Expert on US and EU affairs Lord Kerr of Kinlochard in online conversation with Alyn Smith
“What does a Trump presidency mean for Europe?”
Thursday 16th January 7pm
President-elect Donald Trump will become the 47th leader of the United States on 20th January. He has already sent shock waves across the world with his proposals to bring Greenland and Panama under US control. Mr Trump is reshaping the world. How will his second term in the White House affect Europe?
Lord John Kerr is one of the UK’s most experienced and skilled analysts of the political workings of the USA and the EU.
He will join former MEP and MP Alyn Smith for an online conversation to look at what the near future might hold for Europe. The event, which is part of a European Movement in Scotland webinar series, is on Thursday 16th January at 7pm.
The Trump presidency is likely to have a broad impact on Europe and EU policies, including trade relations with the US, competition policy, product standards and consumer protections, climate change strategies, energy security and the regulation of internet and social media companies.
Lord Kerr, who was born in Grantown-on-Spey, Morayshire, and schooled in Glasgow, has held the highest offices in the British foreign service.
He brings unparalleled insight into transatlantic relations and the complexities of European and US diplomacy. He served as British ambassador to the US while Tony Blair was prime minister. During John Major’s premiership he was the UK’s ambassador to the EU.
As Sir John Kerr he rose to become head of the Foreign Office and of the head of the Diplomatic Service. On retiring from the UK government, he was a member of the European Convention, which first drafted what became Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which describes the process to be followed by a country leaving the EU.
He was elevated to the peerage in 20024, taking the title Lord Kerr of Kinlochard. He served on House of Lords committees on European affairs. Lord Kerr was a vocal critic of the Conservative Party’s Brexit strategies and negotiating stances.
First Minister says harm reduction approach will help save lives
Scotland’s First Minister has welcomed the opening of the UK’s first safer drugs consumption facility in Glasgow.
The First Minister and Health Secretary Neil Gray received a tour of the Thistle Centre, ahead of it supporting its first service users on Monday 13 January.
The facility will provide a supervised healthcare setting where people can inject drugs in the presence of trained health and social care professionals in a clean, hygienic environment.
The facility is backed by £2 million a year from the Scottish Government.
The centre aims to reduce the harms associated with injecting drugs, including the risk of blood-borne viruses such as HIV, support people to get help to improve their lives and reduce the negative impact of outdoors injecting on those using substances, local residents, communities and businesses.
Speaking during the visit, First Minister John Swinney said: “The Thistle Centre in Glasgow is the first facility of its kind in the UK and it is backed by £2 million a year from the Scottish Government.
“Every death related to drug misuse is one too many, and drug deaths in Scotland remain far too high.
“There has been lot of encouraging progress since we launched our National Mission, and while this facility is not a silver bullet, it is another significant step forward and will complement other efforts to reduce harms and deaths.
“Scotland’s public health and human rights-based approach to tackling drug misuse means we’re focused on ensuring our healthcare services are not only listening to people but also drawing on their experiences as we work to support them.
“Families and those with lived experience have been pivotal in bringing change and helping shape our response to drugs misuse in Scotland. Of course, my sincere condolences go to anyone in Scotland who has lost a loved one to drugs.
“Those with lived experience have been involved in the designing the service and had input on staff recruitment. Indeed, people with lived experience, who know what it’s like to see people injecting drugs in unsafe conditions, have joined the workforce at the facility.”
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Worldwide evidence demonstrates that drug consumption facilities can help save and improve lives.
“The Scottish Government wants every person experiencing harm from alcohol or drug use to be able access the support they need and record levels of funding have been protected in next year’s budget.
“We’ve maintained £112 million to local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships for local treatment and support services in 2024-25 – including £28.1 million to Greater Glasgow and Clyde ADP – and will continue to invest in residential rehabilitation.
“A recent PHS report suggests that, in 2022-23, the Scottish Government reached its target of 1,000 individuals a year being publicly funded to go to residential rehabilitation and that the number of individuals starting a placement which was publicly funded is likely to have almost doubled between 2019-20 and 2022-23.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in getting this life-saving service up and running for their hard work.”
The Scottish Lib-Dems responded: “When almost 100 Scots are dying every month from drugs the priority must be saving lives.
“These centres are proven to keep people safe and support them into recovery.That is why this pilot should herald the first of many more consumption facilities across the country.”
Barratt Homes East Scotland will soon be welcoming prospective buyers to visit one of the UK’s most iconic redevelopment projects, as homes at Bangour Village, West Lothian launch next month.
Built on the grounds of former Bangour Hospital outside Livingston, the regeneration of the site is being carried out by a variety of housebuilders, including Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes which will join in May.
Earlier this year, Ambassador Group finalised the sale of 14.55 acres of land to Barratt Homes for the development of 179 private residences. The first phase of properties will be available to reserve from February 2025 and includes three and four-bed homes.
These new homes will become part of the larger Bangour Village Estate, an ambitious redevelopment nestled in 215 acres of woodland. In total, the project aims to introduce up to 998 energy-efficient homes that will benefit from excellent transport links to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Once completed, the brand-new community will have a range of amenities including a primary school, nursery, playing fields, a commercial hub comprising a supermarket, café/restaurant, and expansive woodland that has been preserved.
Lorraine Paterson, Sales Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “As locals will know, the Bangour site is cherished within the community for its scenic beauty and rich heritage.
“We’ve taken care at every opportunity when designing and planning quality homes on the grounds, making sure properties reflect the needs of families, couples and individuals, while being inspired by the spacious tranquillity of Bangour.
“By working with Ambassador Group and other housebuilders, we hope to see the site reborn as a place to live and thrive.”
To find out more about Barratt @ Bangour Village, visit:
To celebrate 75 years of the iconic event, the Tattoo donates 75p from every Show ticket sold for 2025
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is proud to announce that St Columba’s Hospice Care has been selected to receive a special one-off charity donation of up to £162,000 in celebration of its 75th Anniversary in 2025.
This donation marks a milestone in Tattoo history and aligns with the ‘Performance with a Purpose’ ethos, underscoring the commitment to giving back to the community by supporting essential projects. With over 50,000 votes cast, the public chose from a selection of non-military charities that all provide vital services across communities in the UK.
This donation, equating to 75p from each ticket sold for the 2025 Show, is in addition to the Tattoo’s usual charitable giving, supporting both military and arts charities in the UK with annual donations from surplus profit. The Tattoo’s annual charitable giving will continue alongside this new initiative, as it aims to build up to pre-Covid donations of £1M a year which is thanks to those who attend the Show each year.
St Columba’s Hospice Care has been a beacon of support for individuals and families for nearly 50 years, providing compassionate care to those facing the profound challenges of palliative and end-of-life care, and leaving a lasting, meaningful impact on countless lives.
The values and community spirit of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closely align with those of St Columba’s Hospice Care. The funds donated will enable the team to continue their vital work both in the Hospice, and in the community, and ensure that the services remain free and accessible to everyone in need across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
With the theme for next year’s Tattoo, The Heroes Who Made Us, spotlighting the individuals who have shaped and supported the iconic performances over the past 75 years, this additional donation gives the charity the means to pay tribute to their own heroes and continue their essential work.
Jason Barrett, Chief Executive, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo said: “Our 75th Anniversary is a momentous occasion, and we are delighted to celebrate it by supporting local Edinburgh charity, St Columba’s Hospice Care and their team of loyal volunteers, dedicated staff and patients.
“Their dedication to providing comfort, dignity and peace to patients at end of life as well as support for their loved ones is truly inspiring.
“This donation is a testament to our ongoing commitment to giving back to our communities and we are honoured to contribute to the heroic efforts of St Columba’s Hospice Care.”
Jackie Stone, CEO at St Columba’s Hospice Care, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been chosen to receive this special 75th Anniversary donation from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
“This incredible support comes at a critical time for hospice care, as we continue to navigate significant funding pressures, with rising costs and growing demand for our services.
“It’s a wonderful start to the new year, and we’re so grateful to everyone who voted and to the Tattoo for their generosity. This donation will make a real difference in helping us provide vital care and support to patients and families across Edinburgh and the Lothians.”
Tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s 75th anniversary Show are now on sale and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188. The Show will run from 1-23 August 2025
This festive season, Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is extending its exclusive offer for EH postcode residents due to overwhelming response!
From December 23rd through January 31st (excluding December 25th and 31st), guests with an EH postcode can enjoy 25% off food, non-alcoholic drinks, and select retail items.
Whether you’re refuelling during the Boxing Day sales, catching up with friends after the New Year, or brightening up a chilly January afternoon, this exclusive discount is available daily from opening until 5pm.
To redeem the offer, visitors need to simply mention the discount and present proof of EH residency, such as a driving license or utility bill.
Three people have been arrested in connection with pyrotechnics offences following incidents in Edinburgh yesterday (Boxing Day).
A 17-year-old and a 28-year-old man have been arrested and charged in connection with being in possession of pyrotechnics in the Haymarket area prior to the Hearts vs Hibernian match on Thursday, 26 December, 2024.
They are due to appear in court at a later date.
A 39-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with setting off pyrotechnics in Russell Road. He too is due to appear in court at a later date.
Enquiries are ongoing in relation to four pyrotechnic smoke devices discharged within Tynecastle stadium during the Hearts vs Hibernian match on Thursday, 26 December, 2024.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: “Setting off pyrotechnics in the street or within a sporting stadium is a criminal offence. I would ask people to think of the impact it could have on those around you, particularly people with medical conditions, young children and elderly.
“We will continue to work in partnership with football clubs to prevent fans from taking pyrotechnics into grounds and to pursue those who put other fans’ safety at risk.
“Anyone with information regarding persons using or being in possession of pyrotechnics is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101.”
Hibs came out on top in the Boxing Day derby match, beating their old rivals 2-1.
Tradespeople have been warned to take extra security measures when it comes to their tools this Christmas.
Van insurance experts from Quotezone.co.uk have warned the risk of tool theft may increase over the festive period given valuable equipment will spend more time sitting idle and thieves are more likely to be in action before the expensive holiday season.
Whilst Christmas should be a time for tradespeople to down tools for a couple of weeks and enjoy some well-earned time off, it could also be a time for opportunistic criminals to take advantage.
With work vans being parked up for longer periods of time, there is the risk of tool theft throughout the festive season. Plus the darker evenings provide cover, and colder mornings – where vans may be left running to warm up – create ideal scenarios for thieves.
Where possible, tools should always be removed from a work van but taking extra security measures, such as fitting an alarm, a tracking device and making sure that insurance cover includes tools, can all help to keep equipment and finances secure.
Research analysed by experts at Quotezone last year found that over the course of the previous year, there had been an increase of 57% in cases of tool theft from vehicles.
When analysing a sample of 100,000 van insurance policies, Quotezone research showed only 10% of vans are locked in a garage overnight – raising concerns over van safety and the need for some additional measures to improve van security.
Earlier this year in June, hundreds of tradespeople from across the UK took to London’s Parliament Square to protest the alarming rise in tool theft.
With Christmas now approaching, Quotezone CEO and van insurance expert Greg Wilson has issued a fresh warning to tradespeople, saying: “Last year our analysis showed a huge increase in tool theft from the previous year and as we approach Christmas it’s important tradespeople are protected – making sure their tools and vehicles are well-secured.
“Simple things like not attracting attention to the tools through business related branding or signage can help – it may also help reduce the insurance premium for this very reason.
“It’s best to remove any tools from vehicles for the holidays and store them inside the home, garage or a secure facility.
“But if this isn’t an option, and the tools need to be left in the van, always try to park it carefully in a well-lit area, ideally where the space itself restricts access to the doors and somewhere that has CCTV in operation.
“Van drivers can even get cameras that can be placed discreetly inside the van, and investment in a good quality and reliable security alarm system can help to deter any potential thieves.
“If abroad on holiday, tradespeople should make sure not to post on social media that they’re away or tag in their location – keep the settings private and post any holiday snaps when safely back home, one in five thieves use social media to look for victims.
“Many standard van insurance policies may not cover tool theft by default, so getting additional cover for any potential incidents helps protect the van and the business.”
Tips to improve van security
Remove your tools
The easiest option to lower your chances of being targeted by thieves is to remove any tools or valuables from your vehicle to begin with, if possible.
Use a lockable toolbox or vault
Not everyone will have the space to store tools in their homes or garage. Investing in a lockable toolbox or vault inside your van offers a secure storage option that could deter thieves.
Plan your parking
If parking in a locked garage or a private driveway is not an option, then make sure you try to park in a busy, well-lit area where CCTV is in operation.
Invest in a high-quality alarm system
There are different variations of alarm systems that can add another layer of security to your vehicle, including alarms with immobilisers or motion sensors. These act as a great deterrent for potential thieves who are likely to be aware of the increased risks.
Use a tracking device
In the event your van does get stolen, having a GPS tracker fitted can help the police try to recover your vehicle.
Mark your tools
Marking your tools can be a deterrent to thieves if your name or company is displayed. It will make them easily identifiable to police and may aid their recovery when thieves attempt to sell them on.
Check your insurance covers the contents of your van
Not all van insurance policies will cover tool theft as standard, so make sure you have insurance that protects everything you need it to – safeguarding your finances and helping you get back on your feet
Quotezone helps van drivers compare and find savings on all sorts of van products, such as van insurance, van breakdown cover and van tool insurance.
