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. 

UK throws away millions of roast potatoes at Christmas, new figures reveal

New figures reveal the UK wastes a staggering 10.2 million tonnes of food every year, with an extra three million tonnes wasted over the festive period. 

With kitchens overflowing and fridges crammed full, festive excess means food waste spikes, particularly when it comes to the nation’s favourite side dish: roast potatoes.

Waste removal experts at Rainbow Rubbish Removals estimate that more than 40 million roast potatoes could be wasted on Christmas Day alone, as households over-cater, misjudge portions and throw away perfectly edible leftovers.

Britain throws away enough food at Christmas to fill millions of plates, and your roast potatoes are top of the list.

According to the latest data by Numan, potatoes are the most wasted food in the UK, with an average 1,300 tonnes thrown away every single day. That’s the equivalent of more than 21 million roast potatoes. enough to cover Christmas dinner tables across the country many times over.

A record high of £460 per average household was also spent on Christmas groceries last year, yet painfully, 200,000 tonnes of that food was wasted – equivalent to 6.6 million bins full.

With this in mind, Rainbow Rubbish Removals are urging households in the UK to think greener this Christmas, revealing the true scale of festive food waste and sharing practical tips for celebrating more sustainably this year.

Councils call for more responsible waste disposal, following hazards

Last Christmas, the sheer volume of waste forced Carmarthenshire Council to inform residents it was “unable to complete collections due to the quantity of waste presented”[9], highlighting how seasonal excess can disrupt essential services.

Brighton and Hove’s Councillor Tim Rowkins, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Net Zero and Environmental Services, previously warned that improper festive disposal has knock-on effects across entire communities:“We have seen a lot of waste left on roadsides, alongside communal bins, or in parks and open spaces. If we have to divert staff to clear waste on an ad hoc basis, then those staff can’t do their usual work to keep the city clean and in many cases the waste is no longer recyclable.”

Similarly, Brent Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Krupa Sheth, urged residents to think more carefully about what they throw away during Christmas: “Protecting the environment is one of our Council’s top priorities.

“Food and garden waste thrown away unnecessarily adds to the challenges already faced. Please use the disposal and recycling options available to help keep our borough cleaner and greener.”

With potatoes now confirmed as the most wasted food in the UK, councils say Christmas dinners significantly contribute to the problem, as uneaten roast potatoes, vegetables and trimmings are thrown away in vast quantities.

EXPERTS REVEAL SIX WAYSS TO CUT CHRISTMAS FOOD WASTE 

Miroslav Radov, waste collection expert at Rainbow Rubbish Removals, says Christmas food waste is one of the most avoidable environmental problems of the year:

“Christmas has become a season of extreme excess, and much of the waste generated is entirely avoidable. From mountains of uneaten food to over-purchased groceries, councils are overwhelmed every festive period. Potatoes, vegetables and cooked food that could be frozen or reused too often end up in the bin.”

1. Buy only what you’ll actually cook

With food spending peaking at Christmas, over-buying is common. Planning portions carefully, such as weighing potatoes per person, can dramatically reduce waste.

2. Cook smaller batches and top up if needed

Instead of roasting everything at once, cook in stages. This prevents trays of roast potatoes being left untouched and thrown away.

3. Freeze leftovers immediately

Roast potatoes, mash and parboiled spuds freeze well if cooled and stored properly. Freezing leftovers on Christmas Day prevents them being forgotten and binned days later.

4. Get creative with next-day meals

Leftover potatoes can be turned into bubble and squeak, hash, soups or potato cakes. Recipe generator apps can help households use what they already have.

5. Reduce packaging waste when shopping

Buying loose produce or bulk potatoes cuts down on unnecessary packaging and helps households buy only what they need.

Miroslav adds:

“To avoid unnecessary packaging, bring reusable produce bags and buy loose vegetables. You’ll reduce waste and avoid buying more than you need.”

6. Compost unavoidable food waste

If food waste can’t be avoided, composting potato peelings and scraps keeps them out of landfill and reduces emissions.

Meet the linesman working on live power lines and keeping customers on supply

Award-winning TV presenter and broadcaster Jennifer Reoch has joined forces once again with SP Energy Networks to spotlight the storm heroes – dedicated teams who work tirelessly each winter to keep the power flowing.

This year, Jennifer visited a live work site in Dumfries and Galloway to meet the specialist Live Line Hands On team, highly trained linesmen who carry out essential maintenance and repairs on overhead power lines without switching off the electricity supply.

Working at height and often in the aftermath of severe storms, the team use specialist access equipment along with insulated gloves & sleeves which enable them to carry out works while homes and businesses remain connected during the harshest winter conditions.

Winter storms and extreme weather can cause significant damage to power lines, making it essential for SP Energy Networks’ teams to be ready to respond quickly to keep disruption to a minimum. The Live Line Hands On team play a vital role in that effort, repairing faults while the network stays live, helping to reduce power outages and disruptions for local communities.

This marks the second year Jennifer has partnered with the UK’s leading electricity network operator to celebrate its Storm Shielders. During her visit, Jennifer experienced first-hand how SP Energy Networks supports communities in preparing for extreme weather and saw the skill and resilience required to keep the power flowing and the lights on.

Jennifer said of the campaign: “Winter weather can be demanding and unpredictable, and it’s easy to overlook the work happening behind the scenes to keep our electricity supply running 24/7. Spending the day with the Live Line Hands On team gave me a rare insight into the specialist work the team carry out in tough winter conditions to keep the power flowing.

“What struck me most is the Storm Shielders’ commitment to the communities they serve, going above and beyond to keep people safe and supported when the weather is at its worst.”

Jennifer is fronting a new series of videos with SP Energy Networks’ Storm Shielders, taking viewers behind the scenes to celebrate these unsung heroes. The series will shine a spotlight on the people, technology, and teamwork that keeps electricity running through the most challenging winter weather.

Stuart McConnachie, District General Manager at SP Energy Networks, added: “Our customers are at the centre of everything we do, and the Live Line Hands On team are dedicated to ensuring repairs to power lines are made without any disruption. We were delighted to have Jennifer join us for a day on site to meet our Storm Shielders and see the important work they do, much of which many people may not realise is happening behind the scenes.

“Spotlighting the tireless work our teams do is important because it shows the commitment that goes into keeping communities connected. We encourage customers to follow our top tips to make sure they’re ready for whatever winter brings, and to know what to do if the power does go out.”

SP Energy Networks’ top tips for staying safe in the unlikely event of a power cut include:

  • Ensure you store a battery-powered or wind-up torch in an easily accessible location so you can use it to check the fuse box and navigate around your home safely.
  • Power lines may fall because of stormy weather so beware of this when venturing out of your home. Always treat them as live, stay away and report them right away by calling 105.
  • Having your mobile phone charged means you can give SP Energy Networks a call on the national 105 emergency helpline. Please don’t assume we know if your power is out, so call us right away.
  • If your power does go out, your heating might not work, so keep extra blankets nearby and close window shutters, blinds or curtains to help keep the heat in.
  • Teams work around the clock to restore electricity as quickly as possible but customers who feel they need extra support may be eligible for the Priority Services Register. Visit the SP Energy Networks website or call 0330 10 10 167 for more information.
  • Make sure we have up-to-date contact details for you, so we can keep in touch with you as appropriate.

Christmas on the rigs

 Around 10,000 offshore workers are spending today and the rest of the Christmas and New Year holiday far out on the dark seas around Britain’s coasts, providing the energy to heat homes, cook turkeys, and power fairy lights.

As most people are eating, drinking and open presenting with family and friends, this vast army of men and women will be making sure the heat and power is there to make it all happen, working on gas and oil installations that can be more than 200 miles from the UK mainland.

This workforce helps to supply the daily average of 265 million cubic metres of gas we need on Christmas Day and each of the following days of the Christmas break to cook our food, heat our homes and run the 35 gas-fired power stations that remain the backbone of the UK’s electricity generating system.

Among the hundreds of teams involved is 51-year-old Andy Pulford, managing a Christmas workforce of 90 and a complex of 23 gas wells around Spirit Energy’s massive Morecambe Bay central processing complex.

This installation produces enough gas to meet the annual needs of 700,000 homes extracting gas from more than half a mile below the seabed.

Two days before Christmas Andy said goodbye to his primary schoolteacher wife Hannah, 43, and sons George, 11, and William, eight, and embarked on the six-hour drive from his home outside Norwich to a helicopter platform in Blackpool, Lancs, from where he routinely flies to his offshore office.

“Everyone has a personal story about how they feel being away but what we’re doing is an important job. Work goes on as usual all over Christmas,” he says.

Despite the growth of wind-generated electricity, more than a quarter of the electricity we use nationwide is still generated by gas, and this can go up to 55% on days when there is no wind.

There are still more than 21 million homes in this country that rely on gas for their central heating, and 11 million kitchens that have gas ovens.

Although a vast expanse of waves separates offshore workers from home and loved ones, Christmas on the rigs nowadays is far from a miserable affair.

“When I first started working offshore 18 years ago there was no wifi – just three phone boxes and big queues to use them,” says Andy

“Now there’s internet and video calling, but people can still feel isolated having Christmas offshore. We don’t want that to happen and we try to keep the crew together as much as we can.

“I always get everyone together on Christmas morning for a chat and run through what’s going to happen. We have snooker, pool and table tennis tournaments, music and quizzes, a raffle with high value fantastic prizes, plus the most fantastic food which I go down into the galley and help serve.”

Food is as much a part of Christmas everywhere offshore as it is at home. Carl Wilson, 40, from Darlington is a former hotel head chef who has spent the past few months carefully planning the menus to be prepared and served by his team of six for a crew of 51 on the energy industry supply ship Erda which recently took part in a successful operation to pump captured carbon for permanent storage in a disused seabed oil well

This Christmas the ship is engaged in decommissioning a disused oil platform in the North Sea off Rotterdam.

Like Andy, Carl had an early Christmas with his wife Lindsey, 43 and their three children Brooke, 15, Ollie,14, and Sienna, 12. He won’t be back until mid-January.

The long Christmas day feast starts before 5am with breakfast for the early shift, then a special brunch for everyone at 11am followed by two sittings for the main multi-choice Christmas dinner in the late afternoon.

“Food is a huge part of general welfare for everybody and at Christmas it’s just enhanced to another level,” Carl says. “It ties us all back into that home life, brings everyone together and gives us a chance to show our flair as chefs.

“It’s actually the best time of year for us to really shine. Someone eating your food, praising you and saying nice things about it, is a big part of why we do this job. It’s about pride and passion for food.

“Being away from home at Christmas isn’t easy for anyone, but we know it’s what we all signed up for.”

David Whitehouse, chief executive of Offshore Energies UK. which represents almost 500 member organisations involved in producing energy in UK waters, agrees: “On Christmas Day many of us will be with family and friends in warm homes.

“It is easy to forget that while we are sitting down to lunch there are thousands of offshore workers in UK waters – on rigs, vessels, windfarms and other energy projects -who will be working through the holiday to keep the country powered. We should never take them for granted.”