Helping to keep young people safe

Youth project receives additional funding

More young people will benefit from a project providing a safe space, trusted adults and safeguarding support in Glasgow city centre as a result of Scottish Government funding.

Common Ground is being backed to continue its front line services and ensure more young people can access support when and where they need it most. Since launching as a pilot in March 2025, the project has supported more than 2,000 young people from half (16) of Scotland’s council areas who had come to the city.  

The project, which will receive more than £37,000 in 2025-26, offers a safe and welcoming Hub space, support from street‑based youth workers and trained staff and helps to reduce risks facing young people, including homelessness, exploitation, violence, substance misuse and unsafe situations.

Led by Barnardo’s Scotland, working in partnership with the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, Aberlour, Action for Children, Right There, Glasgow Girls Club, One Community Scotland and G20, the project has a reach beyond Glasgow.

Two-thirds of young people accessing the service come from outside the city through encounters with the ‘street guardians’, self-referrals or referrals through police and social work.

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Early intervention is key to keeping young people safe and creating safer communities for everyone. Youth workers are often the first trusted adults that young people turn to, and their role in promoting safety and preventing harm cannot be overstated.

“Common Ground is already making a significant difference to the wellbeing of young people in Glasgow and beyond, and our additional funding will strengthen its vital work to reduce exploitation and harm.”

Barnardo’s Scotland Director Martin Crewe said: “It was great to welcome the Minister for Victims and Community Safety to Common Ground recently and share more about how we work with delivery partners and key stakeholders across Glasgow and Scotland to support young people to feel safer in Glasgow City Centre.

“Since March 2025, we have engaged with more than 2,000 young people from around 16 different local authorities on the streets and in our safe space at the Common Ground Hub, meeting needs ranging from travel and friendship issues to more complex safeguarding needs, including homelessness and different forms of exploitation.

“Overwhelmingly, young people have welcomed the support and safety offered by Common Ground as they navigate the often-challenging environment of a busy city centre. The ongoing support and contribution from the Scottish Government – and other funding and delivery partners – allows us to continue providing a much-needed safety net for all our young people as and when they need it.”

Deputy Head of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit Will Linden said: “The SVRU welcomes the Scottish Government’s investment in the Common Ground and Street Guardian initiative.

“Glasgow city centre is a primary destination for Scotland’s youth, and we believe a collaborative approach is the most effective way to keep them free from all forms of harm including violence.

“By providing trusted adults into the city centre the goal is simple: to create a safer environment where young people can enjoy the city’s atmosphere and return home safely at the end of the night.”

Common Ground Glasgow is a project led by Barnardo’s Scotland, working in partnership with Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, Aberlour, Action for Children, Right There, Glasgow Girls Club, One Community Scotland and G20.

NHS Lothian: Hospitals under extreme pressure

Our hospitals are under extreme pressure. If your loved one is coming home from hospital, please collect them as soon as they are able to be discharged.

Make sure their house is warm and if you can stock up on some essentials.

This frees up beds for those that need them most.

Humanitarian aid for Afghanistan

Support following major earthquakes

Two charities, Christian Aid and Tearfund, are to receive £125,000 each from the Scottish Government to help people affected by the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan following two major earthquakes in 2025.

The funding is being delivered through Scotland’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund (HEF) and will allow the two charities to distribute money, warm blankets and clothes and hygiene kits to those living in areas affected by the earthquakes to help them live through harsh winter conditions. The funding will also provide psychological support to those worst affected.

External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The earthquakes struck at a time when Afghanistan was already facing a severe humanitarian crisis, marked by prolonged economic downturn and shrinking international assistance. They caused severe loss of life and entire villages were destroyed. The humanitarian situation is dire and evolving rapidly.

“To lose everything is unimaginable for us, but for those in Afghanistan it is real life. With a harsh winter season approaching I am pleased that we can deliver this money to help the two charities deliver life-saving assistance, in ways that are dignified and locally rooted.”

Head of Christian Aid Scotland, Val Brown, said: “Women and children are bearing the brunt of Afghanistan’s overlapping crises, made worse by the recent earthquake in Kunar province. As winter approaches, the risk of illness, trauma, acute hunger and further displacement is growing.  

“Thanks to the support from the Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund, Christian Aid will be able to support some of the most vulnerable households in Nurgal and Chawkay district. Our partner, NGO Afghans 4 Tomorrow, will deliver cash assistance, the provision of essential winter items, hygiene kits and psychosocial care.

 “Our community-led approach will help the health and wellbeing of thousands of people, restore dignity, and enable people to make choices that are right for them.”

Tearfund Afghanistan Country Manager, Solomon Cornelius, said: “Families affected by the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan are facing an exceptionally harsh winter. Many are still living in tents or damaged shelters, with little income and few ways to meet even their most basic needs.

“This funding from the Scottish Government comes at a critical time. It will enable Tearfund, working with our trusted local partner, to provide life-saving cash assistance, winter survival kits such as blankets, tarpaulins, and hygiene items for families most in need.

“We will also equip local staff with training in Psychological First Aid, helping women, children, and people with disabilities to stay warm, meet their essential needs with dignity, and begin to recover from the crisis and trauma they have experienced.”

The Humanitarian Emergency Fund provides aid in the aftermath of a crisis through a panel of eight leading humanitarian aid organisations in Scotland who advise and access the fund: Mercy Corps, Oxfam, British Red Cross, Islamic Relief, SCIAF, Christian Aid, Tearfund and Save the Children.

Lord Provosts reflects on a year to remember for the capital

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge reflects on 2025

It has been another fantastic year in our capital, and it has been a real honour and privilege, as Lord Provost, to take part in so many memorable events. Some were poignant, many were inspiring, and all of them reflected the rich diversity and community that makes Edinburgh such a special city.

2025 gave us plenty to celebrate as we marked 900 years of Edinburgh’s status as a Royal Burgh and looked back on the remarkable achievements of our city over the centuries.

At the heart of Edinburgh 900 were the communities and organisations across the city who brought this milestone to life. Together, they delivered an extraordinary programme of activity from travelling exhibitions and lectures to school concerts, parades, marches and more than 300 unique events that reached into every corner of the capital.

The Edinburgh Riding of the Marches provided a spectacular finale in September, bringing the 900th anniversary to a close with a People’s Procession and horse cavalcade that thrilled the thousands of spectators lining the Royal Mile.

I was especially honoured to ride alongside The Princess Royal on beautiful grey horses from Tower Farm Stables, travelling from Holyrood Palace to the Mercat Cross, where Her Royal Highness Princess Anne addressed the crowd and brought our special year to a fitting conclusion.

It was, I believe, the first time in over a hundred years that a senior member of the Royal Family has ridden up the Royal Mile, a truly unforgettable moment for our city.

And who could forget the very first Edinburgh Tartan Parade, which took place on a gloriously hot Saturday in May? A huge crowd filled the city centre, coming together to celebrate our rich heritage – our tartans, culture and, above all, our spirit of inclusivity. It was a wonderful occasion, and one I very much look forward to seeing return in 2026.

But as the year reminded us of all there is to celebrate in our city, it also brought moments that gave us pause, calling on us to reflect and to remember those we have lost.

In April, we were deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of Councillor Val Walker. I heard nothing but positive words about Val, her warmth, her commitment, and her passion for her role as Culture and Communities Convener.

At the Council meeting following her death, the tributes paid from across all parties and sides of the chamber were profoundly moving, and they will stay with me for a long time.

Val is a great loss, to the Council, to her colleagues, to the city, and most of all to her family and friends. She is greatly missed.

Then in June, we sadly lost another inspirational figure with the passing of Professor Sir Geoff Palmer. Sir Geoff was a guiding hand as our city sought to better understand its history and come to terms with its colonial past.

At his memorial service, I described him as “a quiet man, a dignified man, an influential man, and an extraordinary man, whose words and guidance offered insight and wisdom to so many.”

His teachings, his wisdom and his generosity of spirit will not be forgotten. We owe him a great deal, and we thank him sincerely for the legacy and lasting gift he leaves to our city.

He remains a source of inspiration to me, and I am equally inspired by the extraordinary volunteering spirit that runs through our city.

As the City’s Volunteer Ambassador, I am immensely proud of the contribution our active citizens make every day across the capital. In Edinburgh, roughly a third of adults regularly volunteer which is a remarkable reflection of the generosity, kindness and community spirit that defines our city.

To everyone who gives their time to support others – thank you. You make an immeasurable difference, helping to create neighbourhoods that are stronger, kinder and better places to live, work and enjoy life.

It has been a real pleasure to meet so many volunteers throughout the year, and I close 2025 feeling inspired and optimistic about what our city can achieve together in the year ahead.

At the same time, I am mindful that this season can be difficult for those who are unable to celebrate, or who may be facing personal or family challenges. You are not forgotten, and you remain very much in our thoughts.

To our residents and visitors alike, I wish you a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Winter Festival, and a safe, peaceful and successful New Year.

Investing in Changing Places Toilets

Funding approved for specially equipped toilets

People with profound disabilities and complex needs will have greater freedom and independence with the development of 59 new Changing Places Toilets across Scotland. 

Backed by a total Scottish Government investment of £10 million into The Changing Places Scotland Fund between 2025-27, £4.7 million has been allocated this year to help individuals, families and carers across the country to take part in everyday activities and community life.  

Further awards being considered from this first applications round will be confirmed early in the New Year and a second applications round of funding open in 2026-27.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said: “For people with profound disabilities and complex care needs, everyday activities like visiting a cafe, going to the shops, or attending a community event can be a challenge – especially when suitable toilet facilities are not available.

“Thanks to the development of 59 new Changing Places Toilets across Scotland, people who use these facilities will now have greater freedom, dignity, and independence.

“Awards will ensure that more people can take part in everyday life and enjoy shared community spaces with facilities being developed on the Isle of Lewis, in Clackmannanshire where there are currently no Changing Places Toilets and in a range of other venues, such as community and leisure centres, outdoor spaces and well-known venues like Knockhill Racing Circuit, Dynamic Earth and the National Theatre of Scotland.

“With a total £10 million investment over 2025–2027, the Scottish Government is helping to break down barriers and make communities more inclusive and I encourage more communities to apply for future funding.”

Jill Clark, a user of Changing Places Toilets who also campaigns for more facilities said: “As a Changing Places Toilet user, I am delighted about the announcement of this funding for organisations and look forward to seeing many more toilets being installed next year and beyond.

“This will mean I can visit new places and travel will be so much easier for me.”

Jenny Miller, CEO of PAMIS and chair of the UK Changing Places Toilet Consortium said: “We are delighted with the response to the Scottish Government Changing Places Toilet Fund and that so many gaps in provision of this life changing resource in Scotland will be filled.  

“I am really pleased that the fund prioritised areas where provision was currently low, including rural and remote communities. 

“There are some very exciting venues that will promote inclusion of some of our most marginalised people within their communities and provide access to activities that most of us take for granted.  

“This is a tremendous boost towards Scottish inclusion agenda and PAMIS as the Scottish Changing Places Toilet lead will continue to provide support and advice to successful applicants to ensure that all new facilities meet the highest standards of access.” 

Changing Places Toilets (CPT) offer a vital facility for disabled people and their families and carers whose needs cannot be met through standard accessible toilet provision. 

This includes people with profound or multiple disabilities, people with muscular dystrophy, older people, veterans, people who require the use of a larger wheelchair and people who require a calm and quiet environment.

CPTs have key features which distinguish them from standard accessible toilets. They:

  • offer adequate space (at least 12m2) for a disabled person when they are not in their wheelchair, as well as space for their wheelchair to turn, and one or two carers.
  • have an adult-sized, height-adjustable changing bench to allow people to lie down to have their personal care needs met.
  • have a ceiling hoist to lift people out of their wheelchair safely
  • have a centrally placed peninsular toilet which provides access for people who require support on both sides.

There are currently around 270 of these specially equipped facilities in Scotland. 

Successful projects include:

Almond Valley Heritage Trust, West Lothian – £108,612.  Almond Valley Heritage Centre is a visitor attraction and social enterprise, welcoming over 157,000 visitors annually. Regularly used by community groups, schools, and charities supporting people with complex needs.

Knockhill Racing Circuit Ltd, Fife – £45,000.  A Changing Places Toilet at Knockhill Racing Circuit, enabling individuals and families to enjoy the facilities and entertainment.

Eden Court Highlands – £55,200.  Eden Court is a multi-arts venue with two theatres, two cinemas, two dance & drama studios and gallery space. They offer a diverse programme of live performance, film and creative activities for all ages, abilities and interests.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, City of Edinburgh – £10,000.  Located at the Fringe Central which will be the year-round office and artist support hub for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society. It will provide rehearsal, meeting, and training spaces, artist resources, and public facilities, supporting accessibility, creativity, and community engagement at the heart of the world’s largest arts festival.

Point and Sandwick Coastal Community Path, Isle of Lewis – £95,344.  A purpose-built bespoke amenity beside Bayble Beach and near Bayble harbour which is a community owned mooring used by small inshore fishery vessels and recreational sea fishing.

Further information on the fund and Inspiring Scotland, who administer the fund on behalf of the Scottish Government.

Full list of successful applicants.

PCHP Winter Warmer

MONDAY 29 DECEMBER from 11am – 2pm

Seasons Greetings from all of us here at #PCHP.

Don’t forget we’ll be opening our doors on the 29th from 11am -2pm for our annual #WinterWarmer.

Join us as we serve up a warm bowl of soup and some good conversation.

We hope to see you then.

#WinterWarmer

#WarmSpaces

#FiveWaysToWellbeing

#HotChocolate

Expert reveals crucial garden advice for winter amid infestation risk

As food waste often increases over Christmas, the risk of infestations rises.

To help homeowners, Angelika Zaber, a Lawn Care Specialist and Gardening Expert for Online Turf, has provided expert insight and essential tips for preventing infestations, and how gardens are a key entry point for rodents this winter:

“The best way to keep your rodents from entering your property is to keep them from entering your garden. There are many ways in which this can be done, but for best results, a hybrid approach of mixing different methods together is best.  

“Rodents are looking for gardens that they deem to be a food source. If you’ve got a compost pile or unsecured bins, they’re going to want to keep coming back because they know they can get a steady supply of food easily.

“To avoid this, invest in secure, lockable bin lids, don’t leave any rubbish out overnight, and invest in a compost bin so the pile is sealed and can’t be accessed.

“Even if a rodent can smell it, if they can’t access it, it will deter them from returning. However, the bin itself must be made from good-quality materials, and should be placed on a solid base, such as concrete, to block burrowing rats.

“You should also seal your garden as best as you can. To do this, invest in high, smooth fences with no gaps in between and install netted mesh on the ground so that it’s harder for them to get in. If you have quite an open garden and can’t seal entry points, there are a few humane ways to try and deter them from entering.

“Strong scents like garlic or mint are unpleasant for rodents. You can use these to make a mixture by adding some plants into a spray bottle, filling it with water and letting it sit for a while, then spray any entry points in your garden.” 

Opticians reopen its doors in new Edinburgh location

A WELL-LOVED Specsavers store has opened its new doors at a retail park in Straiton to keep up with customer demand in the Lothians.

The brand-new store will provide expert clinical eyecare and audiology services to the people of Straiton and surrounding areas and offer an extensive range of glasses, including designer, as well as contact lenses.

The Specsavers team excitedly opened its doors last week, and members of the community rushed down to celebrate and welcome the new residents.

The store will continue to be run by store manager Roni Finney and store director Rachel McFadyen, who have seen first-hand how in-demand the team’s services are in the area since they opened the store 7 years ago.

Roni says: ‘Demand for eyecare and audiology services has increased significantly in the Lothians in recent years, so we wanted to relocate to a larger unit to increase capacity while still guaranteeing the same quality of service that Specsavers is known for – no matter which store they visit.

‘I’m delighted we’ve reopened our doors to customers and can show off the new space; it’s a fantastic building and we’re looking forward to welcoming back our customers.’

Peter Frame, from Loanhead Miners Football Club, visited the store to check out the new premises, as Specsavers Straiton has sponsored the team for the past 7 years, with the sponsorship set to continue into 2026.

Peter says: ‘We’re incredibly grateful to the Specsavers Straiton team for their ongoing support over the past few years and are delighted for them moving to their new store.

“I look forward to an excellent 2026 for both of us!’

Rachel adds: ‘Grassroots sport plays a huge role in bringing people together and strengthening communities, and we’re passionate about giving back to the community that supports us, whether that’s through providing expert eye care for local families or helping teams like Loanhead Miners achieve their goals on and off the pitch.’

Specsavers Straiton is located at Unit 5, Straiton Retail Park, 11 Straiton Mains, Straiton, Loanhead, EH20 9PW, and is accessible by car or public transport. The store can be found opposite McDonald’s, and next to Bayne’s Bakers and Dunelm.

The store is open from 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm on Saturdays, and 10am – 4pm on Sundays.

To book an appointment, please visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/straiton or call 0131 357 6551 to speak to a member of the team.

Opening New Year’s Day: Turner in January triumphantly returns to the National Galleries of Scotland

Turner in January  

1 January – 31 January 2026 

National Galleries Scotland: National 

Free admission 

Turner in January | National Galleries of Scotland  

Following the incredible success of last year’s blockbuster exchange with the National Gallery of Ireland, Scotland’s own much-loved Turners are back in Edinburgh for 2026!  

Bring in the new year with the eagerly awaited return of Turner in January at the National Galleries of Scotland. Featuring 38 watercolours by renowned artist Joseph Mallord William Turner, the highly anticipated free annual display will take pride of place in room 21 in National Galleries Scotland: National in Edinburgh from 1 – 31 January 2026.  

Last year saw thousands of visitors flocking to the National Galleries of Scotland to marvel at a once in a lifetime exchange of Turner watercolours from the Henry Vaughan Bequest with the National Gallery of Ireland, honouring the 250th anniversary of the artist’s birth.

January 2026 will mark the triumphant return of Scotland’s Turners to Edinburgh, giving avid fans and newfound admirers the chance to spend time with some of the most treasured works from the Scottish national collection. 

Turner in January is a beloved tradition for many people in Scotland. It signals the dawning of the New Year, and as we leave behind the darkest days of winter, the bright vitality of Turner’s work is exactly what we need. 

Scotland’s famous collection of Turner watercolours was left to the nation by the great art collector Henry Vaughan in 1900. Following Vaughan’s strict guidelines, they have only ever been displayed during the month of January, when natural light levels are at their lowest. Because of this, these watercolours still possess a freshness and an intensity of colour almost 200 years since they were originally created.   

This mesmerising exhibition demonstrates the extraordinary range of Turner’s work in watercolour, including atmospheric early drawings, experimental colour studies, spellbinding studies for prints and book illustrations and exhibition showstoppers. 

Born in London in 1775, Turner’s combination of exceptional talent, intellectual curiosity and relentless hard work resulted in watercolours which capture the sublime beauty of nature and encourage us to look again at the world around us. 

In a career spanning 50 years, he developed new ways of painting in watercolour and revolutionised ideas of what could be achieved in the medium. Experimenting with an array of techniques and colour, Turner created works which continue to captivate and excite audiences today. 

Turner in January invites visitors on an exciting, colourful journey, leaving behind January blues in favor of Turner’s views of the world, via moody landscapes, impressive city views and dramatic seascapes.

Travel across Britain, Europe and beyond through a dazzling array of artwork including scenes of the Himalayas, Venice and the Swiss Alps, to places a little closer to home, from a tempestuous view of Loch Coruisk on the Isle of Skye all the way down to serene Melrose in the Scottish Borders.  

This year Turner in January will also feature the picturesque watercolour Virginia Water (about 1829), on long term loan to the National Galleries of Scotland and displayed for the first time since 2020.

The work shows a royal fishing expedition on Virginia Water, the artificial lake created as a royal pleasure ground in Windsor Great Park, with King George IV’s newly built ‘Chinese’ Fishing Temple in the background.

In the foreground a pair of royal swans seem to be chasing away mallard ducks, a visual pun on Turner’s middle name. 

Visitors will be able to immerse themselves further into the world of Turner through a Smartify audio highlights guide, returning for 2026. Free to use on mobile devices, this audio guided tour will give fresh insights into the artwork on display, expanding Turner’s ideas and inspirations and adding another layer to the Turner in January experience. 

Summer 2026 will also offer an additional opportunity to enjoy Turner’s work at the National Galleries of Scotland. Join us for an unmissable chance to see one of the artist’s most iconic paintings, Norham Castle, Sunrise, (c. 1845), which will be displayed for free at the National for the very first time as part of a special loan from Tate. 

Charlotte Topsfield, Senior Curator of British Drawings and Prints at National Galleries of Scotland said: “After a year of celebrations for Turner’s 250th birthday and the huge excitement of the exchange with the National Gallery of Ireland in January 2025, we are so pleased to be showing Scotland’s Vaughan Turners and honouring Henry Vaughan’s bequest once again.

“We hope visitors will enjoy seeing familiar friends and find new inspiration in Turner’s glorious colour and light.” 

Turner in January has been gratefully supported by the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery and the Postcode Culture Trust. Turner in January is a free National Galleries of Scotland exhibition opening to the public at 12pm on Thursday 1 January 2026.