This Christmas, look out for the symptoms of dementia, such as irritability, forgetfulness, struggling to follow a conversation, or being confused about time and place.
If you spot any of these symptoms in a loved one, encourage them to visit their GP for an assessment. http://nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/
A highly anticipated new Tesco Express store opened its doors last week in East Craigs.
Located at 1 Bughtlin Market, the new Tesco Express Bughtlin Market will provide residents and visitors with a convenient, modern place to shop, supporting the continued growth of the surrounding area.
The store will be open seven days a week from 6am until 11pm, creating three new jobs for the local area while also retaining the existing team from the previous business that operated on the site.
Tesco Express Bughtlin Market will offer a wide range of products for everyday needs, whether customers are picking up breakfast on the go, buying lunch or collecting ingredients for dinner.
Store features include a Costa Coffee machine, National Lottery terminal, Payzone service, external InPost lockers and a 24-hour ATM.
Charlene Watson, Store Manager at Tesco Express Bughtlin Market, said: “We are pleased to open the doors to our new store and to join the East Craigs community.
“Our aim is to serve this large and diverse community with a friendly and dependable local store that people can rely on and we look forward to welcoming customers in the days and weeks ahead.”
Tesco Express Bughtlin Market is located at 1 Bughtlin Market, Edinburgh EH12 8XP.
Military families across the UK will celebrate Christmas in homes fit for heroes as improvements to fix 1,000 of the worst forces houses have completed ahead of schedule.
The ambitious programme of works to urgently fix 1,000 military homes has also now been extended, with a further 250 military properties to receive priority upgrades over the coming months – a 25% increase on the target set out by Defence Secretary John Healey when launching the Consumer Charter only eight months ago.
The programme of housing improvements, known as Raising the Minimum Standards, has seen significant works take place at service family homes across the UK, with upgrades made to almost 700 properties in England, over 150 properties in Northern Ireland, over 100 in Wales and over 50 in Scotland.
Homes across the country have received a complete makeover including new flooring and other improvements such as replacing unreliable boilers and heating systems, repairing hundreds of leaky roofs and installing new bathrooms, kitchens, windows and doors.
These are the first steps of delivery under the MOD’s mission to transform military family housing, with £9 billion of investment allocated for a generational renewal of defence housing over the next ten years.
The Defence Housing Strategy will see the modernisation, refurbishing or rebuilding of more than 40,000 service family homes and has been enabled by the landmark deal made just 12 months ago to bring 36,000 military homes back into public ownership.
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: “Our Armed Forces and their families sacrifice so much for our country, the least they deserve are safe and decent homes. The work we’ve done to upgrade the 1,000 worst homes means that more families can now enjoy Christmas together in homes that are fit for heroes.
“This is just the start of our ambitious work to upgrade tens of thousands of homes across the country, made possible by our landmark deal to bring 36,000 homes back into public ownership and backed by £9 billion investment.
“We are ending the decades of neglect and giving our dedicated Armed Forces families the homes they deserve.”
Cpl Jack Crean, his partner Nina and their one-year-old son Charlie have just moved into one of the newly refurbished homes at Bassingbourn Barracks in Cambridgeshire.
Cpl Crean said: We are really pleased to be in our new home for Christmas. Everyone is a lot happier here, especially Charlie.
“It’s nice to live in an up-to-date house, it works so much better for the whole family and if I was to go away, I know that my family is in a clean, modern house.”
David Brewer, Chief Operating Officer for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation said: “I am very proud of the improvements our teams have made to a 1,000 of our worst homes.
“This is just the start of a generational renewal which will see 9 out of 10 homes improved. We are already seeing the results of the changes we are making through our charter commitments and are determined to do even more to improve the homes and deliver the experience our armed forces deserve.”
The refurbishment of the 1,000 worst homes was just one the Consumer Charter commitments made by the Secretary of State to improve the experience of service families.
All the Charter Commitments made in April 2025 are on course to be achieved by the end of this year, including the implementation of robust standards, ensuring service families can be confident they are moving into clean and functional homes, modernised policies making it easier to personalise homes, and the introduction of a named Housing Officer for every family to provide greater support.
These improvements are already being reflected in the results of monthly surveys of Service personnel, which show a clear upward trajectory in overall levels of satisfaction.
SMALL CHANGE, BIG DIFFERENCE: SCOTMID PARTNERS WITH PENNIES FOR DEMENTIA SUPPORT
Scotmid has introduced a quick and easy way for customers to support people living with dementia, through a new partnership with the charity Pennies, trusted leader in micro-donations. The digital micro-donation option is now available in all Scotmid and Semichem stores across Edinburgh.
Customers paying by card, contactless or digital wallet can now choose to add a 10p donation to their purchase, with donations supporting Scotmid’s annual charity partner, Alzheimer Scotland. These small contributions will help fund vital services for people and families affected by dementia, supporting care, advice and community initiatives across Scotland.
The initiative builds on Scotmid’s long-standing commitment to supporting local causes and offers a simple, sustainable way for shoppers to give back in a cashless world.
This year’s partnership with Alzheimer Scotland, announced in October, will be the first to benefit. The charity also aims to reach younger audiences with information on brain health through school and community engagement.
Karen Scott, Scotmid Chief Executive, said: “We know how much our members, colleagues and customers care about supporting local people.
“This partnership with Pennies gives everyone the chance to help in a way that feels easy and affordable. It’s community compassion in action, 10p at a time.”
Alison Hutchinson CBE, CEO of Pennies said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Scotmid to the Pennies family.
“As Scotland’s largest independent co-operative, Scotmid has deep roots in its communities – and this partnership will enable thousands of people to make a meaningful contribution every day.
“Together, we’re harnessing the power of digital giving to reach more people, in more places, for more causes. Just £10 in micro-donations could provide a whole class of 25 children with a brain-health handbook on how to look after their amazing brains. Thank you!”
Scotmid’s collaboration with Pennies reflects its ongoing commitment to finding innovative ways for customers and members to support the communities they live in. Pennies’ micro-donation solution will continue to be used across future charity partnerships, helping causes benefit from collective generosity.
David Watkins (76), a retired college lecturer from Edinburgh, is looking forward to celebrating Christmas with his family after being given the gift of sight after decades of vision loss and having to stay in the dark.
Following the ‘miraculous difference’ made by a corneal transplant at the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, David is set to enjoy being able to see his Christmas celebrations properly for the first time in years.
David suffers from a degenerative condition called Fuchs Dystrophy. He said “I visited the optician around 20 years ago and they saw what looked like birthmarks all over my eyes. I was sent to a specialist and diagnosed with Fuchs Dystrophy.
“It was slow progressing but three or four years later, I got to the stage where I had to sit in the dark and wear sunglasses all the time because my eyes were so sensitive to light. When I got up in the morning, it looked like I was looking through a steamed-up bathroom window. I found lights blinding and felt like I spent half my life in the dark.”
In August this year, David underwent a corneal transplant under local anaesthetic and, several weeks later, his eyesight is so vastly improved he no longer needs to wear dark glasses constantly.
He said: “It took six or eight weeks but one day I woke up and could see again – the difference was miraculous. I can now appreciate being able to see colours again and even dust floating in the air.
“My wife loves Red Kites and I couldn’t see them with her but now I get out walking every day and can enjoy seeing the birds.
“The impact on my life is incalculable, made possible by the generosity of an organ donor and I am and will remain eternally grateful.”
David is now on the list for a second corneal transplant for his other eye.
Dr Naing Latt Tint, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at NHS Lothian said: “It’s fantastic to see how the corneal transplant has dramatically improved David’s quality of life. His journey is testament to the transformative impact that organ and tissue donation can have.
“It takes a dedicated team working together to make each transplant operation happen but, above all, it’s the selflessness of donors and their families that makes it all possible. Donating a cornea is a truly life-changing gift and can help those affected by failing eyesight continue to live independent and fulfilling lives.”
Earlier in December, the Scottish Government announced annual funding for extra specialist staff to support eyesight-saving cornea transplants and help to increase donation rates.
The cornea, the clear outer layer at the front of the eye, can be retrieved within 24 hours of death in hospital or hospice and preserved ahead of transplant but, unlike other tissue transplants, does not need to be a ‘match’ and can come from a donor of any age.
Learn more about organ donation in Lothian:
https://www.nhslothian.scot/healthinformation/organ-donation
Many pharmacies will be closed or have reduced hours this week.
The NHS Inform and the NHS 24 Online app offer advice on getting more medicine if your prescription runs out.
For more information, visit: http://nhsinform.scot/…/medicines-and…/prescriptions/
From JEWISH COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND and GLASGOW JEWISH REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL
“Glasgow Jewish Representative Council and the Jewish Council of Scotland welcome yesterday’s Glasgow Sheriff Court verdict finding Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign founder member Mick Napier guilty of a racially aggravated breach of Section 38 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010.
“As reported in the media, we understand that Mr Napier was found guilty of having behaved in a threatening or abusive manner likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer fear or alarm, aggravated by prejudice related to religion, or a social or cultural group with a perceived religious affiliation, in this case directed towards Sammy Stein – a Jewish person.
“There must be no place for antisemitism – in any guise – in Scotland.”
| Henry Lovat President, Glasgow Jewish Representative Council | Timothy Lovat Chair, Jewish Council of Scotland |
STATEMENT from SCOTTISH PALESTINE SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN
In Glasgow’s Sheriff Court today (Tuesday 23 December), Sheriff John McCormick handed down a shocking verdict, finding SPSC founding member Mick Napier guilty of racism for verbally calling out the leader of Glasgow Friends of Israel.
The same sheriff jailed five activists last August for trying to interdict the supply of arms from Thales in Govan to the genocidal Israeli military.
The pro-Israel group whose leader made the complaint of racism on which the police, prosecutors and sheriff acted,
The complainer, Sammy Stein, joined a recent anti-asylum seeker, pro-genocide demonstration organised by Tommy Robinson supporters in Glasgow and worked with a well-known fascist, antisemite and holocaust denier to harass Palestine supporters.
An appeal against conviction and the £600 fine has been lodged.
SPSC will continue our work to expose Glasgow Friends of Israel, including Sammy Stein, as the genocide deniers and cheerleaders that they are. They work in collaboration with Israeli government officials to target SPSC, our members and partners, because the international Palestine solidarity movement to boycott and isolate Israel is growing and making an impact.
It is critical that we continue to organise and build the movement in Scotland – if you are not already an SPSC member, you can join here.
You can also support our Fighting Fund appeal here – to be effective, we must also defend our rights.
Our fight continues. Look out for notices about hunger striker and wider court support.
PICTURE: Craig McLean
PUBLIC Health Scotland has released a new CancerWaiting Times report.
These latest figures show that, during the last quarter for which results are available, from July-September 2025, around 1,400 (29.3 per cent) patients waited longer than 62 days to start treatment following an urgent suspected cancer referral.
The report shows that only 70.7 per cent of patients on an urgent referral for a suspicion of cancer started treatment within 62 days during this quarter.
This is well below the 95 per cent target and is the fifth worst performance on record (since 2012).
The full Public Health Scotland report can be found here:
https://publichealthscotland.scot/media/36574/2025-12-23_cwt-report.pdf
Dr Sorcha Hume, Cancer Research UK’s public affairs manager in Scotland, said: “Waiting to find out if you have cancer is a hugely distressing time for people.
“NHS staff are also stretched to the limit and, without action, delays will persist.
“As we approach the new year, the Scottish Government must make a firm resolution to invest in the NHS workforce and equipment, as well as innovative ways of working.
“There’s no time to lose. The cancer crisis is urgent. Without immediate action, countless lives will be lost.”
More information on how Cancer Research UK believes waiting times can be tackled can be found in Longer better lives: a manifesto for cancer research and care in Scotland
Two Hibernian Women players have helped bring festive cheer to local families this Christmas, donating Santa Surprise Boxes to a Scottish charity on behalf of baby brand Nuby.
Lauren Doran-Barr and Tegan Bowie donated 15 Nuby ‘Santa Surprise Boxes’ to Circle, a charity that supports children and families across Scotland who are facing challenging circumstances.
The festive boxes were hand delivered to the Circle head offices, and are designed to bring joy to young children during the Christmas period, helping to ease pressure on families at what can be a particularly difficult time of year.
Circle works closely with families to improve outcomes for children, offering practical, emotional and relationship-based support to help build stronger, safer and more resilient family lives.
The donation forms part of Nuby’s commitment to supporting families beyond its products, using its partnerships to give back to local communities and make a positive difference where it is most needed.
James Watson, head of marketing at Nuby, said, “Christmas should be a joyful time for every child, but we know that isn’t always the reality for families facing difficult circumstances.
“These Santa Surprise Boxes are a small way for us to help spread some festive cheer, and we’re proud to support Circle and the vital work they do for families across Scotland. Working alongside Hibs players Lauren and Tegan to deliver this donation makes the initiative even more meaningful.”
The visit also reflects Nuby’s wider partnership with Hibernian Women, which focuses on supporting family-centred causes and creating positive community impact through women’s football.
Andrew Morrison, commercial partnerships executive at Hibernian Football Club, said: “We’re proud to see our players supporting initiatives that make a genuine difference in the local community.
“Partnerships like this with Nuby allow us to use the platform of women’s football to support families and charities doing vital work, and it’s fantastic to see Lauren and Tegan playing such an active role.”
Lauren Doran-Barr and Tegan Bowie said they were delighted to be involved in the donation and to help make Christmas a little brighter for children supported by Circle.
First Minister John Swinney has urged people to ensure they get the Right Care at the Right Place by checking the NHS inform website in the first instance if they become unwell.
During a visit to NHS 24 and the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), the First Minister thanked staff for their commitment to keeping the public as safe and informed as possible ahead of the busy festive period.
The guidance in the NHS Winter Preparedness plan sets out that anyone feeling unwell should:
First Minister John Swinney said: “We know that demand for the NHS increases quite substantially over the festive period and there are a number of steps you can take to help yourself if you become unwell.
“In the first instance, check the symptom checkers on the NHS inform website – it can help you decide what to do next. If you still require medical help, NHS 24’s 111 service is there for you and dedicated professionals can provide advice.
“A&E is expected to be exceptionally busy in the coming weeks so only attend if you have a genuine emergency that requires urgent medical treatment.
“Our dedicated NHS staff will continue working throughout the festive period to provide support and care for the people of Scotland. I’m extremely grateful for their hard work and my thanks go out to all of you.”
Scottish Ambulance Service Chief Executive Michael Dickson OBE said: “Winter is always an exceptionally busy period and as demand on our service increases, we’re asking the public to use our service responsibly by only phoning 999 in a life-threatening emergency.
“Currently over 50% of our calls are managed without having to take patients to A&E. However, for those who do need hospital treatment, system-wide pressures, including lengthy handover times in key areas, are having a direct impact on our ability to get crews back on the road to reach other patients.
“Our fantastic staff are working extremely hard and we continue to prioritise those patients who are most critically ill. For those patients who are not critically ill, they may have to wait longer for an ambulance than usual and we thank the public for their patience; we will try to get to them as quickly as we can.”
NHS 24 Executive Medical Director Dr Ron Cook said: “With public holidays limiting access to GP and pharmacy services for four consecutive days across both festive weekends, NHS 24 is forecasting a significant rise in demand for our services as other primary care services take a well‑earned break.
“We plan carefully to ensure we have the right staff in place so people can access the right care in the right place. Our teams bring a wide range of skills, and every practitioner and clinician will play a vital role in supporting patients and each other to stay well during this busy period.
“We realise it’s not possible to cover every health eventuality, but we encourage everyone to plan ahead if possible. Make sure you have your prescription medicines, have over‑the‑counter remedies available at home, and check in on vulnerable friends or family. By preparing now, you can protect your festive time and avoid unnecessary interruptions.”
Self-help guides can be found on NHS inform
