Three men have been arrested and charged in connection with one of the largest ever drugs recoveries in Scotland, worth more than £8 million.
On Thursday, 11 December, 2025, officers executed a warrant at a premises on Melford Road in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire and cocaine with an estimated street value of more than £8m was recovered.
The men, aged 29, 46 and 65, were arrested and charged in connection and they are due to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court tomorrow – Monday, 15 December, 2025.
Enquiries into the full circumstances are ongoing.
Detective Superintendent Steven Elliot said: “This was a sizeable recovery – one of the most significant we’ve seen in Scotland.
“This work underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy. Taking drugs off the street is a priority for Police Scotland.
“Drugs cause misery in our communities, and the public has a vital role in helping us to trace those involved in the supply of illegal substances.
“Anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact us via 101 or make a call to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
People who care for more than one disabled person may be eligible for a new Scotland-only payment.
Carer Additional Person Payment, worth up to £520 a year, will be available from March 2026.
Carers may be eligible for more than one Carer Additional Person Payment if they are caring for more than one additional person.
This is the latest in a series of improvements being made to support for carers from Social Security Scotland, which will come into effect in March.
The time Carer Support Payment is paid following the death of the cared-for person will also be extended from 8 to 12 weeks, while Carer’s Allowance Supplement will be replaced by Scottish Carer Supplement which will be paid weekly alongside Carer Support Payment rather than in two annual payments as it is currently – meaning carers receive extra support more consistently and regularly.
Social Justice Secretary @S_A_Somerville visited @Lan_Carers to highlight improvements to Scottish carer benefits.
These improvements are planned for March 2026 and include a new payment for carers who look after more than one person.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We’re making changes to benefits for carers to recognise the important contribution they make and to help ease some of the pressures that can come with a caring role.
“Scotland’s carers are better off than anywhere else in the UK, and the upcoming improvements will make sure that this remains the case.”
The Cabinet Secretary met with a group of carers from Lanarkshire Carers in Hamilton to mark the December payment of Carer’s Allowance Supplement and upcoming changes to social security support.
Barbara McAuley, Chief Executive Officer at Lanarkshire Carers said: “We were delighted to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to Lanarkshire Carers Centre for an engaging visit with carers and staff.
“During the session, the Cabinet Secretary listened to carers’ experiences and participated in meaningful discussions on key issues, including social security benefits, working carers, older carers and carers’ rights.
“We are grateful for this chance to ensure carers’ voices are heard at the highest level.”
From March 2026, in addition to Carer Support Payment, eligible carers will be able to receive:
Scottish Carer Supplement – replaces Carer’s Allowance Supplement for carers in receipt of Carer Support Payment, an extra, more regular payment for carers which replaces Carer’s Allowance supplement for carers in receipt of Carer Support Payment (£11.29 per week).
Carer Additional Person Payment – an extra payment of £520 per year, paid weekly, available to people caring for more than one person. Carers may be eligible for more than one Carer Additional Person Payment if they are caring for more than one additional person.
The switch from Carer’s Allowance Supplement to Scottish Carer Supplement will happen automatically for current recipients. Information on accessing the Carer Additional Person Payment will be provided in the new year.
In November, Young Carer Grant was extended to include 19-year-olds – potentially benefiting an additional 1,200 carers next year and allowing young carers to get up to four payments from the age of 16.
This manifesto sets out what thousands of young people across Scotland say should happen to reduce the impact of poverty in their schools.
The calls
Young people say the next Scottish government must:
“End child poverty. Make sure our families have what they need so we can come to school ready to learn”
“Fund every school to fully remove cost pressures from our families and help us overcome poverty-related barriers to learning”
“Help us with the basics we need to learn, take part and feel included at school – free school meal expansion, uniform support, devices for all and continued funding for curriculum costs”
Create opportunities for all. “Help us all benefit from life changing school trips and from activities in our communities”
“Involve us! We can help make our schools and Scotland better”
Young people’s message to politicians
In a letter to Scottish party leaders the young people, members of the Cost of the School Day Voice network shared why this work needs to happen:
“There are great things happening in lots of our schools to help with costs and support us. But poverty is still affecting our education in so many ways. Poverty can affect how ready we feel to learn, what equipment we have for classes, basics like uniform and food and access to school trips that spark passion for subjects. Poverty can have a detrimental effect on our learning and can hold us back.”
Network members stressed the urgency of taking action on poverty in schools:
“The cost of the school day is such an important matter that we think it needs to be fixed everywhere for everyone as soon as possible. It’s important that you listen to the calls we are making because your decisions affect our lives. This can help us have equal opportunities and equal chances and a better future.”
More needs to happen
Sara Spencer, Cost of the School Day Project Manager at Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland reflects on what’s happening in Scotland’s schools and local authorities: “There has been so much progress when it comes to reducing costs and poverty-related barriers at school, but there’s more we can do.
“Politicians across the political spectrum need to pay attention to the calls young people are making loud and clear because these are the things young people say will help support them to thrive and achieve at school, no matter how much money they have at home.
“Investment in equity has been making a difference to young people’s experiences at school but while young people are still experiencing poverty and while financial barriers to education remain, we can’t afford to lose focus.”
Throughout “School Shouldn’t Cost” young people are clear that further change is needed in schools, and that it needs to be happening in all parts of the country.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Sierra (S6) from Levenmouth Academy in Fife describes why this manifesto is important:“When we talk about child poverty, we’re not talking about numbers on a page. We’re talking about the child who pretends they’re not hungry because there’s no food left at home.
“We’re talking about the young person who avoids school trips because their family can’t afford it and they’re too embarrassed to say why. We’re talking about parents who go without meals so their children can eat and about the silent worry that sits in so many homes every single day. The cost of the school day should never cost a child their confidence, dignity or dreams.”
A former Police Scotland constable has today, Monday, 8 December 2025, been sentenced to two years and three months in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Alan Sharp, 52, previously pleaded guilty to three charges relating to firearms and one charge of wilful neglect of his duties as a police constable and firearms enquiry officer, when he appeared at the High Court in Glasgow on 10 November, 2025.
He had possession of two firearms and live ammunition outside the terms of his own firearms license and admitted failing to carry out the necessary checks and enquiries for applications for firearms licenses.
Sharp resigned from Police Scotland in November 2025.
Assistant Chief Constable for Professionalism and Assurance, Lynn Ratcliff, said: “Alan Sharp’s actions in no way reflect the high standards expected of an officer in Police Scotland.
“He abused his position as a constable, neglected his legal duties, and his actions go against everything we stand for as an organisation.
“It is right that policing is held to high standards at all times, and we will always support officers and staff acting with our values and standards at heart. The onus is on policing to build and maintain public confidence and consent which is critical in our ability to keep our communities and citizens safe.
“As a result, people like Alan Sharp have no place in Police Scotland. Matters are thoroughly investigated when an officer or staff member fails to uphold the high standards we expect in policing.”
Unfortunately, we have had to make the difficult decision to close FetLor today due to the Vandalism, Disrespect and Anti-social behaviour the young people carried out during and after The Boys Club last night.
The attitude towards staff, the building and community was unacceptable.
We take great pride in providing a free, safe and positive space for young people, but this behaviour has made it impossible for us to operate safely.
Our priority is always the wellbeing of everyone who uses the club, and we must take this step to protect our staff, our building and our community.
Life can be wonderful. Life can be tough. Relationships. Work. Money. Loneliness. Mental health. Self-harm. We can all struggle. Any place. Any time. One in four of us have had suicidal thoughts.
Ahead of the 2026 Holyrood Election, leading national suicide prevention charity, Samaritans Scotland, is asking all political parties to make suicide prevention a priority, keeping it in mind across all policy areas to help people not only in their moment of need, but before they reach crisis point.
The charity says that suicide is and needs to be treated as an issue of inequality, with the rate of suicide mortality in the most deprived areas in Scotland being 2.5 times higher than the least deprived area. The charity says that tackling inequalities across Scottish society and in services is the only way to reduce the number of lives lost to suicide in our communities.
Developed alongside its Lived Experience Advisory Group, Samaritans Scotland’s manifesto outlines Five Priorities to Save Lives that it wants to see taken forward by the next Scottish Government.
These priorities include increasing funding for mental health services, delivering a minimum income guarantee, using workforce training to end stigma and discrimination, increasing support for people in prison, and increasing resourcing for community services.
The asks aim to target the root causes of circumstances that can contribute to someone experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviour, before they reach crisis point.
Speaking at the launch event, Neil Mathers, Executive Director for Scotland, said: “As we look ahead to the 2026 election and next parliament, Scotland faces many big challenges. Our communities are still grappling with the cost of living, cuts to frontline services, and the ongoing impact of inequality on mental health and wellbeing.
“But there are also real opportunities at next year’s election to make lives better – to reduce poverty, improve wellbeing, to make sure the right support is there at the right time, and ultimately, to reduce deaths by suicide.
“Suicide remains one of the most urgent public health issues facing Scotland. At Samaritans Scotland, we’re calling on all political parties, candidates, and policymakers to make suicide prevention a real priority ahead of the election.”
Mark Diffley, Founder and Director of the Diffley Partnership, was in attendance to deliver an overview of the political landscape ahead of election day. It was highlighted that three out of four people in Scotland are already supportive of a Minimum Income Guarantee, with the top priorities of voters at the moment including healthcare and the cost-of-living crisis.
Research by Samaritans Scotland in partnership with Strathclyde University released last year indicated just how closely connected economic insecurity was with suicidal ideation, as well as the importance of social connection and community support networks, which is why the charity is urging politicians to prioritise these areas.
With the most recent probable suicide rate for people in prison in Scotland standing at 18.9 per 100,000 people, higher than the probable suicide rate of 12.7 per 100,000 in the general population, the charity is also calling for increased support for people in prison.
Nancy Loucks, Chief Executive of Families Outside, who was also in attendance, spoke about the potential for delivering a Minimum Income Guarantee for Scotland, saying: Having a Minimum Income Guarantee is so important.
“So much of what we see (at Families Outside) is a result of poverty and trauma. We expect prisons to solve problems that start much earlier. It’s about giving people the opportunities at the start, that prevent these issues from arising.”
Scott Thomson, member of Samaritans Scotland’s Lived Experience Advisory Group, said: “My key ask of the next Scottish Government would be to increase funding for mental health services.
“The NHS and frontline services are under too much strain; waiting lists are too long, and people need support now.
“Nurses and doctors are at a higher risk of suicide, with burnout and workplace pressures being significant factors. I think that by increasing funding towards these services, we can impact and potentially alleviate many other challenges that arise from a system that is struggling to cope with demand.”
Suicide is complex and touches every part of society. It is vital that politicians recognise the devastating impact that suicide has on people’s lives and make clear commitments to address the factors that contribute to suicide risk.
Services in Scotland are working tirelessly to improve the lives of the people that need support, but statutory mental health services must have greater investment to enable them to keep up with growing demand.
Suicide is preventable. Samaritans Scotland’s vision is that fewer people die by suicide, that people feel able to ask for help when they are struggling, and where the right support is available at the right time.
Britain’s toy shop, The Entertainer, has officially opened a brand-new store at The Gyle Shopping Centre.
The 2,225 sq ft store, located at The Gyle Shopping Centre, is officially open and is inviting local shoppers to enjoy a series of exciting in-store celebrations on Saturday (6th December).
The brand-new space brings the world’s most popular toys and collectables to the city centre, many for the first time, including Pokémon, LEGO, Monster High, Disney, POP MART and Wicked 2, as well as its exclusive Meccano, Early Learning Centre and Addo private label ranges.
To celebrate the official opening, The Entertainer is hosting an exciting in-store celebration on Saturday (6th December) for shoppers to enjoy. Fan-favourite Bluey will be visiting the brand-new store between 11am – 3:30 pm, offering families a fun-filled opportunity to meet and take photos with the popular puppy.
Plus, the first 100 customers through the doors of the new store on Saturday will get the chance to pick up an exclusive sealed envelope containing a surprise gift voucher valued between £5 – £50. What’s more, the first 100 shoppers to spend £15 or more in-store will take home a complimentary Bluey Aqua Drawing Pad worth £6.
Located at The Gyle Shopping Centre, The Entertainer joins a host of other leading retailers, leisure providers and restaurants, including JD, NEXT and M&S.
The news follows The Entertainer’s successful recent openings at Dalton Park and Rusden Lakes, as well as the highly anticipated release of its top 10 toy predictions for Christmas, featuring much-loved names such as LEGO, Disney, and heritage brand Meccano, alongside exciting newer brands like Gui Gui and Fugglers, with prices starting from just £8.
Andrew Murphy OBE, Group Chief Executive Officer of The Entertainer, said: “As the UK’s largest toy retailer, we’re thrilled to announce the opening of our new store at The Gyle Shopping Centre, and the exciting activities planned to celebrate with local shoppers.
“Our new The Gyle Shopping Centre store offers everything we’re proud of at The Entertainer – an exciting range of toys for every budget, the introduction of a huge range of global brands and products to Edinburgh, and our market-leading 30-minute click and collect service.
“Across our 160 shops, we’re proud to be famous for our friendly, helpful and knowledgeable colleagues, as well as our support of local charities and communities. Like all our UK stores, our new Edinburgh location also offers a ‘Quiet Hour’ to support customers with sensory difficulties during the first hour of every shopping day.
“We’re confident that local Edinburgh shoppers will enjoy discovering our brand-new toy shop – especially with the festive season just around the corner.”
For more information on The Entertainer and to shop online, visit:
The Edinburgh Retail Crime Task Force launched its first day of action last week in the North East of the city, focusing on Leith Walk and Fort Kinnaird.
This initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and supported by Crimestoppers Scotland , aims to tackle shoplifting and violence against retail workers.
The operation combined two key approaches – Prevent and Pursue:
Plain-clothes officers targeted hotspot areas to identify and apprehend offenders.
High-visibility patrols visited retailers to offer reassurance, crime prevention advice, and act as a visible deterrent.
Retailers have welcomed this proactive approach and the ongoing partnership to address prolific shoplifters.
PC Sarah Brotherston, who led the operation, said: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. We know the harm it causes to retailers and staff, and we’re committed to reducing theft and bringing offenders to justice.
“This day of action is just one piece of work that the Edinburgh Retail Crime Task Force are involved in. Further days of action and targeting of those who are repeatedly involved in shoplifting will be taking place in the run up to Christmas”
If you have information about shoplifting or stolen property, report it anonymously at https://orlo.uk/3Fp70 or call 0800 555 111.
This December, The Real Mary King’s Close invites visitors to escape into Edinburgh’s past with two interactive underground experiences: the return of its sell-out Victorian Christmas Experience and the once-a-year revival of Underground Unlocked.
The Victorian Christmas Experience, running across all weekends from Saturday 6th to Friday 28th December, brings guests face to face with a member of the Chesney family, among some of the last to live on the Close.
Through expert-storytelling, visitors will discover how Christmas slowly re-emerged in Scotland after centuries of suppression, and how Victorian Edinburgh shaped many traditions we still enjoy today.
Following the guided tour, visitors will gather in a candlelit room to enjoy tea, traditional scones with jam and clotted cream, and a craft activity inspired by authentic Victorian practices.
December will also see the return of the exclusive Underground Unlocked tours, offering two special evenings on Thursday 4th and 11th where visitors can roam freely through the preserved 17th-century streets at their own pace.
Rather than following a guided tour, guests will encounter a number of historical residents including merchants, plague doctors, poets, businesswomen and even those once condemned during the witch trials, each sharing their own vivid story.
For just a few hours, the Close will echo with the bustle of the people who once lived and worked beneath the Royal Mile.
Characters include Mary King herself, the sharp-witted merchant and burgess; Patrick Byrne the leather tanner; Dr John Paulitious, Edinburgh’s first plague doctor; Marie Maitland, the bold poet whose verses were hidden for centuries; and Euphame MacCalzean, determined to reclaim her voice after a wrongful accusation during the witch trials.
With more than a dozen figures appearing across the site, every turn reveals a new fragment of the city’s hidden history and offers a fleeting glimpse into Edinburgh’s past as it might’ve felt centuries ago.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Closesaid: “December is always packed with events, and we know people have so much to choose from.
“That’s why we’re excited to offer something a bit different – an immersive festive experience that the whole family can enjoy together.
“It’s a fun and interactive way to learn more about Edinburgh’s past, and after the overwhelming response last year, we’re delighted to bring it back.
“We’re also reintroducing our ever-popular Underground Unlocked evenings, which remain one of the most memorable ways to experience the Close. Together, the two events offer something truly unique for anyone looking to do Christmas a little differently this year.”
Plain-clothes officers targeted hotspot areas to identify and apprehend offenders.
