TODAY (Friday, 30 January), a body was found in the Gogar area of Edinburgh during searches for a missing woman.
The body has yet to be formally identified, however, the family of 60-year-old Alison Gibbens, who was reported missing from North Gyle Avenue around 10.30am on Monday, 26 January, has been informed.
A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
People in Edinburgh who lose someone over the winter months are encouraged to apply for support to help with funeral costs.
Funeral Support Payment is delivered by Social Security Scotland and is available to people living in Scotland who receive certain benefits.
The payment can help cover some of the cost of a funeral and can be used towards funerals for a baby, child or adult. The payment also covers funerals for babies who are stillborn.
More than £66 million has been paid to over 33,000 bereaved people since Funeral Support Payment launched in 2019.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “A bereavement is one of the hardest things a person can experience. On top of their grief, people often face the staggering costs of paying for the funeral.
“The average price for a funeral in the UK is now well over £4,000 – this is a cost many do not have the resources to pay for.
“Funeral Support Payment is there to ease some of the financial pressure for grieving individuals and reduce funeral poverty for people in Scotland. I urge people in Edinburgh to check their eligibility to receive Funeral Support Payment.”
To find out more information on Funeral Support Payment, visit:
https://www.mygov.scot/browse/benefits/death/funeral-support
ELIGIBILITY
People may be eligible for Funeral Support Payment if they meet all of the criteria below:
* Universal Credit (UC), Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit.
ASH Scotland is urging high school teachers and youth workers in Edinburgh to use the health charity’s updated resource packs to inspire young people to make confident, informed decisions to protect their long-term health by not taking up smoking or vaping.
The Tobacco-free School and Youth packs, which each feature 30 engaging activities that can be used in lessons and group sessions, are being published by the health charity as the major public health issues of youth smoking and vaping are causing ongoing concern for teachers, parents and people working with children.
The packs provide facts and statistics covering a range of topics such as ‘Smoking and mental health’, ‘Smoking, vaping and peer pressure’, ‘Being confidently nicotine-free’ and features new exercises on nicotine pouches to support the delivery of personal and social education classes or for youth group activities across various subjects.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive for ASH Scotland, said: “As concerned teachers and youth workers across Scotland regularly contact us for information about tobacco and nicotine products such as vapes and pouches, we have produced updated resource packs with robust, evidence-based content to engage and empower young people in Edinburgh to make informed decisions about protecting their health and wellbeing.
“Our Tobacco-free School and Youth packs are especially designed to be effective learning aids to facilitate classwork and activities to help equip children to increase their knowledge about the health risks associated with smoking, vaping and using nicotine pouches.”
To download the packs, visit https://ashscotland.org.uk/tobacco-free-schools-pack/
Millions of families will receive the Warm Home Discount for the rest of the decade, as the government today confirms the continuation of the scheme through to 2030/2031.
The extension will see eligible households provided with the £150 rebate on their energy bills every winter until 2030/2031.
This follows the government’s expansion of the Warm Home Discount last year, adding 2.7 million families to the scheme and bringing the total number of eligible households to around 6 million. This is on top of the average £150 of costs being taken off households’ energy bills from April, through measures announced at the Budget.
Hundreds of thousands of Scottish billpayers will also benefit from reforms to the way the Warm Home Discount is administered, with around 345,000 families in Scotland set to receive the £150 rebate automatically next winter – an increase of around 250,000.
The onus has for years been on many Scottish households to get in touch with their supplier to apply for the rebate. These changes will simplify the process for the majority of those eligible for the discount in Scotland, bringing the scheme closer into line with that in England and Wales – where most recipients already get the rebate automatically.
A small number of households need to provide extra information to ensure they get the discount this winter (2025/2026). If they have received a letter advising them to call the helpline, they must do so by 27 February 2026 – now less than one month away.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Tackling the affordability crisis is the government’s number one priority.
“That is why we are today confirming to millions of eligible families across the country that they will receive the £150 Warm Home Discount every winter for the rest of the decade.
“That will give families much-needed peace of mind that they will continue to receive vital support in the cold winter months, as we take action to bring down bills for good.”
It comes after the government last week launched the £15 billion Warm Homes Plan, the biggest home upgrade plan in British history, to help millions of families cut their bills.
From April, households will also save an average £150 of costs on energy bills, with some consumers set to benefit significantly more – for example a high use electric storage heated household could save more than £400 on costs per year.
Ned Hammond, Deputy Director, Policy (Customers) at Energy UK said: “It’s very good news to see confirmation that the Warm Home Discount will be in place until the end of the decade which, particularly with the recent expansion, will provide continuing vital support with energy bills to millions of customers. The changes in Scotland are also very welcome as it will mean many more customers receiving the discount automatically without having to apply.
“We now look forward to working with the government on further changes to the scheme, including better targeting and tiered support, to ensure that is both directed to those most in need and provides the right level of assistance to really make a difference for customers struggling to afford bills.”
Matt Copeland, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at National Energy Action says: “The 5-year continuation of the Warm Home Discount is welcome news for low-income households and provides support that extends beyond this parliament. Alongside energy advice and wider support to help maximise people’s incomes, directly reducing energy bills can be a vital lifeline for vulnerable people who cannot keep their homes adequately warm.
“Six million households across Great Britain now receive the discount and the revised eligibility criteria give greater certainty about who will benefit each year. It is also essential that support is continuing for energy advice and for measures that reach people who are not within the benefits system.
“Without this, many households who cannot be identified through government data matching will remain without the help they need.”
The Scottish Parliament has passed the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill delivering for both nature and people with ambition at its heart and showing respect for nature, for the land and the people who steward and care for it.
For the first time statutory targets will be in place to enhance nature and protect biodiversity in Scotland.
Biodiversity is essential for sustaining the ecosystems that provide food, fuel, health, wealth, and other vital services.
When set, the targets will ensure Scotland is on a bold and ambitious journey to be ‘nature positive’ by 2030 and has actively and substantially restored nature by 2045 in a way that works for communities the length and breadth of Scotland.
The Bill forms a key part of Scotland’s response to the twin crises of climate change and nature loss, and will give Ministers new powers to develop legislation relating to wildfire management, sustainable forestry management and our internationally important protected sites.
It will also update the legal framework for National Parks – particularly in light of their leadership role in tackling key environmental and societal challenges, including the nature and climate crises.
There will be a requirements for swift nest boxes to be placed in all new buildings, supporting urban biodiversity. Swifts are a species under significant pressure as cavity-nesting birds that historically relied on gaps and holes in older buildings for nesting sites.
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy Gillian Martin said: “This Bill creates the strongest statutory framework Scotland has ever had for nature recovery and is the result of constructive work across the Parliament – sending a clear message that the Scottish Parliament stands firm in our commitment to protect and restore our precious natural environment.
“Biodiversity is in crisis, both globally and at home, but Parliament’s vote to pass the Bill shows we are determined to chart a different course. This Bill commits us to becoming nature positive by 2030 and restoring our natural environment by 2045. It is vital that future generations do not inherit the consequences of inaction and, instead, inherit a legacy of commitment and hope.
“By putting nature targets into law, we are ensuring that the government can be held to account for delivering real, measurable change. Scotland’s natural environment underpins our economy, our wellbeing and our quality of life. Protecting it is not optional – it is essential.”
Unsustainable deer populations are one of the biggest barriers to nature restoration and habitat recovery, causing overgrazing and preventing woodland regeneration. Provisions in the Bill will make it easier to control deer where they are impacting environmental work. This will help support the restoration of peatlands, regenerate forests, and protect habitats.
Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie said: “This Bill provides better tools to manage our deer populations in a way that benefits both the environment and rural communities and creates business opportunities.
“If we want healthy communities, sustainable food production and vibrant rural industries in the future, we need thriving ecosystems today.
“We all know now more than ever we must act to protect and restore nature – this Bill will ensure that happens.
“I want to see venison at the heart of our approach to deer management, and the provisions in this Bill will help us maximise the opportunities this can bring for rural Scotland. We will continue working closely with farmers, crofters and land managers to deliver real results on the ground.”
Record funding of over £5 billion will support climate action and further develop Scotland’s renewable energy sector, creating green jobs and bringing benefits to communities, Climate Action and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin has said.
The major investment, unveiled in the draft Scottish budget for 2026-27, will help tackle the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss by funding policies and actions aimed at cutting green-house gas emissions further, enabling communities to become more resilient to the impacts of climate change and protecting and restoring nature.
Gillian Martin reiterated the government’s financial commitment ahead of addressing the Scottish Renewables Offshore Wind Conference where she is expected to confirm further new investment in the sector.
The £5 billion allocation for climate action in the draft Scottish Budget includes a total of £2.9 billion of capital funding– representing 41% of the Scottish Government’s total capital budget proposed for next year – and supports actions to:
Ms Martin said: “This draft Budget for the next year demonstrates the Scottish Government’s continued commitment to achieving net zero by 2045 and tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.
“Done correctly, the transition to net zero can help to tackle poverty, restore nature, and improve health and well-being all while offering significant economic opportunities.
“Our record investment of more than £5 billion will help reduce household energy costs, support green jobs, restore nature and build healthy and resilient communities through the efforts set out in our draft Climate Change Plan.
“Offshore wind will be a major part of delivering on our climate ambitions and represents a huge economic opportunity for all of Scotland, delivering jobs and attracting major investment across the country.”
The draft 2026-27 budget also proposes:
Corstorphine First Aid Support and Training is celebrating after being selected by Tesco customers to receive a £1,500 donation.
Shoppers at Tesco Extra Corstorphine voted for local community causes using Tesco’s famous blue voting tokens, with three groups receiving cash grants as part of the supermarket’s Stronger Starts campaign.
Corstorphine First Aid Support and Training was one of three local charities that customers voted for, receiving £1,500 as part of the scheme after receiving the most votes.
The winning charity is comprised entirely of volunteers, who are trained in first aid techniques and provide medical cover for events in Edinburgh and beyond, as well as first aid training to businesses and community groups.
The funds will allow the group to purchase essential first aid equipment so they can continue first aid training and help to keep people safe.
Dominic Burns, Chair at Corstorphine First Aid Support and Training, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this funding as part of the Tesco Stronger Starts campaign, and would like to thank our local community for their votes.
“Corstorphine First Aid is a community focused charity and this money will be used to support our activity in teaching and providing life saving first aid skills to people across Edinburgh.”
The other groups to receive grant funding from the store’s Stronger Starts blue token votes include The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland [RZSS] and Corstorphine Primary School, as well as Fox Covert Primary School.
The funding will support RZSS and Corstorphine Primary school in their joint initiative, which sees representatives from Edinburgh Zoo get the pupils involved with nature and animals through educational demonstrations within the school.
The grant awarded to Fox Covert Primary School, will support the school’s breakfast club, ensuring that all pupils can have a healthy snack and a good start to their day.
Stronger Starts helps schools and children’s groups provide nutritious food and healthy activities that support young people’s physical health and mental wellbeing, such as breakfast clubs or snacks, as well as purchasing equipment for healthy activities.
Deborah Brown, Community Champion at Tesco Corstorphine Extra, said: “Our Tesco team would like to thank all of our customers for their help in supporting these three fantastic causes through our Stronger Starts campaign.
“Every vote helps us to provide funding to groups making a difference in our community.”
Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco said: “We are incredibly proud to award Stronger Starts grants to over one hundred schools and local projects, supporting the vital work they do for our children and communities.
“Since we launched our grants programme in 2016, more than £120 million has been given to more than 67,000 local schools and community groups.”
Businesses in Edinburgh are being invited to meet with 30 Council services and business-facing partners face-to-face. Meet the Council will be held on Tuesday 3 February at the Assembly Rooms on George Street between 10am and 1pm.
Local businesses are encouraged to register in advance to secure a space to the drop-in, with opportunities throughout the day to meet with key Council teams and hear about opportunities for business growth.
Offering a single point of access for business support, the event will bring together Council officers from:
Throughout the day, external partners will also be on hand to present and share their expertise, including:
Councillor Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Edinburgh continues to boast the strongest local economy outside of London and has the highest number of accredited Living Wage employers in Scotland.
“The innovation, success and resilience of Edinburgh business community play a key role in shaping our city as a distinctive and exceptional place to live and work.
“We are keen to build much closer relationships with local businesses, offering meaningful support, gaining a deeper understanding of the views, challenges and ambitions of business owners and working together to secure a vibrant, sustainable, and resilient economic future for the capital.
“We recognise the current economic climate presents real challenges. By working collaboratively with businesses and partners, there is significant opportunity to support and grow Edinburgh’s economy, champion the principles of Fair Work, and help to create a stronger, greener and fairer city for everyone.
“To support this, we are hosting an event that brings businesses together with our teams in person, offering the chance to engage directly with staff from a range of services that support the business community.
“Whether you’re looking for advice on funding opportunities, navigating licensing requirements, or exploring how we can better support employers, this event is an ideal place to connect with the right people and access tailored advice and support.
“The Meet the Council event is designed to support Edinburgh’s business community and help foster a thriving, greener, and fairer economy – as outlined in the Council’s Business Plan 2023-27.“
A police-led taskforce will continue its work to tackle shoplifting and violence against staff after securing funding in the draft budget for 2026-27.
The Retail Crime Taskforce was launched in April last year following £3 million investment from the Scottish Government to combat a rise in retail crime.
In the first year of operation, the Taskforce’s targeted approach to prevent, pursue, protect and prepare in areas identified as most at risk has resulted in 3,671 shoplifting charges and detections.
A further 508 charges under the Protection of Workers (Scotland) Act 2021 for offences against retail workers have been made along with a total of 807 arrests.
The funding announcement of a continued £3 million each year for the next three years, in the Scottish Government’s recent draft budget for 2026-27, comes in addition to an overall Police Scotland budget increase to over £1.7 billion – a rise of £81.5 million, or 5%, compared to the 2025-26 Autumn Budget Revision.
Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Shop workers deserve to feel safe, and retailers deserve to trade without fear of shoplifting. In less than a year, Police Scotland’s Retail Crime Taskforce has provided a visible and measurable impact on retail crime, working directly with retailers to prevent offending, pursue criminals, and protect shop workers.
“That is why the Scottish Government is providing a further £3 million in each of the next three years to continue this vital work – both preventing crime and ensuring offenders are held to account.
“This is in addition of a record £1.7 billion policing budget, enabling Police Scotland to deliver on frontline priorities and progress its transformation agenda.”
Mark Millar, Director of Stores for Boots in Scotland, said: “Tackling retail crime is a collaborative effort, so we are fully committed to working with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland to ensure that our retail stores and high streets remain vibrant, welcoming, and safe environments for our store teams and customers.
“As an active member of the Retail Crime Taskforce since its inception, we welcome this funding which will strengthen our ability to share intelligence between Police and disrupt public offenders.”
Assistant Chief Constable, Police Scotland, Tim Mairs said: “Since April 2025, the Retail Crime Taskforce has assisted local policing divisions across the country in tackling retail offences and bringing those responsible to justice.
“During this time over 3,600 crimes have been detected and more than 800 arrests made as a direct result of Taskforce-supported enforcement activity. In addition, our commitment to crime prevention has seen us liaise with numerous outlets throughout Scotland to offer specialist advice aimed at improving security and enhancing the safety of retail workers.
“The additional three-year funding we have received from Scottish Government is recognition of the significant progress made in the last nine months, but we know more must be done to tackle retail crime and we will not become complacent in our efforts to reduce crimes such as shoplifting and the assault and harassment of retail workers.”
An immersive exhibition of giant prehistoric animals opens at the animals opens at the National Museum of Scotland this weekend. Giants (31 January – 14 September 2026) showcases the enormous but often overlooked creatures that roamed the Earth after the extinction of the dinosaurs.
This is the Scottish debut of the spectacular touring exhibition developed by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and toured by Nomad Exhibitions.
Giants invites visitors on a journey through time, from 66 million years ago to the present day. The exhibition features life-sized 3D models, fossils and nearly complete skeletons including Paraceratherium species , the largest land mammal ever known to have walked the Earth, Otodus megalodon, the mightiest shark of all time, and the terrific Titanoboa cerrejonensis, the world’s longest ever snake.
Immersive displays transport audiences into the natural habitats of these colossal beings, providing context to their existence and eventual extinction. Interactives also invite visitors to step into the shoes of palaeontologists and biologists, engaging with the scientific processes behind fossil discovery and reconstruction.
New giants have since emerged, such as elephants, rhinoceroses and whales, but they too are now under threat of extinction. Giants closes with a poignant reminder of nature’s fragility and the urgent need to protect these animals for future generations.
Dr Sarah Stewart, Assistant Curator Paleobiology at National Museums Scotland, said: “I am delighted that visitors will have the opportunity to experience the spectacular Giants exhibition from this weekend.
“Popular attention on prehistoric life tends to focus either on dinosaurs or on our own earliest human ancestors, which leaves a relatively neglected gap of around 60 million years of natural history.
“The exhibition is a striking invitation to us all to think about that period, to see how nature adapts over time, and also to reflect on the ways in which current human activity is denying that time to today’s endangered giants.”
Giants is supported by a programme of events including talks by award-winning wildlife photographers Doug Allan and Gordon Buchannan.
Tickets for Giants are available to book now at nms.ac.uk/Giants
