Cats Protection invites cat owners to nominate their pets for the UK’s biggest celebration of cats – the National Cat Awards.
The event recognises our special relationship with cats, honouring heart-warming tales of devotion, courage and friendship.
As one of the nation’s favourite pets, cats bring fun, comfort and companionship to millions of people. They live alongside us in all sorts of ways, from the sociable cat who greets all the neighbours to the homely lap-cat on our sofa.
Entries opened on 15 January and owners have until noon on 28 February to nominate their cat in one of four categories:
Family cats: For cats who make a family complete, whether it’s being there for companionship, providing solace in tough times, or simply keeping everyone amused.
Incredible cats – Recognising cats with a remarkable tale – maybe they’ve survived against the odds, returned home after an epic adventure, raised the alarm to an emergency or even saved a life.
Senior cats – Celebrating cats aged 11 or over, who showcase why older cats are special.
Connected Cats – For cats who share the love and bring joy to people far and wide whether in the community, workplace or social media.
Owners or colleagues can also nominate a vet who has provided exceptional care for a cat in the Vet of the Year category.
The public will get a chance to vote for their favourite cats, with their owners invited to a star-studded ceremony in London on 24 September where the winners will be revealed.
On behalf of His Majesty’s Government and the United Kingdom, I would like to send my warmest congratulations to President Donald Trump on his inauguration as the forty-seventh President of the United States.
For centuries, the relationship between our two nations has been one of collaboration, cooperation and enduring partnership. It is a uniquely close bond. Together, we have defended the world from tyranny and worked towards our mutual security and prosperity.
With President Trump’s longstanding affection and historical ties to the United Kingdom, I know that depth of friendship will continue. The United Kingdom and United States will work together to ensure the success of both our countries and deliver for people on both sides of the Atlantic.
Since our first meeting in September, the President and I have spoken about the need to deepen and invest in the transatlantic relationship. We will continue to build upon the unshakeable foundations of our historic alliance as we tackle together the global challenges we face and take our partnership to the next level focused on shared opportunities ahead for growth.
I look forward to our next meeting as we continue our shared mission to ensure the peace, prosperity and security of our two great nations.
The special relationship between the United Kingdom and United States will continue to flourish for years to come.
Finance Secretary calls for clarity as local authorities set their budgets
The employer National Insurance increase must be fully funded to ensure local authorities have the resources they need to serve their communities, Finance Secretary Shona Robison has said.
Ahead of an appearance before the local government committee next week, Ms Robison again called on the UK Government to provide urgent clarity over the funding to help the Scottish Government and local authorities finalise their budgets.
The Finance Secretary said: “Scotland’s public services face a bill of more than £700 million as a result of the UK Government’s increase in employer National Insurance Contributions.
“There have been indications of likely funding reported in the media, but these fail to take account of the fact that we have a larger public sector per person than other parts of the UK, leaving us some £300 million short.
“It feels like Scotland is now being punished for having decided to employ more people in the public sector and to invest in key public services.
“We know local authorities are already under significant financial pressure. This will only continue to build unless the UK Government reimburses us in full for their tax increase. Councils are in the process of setting their Budgets now, so the sooner we have clarity over this issue the better – this is needed urgently.
“The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with COSLA to press the UK Government to provide the funding needed to support public services in Scotland.”
The First Minister and President of COSLA wrote to the Chancellor on 3 January, supported by 48 public and voluntary sector organisations to raise concerns at the impact of the increase to employer National Insurance contributions and to seek clarity on funding.
A man has been jailed in connection with a robbery in Glasgow and an attempted robbery in Edinburgh that happened in February 2024.
Issa Mohamed, 30, was sentenced to four years and eight months at the High Court in Kilmarnock on Thursday, 16 January, 2025, after being found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday, 3 December, 2024.
The first incident happened on Tuesday, 13 February, 2024, Mohamed threatened a 37-year-old woman with an imitation firearm at a property on St Vincent Street, Glasgow, stealing her phone and a quantity of cash.
The second happened on Saturday, 17 February, 2024, he threatened a 60-year-old woman with an imitation firearm and attempted to rob her at an address on Powderhall Rigg, Edinburgh. Both victims were left shaken but unhurt.
Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe said: “Mohamed’s actions were calculated and deeply distressing for the two women involved.
“His conviction reflects the seriousness of his crimes and demonstrates our determination to hold offenders accountable.
“Violence has no place in our society, and we will continue working to bring those responsible to justice and keep our communities safe.”
Work underway to strengthen response to civil emergencies
Ministers will act on all recommendations relating to Scotland in the UK Covid-19 Inquiry’s report on pandemic resilience and preparedness of the United Kingdom, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced.
The Module 1 report contained ten recommendations for the four UK nations to improve civil emergency planning and response.
Speaking on publication of the Scottish Government’s formal response, the Deputy First Minister said work was already underway in a number of areas including pandemic planning, improving risk assessment processes and ensuring the availability of reliable health, economic and social data.
In addition a Ministerial Oversight Group, co-chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care and the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, will meet for the first time in the coming weeks to co-ordinate preparedness across Government.
Scotland will also play a full role in the largest ever UK wide pandemic response exercise this Autumn which will be designed to test and strengthen the UK’s preparedness for future pandemics.
Ms Forbes said: “Our deepest sympathies remain with all those who lost loved ones during the pandemic. And it is with those people firmly in mind that we will work to ensure Scotland is in the best possible position to prepare for, respond to and recover from future threats, including pandemics.
“In advance of, and in parallel to, the work of the Scottish and UK Covid-19 Inquiries, the Scottish Government has identified and actioned a number of improvements, including establishing an independent committee to provide expert advice on future pandemic risks and how best to prepare for them. We are also working with the other governments in the UK to deliver exercise plans for UK-wide civil emergencies.
“We know the pandemic greatly impacted the most vulnerable in society. As part of wider work to tackle inequalities, we will improve how we identify, assess and address the potential impacts of civil emergencies on those who need the most protection.
“We are also mindful of other potential emergencies – not least the impact of extreme weather. We will work with counterparts across the four nations and a range of organisations to learn from past events and global best practice.”
Police are appealing for information to help trace a missing family in the Edinburgh area.
Bahara Denisa Baci, a 13-year-old girl, Shakira Baci a 7-year-old girl and Umut-yronn Saban, an 11-month-old boy were last seen around 12.30pm yesterday – Thursday, 16 January – in the Captain’s Road area.
All three are understood to be in the company of their mother, Narcisca Baci, aged 28 and their father Serbanica-Ibram Saban aged 32, who are also missing.
Superintendent Murray Tait said: “Our concern for the family is growing and we would urge anyone who has information on their whereabouts to contact police urgently.
“We believe the children and their parents are together but we want to ensure they are safe and well.
“If anyone sees any of the family or knows their whereabouts, please contact Police Scotland urgently on 101, quoting incident number 1380 of 16 January, 2024.”
A GROUNDBREAKING project is revolutionising the way technology and data are integrated into independent living solutions, offering transformative benefits for individuals across Scotland.
Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, has praised the Peoplehood Project, a transformative initiative by Blackwood Homes and Care in collaboration with The Data Lab, Scotland’s innovation centre for data and AI during a visit.
The visit took place at the Edinburgh Community Rehabilitation and Support Service, where Mr Gray experienced first-hand the innovative use of technology and data designed to support healthier, independent living for Scotland’s elderly and vulnerable populations.
Launched in 2022, the £12.5 million Peoplehood Project has engaged over 500 participants across Buckie, Dundee and Glasgow. The three-year project has co-designed new independent living models, incorporating cutting-edge assisted technologies and digital skills training aimed at improving quality of life while reducing dependence on social care services.
Neil Gray MSP commented: “The integration of technology into every-day lives is a key requirement in supporting individuals to live well at home for longer, and to support our health and social care services. We recognise that innovation must be at the heart of how we deliver these services across Scotland.
It is therefore important to recognise and to take the opportunity to learn from projects, such as Peoplehood, which are paving the way for a more sustainable and person-centred approach to social care.”
During the tour, Mr. Gray explored a Blackwood Home, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and witnessed how the Edinburgh Community Rehabilitation and Support Service is using the technology to the benefit of users.
Steph Sutherland, Development and Commercial Director at Blackwood Homes and Care, said: “At Blackwood, our vision is to help people live their lives to the full.
“The Peoplehood Project has demonstrated the transformative potential of assistive technology in creating homes and communities that support independence.
“The learnings from the project will help shape our approach to independent living, ensuring that we can support as many people as possible to thrive in their homes and communities while leading healthier, more connected lives.”
Heather Thomson, Interim CEO of The Data Lab, added: “This collaboration demonstrates Scotland’s immense potential for innovation in health and social care. Through the power of data and AI, we are delivering ethical, impactful solutions that benefit communities across the country.”
The Peoplehood Project aligns with the UK Government’s Healthy Ageing Challenge Framework, addressing critical themes such as reducing social isolation, promoting independence, and fostering healthier lifestyles. The project’s insights are expected to influence Scotland’s social care sector on a national scale.
Blackwood Homes and Care, operating over 1,700 homes across 28 local authority areas, is renowned for its innovative approach to accessible housing, exemplified by the award-winning Blackwood House and CleverCogs technology.
Collaborating with The Data Lab – which is supported by the Scottish Government via the Scottish Funding Council National Innovation programme – the University of Edinburgh, CENSIS, Carebuilder and Mydex, the project harnesses data science to develop sustainable solutions for healthy ageing and independent living, contributing to Scotland’s leadership in data-driven social care innovation.
The UK and Ukraine will sign a historic partnership, as the Prime Minister travels to the country to meet President Zelenskyy
Treaty will bolster military collaboration on maritime security through a new framework to strengthen Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Azov Sea security and deter ongoing Russian aggression
Will bring together experts to advance scientific and technology partnerships, in areas such as healthcare and disease, agri-tech, space and drones, and build lifelong friendships through classroom projects
New UK-built Grain Verification Scheme will also be launched to track stolen grain from occupied Ukrainian territories
The UK and Ukraine will sign a historic partnership, as the Prime Minister travels to the country to meet President Zelenskyy.
The unbreakable bonds between the UK and Ukraine will be formalised through the landmark new 100 Year Partnership between the two countries, broadening and deepening the relationship across defence and non-military areas and enabling closer community links.
From working together on the world stage to breaking down barriers to trade and growth and nurturing cultural links, the mutually beneficial partnership will see the UK and Ukraine advocate for each other to renew, rebuild and reform for generations to come.
The partnership underpins the Prime Minister’s steadfast leadership on Ukraine as his government continues to provide support. Spanning nine key pillars, it will harness the innovation, strength and resilience that Ukraine has shown in its defence against Russia’s illegal and barbaric invasion; and foster it to support long-term security and growth for both our countries. The Treaty and political declaration, which form the 100 Year Partnership, will be laid in Parliament in the coming weeks.
It is expected to bolster military collaboration on maritime security through a new framework to strengthen Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Azov Sea security and deter ongoing Russian aggression, bring together experts to advance scientific and technology partnerships, in areas such as healthcare and disease, agri-tech, space and drones, and build lifelong friendships through classroom projects.
It also cements the UK as a preferred partner for Ukraine’s energy sector, critical minerals strategy and green steel production.
The 100 Year Partnership is a major step in supporting Ukraine’s long-term security – ensuring they are never again vulnerable to the kind of brutality inflicted on it by Russia – and committing to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a sovereign Ukraine for the next century.
Ukraine has a highly trained military, and a thriving technology sector that is rapidly designing and deploying state of the art battle-ready equipment: a security partnership with Ukraine will make Britain stronger.
To mark the signing of the partnership today, the Prime Minister is expected to announce new UK support for Ukraine from lethal aid to economic resilience.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Putin’s ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure. Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level.
“This is not just about the here and now, it is also about an investment in our two countries for the next century, bringing together technology development, scientific advances and cultural exchanges, and harnessing the phenomenal innovation shown by Ukraine in recent years for generations to come.
“The power of our long-term friendships cannot be underestimated. Supporting Ukraine to defend itself from Russia’s barbaric invasion and rebuild a prosperous, sovereign future, is vital to this government’s foundation of security and our Plan for Change.
“Through this partnership, we are creating a strong economy that works for the British people, a safe country that protects our interests at home and abroad, and a prosperous society.”
The Prime Minister will join a Ukrainian class dialling into a primary school in Liverpool today, who will be joined by the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson. He will hear from the next generation about how the partnership will deliver brighter futures for children in both countries, fostering cultural exchanges and learning for youngsters.
100 schools in the UK and Ukraine will be partnered over the coming months as part of a two-way programme built around reading for pleasure. Through sharing stories from their own cultures, they will explore the power of reading to overcome adversity – building links between the countries for generations to come.
The Prime Minister is also expected to see firsthand how UK aid is supporting Ukrainians living under bombardment through a visit to a Ukrainian hospital. He will meet patients and doctors and hear how £100m of UK humanitarian funding is supporting needs across Ukraine and specialist medical care for burn victims, including those maimed by Russian missiles raining down on neighbourhoods.
The hospital is being supported by specialist NHS doctors, who are upskilling Ukrainian medical teams and providing lifesaving opinions on treatment for severely injured patients, both virtually and through short deployments to the country. Many admitted to the hospital have burns to between 30% and 40% of their body surface.
The Prime Minister will also announce £40m for a new economic recovery programme to unlock hundreds of millions of pounds worth of private lending to bolster the growth and economic resilience of small and medium businesses in Ukraine, which form the backbone of the country’s economy.
The programme will create opportunities for UK companies by supporting key growth sectors in Ukraine, opening up enhanced trade and investment opportunities with one of our closest allies. The funding will be targeted at businesses supporting the green economy, and marginalised groups including women and veterans.
It is hoped over the long term, the programme, called TIGER (Triggering Investment Growth and Economic Resilience), will reduce reliance in Ukrainian communities on humanitarian support and help build economic resilience.
And as part of the partnership, a new Grain Verification Scheme will also be launched to track stolen grain from occupied Ukrainian territories. The UK developed the new scheme following an ask from Ukraine to the G7 to help trace snatched grain from Ukraine fields under Russian control, which is then relabelled and sold on.
Using cutting edge science to help determine where grain has been grown and harvested, the UK has developed a database to support Ukraine’s efforts to trace and stop theft of grain from occupied regions.
Ukraine, a country which remains a major supplier of agricultural produce, is crucial for global food security. The database will be handed over to Ukraine from the Environment Secretary in the coming weeks.
Today’s announcement builds on the £12.8 billion package of support the UK has given Ukraine, including £7.8bn of military assistance, a commitment for £3bn in military aid until as long as it takes, and ongoing energy infrastructure support to help hospitals and community facilities provide light and warmth to innocent civilians impacted by Putin’s invasion.
The UK and Ukraine will use an annual high-level Strategic Dialogue to ensure progress on the partnership for decades to come.
Thousands of families will be helped as part of the Scottish Government’s plans to remove the two child benefit cap, First Minister John Swinney has said as he repeated calls for the UK Government to end the policy immediately.
The First Minister made clear that if the UK Government was to scrap the policy, the investment the Scottish Government intends to allocate to its mitigation would be used on other measures to tackle eradicate child poverty.
At an event in Stirling hosted by The Robertson Trust, Mr Swinney addressed representatives from community and third sector organisations across Scotland and set out his vision for a country in which no child lives in poverty.
The First Minister said: “The eradication of child poverty is my government’s number one priority, and I want it also to become our nation’s number one goal.
“The cornerstone of our approach is investment in more dignified and generous social security support.
“It includes the resources we need to build the systems that will allow us to effectively remove the two child cap for families in Scotland.
“I can offer two guarantees today. Firstly, if we are able to safely get the systems up and running in this coming year, the first payments will be made in this coming year – helping to lift thousands more children out of poverty.
“And secondly, if the UK government does the right thing and abolishes the two-child cap across the UK, the resources we have committed to this policy will continue to be used on measures to eradicate child poverty in Scotland.”
The Scottish Fiscal Commission has also published estimates of the number of children in Scotland impacted by the two-child limit this year, and who would benefit from mitigation were it to commence in 2026-27 (39,000 in 2025-26, rising to 42,000 in 2026-27.
