  

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is warning motorists to take extra care as freezing temperatures and icy conditions grip the UK this week. With many people returning to work after the festive break, the safety charity says winter weather is creating challenging road conditions nationwide. 

RoSPA advises motorists to plan journeys carefully, check vehicles before setting off, clear all snow from windscreens, thoroughly de-ice their vehicle, and adapt driving styles to suit conditions. Key steps include reducing speed, increasing braking distances, and carrying emergency supplies such as warm clothing and a charged mobile phone. 

Winter weather can create a range of risks, with braking distances up to ten times longer on icy roads. Snow, fog, and flooding add further hazards, making road conditions challenging. 

Key Safety Advice for Drivers: 

  • Avoid unnecessary journeys: If conditions are extreme, consider delaying travel or working remotely where possible. 
  • Prepare your vehicle: Check lights, brakes, tyres, battery, and fluid levels. Stock up on de-icer, screen wash, and anti-freeze. Ensure that before setting off, you have thoroughly de-iced your vehicle and cleared any snow.  
  • Carry an emergency kit: Include a shovel, tow rope, warm clothing, blankets, food, water, and a fully charged mobile phone. 
  • Plan ahead: Monitor weather and travel updates, keep your fuel tank topped up, and let someone know your route and expected arrival time. 
  • Allow extra time for your journey: Challenging conditions require slower speeds and greater care. Leave extra time for your journey and for preparing your vehicle safely before leaving.  
  • Adapt your driving:  
  • Reduce speed and increase the distance between vehicles in front of you—braking distances can be up to 10 times longer on icy roads. 
  • Avoid sudden braking or acceleration and steer gently. 
  • Use dipped headlights in poor visibility and keep windows clear. 
  • Specific hazards:  
  • Snow/Ice: Drive slowly, avoid sudden movements, and clear all snow from your vehicle before setting off. 
  • Floods: Avoid deep water and do not attempt to drive through if the water seems too deep. If unavoidable, drive slowly in first gear and test brakes afterward. 
  • Fog: Use fog lights when visibility is poor, reduce speed, and never park on the road without warning lights. 
  • Strong winds & low sun: Hold the wheel firmly, give extra space to cyclists and high-sided vehicles, and keep windscreens clean to reduce glare. 
  • If you become stranded: Stay with your vehicle and call for assistance rather than attempting to walk in severe conditions. 

Rebecca Guy, Senior Policy Manager at RoSPA, said: “With many people heading back to work this week, it’s vital to plan ahead and drive cautiously.

“Winter weather demands extra care. By preparing your vehicle and adjusting your driving style, you can help keep yourself and others safe.” 

For more detailed guidance, check out RoSPA’s winter driving fact sheet. 

World Cup Public Holiday

Celebrating Scotland’s first game since 1998

First Minister John Swinney will propose Monday 15 June 2026 is designated a national bank holiday to mark Scotland’s participation in the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

This will allow individuals, businesses and other organisations in Scotland to celebrate after the men’s team play their opening game against Haiti in Boston.

The First Minister said: “Scotland qualifying for the men’s World Cup was a remarkable achievement and a landmark moment, and the reaction to the dramatic win against Denmark reminded us all what football means to the country.

“This year, we want to make the most of this huge opportunity for Scotland and ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to celebrate the team’s success.

“Not only is this an historic sporting event, it’s also a chance for Scotland to be on the world stage, to attract business development, create tourism interest within the country and to make cultural and sporting connections.

“That is why I am taking steps to ensure the Monday after our opening game should be national bank holiday, so that – no matter the outcome of the match – we can all come together to share the occasion.”

Drivers urged to keep ten items in their vehicles as temperatures plummet

As temperatures drop and heavy snowfall is forecast across the UK, motorists are being urged to keep a “snowed-in survival kit” in their cars and vans.

Motoring experts at LeaseLoco say there are ten essential items every driver should have on hand during wintry weather.

Some, like de-icer and ice scrapers, are often found in most cars in winter, but the list also includes less obvious must-haves such as shovels and even pieces of old carpet.

Drivers are advised to carry warm clothes and high-visibility gear, plus a hazard warning triangle to stay safe if they get stuck in the dark. 

A wind-up torch, phone charger, and jump-start kit are also recommended for emergencies.

Old rugs or carpet can give wheels extra grip if a car gets stuck, while a shovel and some basic provisions – water, snacks, or a hot drink – can make a long wait much more bearable.

John Wilmot, CEO and founder of car leasing deals site LeaseLoco.com said: “Breaking down is bad any time of the year, but breaking down in the snow is particularly dangerous and stressful, especially if you’re unprepared for the cold and icy conditions. 

“The worst thing of all is if you’re stuck somewhere in the snow and you haven’t got what you need to stay safe or get moving.

“So we’ve put together a list of everything you might need to help drivers get prepared.

“Remember also to drive appropriately for snowy conditions. Slow down, keep a longer stopping distance, and use lower gears when necessary – especially going downhill. Braking, accelerating, and gear changes should always be smooth and gentle.”

Ten items to keep in your “snowed-in survival kit”:

  1. Warm/high-vis clothes

Keep extra layers, gloves, hats, and a high-visibility vest in the car. They’ll protect you from the cold and make sure you’re seen if you need to step outside in poor weather or low light.

  1. Ice scraper/de-icer 

Only use specialist tools to clear ice and frost from your windscreen. Avoid makeshift alternatives that could scratch or damage the glass.

  1. Shovel

A compact snow shovel can be a lifesaver if your car gets stuck. Use it to clear snow from around your wheels or dig a path if needed.

  1. Carpet/rug

Small pieces of carpet, mat, or even cardboard can give your wheels extra traction if you’re struggling to move off on ice or packed snow.

  1. Jump leads/power pack

Cold weather puts extra strain on car batteries. Jump leads let you borrow power from another vehicle, while a power pack lets you restart independently without relying on help.

  1. Warning triangle

Keep one handy to place behind your car if you break down. It alerts other drivers and helps prevent accidents in poor visibility conditions.

  1. Wind-up torch

Don’t rely on batteries – rechargeable or not. A wind-up torch ensures you’ll have light if you’re stuck in the dark or need to inspect the car safely.

  1. Provisions

Pack water, snacks, and a hot drink in a thermos if you’re heading out in the snow. You never know how long you might have to wait for help if you get stuck, so stay hydrated and keep your energy levels up.

  1. Phone charger/portable power bank

Make sure your phone stays powered so you can call for help, check weather updates, or contact friends and family.

  1. First aid kit

Keep a basic first aid kit in the car. It allows you to treat minor injuries immediately until professional help arrives.

LeaseLoco is the UK’s biggest car lease comparison website, making it super quick and easy for drivers to filter and compare millions of deals from the UK’s leading car leasing companies to best suit their needs.

HMRC: 5.65 million still to file as the Self Assessment deadline looms

  • 5.65 million people still need to file their Self Assessment tax return
  • Thousands of people celebrated the New Year by filing their Self Assessment tax return
  • 6.36 million people head into 2026 with their tax affairs in order

Thousands of people got a head start on their 2026 resolutions by filing their Self Assessment tax return over the New Year.

With less than a month to the 31 January deadline, 54,053 customers chose to ring in the New Year by filing their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The figures, show:

  • 342 customers beat the bells by filing their tax return in the last hour of 2025
  • 19,789 missed their traditional New Year’s Day walk or day in front of the TV to file their tax return instead.
  • 3,927 people filed between 11:00 and 11:59 on 31 December – the most popular time to file over the two days

More than 6.36 million taxpayers have submitted their tax return so far, which leaves almost 5.65 million who still need to complete their Self Assessment. Those who miss the deadline could face an initial late filing penalty of £100.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said:

“New Year is a great time to start afresh. What better way than to ensure your tax affairs are in order for another year than completing your tax return. If you have yet to start, the clock is ticking, go to GOV.UK and start today.”

A wide range of online help and support is available on GOV.UK to help people fill in and file their tax return.

Customers can start their tax return, save it and re-visit it as many times as they need to before they submit it. And, once they’ve sent it, the bill doesn’t have to be paid straight away, but does need to be paid before the 31 January deadline.

The easiest way to pay is through the HMRC app. Customers can also set up notifications in the app to ensure they know when payments are due so they don’t miss a deadline.

Information about different payment options can be found on GOV.UK.

Customers who are unable to meet the tax return deadline need to tell us before the 31 January. HMRC will treat those with reasonable excuses fairly.

The penalties for late tax returns 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 late payments of 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months. If tax remains unpaid after the deadline, interest will also be charged on the amount owed, in addition to the penalties above.

People who complete a Self Assessment tax return to pay the High Interest Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) can opt out and choose to pay it through their tax code via the new PAYE digital service. 

Eligible customers need to notify HMRC to stop Self Assessment before the filing deadline. Where a tax return has already been sent, customers can choose to stop from the following tax year. HMRC will then amend their tax code and they will be registered to pay HICBC through PAYE. 

Customers do not need to include their 2025 Winter Fuel Payment, or Pension Age Winter Heating payment in Scotland, on their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year as payments received in Autumn 2025 will be recovered in the 2025 to 2026 tax return, due by 31 January 2027. 

Self Assessment customers are at increased risk of being targeted by criminals and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone, including a tax agent, if they have one. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.