Celine Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer of The Yard, a national Scottish charity, has been honoured by the King in the 2026 New Year’s Honours. The OBE for Services to Children and Families marks Celine’s 20th year leading a dynamic team that strives to improve the lives of families in Scotland.
The Yard offers wraparound family support to more than 3600 disabled children and their families from birth to young adulthood from their inspiring and inclusive indoor and outdoor centres in Edinburgh, Fife Glasgow and Dundee. Children can play, grow and connect, while families feel supported, empowered and included and can access a broad range of family supports at point of need, with no diagnosis required.
The Yard’s work includes tailored family support (including 1:1 support), early years sessions, youth clubs, school play sessions, carer respite services, kinship carer support, outreach inclusive play service for children with medically complex needs and a new disability and neurodiversity place-based hub (EDAN) as well as disability inclusion training for professionals.
Celine is driven by personal passion. She found The Yard after her then five-year-old son was diagnosed with autism and she struggled to find places for him to play.
At the time, The Yard was a small community project offering a few play sessions from a rundown centre in Edinburgh and was on the brink of closure. But what started as a personal search grew into a passionate mission.
In 2005, she joined the Board, then stepped into the role of part-time Chief Executive in 2006.
Like many charities, The Yard grew from humble origins. In the early days, The Yard supported around 50 children with three part-time staff and a turnover of £100,000. Today, it supports over 3600 children and families, employs over 80 staff, and has an annual turnover of £3.2 million.
This year, a new centre opened in Glasgow — the fourth after Edinburgh, Fife, and Dundee — marking another milestone in its remarkable growth and reach. In addition, the Dundee service reopened in the Summer after an ambitious transformation, becoming a fully accessible and welcoming space.
Under Celine’s leadership, The Yard has evolved into a national charity that strives to influence policy, pioneer collaborative, transformative models of support, and promote a better understanding of what underpins meaningful inclusion.
Celine said, “I am absolutely thrilled to have the contribution of The Yard model recognised in this way. It has been a chance to reflect on my 20-year career in the third sector and, more importantly, an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful team, paid and volunteers, who make The Yard what it is today.
“Our team provides a vital lifeline for thousands of families with a disabled child each year, who are at increased risk of poverty, isolation, and discrimination. Many of our families tell us that they often struggle emotionally and practically, feeling lost and alone when they learn that their child is on a different developmental path.
“This honour is a tribute to the devotion and commitment of my incredible colleagues, trustees and supporters and a celebration of all that our families achieve. As I absorb this wonderful news, I want to reaffirm my commitment to the sector and the growing number of families who benefit from our care and support.
“As we continue to grow The Yard into a nationally recognised Centre of Excellence across Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow and Fife, I remain fully dedicated to our mission of fostering meaningful inclusion across Scotland.”
Ian Harris, Chair of the Board, said, “We are truly humbled to have Celine’s inspirational and dynamic leadership nationally recognised with an OBE for Services to Children and Families.
“It is also an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of the sector and the success of collaborative working with our many supporters and partners. Everyone wants to believe their job makes the world a better place and at The Yard, we know they do.
“Every day we are proud to witness the dedication of our team and what they achieve under Celine’s steerage and look forward to building new partnerships that further support children and families in Scotland.”
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations officially began last night (29 December) as Hearts and Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon kicked off the city’s Torchlight Procession alongside Vikings from Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad, igniting four days of New Year celebrations in the capital.
Fresh from an exhilarating year that saw Scotland’s national team qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Gordon’s appearance at the helm of the procession in his hometown marked a powerful moment of Scottish pride as 2025 draws to a close.
The local hero and Hearts No.1 played a key role in Scotland securing their first World Cup place in 28 years in an action-packed game against Denmark, with the Tartan Army heading to the US in 2026 to take on Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.
Over 15,000 participants and 10,000 spectators took part in the spectacular Torchlight Procession which is supported by presenting partners EventScotland, part of Visit Scotland, following Gordon’s lead and weaving a dramatic river of fire through Edinburgh’s historic Old Town in support of local and national charities One City Trust, When You Wish Upon a Star Scotland, Simon Community Scotland and Age Scotland.
£2 from each torch and £1 from every procession ticket sold is donated directly to make a difference in communities across Edinburgh and Scotland. Along with other ticket donations from Edinburgh’s Hogmanay events, the festival has already raised over £40,000 for the local charities and will continue to fundraise over the coming days.
The fiery festivities began in the Meadows, where participants of all ages enjoyed a host of entertainment including live street theatre, pipe bands and drummers. A firm favourite with families, locals and visitors alike, the Torchlight Procession is rooted in Celtic and Norse traditions aimed at banishing winter darkness and welcoming in the New Year.
Scotland International Craig Gordon was joined by Vikings from Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad in guiding the crowd through the capital, finishing with a fiery finale beneath Edinburgh Castle before revellers headed to the official Torchlight After Party at Assembly Rooms, hosted by BBC Scotland’s Vic Galloway, for a night of live music and DJs featuring Edinburgh bands Swim School, Waverley. and Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite.
The Torchlight Procession is the start of the world’s New Year celebrations, as well as Edinburgh’s four-day celebrations, with festivities running until 1 January.
On 30 December, Assembly Rooms hosts a night of side-splitting comedy at Ho-Ho-Hogmanay, and a very special acoustic gig from Glasvegas, while Peat & Diesel headline the Night Afore Concert in West Princes Street Gardens, supported by RuMac and Levi Heron.
On the 31 December, Wet Leg headline the iconic Concert in the Gardens, supported by Scottish stars Hamish Hawk and Lucia & The Best Boys, with 2manydjs and Valtos bringing the beats at the legendary Street Party alongside a traditional Scottish stage hosting Valtos, The Poozies and more.
New Years Day will welcome First Footin’, the free, live music trail spanning the city’s Old and New Towns, as well as Muckle be the Light, a cultural recap with poet Michael Pederson, Garbage singer Shirley Manson and guest speaker Nicola Sturgeon, as well as a day of free family fun at Sprogmanay.
Many events are already sold-out, so those looking to join the celebrations are advised to grab their tickets fast to avoid disappointment.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2025/26 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of EdinburghCouncil and Major Event Partners the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund throughCreative Scotland, and EventScotland, all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations for Scotland.
The full Edinburgh’s Hogmanay line-up, as well tickets and set times, can be found at www.edinburghshogmanay.com
KING’S NEW YEAR HONOURS 2026CELEBRATE COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS
First Minister John Swinney has paid tribute to Scotland’s recipients of The King’s New Year’s Honours.
In recognition of exceptional contributions to public life, this year’s awards aim to celebrate community champions.
The Rt Hon Adam Ingram receives a knighthood for Parliamentary and Political Service. Also receiving a knighthood is Professor Simon Milne, Regius Keeper and Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for services to Botany, Conservation and Horticulture.
Professor Lorna Dawson, head of the Centre for Forensic Soil Science at the James Hutton Institute has been appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to innovations in soil and forensic science
Among those receiving the CBE are Professor Susan Rigby, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, for services to higher education, Mr William Watt, chair of the Scottish National Investment Bank, for services to the Economy and Professor Jill Belch, Professor of Vascular Medicine at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, for services to Medicine and Public Health.
Those being awarded an OBE include Ann Budge, businesswoman and lately Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Heart of Midlothian Football Club, for services to sport and to the community in Midlothian, Dr Kirsty Darwent, Chair of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Chair of Redress Scotland for services to the people of Scotland and Dr James Craig who receives an OBE for services to Scottish Association Football and to Charity.
Speaking about the honour, Ann said; “This is an incredibly proud moment, not just for myself but for my family too, because their support across the years allowed me to focus on doing the very best job that I could for Heart of Midlothian Football Club.
“Although sport has been such a big part of my life over the past decade, so too has community. Transforming Hearts’ relationship with the local community, and driving it forward, has been a passion of mine. To therefore be recognised for services to both sport and community is a very rewarding feeling.
“I must also thank the staff at Hearts. Without their involvement, we would not have been able to achieve what we set out to do, returning the club to the top of Scottish football. This honour is as much theirs as it is mine.”
Other recipients of the OBE include Celine Sinclair, Chief Executive of The Yard, for services to Children and Families, Kathleen Murray, for services to Children’s Hearings in Scotland, John Burns, Chief Operating Officer at NHS Scotland and Carol Copstick, Head of Inspection at HM Inspectorate, Education Scotland.
Those receiving MBEs include Mohammed Shaukat, a volunteer at Glasgow Central Mosque, for services to the community, Dr Nelson Ashmole, co-founder of Borders Forest Trust, for services to Nature and Evelyn Graham, founder member of the ‘New Seekers’ for services to the music industry.
Among those honoured with the British Empire Medal are Pipe Major Raymond Peace, for services to music and culture in Orkney and squadron leader Stewart Norris, for services to young people in Aberdeenshire.
Chief Constable Joanna Farrell and Chief Superintendent Stephen Dolan, both of Police Scotland and retired Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Freeburn receive The King’s Police Medal. The King’s Fire Service Medal is awarded to Firefighter Alexander Muir and Chief Officer Stuart Stevens, both of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. The King’s Ambulance Service Medal is awarded to Lead Consultant Paramedic David Lee Bywater of the Scottish Ambulance Service.
The First Minister said: “The King’s New Year’s Honours list recognises exceptional individuals – from unsung heroes to well-known names. Each recipient is worthy of their award and has made a significant difference to their community or excelled in their field.
“My congratulations to our emergency services members awarded The King’s Fire, Police or Ambulance Service Medals. Throughout Scotland people benefit from the skills and expertise of our ‘blue light’ services personnel whose skills and expertise keep our communities and people safe, in often challenging circumstances.
“These honours celebrate the best of Scotland’s courageous spirit and sense of community. Congratulations and my personal thanks to every worthy recipient.”
Those receiving honours in Scotland include Roland Christian Douglas Schau Engebretson, who established Macaulay College on the Isle of Lewis to address a critical gap in post-school opportunities for young adults with learning disabilities and additional support needs.
Louise Gough receives a BEM for services to Foster Care, after serving as a Foster Carer for 28 years and providing a stable and supportive environment for 63 children.
In total, 1157 recipients have been awarded this year for their exceptional achievements, with a particular focus being on those who have championed their communities.
This year’s recipients include dedicated foster carers, role models in women’s sports, committed health workers, champions of the arts, and supporters of young people.
Every part of the UK is represented in the List, from the Western Isles to Liskeard in Cornwall.
Recipients from Scotland make up 9% of the total number of recipients receiving honours this year.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This year’s Honours list celebrates the very best of Britain – people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives.
“Their quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be. On behalf of the whole nation, thank you – and congratulations to everyone recognised today.”
Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander said: “My warmest congratulations go to all of the Scottish recipients of His Majesty’s New Year Honours. Scots the length and breadth of the country have been recognised for their contribution to politics, business, the arts, science and to their communities.
“Veteran politician Adam Ingram is Knighted for his huge contribution to our public life. Those of us of a certain vintage will welcome the perfect harmony of Eve Graham being recognised for her decades of service to the music industry.
“Also recognised is Jimmy Buchan, for his tireless dedication to championing the interests of Scottish fishermen.
“The list is packed with local heroes who strive every day to tackle disadvantage. I congratulate all those who work so hard day in day out to make our communities better places to live and work.”
Anyone can nominate someone for an honour. If you know someone who has achieved fantastic things worthy of recognition, go to https://www.gov.uk/honours to find out more about how you can put them forward.
Edinburgh’s Lord Provost has congratulated all those named in the 2026 King’s New Year Honours list, including Edinburgh Award recipient Ann Budge.
Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “My warmest congratulations go to all those recognised in this year’s King’s Honours, whose dedication, achievement and service have made a lasting and positive impact on our city and beyond.
“This year, 18 people from across Edinburgh have been named in the King’s New Year Honours List for 2026. From scientists and carers to NHS staff and charity leaders, each honouree reflects the very best of public service and community contribution.
“I’m particularly pleased to recognise Edinburgh Award recipient Ann Budge, who has been awarded an OBE for services to sport and the community in Midlothian. Ann’s leadership in her 11 years as Chair of Heart of Midlothian FC transformed both the club and Tynecastle Stadium into a thriving, family-friendly and community-focused institution.
“Her pioneering work to introduce the Living Wage to professional football in UK, while investing in youth skills and securing a sustainable future for the club, has set a benchmark for sporting and civic leadership.
I also extend my sincere congratulations to Carol Colburn Grigor on her appointment as Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to the arts, culture and women in the UK. Although she does not live in Edinburgh, her contribution to the city has been profound.
“Through her leadership of the Dunard Fund, Dame Carol has made an extraordinary impact on Scotland’s cultural life, supporting many of our most treasured institutions, including the Edinburgh International Festival and National Galleries of Scotland.
“Her substantial support for the Dunard Centre, Edinburgh’s first purpose-built concert hall in a century, and the revitalisation of the former Royal High School to accommodate St Mary’s Music School will leave a lasting legacy for our city.
“These honours celebrate individuals whose vision, generosity and commitment enrich our communities and inspire others. On behalf of the City of Edinburgh, I offer my heartfelt congratulations and thanks to all those recognised for their exceptional service.”
More notable recipients across Scotland include:
Marion Lindsey Foster receives an MBE for services to Scottish Craftsmanship. Marion recognised the danger of losing the heritage craft of kilt tailoring, and created an accredited training programme, going on to establish The College of Master Kilt Tailors in 2017.
Robert Harold Sharp receives an MBE for services to Mountain Rescue. Robert has dedicated over four decades to mountain rescue and safety in Scotland and the UK, transforming practices and helping to save countless lives.
Gilbert Feron receives a BEM for services to the community in Cambuslang, Lanarkshire. Gilbert has dedicated himself to improving the welfare of older people and the wider community in Cambuslang for over 30 years.
4,606 people filed their Self Assessment tax return on Christmas Day
37,435 people completed their return over the three-day festive period
One month to go until 31 January deadline – HMRC encourages customers to get started now
More than 4,600 Self Assessment customers filed their tax return on Christmas Day.
In total, 37,435 customers filed between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, suggesting that for some, festive filing is becoming as much a tradition as watching the King’s Speech (or avoiding the washing up).
Not everyone’s convinced, though. When HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) spoke to Self Assessment customers at the Manchester Christmas markets, turkey – not tax returns – was firmly on the menu. You can watch their reactions on YouTube.
The festive filing breakdown shows:
Christmas Eve (24 December): 22,350 tax returns filed, with peak filing time between 11:00 and 11:59 when 3,159 customers submitted their returns.
Christmas Day (25 December): 4,606 tax returns filed, with the busiest hour between 13:00 and 13:59 when 359 returns were received.
Boxing Day (26 December): 10,479 tax returns filed, peaking between 15:00 and 15:59 with 946 submissions.
HMRC is encouraging Self Assessment customers, who have not yet filed their tax return, to visit GOV.UK to start theirs today.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said:“Millions of customers have already completed their tax returns and can start 2026 with one less thing to worry about.
“For anyone yet to file, don’t leave it until the last minute. Filing now means you know exactly what you owe and have time to arrange payment. Search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to get started.”
Customers who file before 30 December may have the option of paying any tax owed through their PAYE tax code. Filing early also means more time to explore payment options if needed.
The new High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) PAYE digital service means thousands of Child Benefit claimants who are only in Self Assessment to pay HICBC can now opt out and can choose to pay the charge back through their tax code.
Eligible customers can call HMRC to de-register from Self Assessment before the filing deadline in a tax year. Where a tax return has already been sent, customers can choose to de-register from the following tax year. HMRC will then amend their tax code and they will be registered to pay HICBC through PAYE.
Customers do not need to include their 2025 Winter Fuel Payment, or Pension Age Winter Heating payment in Scotland, on their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year as payments received in Autumn 2025 will be recovered in the 2025 to 2026 tax return, due by 31 January 2027.
HMRC urges customers to stay alert to scams. Never share your HMRC login details with anyone. Find advice on spotting scams on GOV.UK.
Strachan House Care home opened its doors to a number of people from the community to help tackle loneliness. They invited anyone who would usually dine alone to join them on Christmas day for fun, festivities and food.
Diners were treated to a tasty Christmas lunch in the home’s dining room. Guests had a chance to engage with residents, staff and visitors while enjoying their food, they even had a visit from the big man himself. The guests came from all over Edinburgh to enjoy the day with others and banish loneliness at Christmas time.
The home’s Head Chef produced a range of dishes to cover varied individual dietary needs and preferences, so diners were able to eat to their fill as they were served a beautiful Christmas Dinner that consisted of Turkey and all the trimmings.
The ‘Don’t Dine Alone’ initiative was launched by care provider Barchester Healthcare as a way to reach out to isolated or vulnerable members of their local communities.
Barchester Healthcare is also behind Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, which is a registered charity that gives grants to older people and other adults with a disability to help combat loneliness and enable people to be active and engaged in the communities where the Barchester care homes operate.
Frances Fisher General Manager at Strachan House who visited the service said: “The day was a great success. It was a great effort from my team.
“They are always keen to do more to help those who feel lonely or cut off from the rest of the community”.
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals.
Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.
As part of the policing operation for the Edinburgh Hogmanay Festival a temporary airspace restriction will be in place covering the city centre between 5pm on Monday, 29 December, to 1am on Tuesday, 30 December, 2025, for security and public safety.
It will be an offence for any unmanned aircraft to fly below 2000ft above sea level and within one nautical mile of Edinburgh Castle.
We’re evaluating all of the brilliant data you submitted in 2025 and wanted to say thanks by highlighting the 5 ways you’ve already helped us tackle the litter emergency.
Are you interested in developing or rekindling a love of reading in 2026?
Introducing Januread, an exciting opportunity for you to develop the reading habits you want in the new year.
Recently, the Reading Agency found that only 50% of UK adults are regular readers, with 35% describing themselves as ‘lapsed readers’. Whether you’re a new reader, a lapsed reader, or are just looking for a wee reading re-set, Januread can help you develop the reading habit that will help you enjoy them more often.
Why does reading matter? Reading is an easy, accessible way to do something for you. Research proves that it:
Supports your mental health and wellbeing – especially through the darker winter months
Helps you to connect with others, both old pals and new fictional friends, when money and motivation for some social activities might be lower than usual
Improves your attention span in a world of distraction and fragmentation
Helps you relax and can lead to a good night’s sleep
Our Januread emails will offer you plenty of reading tips and advice – not to mention some fantastic book recommendations.
Once you’ve signed up, you can expect a welcome email followed by a series of emails throughout January.
