Over winter, shorter days and lower temperatures can affect our health and wellbeing so it’s important to:
= Keep active if you’re able
= Stay connected with friends or family
= Check on vulnerable family and neighbours
Learn more:
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
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.
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:
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.
2026 MENTAL HEALTH REMINDERS
A new year doesn’t require a new version of you.
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.”
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”:
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.
Only use specialist tools to clear ice and frost from your windscreen. Avoid makeshift alternatives that could scratch or damage the glass.
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.
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.
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.
Keep one handy to place behind your car if you break down. It alerts other drivers and helps prevent accidents in poor visibility conditions.
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.
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.
Make sure your phone stays powered so you can call for help, check weather updates, or contact friends and family.
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.
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:
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:
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.
With temperatures set to drop and snow expected in some areas this week, we want to help you get prepared! 
Here are our cost effective ways to stay warm throughout the winter months:
For more tips and advice, head to our website: bit.ly/StayingWarmInWinterFB
