All aboard for savings: the Great British Rail Sale returns!

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 sale comes as the government eases the cost of living for hard-working people by freezing rail fares for the first time in 30 years.

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.”

Extra Mile Club: VisitScotland partners with U.S. TV giant

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.”

Watch The Extra Mile Club Scotland episode 1

Watch the Extra Mile Club Scotland episode 2

Watch Open House Cromlix segment

PICTURES: VisitScotland

Man arrested and charged following football disorder

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.

Man sentenced for serious sexual offences against children in Edinburgh

A man has been jailed for serious sexual offences against children which took place in Edinburgh.

Brian Stobie, 70, was sentenced to 12 years and nine months at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday – Tuesday, 30 December, 2025. He was convicted at the same court on Wednesday, 3 December, and also pleaded guilty to indecent communication offences.

Detective Inspector Steph Garnett said: “Stobie’s actions caused immeasurable harm to his young victims. Over several years he deliberately exploited children, and such behaviour is abhorrent in every sense. He will now face the consequences of his despicable actions.

“We remain committed to ensuring offenders like him are brought to justice.

“We know it is difficult to come forward and report sexual crime, but be assured you will be fully supported by our specially trained officers and partner agencies. There is no time bar to reporting, regardless of when it happened, please contact us so we can fully investigate.”

Not Proven, no more

Historic justice reforms in New Year

The not proven verdict will be abolished in all new criminal trials in Scotland from tomorrow – 1 January 2026 – to help create a clearer, fairer and more transparent decision-making process.

On the same date, the jury majority required for a conviction will move from the current simple majority to at least two-thirds of the 15 jurors. In addition, measures to enable more detailed research into jury deliberations will also be commenced.

Abolition of not proven and the associated jury reforms are key measures in the landmark Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland)  Act, passed by the Parliament in September.

The Act will also make reforms to the Parole Board for Scotland including that the Board must take into account whether a prisoner has information about the disposal of a victim’s remains but has not disclosed it, and must consider the safety and security of any victim and/or family members as part of their decisions on release. These changes will be implemented through changes to the Parole Board Rules in 2026. 

The Scottish Government has already announced plans to commission, as a priority, research into how ‘rape myths’ – false, stereotyped and prejudicial beliefs about sexual assaults – may affect verdicts.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Victims, families and support organisations campaigned long and hard for the abolition of the not proven verdict and I am pleased that this historic change will take effect for all new criminal trials from 1 January.

“Not proven is a widely misunderstood verdict and one with no statutory definition. I have heard compelling evidence about the devastating impact that the not proven verdict can have on complainers because of its lack of clarity or lack of closure for them, and it can leave a lingering stigma for the accused. Such a verdict risks undermining public confidence, while the two opposing verdicts of guilty and not guilty are unambiguous and clear.

“Moving from a simple majority to a two-thirds majority for a criminal conviction alongside the change to a two-verdict system is a proportionate and balanced reform that is mindful of the unique nature of the Scottish system. 

“The reforms to parole to be introduced in 2026 will bring a further positive change for victims and their families by strengthening in law further factors that the Parole Board must consider in their decision-making. We want to ensure the parole system works for all those involved, which is also why we recently led a public consultation to inform improvements and ensure the system is transparent, trauma-informed, and delivers for everyone.”

The not proven verdict will be abolished for all new criminal trials in Scotland from 1st January 2026, under regulations laid at Holyrood.

This historic reform is part of the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Act, passed in @ScotParl in September.

Don’t ignore these signs your dog is scared of fireworks this New Year

With New Years Eve just around the corner, dog owners are being urged to watch for the lesser-known signs of fear so they can take early steps to comfort their pets, reduce exposure to loud noises and keep them safe.

The dog training experts from Acme Kennels have warned pet owners to recognise the more unknown indicators of stress in their dogs when fireworks are expected, to help prevent long term distress.

New Year firework displays can be extremely upsetting for dogs due to the loud, unpredictable sounds; and while barking and trembling are common signs of fear, more subtle cues such as showing the whites of the eyes, unusual tail carriage and swivelling ears should not be ignored.

Each of these signs offers owners an opportunity to intervene before fear escalates, and by being aware of these early signs, they can respond calmly and provide reassurance to help their dog feel safe and secure, preventing fear from worsening.

If these early signs of stress are missed, a dog’s anxiety can intensify, potentially leading to panic, injury, or longer-term fear and behavioural issues. 

Ben McFarlane, expert from ACME Kennels, said: “Unfortunately, New Years Eve can be extremely distressing for dogs, so it is important that owners recognise the early signs of stress to protect their pet’s welfare. 

“A dog that begins to show mild tension, such as body stiffness, lip-licking or a tucked tail, may quickly progress to trying to escape or a loss of toileting control if those signs are ignored as their fear and anxiety increase.

“By noticing and responding to these behaviours early, owners can provide reassurance, create a calm environment and help prevent fear from developing into a lasting problem.”

Six early signs of fear in dogs on New Years Eve, according to the experts at ACME Kennels: 

  1. Body stiffness and frozen stance: When a dog’s muscles tense and it “locks” in place, it may feel overwhelmed. Unlike a poised retrieve, a frozen stance implies uncertainty.
  2. Lip-licking and yawning: These displacement behaviours often surface when a dog is unsure how to respond. A dog yawning repeatedly or licking its lips could be signalling anxiety.
  3. Whale-eye (showing the whites of the eyes): Turning the head while keeping the body forward, revealing the eye’s white margin, indicates the dog is watching a perceived threat, and could be scared. 
  4. Tail carriage: A dog that carries its tail unusually low or tucked close to the body is expressing unease. On the other hand, a tail held rigidly upright can signal heightened stress rather than excitement.
  5. Paw lifting and pacing: Lifting a front paw or pacing in a confined area suggests the dog would rather escape the situation. 
  6. Ears pinned or swivelling: Dogs rely on ear position to filter sounds. Ears flattened back or constantly swivelling may reveal sensory overload, especially in noisy environments.

For more information on how to look after your dog, visit: 

https://www.acmewhistles.co.uk/acme-kennels

Brightness and joy as Ronaq serves up 50 per cent discount for January 

Ronaq, one of Edinburgh’s leading Indian restaurants, is serving up a new year treat for customers with 50 per cent off its entire menu for the month of January.

Having introduced the offer last year, bosses have been inundated with enquiries from diners keen to know if there were plans to run something similar to kick off 2026.

The good news is that the big discount will once again be running from New Year’s Day at the Comely Bank eatery, which is also a BYOB.

Whether it’s fragrant biryanis, signature karahi dishes or Ronaq specials, customers can now enjoy it all at a fraction of the price.

“The name Ronaq means brightness and joy and we hope to bring lots of that to our customers in January with this offer,” said owner Mohammed Shoaib, who has been serving the finest Indian and Pakistani cuisine since opening in 2014.

“It was really popular last January and I lost count in recent weeks of the number of people asking if we were going to do the same this time.

“We want to give back to our loyal customers and what better way than by providing them with a memorable Ronaq dining experience at a memorable price?”

Opening times from 1 January are noon-2pm and 5pm-10pm, seven days a week

International energy leader honoured with OBE

Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer, Heriot-Watt University’s Deputy Principal for Global Sustainability, has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Low Energy Technologies.

The honour was announced today (Dec 30) with the publication of the King’s New Year Honours List 2026, which recognises exceptional contributions made by individuals across the 15 Commonwealth realms.

An internationally recognised leader in energy innovation, Professor Maroto-Valer is Director of the UK Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC), based at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus.

IDRIC plays a central role in supporting the green transformation of the UK’s industrial heartlands. Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the national funding body for science and research, the centre brings together academia, industry and government to deliver practical solutions for economic growth to the country’s decarbonisation challenges at a scale that matters.

She also leads Heriot-Watt’s Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS ), a world-leading engineering centre, inspiring and delivering innovation for the wider deployment of technologies needed to meet carbon targets.

Professor Maroto-Valer was selected for the honour by King Charles III in recognition of her internationally respected leadership in energy and her remarkable contributions in low-energy technologies that reduce emissions while supporting long-term economic growth.

She said: “I am deeply humbled to receive this Honour. Addressing climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time, with low energy technologies representing not just an environmental necessity, but also an economic opportunity.

“This recognition reflects the collective efforts of the outstanding colleagues, partners and students I have had the privilege to work with in driving innovation, improving competitiveness, and ensuring a prosperous and sustainable transition to net zero.”

Professor Maroto-Valer is a globally recognised engineer whose work has helped shape the international response to climate change and supporting growth in a low-carbon global economy. Since 2022, she has led Heriot-Watt University’s sustainability strategy and goals, working closely with students, staff and alumni to embed sustainability across teaching, research and operations.

She also holds leading positions in a number of professional societies and editorial boards. These include her role on the UN Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET), a high-level, independent advisory council supporting the UN Secretary-General’s ambition to identify practical engineering pathways to net zero through expert scientific analysis and guidance.

Congratulating Professor Maroto-Valer, Heriot-Watt’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard A. Williams, said: “This honour is richly deserved and reflects Professor Maroto-Valer’s exceptional leadership, global influence and unwavering commitment to tackling climate change.

“Her work exemplifies Heriot-Watt University’s mission to deliver research with real-world impact, and we are immensely proud of her contributions to engineering, sustainability and the global energy transition.”

Professor Maroto-Valer will formally receive her OBE at a ceremony in 2026.

Library opening hours this week

Tuesday 30 December – normal opening hours

Wednesday 31 December– libraries closing at 5pm

Thursday 1 January – closed

Friday 2 January – closed

Saturday 3 January – normal opening hours

And don’t forget, Your Library is always open online for eBook’s, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers!

https://yourlibrary.edinburgh.gov.uk/web/arena

Hutton forensic soil scientist Professor Lorna Dawson named Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire

A leading forensic soil scientist from The James Hutton Institute has been conferred the honour of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the New Year Honours List.

Professor Lorna Dawson, Head of the Centre for Forensic Soil Science at the Hutton, was recommended for the award by His Majesty the King for her services to innovations in soil and forensic science.

An internationally renowned soil scientist, Professor Dawson has over 35 years of experience in managing and conducting research in soil and plant interactions, particularly their application in the criminal justice system.

She has reported and advised on over 200 criminal cases and written over 150 Expert Witness reports, both in the UK and abroad. Additionally, she has presented evidence in more than 25 cases, including the World’s End murders and the Sheku Bayoh Public Inquiry.

Professor Dawson has previously been awarded a Commander of the British Empire, having been named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in June 2018. She has also received a Special Recognition award at the 2017 Pride of Britain awards ceremony and is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Royal Royal Scottish Geographical Society, the British Society of Soil Science and the Royal Society of Biology.

Professor Dawson said: “I am deeply honoured and immensely humbled to be recognised with a Damehood in His Majesty the King’s New Year 2026 Honours List. This award reflects the extraordinary contributions of the Centre for Forensic Soil Science at the James Hutton Institute and the many dedicated collaborators who work with us.

“Soil science may seem an unsung discipline, but its applications — from underpinning sustainable land management, producing safe, nutritious food, to providing robust scientific evidence that supports the criminal justice system — make a real difference to society in the UK and across the world.

“I am grateful for the support of my family, my professional networks, and the wider scientific, policy, policing and legal communities, whose collective passion and expertise have made this pioneering work possible.”