As colder weather conditions remain, Water Safety Scotland (WSS) is issuing a warning about the dangers that frozen-over bodies of water present.
WSS aims to prevent fatalities and accidents and to alert the public that most ice-related incidents are preventable with the correct knowledge and behaviour.
Carlene McAvoy, from Water Safety Scotland, said: “We encourage everyone to enjoy the outdoors and the benefits it brings, but it’s important to do so safely and with awareness. One key risk we want to highlight is the danger posed by frozen bodies of water.
“While ice can appear solid and inviting, there’s no way to know if it can support your weight or how deep the water is beneath. For this reason, we’re urging people to stay well clear of frozen water, keep children away, and ensure dogs are kept on leads.”
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour, Scottish Fire and Rescue’s Head of Prevention said: “We don’t want your winter walk to end in tragedy so please avoid going near frozen water when you are out with loved ones and pets.
“Falling through ice could be fatal. While ice can look and feel solid, it can suddenly crack and cause a person or dog to fall through, potentially becoming trapped under the ice.
“Pets should be kept on leads and owners should avoid throwing objects onto the ice for them to retrieve.
“If anyone does get into difficulty on the ice, do not attempt to rescue them. Dial 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service, then wait for help to arrive.”
This is the key advice from Water Safety Scotland:
Most importantly, stay off the ice. Never be tempted to venture onto ice – you have no way of knowing how thick it is and how cold and deep the water beneath is. The water beneath could also be fast-flowing. Don’t ever risk it.
Keep a safe distance from the edge. Fallen leaves or snow could obscure the water’s true boundary.
Stick to well-lit areas – the reduction in daylight in the winter adds to risks around water
Check for safety signage. This can help inform you of hazards in that area you may not be aware of.
Always supervise children. Just a moment’s distraction could have serious consequences for a curious child.
Keep dogs on leads. Otherwise, they could end up on the ice and in danger. Also don’t throw sticks and balls for dogs near ice. If your dog falls through the ice, don’t go in for your dog – encourage the dog to swim over to you or use a branch or pole to pull them out without venturing onto the ice.
If you fall through the ice:
Float on your back with your arms and legs extended until you can control your breathing
Stay calm and call for help if possible
Look for something to hold onto to help yourself out the water
If you encounter someone who has fallen through ice:
Call 999 and request the assistance of the emergency services
Remain calm and give clear, accurate information about the situation and location
Do not attempt to go out onto the ice yourself
To support communities to share and display this advice in their local areas, WSS have developed ice safety resources such as posters, a leaflet and social media assets which are available from the WSS website to download and use.
These are free of charge and available to everyone. The resources can be accessed here.
UK government announces its first road safety strategy in over a decade, with a plan to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035
new consultations on minimum learning period for learner drivers, eye tests for older drivers and lowering the alcohol limit for driving to help prevent causes of collisions
the strategy will help save thousands of lives and deliver on the government’s commitment to growth, safer communities and easing pressure on the NHS
The first road safety strategy in more than a decade will save thousands of lives on the nation’s roads by tackling drink driving, improving training for young drivers and introducing mandatory eye tests for older motorists.
Launched today (7 January 2026), the strategy sets out an ambitious plan to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035, with an even more stretching target of 70% for children under 16.
Approximately 4 people die on Britain’s roads every day, with thousands more seriously injured each year, but through targeted action on speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seat belts and mobile phone use, thousands of these tragedies can be prevented.
The government will consult on lowering the drink drive limit in England and Wales, which has remained unchanged since 1967 and is currently the highest in Europe.
In 2023, 1 in 6 road fatalities involved drink driving, but a consultation will explore the use of preventative technology, such as alcohol interlock devices and new powers to suspend driving licences for those suspected of drink or drug driving offences.
This could mean that, in future, some drink drive offenders might be required to have one of these devices fitted to their vehicle as a condition of being allowed to drive again.
With the number of older drivers continuing to rise as Britain’s population ages, a consultation on mandatory eyesight testing for those over 70 will be launched, while options for cognitive testing will also be developed to protect all road users.
New measures will also target the growing problem of illegal number plates, including ‘ghost’ plates designed to fool camera systems, while also cracking down on uninsured drivers and vehicles without a valid MOT.
Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, said: “Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities. For too long, progress on road safety has stalled. This strategy marks a turning point.
“We are taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone, from new drivers taking their first lessons to older motorists wanting to maintain their independence. The measures we are announcing today will save thousands of lives over the coming decade.”
Local Transport Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: “Our vision with this ambitious road safety strategy is clear: to ensure that people can travel safely on our roads however they choose.
“One of the hardest parts of my job is speaking to families who have lost loved ones on our roads and this is something we as a government are taking action to prevent. No family should have to endure that loss, and this strategy sets out how we will work to ensure fewer do.
“Experts and campaigners have long called for a comprehensive strategy that treats road safety as a shared responsibility – from car manufacturers and town planners to drivers and legislators.
“This strategy, the first in over a decade, shows a government that is not just listening, but leading and together, we can build a safer future for all road users.”
Independent road safety campaigner, Meera Naran MBE, whose 8-year-old son Dev died in a road traffic collision, said: “I welcome this much-anticipated road safety strategy and am pleased to see a number of measures set out to reduce road deaths and serious injuries.
“I am especially grateful to the Secretary of State for giving me her word that she would honour Dev and recognise the importance of legislative change to adopt the General Safety Regulations, as Dev’s Law and for delivering on that commitment.
“I look forward to working closely with the department to ensure that the appropriate steps are taken to establish a robust and effective framework.”
Over the past decade, 22 European countries have made more progress than the UK in reducing road fatalities, causing Britain to slip from third to fourth in European road safety rankings.
This strategy, therefore, sets out a new approach to reverse a decade of stalled progress. The bold strategy adopts the internationally recognised Safe System approach, which acknowledges that while human error is inevitable, deaths and serious injuries are not.
Rather than placing responsibility solely on individual drivers, the system ensures that road design, vehicle safety, enforcement and education work together to protect all road users.
A new Road Safety Investigation Branch will analyse collision patterns and inform prevention strategies, drawing on linked police and healthcare data to identify root causes and target interventions more effectively.
The strategy also mandates 18 new vehicle safety technologies, including autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. This will ensure drivers and road users in Great Britain benefit from access to these cutting-edge technologies and support growth by requiring manufacturers to meet the same requirements across Europe.
Edmund King OBE, Director of The AA Charitable Trust and AA president, said: “This is a positively radical reframing of road safety, which is long overdue. We commend the government for its wide ranging and ambitious strategy and ambitious targets, which we hope will save the lives of thousands of people.
“Tackling drivers who drive under the influence of drink or drugs, people who don’t wear their seatbelts and those getting behind the wheel without insurance are key to reducing road deaths and serious injuries. We also endorse the mantra of road safety being a lifelong education, not just when learning to ride or drive.”
IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards, Nicholas Lyes, said: “After what can be described as a lost decade in terms of reducing the number of killed and seriously injured on the roads, we welcome the government’s commitment to ambitious targets and robust policies to make our roads safer.
“The strategy focuses on all key aspects, including behaviours, training, vehicle technology and enforcement – all of which play a crucial role in keeping us safe on the road. An emphasis on younger drivers and motorcycle safety is particularly positive, considering these are some of our most vulnerable road users.
“We’re also pleased to see action being taken on drug driving, which is a growing menace and by giving police additional powers to take action against those caught at the roadside, it will serve notice that such dangerous behaviours will not be tolerated.”
A new Road Safety Board, chaired by the Minister for Local Transport, will oversee delivery of the strategy, supported by an expert advisory panel drawing membership from local authorities, emergency services, active travel groups and road safety organisations.
An estimated 1 in 3 road traffic fatalities involves someone driving or riding for work, prompting the launch of a National Work-Related Road Safety Charter pilot. This will establish a national standard for employers requiring people to drive or ride for work, covering HGVs, vans, cars, motorcycles, e-cycles and cycles. It aims to help businesses in both the public and private sectors reduce work-related road risk by promoting good practice, accountability and compliance with existing legislation.
The success of this strategy depends on strong partnerships between government, local authorities, businesses, road safety professionals, emergency services and the public working together to ensure that every journey starts and ends safely.
RAC road safety spokesperson, Rod Dennis, said: “We’ve long said the dial needs to be turned up when it comes to reducing road casualties, so we warmly welcome this strategy – and especially the reintroduction of casualty reduction targets, that were scrapped 16 years ago.
“The simple truth is that this strategy can’t come soon enough. Britain might have some of the safest roads by international standards, but on average, 4 people are still killed and 76 seriously injured every single day. That’s an unacceptable number of lives being ruined or cut short.
“The strategy addresses many areas we know drivers are concerned about, including drink and drug-driving, ‘ghost’ plates and dazzling headlights. The inclusion of a commitment to consult on the use of alcohol interlocks for convicted drink-drivers – which are internationally proven to save lives – is particularly encouraging, especially given the extent to which drivers are supportive of their use.
“It’s also positive to see proposals on the table for both improving young driver safety and tackling the scourge of uninsured drivers who push up motor insurance costs for everyone.
“It’s important to remember that the ultimate success of any new or updated penalties or laws will depend on awareness among drivers and enforcement.
“But undoubtedly, this strategy is a real chance to give the whole topic of road safety the focus and public attention it deserves. What we need now is for it to quickly evolve into a set of concrete actions that make the roads safer for everyone.”
Aldi’s first-ever Great Scottish Supper brings pipers, poetry and haggis to Scottish primary schools
Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils in Edinburgh the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.
The UK’s Cheapest Supermarket 2024 is set to host its first-ever Great Scottish Supper, with one primary school class winning an unforgettable Robert Burns celebration.
As one of the country’s biggest supporters of Scottish food and drink, Aldi Scotland is encouraging the next generation to sample some of the nation’s most-loved dishes while taking part in celebrations that honour Scotland’s national poet.
Schools across the country are invited to take part, with one primary school class set to receive everything they need to host a memorable Burns Day feast, including the traditional haggis, neeps and tatties, as well as more contemporary dishes such as haggis bon bons and vegetarian haggis. A bagpiper will also perform the ceremonial piping-in of the haggis.
To participate, primary school classes of any age are invited to submit original Scots poems, giving pupils the opportunity to engage creatively with Scottish heritage and literature in true Burns style.
Poems should capture the spirit and traditions of Robert Burns by telling his story in a modern and imaginative way.
The initiative is open to any primary school class in Scotland. To enter, schools should send their original poems to to scottishcompetition@aldi.co.uk by Friday 23rd January 2026. Schools can submit more than one poem per class.
Alan Leslie, Buying Director, at Aldi Scotland said: “As one of the most loyal supporters of Scottish food and drink, we believe we have a responsibility to ensure Scots of all ages can experience our most iconic culinary traditions.Burns Day is the perfect occasion for our youngest generation to enjoy some of the outstanding produce Scotland is famous for.
“Centuries after his lifetime, Robert Burns remains Scotland’s most celebrated poet, and what better way to honour his legacy than by encouraging young people to explore their own creativity?
“We’re really looking forward to reading the poems from primary classes across the country and are excited to bring our first-ever Great Scottish Supper to a deserving school.”
As Which?’s Cheapest Supermarket of 2024, Aldi continues to offer some of the best value deals on locally sourced Scottish food and drink.
For Burns Day, shoppers can pick up a selection of traditional and contemporary dishes, including:
Simon Howie Sweet Chilli Haggis Bon Bons, £2.45, 240g
Simon Howie Curried Haggis Bon Bons, £2.45, 240g
Punjab Pakora Square Sausage Bites with spicy chili dip, £1.89, 200g
Punjab Pakora Iron Brew infused chicken pakora, £1.99, 200g
Bells Burns Supper Pie, £2.49, pack of two
Aldi’s diverse range of locally produced products are available at all of Aldi’s 112 Scottish stores. Available while stocks last.
Entries for the Great Scottish Supper open on 6 January, and will be accepted until Friday 23 January. The winning class will be contacted by January 30.
The winner will receive a £100 Aldi voucher to cater for their celebrations, with the supermarket also arranging a bagpiper for the event.
Road Policing officers are appealing for information after a serious crash in Edinburgh.
The incident happened around 12.30am on Thursday, 1 January, 2026 on Queensferry Road near Dean Bridge and involved a male pedestrian and a white Suzuki Ignis.
Emergency services attended, and the pedestrian, an 81-year-old man, was taken to hospital for treatment to what are described as serious injuries.
No other injuries were reported.
Officers are appealing to those in the area at the time to come forward with information.
Sergeant Christopher Bright, of Road Policing East, said: “We are appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash or who has any information to come forward.
“We know that this was a busy evening with it being Hogmanay and that there were a number of pedestrians and vehicles in the area at the time, so we’d ask those who have yet to speak to us to get in touch.
“In addition, we’d ask those with dash-cam footage to review this to see if it has captured anything significant.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0161 of 1 January, 2026.
Kind-hearted visitors at The Centre, Livingston have helped raise a total of £18,985.54 for its charity partner, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, (CHAS), which it has continued to support around the festive period since 2022, hosting various events, including the recent first-ever Elf School.
The charity, which has been supporting babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families for over 30 years, has also been gifted free pop-up space in the shopping centre to host their own fundraising and awareness events and marketing support.
CHAS is the only charity providing children’s hospice services in the country. They have two hospices, one in Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch on the edge of Loch Lomond. The hospices provide palliative and end-of-life care, as well as respite for the entire family, in a home-from-home environment and counselling support for families.
The aim is to help give children the freedom to be themselves, to play outside, laugh, sparkle, smile and have treasured moments of joy, and spend precious time with their loved ones to create special memories.
Over the years shoppers have also kindly donated funds at the mall’s first-ever space-themed event in October last year, a movie night, Elf Walks and fashion events.
Shoppers who enjoyed free visits to see Santa in December also kindly donated to the charity.
Zhenya Dove, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We are so grateful to everyone at The Centre, Livingston and to the entire community for their incredible support over the festive season.
“Your generosity brings light into the uncertainty many families in our care have to live with.
“It gives them a chance to make memories they will treasure forever. That joy happens because of you. Thank you for helping us fill not just the holidays, but the entire year with moments worth remembering.”
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “CHAS is an incredible charity doing amazing work to help children and their families to create magical moments together at such a difficult time in their lives.
“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped us to raise this fantastic amount of money over the years, including our visitors, retailers and our team, to ensure they can continue to help even more children and their families.”
NHS Scotland long waits have fallen for the sixth consecutive month with significant year-on-year increases in activity, according to new figures published today.
Public Health Scotland data shows that the number of patients waiting over 52 weeks for an outpatient appointment fell by 12.8% in a single month between October and November 2025 – numbers are now lower than April 2025. Inpatient and day case treatment waits of 52 weeks are also down compared to April 2025.
Backed by £135.5 million of targeted Scottish Government funding, the figures show progress in other areas, including:
a 6% drop in the waiting list for new outpatient appointments between April and November 2025
more than 265,000 inpatient / day case procedures carried out over a 12-month period to November 2025, a 3.8% increase on the previous year
over 1.3 million outpatient appointments in a 12-month period to November 2025, up 2.8% from the previous year.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “These figures demonstrate real and sustained progress in reducing waiting times for patients across Scotland, ensuring thousands more people receive the care they need.
“We have delivered record investment of £21 billion for health and social care, with £135.5 million of additional funding targeted at specialty areas with the longest waits.
“There is still much more to do, but I am encouraged that we are demonstrating consistent month-on-month improvement. We remain committed to ensuring no patient waits longer than 52 weeks by March 2026.”
GRANTON YOUTH at ROYSTON WARDIEBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE
Our Youth Clubs return next week and we’ve adjusted the timings on Mondays EVER so slightly to allow our team more time to make sure we are delivering the best groups possible!
We’re looking forward to welcoming the 330+ young people we have worked with so far this term and of course, yourself if you are interested in joining us!
Please see our posters for details on the youth clubs you can attend!
As always, our full provision, info on our team, and up to date news are all listed at www.grantonyouth.com and you can follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X for regular updates!
(PLEASE NOTE Pitt Groups are not back until 27th January and we will announce this in a separate post)
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
Join us in the orchard for our annual Wassailing: a joyful winter gathering to sing, share, and mark the turning of the year together.
Led by Penny Stone, we’ll sing traditional and contemporary wassailing songs, spend time outdoors, and celebrate the season as a community. Apple-based food and drinks will be available by donation.
All are very welcome — whether you come to sing along, listen, or simply enjoy the atmosphere!
