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This Midwinter, something remarkable is stirring on the banks of the River Nith. The Stove Network has announced the launch of Phanto Spectra, a brand-new immersive installation forming part of the Northern Lights Dumfries trail at the 2026 Big Burns Supper.

Running from 15^th – 17^th January 2026, Phanto Spectra will transform the banks of the River Nith into an immersive, auditory exploration of Dumfries’ deep cultural connection with Scotland’s Travelling Showpeople.

Created as part of the Stove’s Hear Here initiative and created by artist Martin Joseph O’Neill, the work invites audiences to step into an evocative blend of sound, scenic design, storytelling and place-based memory.

Phanto Spectra appears in the festival programme as one of the highlighted installations within the Northern Lights trail, described as “An odyssey of the fair. A ghost in the town. A ride through memory, presence, and what is yet to come.”

A Living Landscape of Memory and Light

Drawing on centuries of Showpeople heritage dating back to the 1500s, Phanto Spectra uses binaural sound and theatrical sleight of hand to reveal hidden stories and celebrate the remarkable cultural contributions of travelling fairs. Audiences are invited to listen to spectral voices and rediscover the town’s deep connection to these traditions, as the surrounding environment subtly shifts in response to movement.

The installation has been developed through collaboration with Showpeople, local artists, historians and community groups. It reimagines the riverbank as a dreamlike landscape where past and present overlap in a fluid and immersive experience. The work also reflects on the changing future of Dumfries’ waterfront and the social questions raised by ongoing flood defence developments.

A Major New Work for Northern Lights Dumfries

Phanto Spectra joins the expanded 2026 Northern Lights programme, which features 16 free light and sound installations across Dumfries. This forms part of a large-scale creative reimagining of public space during the festival period.

Big Burns Supper’s refreshed 2026 format introduces new collaborations between artists, cultural partners and community organisations throughout the town. These include installations such as Burns Light, Washing Line, Birds on a Wire and Divided

The work is supported by £20,000 of Experiment funding from Immersive Arts UK, enabling the project to explore innovative approaches to immersive storytelling, accessibility, public engagement and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage.

The Stove Network has emphasised the importance of this moment for the town and the relevance of immersive storytelling in shaping local conversations – “The Stove is thrilled and honoured to be part of this important national project.

“This funding will allow us to use immersive technologies to bring to life the compelling stories of less-represented groups in our town, at a moment of significant decision-making about Dumfries’ future.”

Most events in the Northern Lights trail are free to attend. Optional VIP tickets are available to support event sustainability and to provide queue-skipping options during Big Burns Supper 2026.

Event Details

Phanto Spectra 

Dates: 15 to 17 January 2026

Location: River Nith, Dumfries.

Presenting 

Partners: Northern Lights and Big Burns Supper Festival

Created by: Martin Joseph O’Neill for The Stove Network

Supported by: Immersive Arts UK and Hear Here initiative

Watch the official teaser now on Instagram here, check out @stovenetwork, @immersivearts_uk and discover more at https://immersivearts.uk/projects/phanto-spectra/.

Drumbrae Library Hub are delighted to be hosting Bitesize Learning Sessions for Parents and Carers!

Parenting can be challenging at times. Bitesize Parenting Support are here to help! Sometimes we all need a bit of help and advice.

The Drumbrae sessions are:

Weaning – I want to help my child have a healthy diet!

Monday 19th January 2026 at 11am

Toilet Training – A parent and carer workshop

Friday 6th February 2026 at 10:00am

Sleeping – A parent and carer workshop

Friday 27th March at 10:00am

All events are free although require tickets which can be sourced on Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/drumbrae-library-hub…

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – PLEASE READ AND SHARE

Hogmanay and the first few days of 2026 will be very busy for the 111 service, which may mean a prolonged wait for calls to be answered. Here’s what you can do to help yourself, save time, and help us care for those in the most need first.

NHS inform has a range of symptom checkers for common illnesses and conditions you can use to help you decide what to do next: https://nhs24.info/symptom-checkers

Check out the winter illness hub on NHS inform if you need help with colds, flu, coughs, sickness bugs, etc: https://nhs24.info/winter-illness

If your call is related to medicines please visit https://nhs24.info/accessing-medicines

Whether it is prescribed or non-prescribed medication, our guide to accessing medication can save you time. You might not need to call 111.

By using NHS resources wisely, we can keep well and get the care we need quickly, safely and as close to home as possible.

Find out more about how to access the #RightCareRightPlace:

https://nhs24.info/RightCareRightPlace

If you are using a mobile phone to call please switch to WiFi calling and ensure your device is charged. This will help to prevent your call being disconnected. Some mobile providers disconnect calls due to network capacity demand. NHS 24 does not cut calls.

NHS 24’s staff are working exceptionally hard to answer as many calls as we can, quickly and safely. Please be patient and we will answer. If you can try the above options first, it could save you time.

We want to help you get the right care, in the right place.

Our Playhouse choir is looking for new members!

If you love to sing and would like to join, please click here to learn more:

https://atgtix.co/4sg8vIH

The choir will be held in our Boards Bar every week 1200-1400 from Tuesday 13th January-7th April 2026

We’ll collect your Christmas tree for free when you’re finished with it.

If it’s over 6 foot, please cut it in half before you put it out.

Check when we’re collecting from your street at:

http://edinburgh.gov.uk/festivedates

As winter bites and forecasters predict another spell of frosty weather, UK motorists are being urged to allow greater stopping distances to help prevent avoidable collisions.

Car insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk are warning that wintry conditions like snow and ice require stopping distances up to 10 times greater than usual.

Winter also sees a rise in UK road accidents due to reduced daylight hours and challenging weather conditions – with drivers six times more likely to have an accident between October and March.*

As driving conditions become more difficult and potentially hazardous, it’s crucial that motorists understand how dramatically stopping distances can increase.

In dry weather, the Highway Code advises stopping distances of 23 metres at 30mph, 53 metres at 50mph, and 96 metres at 70mph – the equivalent of around 24 car lengths.**

However, these distances can increase significantly in winter. Snow and icy conditions can require up to 10 times the usual distance, while wet weather demands at least double the normal stopping distance.***

It’s also important to remember that stopping distance isn’t just about braking. It also includes thinking distance – the distance a vehicle travels from the moment a driver perceives a hazard, to the time they react by applying the brakes, allowing the vehicle to come to a complete stop.

If drivers are tired, stressed or distracted, it can affect the thinking distance and reduce the speed at which drivers react, taking even longer for the vehicle to come to a halt. 

Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone said: “It’s crucial that drivers don’t underestimate winter weather and are fully prepared for worsening conditions.

“With accidents more likely throughout the winter months, remembering stopping distances and giving other drivers plenty of space is key – the more time and visibility drivers have, the more likely they will be able to react in time and avoid dangerous situations.  

“If drivers are involved in an accident when driving in ice or snow, their insurer could challenge the claim if they were found to be driving negligently, such as ignoring safety advice or speeding – drivers need to adhere to the rules of the road no matter what the conditions, to avoid reckless driving.”

Quotezone.co.uk’s 10 tips for safe driving this winter:

Increase your stopping distance

Double your stopping distance on wet roads and increase the distance up to 10 times the normal amount when roads are icy and snowy.

Reduce your speed

You have more time to react to hazards and maintain control when you’re driving at a lower speed. Speed limits are the absolute maximum speed you can legally travel – when conditions are poor, drive below the speed limit.

Leave plenty of space

Your visibility can be reduced by fog, frost, or heavy rain. Always keep extra distance between yourself and the car in front during these weather conditions.

Check tyres before driving

Before you set off, ensure tyre tread is above the legal minimum UK limit of 1.6mm and that tyres contain enough pressure – accurate tyre pressure improves grip. 

Keep windows and lights clear

Frost, ice, snow, and condensation should be removed from all windows before setting off, and when visibility is low, use headlights to make sure you are visible to others.

Brake gently

Where possible, use engine braking to maintain control, and when driving in ice or snow, avoid sudden braking or acceleration. 

Be prepared for black ice

Locations such as shaded roads, bridges and overpasses are most commonly prone to black ice. If you hit black ice, don’t hit the brakes, maintain your speed and keep the steering wheel straight, avoiding any sudden movements. 

Pack winter essentials

Carry an ice scraper, de-icer, warm clothing, a blanket, and emergency supplies – ensure you keep your phone charged or carry a portable charger in case of emergencies. 

Adjust for fog and poor visibility 

Slow down and increase the distance between yourself and the vehicle in front. Use low-beam headlights when driving in fog and only turn on fog lights when visibility drops below 100 metres. 

Plan your journey

Look at the weather forecast and check for traffic updates before setting off, allowing extra time to reach your destination when conditions are poor. If weather warnings are in place only travel if it is essential.

Quotezone helps millions of drivers every year compare and find savings on all sorts of car insurance products, such as young driver insurance, van insurance and breakdown cover.

John Lawrie is a listening volunteer with Samaritans in Edinburgh. He’s dedicated five decades to being there to listen to people in some of their darkest moments, giving them the opportunity to open-up about the struggles they’re going through without judgement.

Technology, social attitudes, and how we communicate with each other are just some of the things to have changed rapidly in the years since John first picked up the phone. To mark his 50^th year of being a listening volunteer, John held a talk in Edinburgh on the 12^th November, recalling these changes and what they have meant for volunteers and callers alike over the last 50 years. On the 30^th November, John sat down to take a listening shift on the exact date and time that he took his first ever shift in 1975.

We spoke to John about how he found these changes as a Samaritans volunteer, how they impacted the organisation and the service, and on the changing ways in which we think and speak about mental health and suicide.

John first got involved with Samaritans in 1975, a few years after a friend of the family spoke about her volunteering role as a listener. Like many people, when they hear someone say they volunteer with Samaritans, John thought this was something far beyond his capabilities. Much to his surprise, after posting his written letter of application, John was interviewed, given the opportunity, and remains in his post 50 years later.

Despite the changes we’ve seen over those years, some things remain familiar. We can talk more openly about mental health, mental illness, and have more awareness and understanding of neurodivergence, yet talking about suicide is still something that we seem to find more difficult as a society.

“There’s a lot more understanding nowadays of the types of illnesses and challenges people have with their mental health. We’re more familiar with things like autism and ADHD, which can have an impact on how someone experiences the world and how they feel within themselves.

“Suicide in particular wasn’t much talked about back then. It’s talked about more now, and we try to encourage safe conversations about suicide, but when I began volunteering with Samaritans, it was not so very long since attempted suicide ceased to be a legal offence in some countries in the UK. Despite never having been an offence in Scotland, it still carries a huge amount of stigma that we try to reduce.

“Something that hasn’t changed much over time are the callers. A bereavement is still a bereavement. A lost job is still a lost job. A broken relationship still causes the same pain as it did 50 years ago. What does change is the social background, social attitudes, and technology.”

John spoke about some of the most distinctive changes over the last five decades of being one of the voices people hear when they call Samaritans for help.

“One of the main differences is how we receive calls. Back then, around one quarter of the population had no phone in the house, and of course mobile phones weren’t around then either. That meant a lot of the calls in those days were from phone boxes.

“Communication has changed rapidly in the last 50 years and will continue to evolve over the next 50. As more people got access to telephones, face-to-face calls declined. It’s important that Samaritans as an organisation reflects those changes so that we can support people by being available to them in the ways that they need us to be.”

As time passes, attitudes change, legislation changes. Suddenly, we’re 50 years into the future and the past seems like a stranger. John talked about the social changes in Scotland and in the rest of the UK, and what this meant for both the people who needed Samaritans and those behind the phone line.

“We can’t underestimate the impact of social change over the last five decades. The way we think and act as a society affects the nature of the calls that Samaritans might get.

“For example, homosexuality between men was a crime in Scotland until the 1980s. Divorce was frowned upon in some sections of society. The Sex Discrimination Act had just been passed in 1975. All of these changes and social norms and attitudes can have an impact on the reasons and types of issues people might call Samaritans to talk about.”

It’s always been a core value of Samaritans to be there for people without judgement and provide that anonymous space. Since the first call was answered in 1953, Samaritans has given people that space to be open during times like this when they felt they couldn’t speak to anyone else for fear of retribution.

“There are calls that stick with you for a long time, and it’s these ones that make everything worthwhile. The feeling is quite unexplainable, when you end your shift and think about the people you’ve spoken to that day.”

The historical context through the last 50 years had a huge impact on Samaritans and its volunteers. In 1975, Margaret Thatcher was about to take leadership of the Conservative party, unemployment was on the rise, and the UK’s economy was volatile. Even over the last 10 years, we’ve seen unprecedented events unfold that will take their place in history books to come.

“It’s hard to believe how many pivotal moments in history have occurred in the last 50 years. The 20-year period around when I first joined Samaritans was tumultuous for different reasons.

“The economic history of the late 70s and 80s had a huge effect on people, and of course we’ve also come through a global pandemic more recently – to name a just few events.

“The older you get, the more you realise how little you know. Being a Samaritans volunteer has shown me the world in clearer colours, many times I have listened to people on the phone and it has been a stark reminder that luck is the only thing that stands between me and the person on the other side of the phone.

“Volunteers are just callers on a good day. There is so much desperation, people in such terrible situations. Being a volunteer and helping people through some of those moments gives you both empathy and a sense of gratitude.”

Despite the changes, one thing is clear and unchanged – and that is our need to talk about what we are going through, and to be able to talk about suicide. Samaritans is as needed now as it was 50 years ago, perhaps in different ways, but the emotions we feel and the pain of situations outside of our control are the same in 2025 as they would have been in 1975.

Neil Mathers, Executive Director for Scotland, said: “Without volunteers like John, countless people in crisis would not have someone there to listen, without judgment, in their darkest moments.

“Someone who through listening can help them find hope. It’s incredible to think of all the people that John has listened to over 50 years, the distress he has helped alleviate and lives he has changed for the better.”

Volunteers across Scotland spent 35,400 hours responding to calls for help in 2024, and continue to be there around the clock for anyone who needs a listening ear, helping them believe in tomorrow.

While you’re celebrating the festive season, keep your personal safety your top priority.

Plan how you’re getting home before you go out.

Stick with friends.

Charge your mobile.

Don’t do drugs – there is no safe way to do so.

https://orlo.uk/kgxG9

You can still be over the limit the morning after and if you’re caught drink-driving you can get:
– a minimum 12-month driving ban
– a criminal record
– up to 6 months in prison
– a fine of up to £5,000

For more information visit https://t.co/mWfz25AjSY#ArriveAlive #DontRiskIt pic.twitter.com/MrUNVC4Xws

— Police Scotland Edinburgh (@PSOSEdinburgh) December 30, 2025

You can still be over the limit the morning after and if you’re caught drink-driving you can get:

– a minimum 12-month driving ban

– a criminal record

– up to 6 months in prison

– a fine of up to £5,000

For more information visit https://orlo.uk/8QAtj

#ArriveAlive

#DontRiskIt