Roads Minister tests the ‘Pothole Pro’ for National Pothole Day, following record £1.6 billion government boost

UK Government pledges funding to fix up to 7 million potholes in England this year

  • Roads Minister visits JCB plant in Derbyshire on National Pothole Day, to see how the government’s record £1.6 billion boost is fixing the nation’s roads
  • new funding includes £75 million for the East Midlands which will see councils across England fill up to 7 million more potholes this year
  • as part of its Plan for Change, the government is investing to boost infrastructure and tackle the pothole plague to get Britain moving

Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, is marking National Pothole Day (15 January 2025), with a visit to the JCB Factory outside Derby, to see cutting-edge technology helping councils tackle potholes.

Derbyshire, highlighted by the RAC as the worst area in England for potholes, is set to benefit from a share of the government’s record £1.6 billion investment to resurface across England.

This includes an additional £20 million for the East Midlands County Combined Authority, which includes Derbyshire, as part of a £1.6 billion funding for highway maintenance that will enable councils to fix up to 7 million more potholes.

At the J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited (JCB) power systems factory, the Roads Minister will speak to engineers to learn about the latest innovations being used to tackle the pothole plague. She will operate JCB’s ‘pothole pro’, a machine that can fix a pothole in 8 minutes, with a cost of around £30. The ‘pothole pro’ is currently used by 20 local authorities.

The minister will also meet with local leaders to discuss their plans for filling potholes to deliver safer, quicker and less costly journeys for all road users in Derbyshire. This is part of the government’s plans to work more closely with local authorities to ensure they have the powers to spend it where their communities need it most.

As part of its Plan for Change, the government is committed to delivering safer, smoother journeys – reducing delays, saving drivers money and going above and beyond its manifesto pledge.

Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: “Potholes are a clear sign of decline in our infrastructure and for too long roads like those in Derbyshire have been left in a state that endangers and costs road users.

“It’s time for change and we are investing £1.6 billion to fix up to 7 million more potholes across England this year, including over £75 million for the East Midlands Combined Authority.

“JCB’s ‘pothole pro’ is one of the many great examples of using new technology to repair potholes faster and demonstrates how companies are harnessing new technology to repair potholes faster.

“We’ll continue to engage with local leaders and industry to ensure innovations are being used to deliver roads the country deserves.”

Ben Rawding, general manager, municipalities at JCB, said: ” We are looking forward to introducing the minister to the benefits that innovation and technology can deliver in tackling the plague of potholes in our country.

“Last month’s announcement by the Department of Transport of £1.6 billion of funding for road repairs in England during 2025 is very welcome. Our appeal to the Minister will be for this funding to be spent wisely to ensure permanent long-term repairs become the priority for local authorities making best use of value-adding, productive technology such as the JCB pothole pro.”

RAC senior policy officer, Rod Dennis, said: “There’s no motoring-related issue drivers are more concerned about than the state of their local roads – where almost everyone’s journeys begin and end.

“Going beyond merely patching potholes is the name of the game, and using the latest technology to perform permanent repairs is a much better use of public money. To stop our roads falling apart in the first place, we support councils surface dressing them at regular intervals and resurfacing those that are beyond reasonable repair.

We’d also strongly encourage drivers to report potholes they’re aware of to their local authority, via GOV.UK, the RAC website or using the Stan app.”

https://twitter.com/i/status/1879423539310207058

The UK government’s latest road maintenance funding builds on the wider support it’s giving to councils to deliver core services and serve their communities.

£69 billion of funding will be injected into council budgets across England to help them drive forward the government’s Plan for Change through investment and reform and to fix the foundations of local government.

You can report potholes on GOV.UK, using the RAC website or the Stan app.

83% of drivers paying out of pocket for pothole damage

Insurance experts are urging drivers to understand how they can claim for motor damage caused by potholes. 

This comes after a survey from Quotezone.co.uk reveals 92% of drivers feel potholes in their local area are getting worse. 

Because of this, many drivers are having to take evasive action to help prevent an incident or unnecessary damage. 

Nine out of ten, (94%), admit to having swerved a dangerous pothole to avoid damaging their car, but the insurance experts say these actions could actually see drivers penalised, disqualified from driving, or hit with penalty points for careless and inconsiderate driving. 

Motorists could find themselves hit with fines of up to £2,500 if their attempts to avoid pothole damage are viewed as driving without due care and attention.

Of those who have experienced vehicle damage due to potholes, over four in five (83%) have paid out of pocket for repairs, while only 6% have claimed through their insurance company. 

Drivers can claim for pothole vehicle damage either through the local council looking after the road, local road authority, or through their insurance provider. 

It’s important to remember no claims discounts will likely no longer be in place for those who choose to claim through their insurance, and they will normally have to pay the excess fee, so it’s worth weighing up the savings. 

Before making a report to the local council, it’s important to gather as much information as possible to help prove eligibility to claim and that the damage was caused by a pothole – witnesses to the incident and evidence from a trained mechanic can help with this. 

Motorists are also told to record where and when the accident occurred and take a photo if it is safe to do so, noting the size and location of the pothole. Note the pothole in question normally needs to be at least 40mm deep.   Copies of this essential information can then be used when making the report to the council or local road authority depending on the area. 

Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “With the battle against potholes surging across the country, it’s not surprising to hear so many are having to make manoeuvres to avoid driving over dangerous potholes. 

“Costly damage to vehicles is the last thing any driver needs right now, but we want to help them understand what they are entitled to if they can prove they have experienced vehicle damage as a result of driving over an unrepaired pothole. 

“Many drivers are unaware their attempts to avoid car damage from dangerous potholes could see them penalised. From our survey, 66% of drivers admitted they were not aware swerving potholes was illegal. 

“However, with 92% saying the potholes in their area are an increasing problem and are not being fixed quickly or at all – it is not surprising to hear that so many are having to make potentially dangerous manoeuvres to avoid hitting potholes. 

“When claiming, it’s key to include as much information as possible – you could also provide contact details for anyone who witnessed the incident. 

“This will all strengthen your case when it comes to proving the damage was caused solely by the unrepaired pothole and helping you to secure the appropriate compensation. 

“If you have tried to claim through the local council and been turned away, you can look to your insurance provider for protection.  If your policy is fully comprehensive then pothole damage is normally covered as standard. 

“You will need to provide them with as much information as possible and help them to understand how the damage was solely caused by the unrepaired pothole. 

“However, when taking this route, it is important to remember your no claims discount will likely be affected, so check the policy details carefully and look for no claims bonus protection – also try quoting with the claim added to see if your premium price will change, to help you make the decision.”

Quotezone helps millions of UK drivers every year compare car insurance quotes and find real savings across all sorts of products including car insurance for learner drivers, affordable car insurance for new drivers and even fleet insurance.  

Foot and mouth disease

Risk level increased following discovery in Germany

Imports of cattle, pigs and sheep from Germany have been banned to protect farmers, their livelihoods and food security following the discovery of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in water buffalo in Brandenburg.

The risk level of FMD to the UK has been increased to medium.

FMD does not pose a risk to human health but is a highly contagious virus of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals.

This virus spreads easily through direct contact and airborne transmission is possible; and the disease can quickly affect entire herds/flocks. The Scottish Government will continue to monitor the situation – working closely with German authorities and other UK administrations to take necessary actions to protect livestock.

Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas said: “I appreciate the concern this latest development will be causing to the farming community and wider agricultural sector in Scotland.

“We have not seen foot and mouth disease in Scotland since 2001, and, alongside government restrictions, with strict on-farm biosecurity, compliance with the swill feeding ban, and the reporting of all suspicions of notifiable disease promptly – we can avoid a further outbreak.

“Quickly recognising clinical signs of the disease in livestock is vital to controlling and preventing it from spreading. In cattle and pigs the signs of disease are usually readily seen; however, sheep do not always show obvious clinical signs. I would urge sheep farmers to be particularly vigilant.”

Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said: “We have robust contingency plans in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers and our food security.

“The Scottish Government’s preparedness was tested in 2018 through Exercise Blackthorn which simulated a medium to large scale foot and mouth disease outbreak that had spread from England to Wales and Scotland and I am confident in our ability to manage any such occurrence.

“I am urging livestock keepers to remain vigilant for signs of the disease and remind them they have a legal requirement to immediately report any suspicion of disease in Scotland to the local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Field Services Office.”

Foot and mouth disease: preparedness – gov.scot

Foot and mouth disease: how to spot and report the disease – gov.scot

Contact APHA – GOV.UK

Livestock keepers are encouraged to:

  • source animals responsibly.
  • source germinal products responsibly and be aware of the disease status of exporting countries and collection centres.
  • be aware of the current disease situation in exporting countries.
  • ensure any animals imported have the correct paperwork and are compliant with the conditions in the export health certificate.
  • keep any susceptible animals that have been imported separate from other animals whilst under restriction.
  • if you suspect signs of any notifiable diseases, you must immediately notify your local APHA office. Failure to do so is an offence.

Police: Be aware – Bike thieves about!

There are bike thieves about. Make sure you ALWAYS secure your pedal cycle using the following guidance:

o Register your bicycle securely with https://orlo.uk/ukE4y it may help to recover it if stolen.

o Consider the use of a bike GPS tracker.

o Photograph and record all your bike’s details and distinguishing features. The serial number is generally located on the bottom bracket.

o If using social media, make your profile private.

o Never leave your bike unattended at popular riding destinations.

o Do not leave bikes unattended on vehicle bike racks, especially overnight.

o Consider anti-grinder bicycle locks

https://orlo.uk/ZP1Iz

Miles Briggs deplores ‘horrifying’ A&E waiting times in NHS Lothian

Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Lothian Miles Briggs has accused the SNP of presiding over “horrifying” A&E waiting times in Lothian.

Mr. Briggs’ remarks come after monthly A&E waiting times for November showed that only 58.5% of patients across Lothian were seen within the SNP’s four-hour target waiting time.

In the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the figure is at a shockingly low 44.1%.

This was below the average for Scotland which sits at 65.8%.

The SNP’s own target is for 95% of patients to be seen within that time after arriving at A&E.

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs says these waits are “unacceptable” and “undoubtedly put lives at risk” and insists that the SNP have failed to give dedicated staff the resources they need to see patients quickly enough.

Mr. Briggs says that the SNP’s failures mean A&E services in Lothian are in “permanent crisis” mode and that this could “spiral out of control” over winter.

Mr. Briggs has urged SNP health secretary Neil Gray to come up with a proper plan for the health service, which ensures money gets to the frontline, rather than being wasted on pointless bureaucracy.

Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Miles Briggs said: “A&E waiting times in Lothian are absolutely horrifying, and this is mirrored across Scotland.

“Far too many patients are waiting too long to be seen in Lothian and that undoubtedly puts lives at risk.

“These waits are unacceptable and successive SNP health secretaries have left Lothian and the rest of Scotland without the resources to meet the demands of patients turning up in A&E.

“My constituents in Lothian are at even greater risk than other Scots – and the buck stops with the SNP government.

“A&E departments are in permanent crisis mode and as winter continues there is a real danger the waits will spiral out of control.

“These waiting times must finally be the wake-up call for Neil Gray to deliver a proper plan to support Scotland’s NHS.

“This must prioritise getting money to the frontline in Lothian and across Scotland rather than being wasted on pointless bureaucracy.”

Reduce your Gas Bill this Winter

Below is a list of 10 tips from heating expert Matthew Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk on how to reduce your gas consumption and keep those winter energy costs in check.

Read on for everything you need to know…

1.  Unleash the Power of Insulation

Let’s begin with the foundation: insulation. A well-insulated home is like a cosy cocoon, retaining the precious heat and preventing those hard-earned pounds from escaping through the roof and walls.

Below is a list of ways to insulate your home:

  • Loft Insulation – The humble loft is often a major culprit in heat loss. Ensure you have sufficient loft insulation. The recommended depth for most homes is around 270mm. If your loft insulation is looking a little thin or patchy, consider topping it up.
  • Wall Insulation – Cavity wall insulation is a fantastic way to significantly reduce heat loss through your walls. This involves injecting insulating material into the hollow spaces between the two layers of brickwork.
  • Draught-Proofing – Those pesky draughts can sneak in through even the smallest gaps. Conduct a thorough draught-proofing inspection around your windows and doors. Look out for gaps around the frames, letterboxes, and keyholes. Employ a variety of draught-proofing methods, such as the following: Draught Excluders, which are soft, tubular devices that can be placed under doors to prevent the cold air from seeping in. Weather Stripping is a self-adhesive tape that can be applied to window and door frames to seal gaps. Window Film is a transparent film that can be applied to single-glazed windows to reduce heat loss.

2.  Master Your Heating Controls

Your thermostat is paramount in tackling high gas bills. Take a look at the tips below:

  • Temperature Tweaks – Lowering your thermostat temperature by even a few degrees can make a noticeable difference in your energy consumption. Aim for a comfortable temperature of around 18 – 20 degrees Celsius.
  • Embrace Smart Thermostats – Consider investing in a smart thermostat. These nifty devices can learn your heating habits, automatically adjust temperatures when you’re out or asleep, and can even be controlled remotely via your smartphone.
  • Timer Tactics – Utilise your thermostat’s timer function to schedule your heating to come on only when you need it. For example, you could set it to warm up the house an hour before you wake up and turn it down again when you leave for work.

3.  Embrace The Cosy

Sometimes, the simplest solutions can be the most effective. Take a look at the tips below:

  • Layer Up – Ditch the t-shirts and embrace the power of layering. Put on some cosy socks and jumpers, and snuggle yourself up in a blanket. You might be surprised just how much warmer you feel without having to crank up the thermostat.
  • Hot Water Bottles – These are a classic for a good reason! A hot water bottle can provide comforting warmth on chilly evenings, especially when curled up on the sofa.

4.  Heating Hacks

Below are some heating hacks that can help make your home warmer while saving you money on your gas bills:

  • Bleeding Radiators – Imagine your radiator as a water-filled pipe. If air becomes trapped inside, this prevents water from circulating properly, leading to cold spots and inefficient heating. Bleeding your radiators regularly allows you to release this trapped air, ensuring that your radiators heat up evenly and efficiently.

How to Bleed a Radiator

Take the steps below to successfully bleed your radiator:

  1. Run your hand over the radiator and check if it is cold at the top or the bottom. If the top of the radiator is cold, this means that there is air trapped inside and that the radiator needs to be bled.
  2. Start by turning off your central heating system.
  3. Then, place a rag or old piece of cloth underneath the valve so that you can catch any water that may start to drip out while you are bleeding the radiator.
  4. Use your radiator key and turn it anti-clockwise by roughly a quarter of a turn. It should start to hiss. Leave it open until the air stops coming out and water starts running out of the valve.
  5. As soon as water starts coming out of the valve, turn the radiator key to the off position again.
  6. Bleed any other radiators that need to be bled while your central heating system is still off.
  7. Check your boiler pressure.
  8. You can then turn your central heating system back on and the issue should now be resolved.
  • Radiator Reflectors – Radiators emit heat in all directions, including towards the wall behind them. This heat is then absorbed by the wall, effectively wasting energy. Radiator reflectors are inexpensive and easy to install. They are typically made of reflective foil and are placed behind radiators to direct the heat back into the room. This simple hack can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your radiators and make a noticeable difference in the temperature in your home.

5.  Kitchen and Bathroom Tips

There are several things you can do in the kitchen and bathroom to help lower your gas bills. Take a look at the list below:

Shower Power

  • Embrace the “Eco” Setting – Many modern showers have an “eco” setting that reduces the water flow. Even a slight reduction in water flow can significantly lower your energy consumption.
  • Timing is Key – Aim for shorter showers. Every minute counts when it comes to reducing water and energy usage. Consider setting a timer to keep track of your shower times.
  • Install a Low-Flow Showerhead – Investing in a low-flow showerhead can significantly reduce your water usage without compromising your showering experience. These showerheads are designed to deliver a powerful spray while using less water.

Lids on Pots

  • Boiling Point Breakthrough – Using a lid when you are boiling water or cooking using the hob creates a much more efficient and faster cooking process. The lid helps trap the heat within the pot, allowing the water to boil much quicker, and this helps to reduce cooking times.
  • Energy Savings – By reducing your cooking times, you are using less energy from your hob. This not only saves you money on your gas bill, but it also helps to reduce your carbon footprint.

6.  Government Schemes and Support

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

An EPC is a legal requirement for most properties in England and Wales. It provides a comprehensive assessment of your home’s energy efficiency, rating it from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).

The EPC highlights areas where your home is losing heat, such as poorly insulated walls or a draughty loft. By understanding your home’s energy performance, you can identify areas for improvement and prioritise energy-saving measures.

Government Grants and Schemes

The UK government offers various grants and schemes to help homeowners improve their home’s energy efficiency.

  • The Boiler Upgrade Scheme – This scheme provides financial support for homeowners and landlords to replace old gas boilers with more environmentally friendly alternatives such as heat pumps.
  • Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme – This scheme helps low-income and vulnerable households improve their energy efficiency through certain measures such as insulation and boiler upgrades.
  • Local Authority Grants – Local councils may offer grants or funding for energy efficiency improvements within their area.

It is very important to research and explore the available schemes to see if you are eligible and how you can benefit from them.

7.  Washing Machine and Dishwasher Efficiency

  • Take Advantage of Full Loads – Washing machines and dishwashers are designed to operate most efficiently when fully loaded. Running half-empty loads wastes both water and energy.
  • Utilise Eco Modes – Most modern washing machines and dishwashers offer an eco or energy-saving mode. These modes use less water and energy while still achieving an effective cleaning result.
  • Wash at Lower Temperatures – Washing your clothes at lower temperatures (30 or 40 degrees Celsius) can significantly reduce the energy consumption. Modern detergents are highly effective at lower temperatures.
  • Air Dry Dishes – If possible, air dry your dishes instead of using a heated dry cycle in the dishwasher.

8.   Switch Suppliers

The energy market in the UK is highly competitive. Energy suppliers are constantly adjusting their tariffs to attract new customers. Regularly comparing energy tariffs from different suppliers is essential. Consider using price comparison websites and energy-switching tools to easily compare tariffs from various suppliers.

When comparing tariffs, consider your annual energy usage. Some tariffs are better suited for high-usage households, while others are more cost-effective for low-usage households.

Be aware of any exit fees associated with your current energy contract. The switching process is generally quite straightforward. Your new supplier will handle the transfer of your energy supply from your old supplier.

1.  Energy-Efficient Appliances

Consider your choices of appliances and how they are affecting your gas bills. Take a look at the tips below:

  • High-Efficiency Boilers – Consider upgrading your old boiler to a more efficient model, such as a condensing boiler. Modern boilers are designed to extract more heat from the fuel, resulting in significant energy savings.
  • Regular Boiler Servicing – Regular boiler servicing ensures your boiler is operating at peak efficiency. A well-maintained boiler will use much less gas to heat your home.
  • Check for Boiler Issues – If you suspect your boiler is not functioning correctly (for example, it is taking longer to heat up or is producing unusual noises), call a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to diagnose and repair any issues.

2.  Mindful Habits

It is important to be mindful if you want to save on your gas bills. Consider the following tips:

Using Sunlight

  • Embrace Natural Light – Open your curtains and blinds during the day to allow the natural sunlight to warm your home. Utilise the sun’s warmth to help heat your home during the day, reducing your reliance on artificial heating.
  • Maximise Daylight – Position the furniture in your home strategically to make the most of the natural sunlight.

Use The Curtains

  • Prevent Heat Loss – Close the curtains and blinds at night to prevent heat from escaping through the windows.
  • Reduce Draughts – Curtains can also help to reduce draughts around windows, further improving your home’s energy efficiency.
  • Consider Thick Curtains – Invest in thick, lined curtains for added insulation.

Final Thoughts

By following these simple tips, you can significantly reduce your gas consumption and keep your home cosy this winter without breaking the bank. It’s important to remember to be patient. Making significant improvements to your home’s energy efficiency may take time and investment. However, the long-term savings on your gas bills will be well worth it.

Consider consulting a qualified assessor who can conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s energy efficiency and recommend targeted improvements. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t implement all of these tips at once. Start with a few small changes and gradually work your way through the list. Remember, even small changes can make a big difference!

We hope this comprehensive guide empowers you to stay warm and save money this winter!

MATTHEW JENKINS

Matthew Jenkins has worked as a self-employed tradesman in the domestic heating industry for over fifteen years. Matthew is a gas-safe engineer specialising in heating and plumbing.

He also works closely with MyJobQuote to provide expert knowledge to homeowners and tradespeople and has been featured in a range of established news outlets.

Edinburgh writers win prestigious Ignite Fellowship

Scottish Book Trust, the national charity transforming lives through reading and writing, has today announced the seventh cohort of Ignite Fellows, a prestigious award which supports established writers working on a significant project. The 2025 Fellows include Edinburgh-based writers Katie Goh and Carol Farrelly.

Ignite Fellows receive a £2,500 bursary and creative support tailored to suit their individual projects. Gaelic writer Seaonaidh Charity, based in the Highlands, has also been awarded an Ignite Fellowship this year.

Katie Goh is a writer and editor. Katie’s award-nominated essays, journalism and criticism have appeared in publications including Port, The Guardian, Wasafiri, i-D, Dazed and Gal-dem, and she is an editor for Extra Teeth and Gutter magazines.

Katie is the author of The End: Surviving the World Through Imagined Disasters, which was shortlisted for the inaugural Kavya Prize in 2022, and Foreign Fruit, their debut memoir, which will be published by Canongate in 2025.

Katie grew up in the north of Ireland and now lives in Edinburgh.

Katie Goh said: ‘I am delighted and honoured to be the recipient of an Ignite Fellowship.

“The Fellowship will support a creative non-fiction project, and I am grateful to Scottish Book Trust for this opportunity to further develop my writing as I take the plunge with a new book.’

Carol Farrelly is a fiction writer from Glasgow. Her short stories have appeared in journals such as Granta, Stand and New Writing Scotland, and have been commissioned by BBC Radio 4.

In 2021, her story ‘Turnstones’ won the Commonwealth Short Story Prize for the Canada & Europe region.

She has been shortlisted for the Society of Authors’ Tom-Gallon Trust Award, the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize, the Bridport Prize and the Alpine Fellowship. She is a previous Scottish Book Trust New Writer and Robert Louis Stevenson Fellow.

Carol holds a DPhil on Thomas Hardy’s fiction and is a graduate of the University of Glasgow’s MLitt Creative Writing programme. She is currently working on a novel, which travels from Dublin to Dumfries and Galloway.

Carol Farrelly said: ‘I am thrilled to receive an Ignite Fellowship: it’s such a gift. I cannot thank Scottish Book Trust enough for giving me the resources and support to focus on my work.

“Let the new year begin!’

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: ‘Congratulations to our three new Ignite Fellows, who are very deserving of this award.

“The Ignite Fellowship provides writers with essential mentoring, financial assistance and practical support that will help them reach new heights in their careers.

“We’re thrilled to support these writers on their next chapters and look forward to seeing how their projects progress.’

Scottish Opera celebrates healing through music with Breath Cycle live performances

Scottish Opera brings its pioneering health and arts initiative, Breath Cycle, to the stage with two special evenings of live performance at The Beacon, Greenock (31 January), and Glasgow’s Tron Theatre (1 February).

These intimate performances showcase the transformative powers of daily practice in breath control and vocal training for individuals suffering from a range of lung conditions, as well as supporting them to share their lived experience of coping with often life limiting lung conditions, through a series of song writing workshops.

The intention is to support people in their journey to reclaim their physical and mental resilience.

Award-winning composer Gareth Williams and writer Martin O’Connor lead an exceptional ensemble featuring Admiral Fallow’s Louis Abbott, operatic tenor David Douglas (pictured above), and actor-songwriter Frances Thorburn, accompanied by violin, cello, and piano who will perform their renditions of a selection of the songs that have been created during the workshops over the past three years.

Breath Cycle was originally developed in 2013 by Scottish Opera and Glasgow’s Gartnavel General Hospital West of Scotland Adult Cystic Fibrosis Unit, to explore whether building lung capacity and developing breath control as part of a daily vocal routine could prove beneficial to the physical and mental health and wellbeing of patients.

Scottish Opera repurposed the project during lockdown to offer support to people struggling with the debilitating effects of Long COVID.  Since Autumn 2021, nearly 500 people from Scotland and across the world have taken part in the Breath Cycle sessions mentored by Scottish Opera artists, and over 3000 individuals have accessed the online resources freely available from the Company’s website to use at home at their own convenience.

Last year, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) and Scottish Opera joined forces to develop online singing classes for people living with aphasia. These built on the Breath Cycle project, to unlock the therapeutic benefits of singing and song writing to people living with aphasia, which is caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls language, and in some cases leaves some unable to speak at all.

Jane Davidson MBE, Director of Outreach and Education at Scottish Opera said: ‘As we expand the Breath Cycle II programme in 2025, we’re excited to bring these remarkable stories to the stage for the first time.

‘Our ensemble will bring to life the experiences of Breath Cycle participants through songs crafted by Gareth Williams and Martin O’Connor. These performances not only showcase personal journeys, but also raise awareness about respiratory health challenges facing many Scots. Audiences will even have the opportunity to experience some of our proven breathing exercises and vocal techniques firsthand.’

Breath Cycle: A Story of Healing is supported by The Scottish Government, Cruach Trust, The Murdoch Forrest Charitable Trust and Scottish Opera’s Education Angels.

Tickets, priced £5 to £10 (pay what you can) are available now from www.scottishopera.org.uk/shows/a-story-of-healing-breath-cycle-on-stage/

www.scottishopera.org.uk

You can follow Scottish Opera on Facebook, Instagram and Tik-Tok @ScottishOpera

Milestone move as National Galleries of Scotland to host the Scottish Portrait Awards 2026

The Scottish Portrait Awards 2026

National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

Exhibition will run from Autumn 2026 – Spring 2027

Entries can be made 1 September 2025 and close 15 January 2026 at scottishartstrust.org/portrait

The Scottish Portrait Awards are back and bigger than ever, as the Scottish Arts Trust and National Galleries of Scotland announce a landmark move that will see the 2026 awards hosted at the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh for the first time

This exciting new home for the 2026 awards will bring deserved attention to the many talented contemporary portrait artists in Scotland today. Applications to participate in the 2026 Scottish Portrait Awards will open on 1 September 2025 and close 15 January 2026. Submissions are open to anyone over the age of 16 on 1 November 2026 and born or living or studying in Scotland, regardless of experience.

The Scottish Portrait Awards are excited to welcome television presenter and journalist Kirsty Wark as Guest Judge. With an impressive broadcast career, Kirsty presented BBC Two’s Newsnight for 30 years before going on to anchor BBC Radio 4’s arts and culture programme, Front Row. Kirsty joins a stellar line-up of highly respected artists and photographers who will select the works for the exhibition.

Joining Kirsty will be Guest Photography Judge Albert Watson OBE, one of the world’s most successful fashion photographers. Known for his iconic portraits including those of Alfred Hitchcock and Steve Jobs, Watson’s portrait of Sir Sean Connery is part of Scotland’s national collection.

Also joining the panel is Calum Stevenson, who was shortlisted for the Scottish Portrait Awards in 2020. Calum went on to be the youngest artist and first Scot to win Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year in 2021.

Organised by the Scottish Arts Trust, the Scottish Portrait Awards are a celebration of Scottish talent and creativity. Around 120 works will be selected for the fine art and photography exhibitions which will be held in National Galleries Scotland: Portrait from Autumn 2026 – Spring 2027.

All entries will be in the running for cash prizes totalling £16,000 which will be presented by the Scottish Arts Trust along with the opportunity to win one of two commissions for works that will join Scotland’s national collection.

The Scottish Arts Trust also runs a bursary scheme that will provide free entry to a number of artists who require any assistance. Details on the bursary scheme and how to enter the awards and can be found at scottishartstrust.org/portrait

The Scottish Portrait Awards exhibition will also include 50 works selected from the free-to-enter Scotland Now! Phone Portrait Award. Anyone aged 16 years or over and living in Scotland can enter with recent phone portraits taken in Scotland of someone who lives in Scotland. The Scotland Now! Award, which also carries a cash prize, launched in 2024 and attracted over 1,500 entries in its first year.

The Scottish Portrait Awards has been running since 2017 and is organised by the Scottish Arts Trust, a small charity largely managed by volunteers. Since its inception, the awards have discovered and recognised almost 500 incredible artists whose work features in the Scottish Portrait Awards online archive.

Many of the artists have continued to advance their careers with exhibitions and commissions. Previous award winners include many celebrated artists including Helen Wilson, Robin Gillanders and Graeme Wilcox.

National Galleries of Scotland have a longstanding relationship with the Scottish Portrait Awards with former judges from the galleries including Imogen Gibbon, Deputy Director and Chief Curator, Portraiture and Ben Harman Senior Curator, Photography. Michael Youds was working as a gallery attendant at the National Galleries of Scotland when he won the Scottish Portrait Award in Fine Art in 2019. Youds now has two works in Scotland’s national collection.

As well as celebrating contemporary Scottish artists, the awards also provide an opportunity to shine a light on some of the stories of the sitters in the portrait. Last year saw Jennifer Charlton become the first female winner of the MPB Scottish Portrait Award in Colour Photography with her winning photograph from a series titled A Hidden Community.

The sitters in her images were all volunteers – a mixture of friends and strangers who each courageously shared their stories on mental health, demonstrating how we live in a hidden community where mental health doesn’t discriminate. Since winning the award, Jennifer has become a media spokesperson for Women’s Aid.

Kirsty Wark, Scottish Portrait Awards Guest Judge said: “The Portrait gallery in Edinburgh is home to contemporary portraits and famous faces from Scotland’s past. It’s really exciting to have the opportunity to shine a spotlight on some Scotland’s amazing up and coming talented artists.

“I am thrilled to be part of the judging panel and to be supporting the great work of the Scottish Arts Trust.”

Sara Cameron McBean, who is a Scottish Arts Trust trustee and had the original idea for the Scottish Portrait Awards, said: “Ten years ago, a group of us were sitting around a table planning the creation of this new platform that would celebrate and promote portraiture in Scotland.

“We had no money and no staff. Our dream was always that the Scottish Portrait Awards would eventually come to the Portrait Gallery.”

Imogen Gibbon, Deputy Director and Chief Curator of Portraiture at National Galleries of Scotland said: “Portraiture can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. The success of the Scottish Portrait Awards lies in the multitude of stories behind and conveyed through each and every portrait.

“This will be one of the most ambitious exhibitions of contemporary Scottish portraiture of its time. We are making the announcement early because we want as many artists as possible to be aware of the opportunity to see their work hanging in the Portrait Gallery.”

Calum Stevenson, Scottish Portrait Awards Fine Art Judge, said: “The impact of the Scottish Portrait Awards are enormous, I was thrilled to have my self-portrait accepted for the exhibition in 2020 and I know that experience helped build my confidence when I entered and won the Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year in 2021.”

Gordon Mitchell RSW RSA RGI, Director, Scottish Portrait Awards and Fine Art Chair, said: “The Scottish Portrait Awards offer Scottish artists the best opportunities for exposure, engagement and recognition of work, and for some, career-changing impact.

“There couldn’t be a more fitting partner than National Galleries Scotland: Portrait to ensure more visitors have the opportunity to come face-to-face with the leading portraiture of the day.”

Simon Murphy, Chair of Photography, said: “The Scottish Portrait Awards is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get involved regardless of experience.

“The resulting exhibition will give a unique insight into contemporary portraiture in all its diversity”

Entries to the Scottish Portrait Awards 2026 open 1 September 2025 and close 15 January 2026, find out more at Scottish Portrait Awards — Scottish Arts Trust

Gordon Macdonald MSP calls out Labour’s betrayal of 24,230 WASPI women across Edinburgh

Gordon Macdonald MSP has hit out at UK Labour government’s betrayal of WASPI women as figures from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) reveal 24,230 women across Edinburgh may have lost out on pension payments.

As a result of the DWP’s failure to inform them of changes to the state pension age, it is estimated that a total of 355,910 women across Scotland did not receive money they were entitled to.

Now, following their electoral victory in July last year, the UK Labour government have reneged on their promise to compensate these women. The SNP however continues to call for the WASPI Women to receive the compensation they deserve, doing so again in a Holyrood debate this week.

Commenting, Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “The Labour government’s betrayal of the WASPI Women is utterly shameful.

“As many as 24,230 across Edinburgh have lost out as a result of a UK government mistake, and many have tirelessly campaigned for decades to right this wrong.

“For the Labour Party – after mere months in power – to break their promise to compensate these women is wrong and an enormous breach of trust.

“The SNP will continue to campaign alongside the WASPI Women for the compensation they deserve. I urge the Labour government to see sense and u-turn on their decision.”

Based on NRS mid-year 2023 population estimates

Local authorityNumber
Aberdeen City11,360
Aberdeenshire16,560
Angus7,990
Argyll and Bute6,670
City of Edinburgh24,230
Clackmannanshire3,320
Dumfries and Galloway11,120
Dundee City7,820
East Ayrshire7,860
East Dunbartonshire7,480
East Lothian7,170
East Renfrewshire6,130
Falkirk9,500
Fife23,710
Glasgow City29,560
Highland16,430
Inverclyde5,490
Midlothian5,630
Moray6,240
Na h-Eileanan Siar1,890
North Ayrshire9,730
North Lanarkshire19,840
Orkney Islands1,520
Perth and Kinross10,500
Renfrewshire11,240
Scottish Borders8,740
Shetland Islands1,380
South Ayrshire8,610
South Lanarkshire21,140
Stirling5,400
West Dunbartonshire5,820
West Lothian10,070

Dangerous driving in Saughton Road North: Witness Appeal

Road Policing officers in Edinburgh are appealing for information and witnesses following an incident of dangerous driving in the Saughton Road North area.

Officers are aware of a video circulating on social media showing a Honda Civic speeding at 82mph and overtaking numerous vehicles into oncoming traffic.

Enquiries so far have established the video was uploaded on Monday, 6 January, 2025.

Enquiries to trace the vehicle and identify the driver are ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to come forward.

Constable Alexander Marshall, from the Edinburgh Road Policing Unit, said: “This was an extremely irresponsible and reckless act, not only to be speeding at over 80mph in a 20mph zone, but to also use a mobile phone filming yourself while doing so.

“Putting the public at risk in such a manner will not be tolerated.”

“We are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the Honda Civic in question, or can help identify the driver, to please contact police on 101, quoting incident 0555 of 14 January, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”