ASH Scotland is encouraging people in Edinburgh who smoke to aim for a tobacco-free 2026 to save thousands of pounds and improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
The health charity’s call is part of its campaign encouraging people who smoke to give up using self-determination or access NHS Scotland’s free, expert stop-smoking support service Quit Your Way.
Quitting smoking is one of the most impactful steps a person can take to lower their risk of long-term smoking-related illnesses.
When people decide to make give up smoking as their New Year’s resolution, not only will they find their health can improve within days, but an average smoker can save in the region of £277 by 31 January and £3,332 by the end of the year.
With specialist support from Quit Your Way, people who smoke can access in-person or over the phone advice which can help to make 2026 the year they quit for good.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Tobacco can be highly addictive so, if you’ve tried to quit before and gone back to smoking, don’t be discouraged. Each attempt helps you to understand better what methods work best for you.
“Giving up tobacco is the most important step you can take to improve your health, your finances, and the wellbeing of you and those around you.
“You don’t have to face quitting alone. This New Year, we are encouraging people in Edinburgh who smoke to reach out to NHS Scotland’s national or local Quit Your Way stop-smoking service. With their specialist support, you’ll gain the confidence, tools and motivation you need to have a tobacco-free 2026.”
For tips and resources to help you quit smoking, visit QuitYourWay.Scot or call the Quit Your Way Scotland free helpline on 0800 84 84 84.
Recipients of blue light service medals in Scotland
King’s Police Medal
Joanna Farrell Chief Constable, Police Scotland
Stephen Dolan, Chief Superintendent, Police Scotland
Andrew Freeburn, Assistant Chief Constable, Police Scotland
King’s Fire Service Medal
Alexander Muir, Firefighter, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Stuart Stevens, Chief Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
King’s Ambulance Service Medal
David Lee Bywater, Lead Consultant Paramedic, Scottish Ambulance Service
KING’S POLICE MEDAL
Joanna Farrell, Chief Constable, Police Scotland
Chief Constable Joanna Farrell has an exemplary police career spanning more than 33 years across three Forces. For the past 6 years, she served as Chief Constable in Durham Constabulary and continues to serve as Chief Constable in Police Scotland, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic vision, together with personal resilience and commitment to public service. Recognised as a progressive and personable police leader, she places a clear focus on people, prevention and innovation, delivering a more efficient, effective and community centred policing for the public.
Chief Constable Farrell’s strategic leadership of Police Scotland has been a trailblazer for engaged well-informed decision making ensuring stronger outcomes for communities. She has carried this approach throughout her career, combining vision, collaboration and a clear focus on public benefit.
As the first female Chief Constable of Police Scotland, she is a role model to others both in what can be achieved but importantly how it can be achieved, through hard work and humility and without compromise on values and people focus, including family. Her approach to empowering and enabling staff goes beyond creating an environment for them to thrive, it is evident daily through her own personal demonstration of visible effective leadership in action.
Stephen Dolan, Chief Superintendent, Police Scotland
Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan has demonstrated exceptional dedication throughout his 32 years of distinguished service with Police Scotland and formerly Lothian and Borders Police. His career exemplifies unwavering commitment to protecting communities, building vital partnerships, and inspiring colleagues through compassionate leadership.
Beginning in West Edinburgh in 1992, Chief Superintendent Dolan’s early career showcased his tenacity in community policing and crime disruption. A pivotal role investigating sudden deaths and missing persons revealed his profound empathy, and helped shape his understanding of compassionate leadership. This experience propelled him into training roles where he mentored over 500 probationary officers.
In corporate leadership, Chief Superintendent Dolan delivered transformational change. He led the £21 million Mobile Working Project, rolling out devices to 11,000 frontline officers, saving 440,000 hours and enhancing officer safety and wellbeing—deemed “exemplary” by Scottish Government reviews.
Currently commanding Lanarkshire Division’s 1,350 officers serving 670,000 residents, Chief Superintendent Dolan has transformed partnership working. Council and NHS executives praise his compassionate leadership, particularly his advocacy for care-experienced young people and vulnerable communities.
His career embodies dedication, compassion, and distinguished public service worthy of the highest recognition.
Andrew Freeburn, Assistant Chief Constable, Police Scotland
Andrew Freeburn MBE served 32 years in policing across Northern Ireland and Scotland, rising from joining the Royal Ulster Constabulary in 1992 to Assistant Chief Constable within Police Service of Scotland.
As Assistant Chief Constable, leading Organised Crime, Counter Terrorism, Cyber and Intelligence with Police Scotland he worked tirelessly to build partnerships at the Scottish Crime Campus, driving collaboration across over 30 law enforcement agencies through the Multi-Agency Tasking and Delivery Board.
As Executive lead for Counter Terrorism, he strengthened key partnerships and embedded a ‘one team’ approach between Police Scotland and CT partners, directly increasing Scotland’s ability to mitigate terrorist threats.
Assistant Chief Constable Freeburn also served as Senior Responsible Officer for the ‘Policing in a Digital World Programme’, developing Police Scotland’s operational Cyber Strategy.
Beyond operational duties, Assistant Chief Constable Freeburn’s commitment to ethics and values shaped policing across the United Kingdom. He contributed to Police Scotland’s ethics framework and devoted 10 years lecturing Law at Ulster University Belfast. His community service included serving as Non-Executive Director for the Simon Community homeless charity (2017-2022) and as Trustee for the Police Treatment Centre and Police Children’s charity.
KING’S FIRE SERVICE MEDAL
Alexander Muir, Firefighter, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Alex Muir’s remarkable 46-year firefighting career demonstrates exceptional dedication to serving Glasgow’s communities. Joining the service in 1979, he served at Springburn Fire Station until 1986 before transferring to Cowcaddens Fire Station, where he remains today. Simultaneously, since 1981, he has been a pivotal FBU Scotland union official, now serving as West Area Secretary.
Throughout his career, Alex Muir has been an unwavering advocate for firefighter safety and employee rights, successfully campaigning for improvements that have enhanced outcomes for Scotland’s communities. His operational excellence is evidenced by his response to major incidents including the 1980 Fruit Market fire, 1987 Treron’s Department Store fire, 1989 Belgrove train crash, 1999 Melrose Street fire, 2004 Clarendon Bar fire, and 2014 School of Art fire.
Alex Muir’s unique ability to understand issues from both union and fire service leadership perspectives has helped shape Scotland’s fire service direction. His decades-long involvement in the trade union movement demonstrates sustained commitment to firefighter wellbeing. Through nearly five decades of service, his legacy encompasses not only the fires fought and lives protected, but also the countless firefighters he has supported through his union work.
Stuart Stevens, Chief Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Chief Officer Stuart Stevens has demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout his career with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), making significant contributions to community safety, operational excellence, and workforce development.
Chief Officer Stevens was instrumental in establishing the SFRS Prevention agenda during the formation of Scotland’s single national fire service, developing a unified approach to community safety through partnership working.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Officer Stevens provided decisive leadership that maintained operational continuity whilst prioritising staff safety. His calm approach ensured vital services continued during the national crisis, reinforcing public trust in the SFRS. He led the SFRS response to Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations, working with the Scottish Government’s Ministerial Working Group to implement necessary reforms and enhance fire safety standards.
A passionate advocate for firefighter safety, Chief Officer Stevens has driven s improvements which have created safer working environments and more effective emergency response capabilities.
Appointed Chief Officer in November 2024, his tenure exemplifies integrity, innovation, and unwavering dedication to public service.
KING’S AMBULANCE SERVICE MEDAL
David Lee Bywater, Lead Consultant Paramedic, Scottish Ambulance Service
David Lee Bywater has been a dedicated member of the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) since 1996, qualifying as a a in 2001. In 2022, he was appointed to the substantive role of Lead Consultant Paramedic and acted as the interim director of Care Quality on the board from April 2024 to May 2025, where he strengthened the link between the front line and decision making.
He demonstrated leadership in supporting colleagues during the challenging winter of 2024. Bywater possesses a deep understanding of the complexities of pre-hospital emergency care. He has collaborated with the British Heart Foundation to develop a UK-wide solution for public access defibrillator use and has worked with Police Scotland to reform the procedure for dealing with pre-hospital child deaths.
He played a key role in delivering SASs commitment to Scotland’s Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest strategy and leads on paediatric care in SAS. He is a reservist with Scotland’s charity Air Ambulance and teaches and directs courses in pre-hospital emergency care, paediatric life support and major incident management and continues to volunteer as a responder in rural communities.
You can still be over the limit the morning after and if you’re caught drink-driving you can get: – a minimum 12-month driving ban – a criminal record – up to 6 months in prison – a fine of up to £5,000
Our new exhibition on the Mezzanine, Books as Art, opens this Saturday 3rd January, our first day of services in 2026.
This exhibition presents a selection of artists’ books from the Art & Design Library, revealing the remarkable range and freedom of a form that continues to challenge how we see, read, and move through the world.
Bringing together works from Britain and abroad, the exhibition traces the many ways artists use the book as a site of exploration—from walking, observing, and documenting the everyday, to testing the boundaries between text and image, material and message, intimacy and public voice.
Social care pressures are spiralling. Integration Joint Boards have faced £497m pressures in 2025/26. A £750m investment in the Scottish Budget could stabilise the system, says COSLA:
Social care pressures are spiralling.
Integration Joint Boards have faced £497m pressures in 2025/26.
A £750m investment in the Scottish Budget could stabilise the system.
COSLA is urging the Scottish Government to provide a £16 billion boost in revenue in the Scottish Budget, to secure fair and sustainable funding for councils.
A demand for a £844 million general capital settlement has also been requested, plus a restoration of the Affordable Housing Supply Programme to £955 million, to maintain, repair, expand and secure the future of Council estates.
COSLA has launched a lobbying campaign urging the Scottish Government to use the upcoming Scottish Budget to provide councils with the fair, sustainable and multi-year funding needed to protect essential local services.
The campaign – ‘Strong Councils, Strong Communities’ – highlights growing pressures facing local government and the very real consequences of continued underfunding for communities across Scotland. The financial pressures in social care and housing are two key areas COSLA are asking the Scottish Government to specifically address in their upcoming budget.
COSLA warns that without urgent action in January’s Budget, councils will be unable to maintain essential services such as social care, education, housing support, roads, and community safety.
COSLA Resources Spokesperson, Councillor Ricky Bell, said: ““Scotland’s councils deliver the services that people rely on every single day — from caring for older and vulnerable people to keeping schools open, streets safe and communities thriving.
“Councils are facing greater demand than ever and are required to do more with significantly less. This is unsustainable.
“The upcoming Scottish Budget is a pivotal moment. The Scottish Government must deliver a settlement that matches the scale of the challenge. Without fair funding, communities will see services reduced and inequalities deepen, and we will struggle to meet national targets in key areas such as child poverty, housing, and net zero”
This year, councils continue to face rising inflation, increasing demand for services, and the continued impact of workforce pressures across social care and education. COSLA’s analysis shows that even maintaining current services requires substantial additional investment.
As a fair and sustainable overall financial settlement COSLA’s key asks from the campaign include:
An immediate £750m investment in social care.
Flexibility for councils to make local decisions that respond to community needs.
Recognition of local government as an equal partner in delivering national priorities and tackling inequalities.
COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison, added:“Councils work tirelessly to deliver for Scotland’s communities, however, continued pressure on resources makes this increasingly challenging.
“This is about safeguarding what matters most, support for the most vulnerable, opportunities for young people, support for families, and safe, thriving communities.
“We hope the Budget will reflect the vital role Local Government plays in Scotland’s public services.”
More than 93% of young people were in work, training or further study nine months after they left school, according to the latest figures.
The proportion in these positive destinations has grown from 85.9% in 2009-10.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “These figures show the proportion of Scotland’s young people achieving positive destinations is almost back to pre-pandemic levels and at a near record high.
“The increase among those in Higher and Further Education is hugely encouraging and testament to the hard work of those young people and the extraordinary support provided by Scotland’s teachers, lecturers and other support staff.
“The gap in positive destinations between young people from our most and least deprived communities has more than halved since 2009-10, but this latest data shows we still have more to do. We also know this cohort of young people faced significant disruption to their education during the pandemic.
“A range of support, including from careers advisers and the Developing the Young Workforce network, is available for young people considering their options after school.
“I am determined to ensure young people can access the right help they need to enable them into a positive destination and this Government will continue to invest in opportunities for young people across Scotland.”
Discounted train tickets from almost all operators in Britain will be available to buy between 6 – 12 January 2026.
the Great British Rail Sale is back, with huge discounts on over 3 million tickets – making train travel more affordable for everyone
travel by rail between 13 January and 25 March 2026 on thousands of popular routes
sale comes after the UK government has frozen rail fares for the first time in 30 years, putting money back in passengers’ pockets
Millions of discounted train tickets for half-term activities, weekend getaways and commuting will be up for grabs next week. The week-long Great British Rail Sale, running from 6 to 12 January 2026, will give passengers the chance to save well over 50% on many advance and off-peak tickets.
The reduced fares can be used to travel on thousands of popular routes between 13 January and 25 March 2026. Nearly all train operators are taking part, with routes spanning the length and breadth of Britain.
For those looking to visit museums or schedule meetings in the capital, £10 journeys are on offer from south coast destinations like Portsmouth to London Waterloo – that’s a 59% saving. Or for those planning a quick getaway abroad, journeys from Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport will cost just £1.20, down from £2.90.
The government is also bringing in major reform to Britain’s rail services by establishing Great British Railways (GBR) – the new, nationalised organisation to run the railway. GBR will bring together 17 different organisations under a single directing mind, cutting through bureaucracy to deliver a rail network that passengers can rely on and be proud of.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “The Rail Sale is back – and it means further discounts for passengers as we freeze rail fares for the first time in 3 decades to help ease the cost of living.
“We all want to see cheaper rail travel, so whether you’re planning a half-term getaway, or visiting friends or family, this sale offers huge reductions. It’s all part of our plans to build a railway owned by the public, that works for the public.”
This is the fourth year of the Rail Sale, with last year’s sale saving passengers around £8 per journey. Last year, over 1 million tickets were sold, bringing in over £9 million in ticket sale revenue for the industry.
Travelling by train remains one of the quickest and greenest ways to get around, with the government committed to getting more people onto the railways, cutting carbon emissions and freeing up vital space on our roads for emergency services and freight.
Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and CEO of Rail Delivery Group, said: “The Rail Sale gives people even more reasons to choose rail, whether it’s reconnecting with loved ones or exploring new places. Rail continues to play a vital role in the lives of millions, supporting local economies and offering a more sustainable way to travel.
“This year’s Rail Sale will offer millions of discounted advance fares across the network from 6 January, giving customers the chance to save on journeys big and small. By making rail travel more accessible, we hope even more people will enjoy the convenience and comfort of travelling by rail.”
Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitBritain, said: “The new year provides the perfect opportunity to hop onto a train and explore Britain’s great tourism treasures sustainably, boosting the economy by supporting our fantastic visitor experiences and attractions.
“Whether it’s a cultural break in one of our vibrant regional cities, a set jetting stay at a world-famous filming backdrop or the friendly welcome from our picturesque coastal and rural destinations, Britain has something for everyone to enjoy, creating memories of a lifetime for visitors.”
Scotland is shining as the ultimate luxury destination in acclaimed travel competition series Extra Mile Club thanks to a major collaboration between VisitScotland and American television network NBC’s NBCULocal division.
The national tourism and events body has teamed up with one of America’s most-watched TV platforms and luxury travel network Global Travel Collection to spotlight Scotland as a destination where heritage, culture, and luxury blend for an unforgettable experience.
The show, which aired right after the hugely popular Saturday Night Live, features Scotland in two dedicated episodes, as two travel advisor teams from Global Travel Collection compete to create perfect Scottish itineraries for celebrity clients.
Olympic medallists and NBC commentators Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir are treated to the VIP treatment in Scotland after requesting their trip location following their Scottish experiences while starring on the U.S. version of The Traitors.
Supported by targeted advertising across NBC and Peacock throughout November and December, these episodes are a key component of VisitScotland’s wider autumn/winter drive to keep Scotland top of mind for American travellers.
With the U.S. being Scotland’s largest and most valuable international market, contributing millions to the visitor economy each year, this partnership was created with aim to bring even more U.S. visitors to Scotland. It shines a light on Scotland’s most luxurious places to stay and the extraordinary experiences to be enjoyed.
To help viewers turn inspiration into the trip of a lifetime, VisitScotland has created a bespoke itinerary based on the show’s highlights, now available on its website. From private castle tours and luxury spa stays to fragrance-making and curated shopping in Edinburgh, the itinerary mirrors the celebrity experiences seen on screen – making it easy for visitors to plan their own unforgettable Scottish adventure.
The episodes, filmed in autumn across several regions, were shaped with VisitScotland working closely with NBC and the Global Travel Collection to reflect U.S. visitor motivations. This collaboration is set to continue with the Global Travel Collection and the national tourism and events body now linked to bring more of Scotland to its luxury travel agent network.
The first episode introduced viewers to some of Scotland’s most luxurious experiences. Highlights of the trip, which were crafted by rival advisors Tom Ho and brother team Michael and Steven Lieberman, included a stay at, a jeep safari, Cameron House Hotel and Spa, a private tour of Inveraray Castle by the Duke of Argyll, a yoga session with Kilted Yoga’s Finlay Wilson and a rainbow-soaked cruise on Loch Lomond.
The second episode, which premiered on Saturday 20 December, featured a trip on the opulent Royal Scotsman train from Wemyss Bay station in Inverclyde, fragrance-making sessions at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh to bespoke fashion creations by celebrated Scottish designer Siobhan Mackenzie.
The episodes premiered on US TV before being shared on YouTube with a bonus scene of Tara and Johnny being treated to an exclusive visit to Rosslyn Chapel in Midlothian.
In addition to the dedicated episodes, a recent edition of NBC’s Open House series features Andy Murray’s Cromlix Hotel. The segment is guided by wife Kim Murray, who oversaw its radical redesign a few years ago.
Vicki Miller, VisitScotland Chief Executive, said:“It has been incredibly exciting to partner with NBC and Global Travel Collection to bring Extra Mile Club to Scotland.
“The US is Scotland’s largest international visitor market in both volume and spend, contributing millions to our economy each year, with strong potential for continued growth.
“And Scotland offers so much to American visitors from our breathtaking landscapes and rich history to authentic connections with our people and culture.
“The show is also a unique way to showcase the work of travel advisors. They play a vital role in curating these bespoke journeys and remain an essential link to the US market. Our dedicated US travel trade team supports advisors with training, resources and both in-market and UK-based events to help them bring Scotland to life for their clients. This is complemented by our broader marketing, PR, and partnership activity to keep Scotland top of mind for US visitors.
“From iconic landmarks to bespoke adventures, we hope these episodes inspire even more Americans to plan their own Scottish adventure in 2026 and beyond where you will be guaranteed a warm welcome.”
Around 6.50pm last night – Tuesday, 30 December, 2025 – Police were made aware of disorder in the Albion Road area of Edinburgh ahead of the Hibernian v Aberdeen match.
Officers attended and a 26-year-old man was arrested for behaving in a threatening and abusive manner. He will appear at court at a later date.
An investigation is under way to identify further individuals involved in the disturbance.
Anyone with any information, or concerns, can approach officers or call 101 quoting incident number 1861 of Tuesday, 30 December, 2025.
A 20-year-old man was also arrested during the match in connection with a pitch invasion at the Edinburgh derby on Saturday, 27 December, 2025.
He was charged and will appear in court at a later date.
