Edinburgh Shopper scoops over £600 for CHAS in festive edition of Aldi Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland’s much loved Supermarket Sweep challenge recently returned to Edinburgh with a festive twist, and one lucky local winner spread some Christmas cheer by raising £606.18 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) while bagging the same amount in Aldi favourites for himself.

Aldi’s popular Supermarket Sweep, inspired by the legendary gameshow, arrived in Edinburgh on Sunday 14 December. Lucky shopper Tom Garrat, who was chosen as the winner of the competition, donned a Santa costume for his five-minute trolley dash for CHAS at the retailer’s Portobello store – where CHAS representatives got into the festive spirit dressed as elves.

As well as taking home a trolley full of goodies, Aldi Scotland matched the cash value of Tom’s haul, donating all proceeds to CHAS to help support over 500 babies, children and young people across Scotland with life-shortening conditions and their families. In 2025, every penny raised through the initiative has gone directly to CHAS, with £10,000 pledged in support.

Aldi Supermarket Sweep winner, Tom Garratt, said: “It was a pleasure to raise over £600 for CHAS with the help of Aldi.

“A special thanks to Sarah from CHAS for being my eyes and ears as I dashed through the aisles filling the trolleys!”

Sarah Dannfald, Senior Community Fundraiser, CHAS, said: “Turning up to Aldi’s Portobello store dressed as Santa and an Elf isn’t something you do every day, but the team there welcomed us like absolute stars.

“Tom’s fantastic effort in the Supermarket Sweep, along with the brilliant support from all the staff, brought so much festive fun and raised a wonderful amount for CHAS.

“Their generosity will help bring comfort, care and Christmas magic to the children and families we support all year round. We can’t thank them enough for getting behind us with such spirit and good humour!”

Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Our first-ever festive edition of Supermarket Sweep has been such a good way to celebrate the season and spread some Christmas cheer, while also finishing a fantastic year of fundraising on a high. Congratulations to Tom, who raised an incredible £606.18 for CHAS while grabbing a bundle of Aldi favourites for himself.

“CHAS is an incredible organisation that does invaluable work for families across Scotland.

“We’re proud to support them and help raise as much as possible so they can continue to provide vital hospice care for children with life-shortening conditions, and unwavering support to families during the most difficult moments imaginable.”

Tesco customers thanked for generous Winter Food Collection support as almost 1.5 million meals donated

Stores across the country have been overwhelmed by the generosity of customers who donated at the Tesco Winter Food Collection.

An incredible 1.48 million meals’ worth of long-life food items were donated to the collection between 24 November and 29 November across the retailer’s large and Express stores, including 41,804 in and around Edinburgh.

More than 2,000 volunteers helped store colleagues throughout the collection where every item donated provides much-needed support for food redistribution charities FareShare and Trussell in the run up to Christmas.

In addition, more than £300,000 was donated to both charities thanks to customers rounding up their bill at the till to the nearest pound and online donations throughout the collection period. When combined with Tesco’s financial support of the charities, it equates to more than £2m in funding in 2025.

Trussell research shows over 14 million people in the UK are now facing hunger, including 3.8 million children. They predict that their community of foodbanks will need to give out an emergency food parcel every ten seconds this winter to meet the need. 

FareShare continues to see high levels of need and say that more than a third of its partners now primarily serve families with children, or services for children. Research carried out by the charity’s network partner, The Felix Project, recently found that almost a quarter of UK working parents have had to turn to a food support service in the last year.

Donations to Trussell help food banks to provide emergency food parcels to people who cannot afford the essentials, while donations to FareShare support thousands of frontline local charities in communities across the country.

This winter will see heightened levels of demand for both charities’ services with the Christmas holidays being a particularly difficult time for families due to the increased costs that occur at this time of year.

Tesco UK CEO Ashwin Prasad said: “As ever, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Tesco customers who have shown how much they value the hard work of our partners Trussell and FareShare in their local communities.

“I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated and made this such a special event in stores across the UK. Every single item donated really helps to make a huge impact in communities across the UK supported by Trussell and FareShare.”

FareShare Chief Executive, Kris Gibbon-Walsh, said: “Once again, the generosity of Tesco customers at the Winter Food Collection has been humbling. The long-life items collected will go to 8,000 charities across the UK, helping to support people during the winter months.

At a time when many people are forced to choose between keeping warm and eating, demand for these local charities’ services is higher than ever. The food that we can provide thanks to the Winter Food Collection makes a real difference, helping to bring people together, strengthen communities and support those in need.

“Thank you to every single person that donated an item of food, topped up their shopping bill or generously gave their time to volunteer in store. Your support will help provide a meal for someone facing hardship this winter, enable them to connect with other vital services, and make a positive difference. Thank you.”

Matthew van Duyvenbode, co-chief executive of Trussell, said: “We are so grateful to Tesco for supporting our community of food banks through the coldest season by organising the annual Winter Food Collection.

“Crucially, it’s thanks to you – Tesco customers – who donate food and money so generously. By doing this, you’re ensuring food banks can continue to help people in your local community who are facing hunger and hardship. Thank you for your kindness. When we all play our part, we can end hunger for good.”

With both charities requiring ongoing support, Tesco shoppers can continue to donate food at permanent collection points at every Tesco store in the UK or make a donation after their online shop until the end of February.

You can also donate at https://fareshare.donr.com/tesco.

The Cost of a Child in Scotland 2025

CHILD POVERTY ACTION GROUP’S ANNUAL COST of a CHILD REPORT

CPAG’s annual Cost of a Child report looks at how much it costs families to provide a minimum socially acceptable standard of living for their children.

It is calculated using the Minimum Income Standard (MIS) research, carried out by the Centre for Research in Social Policy at Loughborough University for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. 

  • The cost of raising a child to age 18 is £250,000 for a couple and £290,000 for a lone parent.
  • An inadequate social security system means many families, including some working full time, do not have enough income to cover the cost of a minimum standard of living.
  • A lone parent with two children working full-time on the minimum wage can only cover 79 per cent of these costs, while a similar couple can only cover 90 per cent. The same families across the rest of the UK can cover 69 percent, and 82 percent, respectively.
  • An out-of-work lone parent with two children only has enough income to cover 55 per cent of costs (46 per cent for a couple). The same families across the rest of the UK can cover 44 percent, and 37 percent, respectively.
  • Scotland specific policies (most notably the Scottish child payment) help families but still many families are struggling to meet their minimum costs.
Cost_of_a_child_in_scotland_2025_FINALDownload

Council secures Lottery grant to progress slavery and colonialism work

The Council, in partnership with the independent Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review (ESCLR) Implementation Group, has been awarded £239,746 to progress the ESCLR’s recommendations.

Published in 2022 and led by Sir Geoff Palmer, the ESCLR report examined how Edinburgh’s connections to slavery and colonialism are represented in its street names, monuments, and public spaces, and how this history continues to shape present-day inequalities.

The funding will accelerate progress on the outstanding recommendations, including public engagement, education, and the development of future approaches to heritage, interpretation, and commemoration.

Key planned activities include:

  • Recruiting a full-time Project Officer and forming an Advisory Group
  • Hosting a Decolonising Edinburgh Conference and an open symposium
  • Developing digital platforms to support engagement and transparency
  • Creating a small touring exhibition on diversity in Edinburgh’s cultural and heritage activity
  • Delivering a community research project and a series of consultation workshops on built heritage
  • Piloting learning resources for schools and anti-racist educators
  • Coordinating annual stakeholder meetings and a digital campaign around UNESCO’s Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition

As part of its commitment, the Council has also provided £10,000 and significant in-kind support to help realise the project’s ambitions.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, this funding marks an important step forward for Edinburgh. If we are to be the inclusive and welcoming city our residents expect, we must continue to confront the uncomfortable parts of our past.

“Whilst we’ve issued a civic apology for Edinburgh’s historic role in sustaining slavery and colonialism, the project allows us to go further and become an example for how a city can face up to its slavery and colonial legacy.

“I’m pleased to see work moving ahead and look forward to the progress it will bring.”

Chair of the Implementation Group, Irene Mosota, said: “On behalf of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group, I thank the National Lottery Heritage Fund for accepting our bid and ideas, and for this funding, and the City of Edinburgh Council for its continued support.

“Edinburgh is acknowledging the impact of its past and recognising that the legacy of slavery and colonialism continues to shape inequalities today and into the future.

“This funding will enable us to work with communities and institutions across the city in open and honest reflection and dialogue, not to reopen old wounds, but to help us understand our shared responsibility and how we move forward together with compassion, equality, and justice.

“We recognise the trust placed in us to carry forward the work begun by Sir Geoff Palmer, and we hope this work will offer a meaningful example of how cities across the UK can address historic legacies with care and integrity.”

Caroline Clark The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland said: “Thanks to National Lottery players our funding will support the City of Edinburgh Council in partnership with the independent Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group, to take a considered and collaborative approach to this important work.

“Edinburgh’s historic links to the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism are engrained in the city’s heritage.

“This project will develop ways for the city to engage thoughtfully with its past, contextualising and acknowledging these parts of the city’s story.”

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home are hoping to find Niall the Doberman cross a forever home this Christmas

EDCH, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home

As part of its Winter Appeal, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is urging the public to help animals like Niall, a two-year-old Doberman cross, find a loving home this Christmas.

When Niall arrived at the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, he was skin and bones, covered in wounds and frightened of the world around him. Found as a stray, his future was uncertain, but with expert veterinary care, routine and patience, Niall has made a remarkable recovery. Once reserved and wary, he is now beginning to show his true personality and learning to trust again, a powerful example of what the right care and support can achieve.

Now settled into life at the Home, Niall’s confidence continues to grow. Once he has built a bond, he is incredibly affectionate and will happily curl up for a cuddle, despite his size. He is goofy, full of energy and loves racing around with his toys, enjoying every chance to play and interact with the people he knows and trusts.

This Christmas, Niall’s journey is at the heart of the charity’s ‘Nowhere Like Home’ Winter Appeal, a campaign inspired by the idea that every animal deserves a safe place to belong. The Home is highlighting the path stray and surrendered animals take as they journey towards a loving forever home. But for many animals that arrive at the Home, that journey can only continue with public support.

The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home currently receives around 40 calls every day from pet owners seeking help. Between January and October this year, the charity accepted 301 animals, with 141 of them arriving as strays, just like Niall. During the same period, the Home received 700 surrender requests, highlighting the growing pressures facing pet owners across East and Central Scotland.

With operational costs at an all-time high and more than 300 new arrivals already this year, the charity is aiming to raise £200,000 through its Winter Appeal to ensure animals like Niall continue to receive lifesaving care.

With no government funding, the Home relies entirely on the generosity of its supporters to keep its doors open and is deeply grateful to everyone who has supported its work over the past year

Niall is now looking for an experienced owner who has had large dogs before and can continue working on his confidence at a steady pace. He would thrive in an adult only home where he can be the only pet, with a private garden to call his own. As he can find being left alone difficult, Niall will need someone who can keep him company throughout the day while he learns that time alone is okay.

Amelia Morgan, CEO at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said: “Every animal deserves to know the comfort and safety of a warm, loving home, especially at Christmas. Niall’s story shows what is possible when kindness and care come together, but there are so many more animals who still need our help.

“The need for our services continues to escalate, and it is only through the generosity of our supporters that we have been able to help both pet owners and their beloved animals. Demand is high, and we need to be able to do more.”

Donations to the Winter Appeal make an immediate and tangible difference. £20 can help give a dog or cat their chance to find a loving home, £50 can help pay for lifesaving medicine and expert veterinary care, and £100 can help provide warmth, shelter and ongoing care during the winter months.

For Niall, this Christmas is about healing, hope and the chance of a new beginning. For hundreds of other dogs and cats, the Winter Appeal can make that difference in them finally finding their forever home.

To support the Winter Appeal, visit edch.org.uk/winterappeal, call 0131 669 5331, or text COSY to 70058 to donate £10.

Jet2 spreads holiday joy by launching huge sale and super-low deposit

  • Unmissable sale means holidaymakers get £100 off per person on ALL holidays booked with the UK’s favourite tour operator, as well as a 20% saving on ALL Jet2.com flights  
  • Low £25 per person booking deposit launched for a limited time across Summer 26 holidays too! 

Jet2 is making it even easier for holidaymakers to enjoy that “Nothing beats a just-booked holiday” feeling, by launching an unmissable sale that offers customers huge savings across all award-winning flights and holidays.  

The UK’s largest tour operator is also helping customers lock in that much-deserved holiday, by announcing a super-low £25 per person deposit across Summer 26 holidays, which will run for a limited time between now and 23.59 on 12th January 2026. 

Launched in perfect time for the peak holiday booking season, the award-winning tour operator and airline is helping spread the joy of having some sunshine booked in the diary, by announcing £100 off per person om ALL holidays booked with Jet2holidays, as well as 20% off ALL Jet2.com flights (including one-way flights).  

The sale means that a family of four can enjoy a saving of £400 and a couple can save £200 when booking the best rooms in the best accommodation in the best destinations before they are gone.

It applies to ALL holidays across ALL seasons booked through Jet2holidays,  Jet2CityBreaks, VIBE by Jet2holidays, Indulgent Escapes and Jet2Villas, meaning that whatever type of getaway a holidaymaker is looking for, fantastic savings are guaranteed when booking with the UK’s favourite tour operator.  

The award-winning Jet2holidays experience includes VIP customer service from start to finish, 22kg baggage, 10kg hand luggage, under-seat bag, return transfers, ABTA and ATOL protection and flights with Jet2.com. 

Customers can also take advantage of Pay Monthly plans and infants under two travelling for free, with millions of Free Child Place holidays also available.  

The news comes as Jet2holidays celebrates being named a Which? Recommend Provider for another year across five holiday categories – Beach and Resort Holiday Providers, Family Holiday Providers, Tailor-Made Holiday Providers, Solo Holiday Providers and City Break Providers in recognition of providing customers with industry-leading customer service and products. 

Jet2.com and Jet2Villas also hold Which? Recommended Provider status, meaning the Jet2 brands continue to receive this recognition across seven categories.  

As well as enjoying savings on award-winning holidays and flights through this sale, customers can also choose from a huge programme with millions of seats and thousands of hotels available across more than 75 destinations across Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Canary Islands.  

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Nothing beats the joy of booking a holiday and we are spreading that joy far and wide through the launch of this fantastic sale, making it easier for customers to getaway for less. 

“Launched in time for the busy holiday booking season, Jet2 is offering holidaymakers fantastic savings on their holidays and flights, and we know that this, alongside our industry-leading customer service, will be a huge hit. 

“With so much value and choice available, we look forward to welcoming even more new and existing customers, whilst showcasing what makes us the UK’s favourite tour operator and airline.”  

To view terms and conditions please visit: https://www.jet2holidays.com/promotions 

To take advantage of this unmissable sale, visit:

https://www.jet2holidays.com/ and https://www.jet2.com/  

Tickets on sale for new Stef Smith production that brings Queen Margaret University history to life

QMU welcomes audiences to new Stef Smith production at Traverse Theatre

Rising stars of stage and screen will dazzle audiences next February as they perform a new Stef Smith production at the Traverse Theatre, bringing Queen Margaret University’s 150-year story to life. 

Drawing on QMU’s rich history, from its origins as a cookery school for women, through two world wars, student activism and a global pandemic, ‘Head. Heart. Hand.’ explores how generations of students responded to the challenges and changes of their times with resilience, passion and hope.  

Created by award-winning playwright and QMU graduate, Stef Smith, the production will be performed by QMU final year Acting and Performance students at Scotland’s new writing theatre, the renowned Traverse Theatre, from 19–21 February 2026.  

Stef Smith studied Drama and Theatre Arts at Queen Margaret University and won an Olivier Award for the show ‘RoadKill’ just a few years after graduating. 

Her plays include ‘Nora: A Doll’s House’, ‘Swallow’ and ‘Enough’; and her recent screen credits include ‘Float’, the BBC Scotland drama, which shines a light on the lives of LGBTQ+ teens living in rural communities and for which she won a BAFTA for Best Writer. 

Stef said: “Coming back to QMU feels a little surreal. I can hardly believe how much time has passed since I graduated, yet in many ways it feels like no time at all!

“Much of Scotland’s theatre scene is built on new writing, so it’s vital that students gain experience working directly with a living playwright.

“I hope this opportunity gives them a real sense of the professional world they’re about to enter – it has been brilliant to see the next generation of students bringing such energy and creativity to the project.” 

The development of Head. Heart. Hand. forms part of the QMU150 programme of activities marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of the institution now known as Queen Margaret University.

As part of QMU’s commitment to accessibility, the university will be offering 150 £1 tickets to its students for the Thursday afternoon dress rehearsal. These can be booked directly through QMU and are not available via the Traverse box office. 

At its core, Head. Heart. Hand. is a story of perseverance, action, and the enduring belief in education as an act of hope. It promises to be a moving celebration of QMU’s legacy – and the students who shaped it. 

Purchase your ticket on the Traverse Theatre website –

https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/head-heart-hand-spring-26 

Performance dates:

19 Feb 7pm | 20 Feb 7pm | 21 Feb 2pm and 7pm

Venue: Traverse Theatre

Tickets: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/head-heart-hand-spring-26

Age recommendation: 14+

Miller Homes supports Lothian Children’s Deaf Club and helps light up Whitecraig with funding boost

Festive funding boost for Midlothian community groups

Miller Homes Scotland East is supporting two Midlothian community groups through its Community Fund initiative, donating £1,000 each to Lothian Children’s Deaf Club in Bonnyrigg and Whitecraig Christmas Lights in Dalkeith.

Since launching in 2022, the Community Fund has made a meaningful difference to local communities across Scotland, awarding £344,000 in grants to 538 organisations.

The initiative has helped a wide range of projects, from supporting foodbanks, sports teams, music groups and creative spaces. So far in 2025 Community Fund has supported seventeen groups across Scotland with a share of £20,000, including Lothian Children’s Deaf Club and Whitecraig Christmas Lights. 

Miller Homes’ donation to Lothian Children’s Deaf Club will go towards purchasing BSL resources for schools. This includes posters for open parts of the school with BSL greetings, useful words/phrases and grammar, as well as flashcards for further learning. 

Kirsten Abioye, co-founder at Lothian Children’s Deaf Club said: “Thanks to a generous £1,000 donation from Miller Homes, we can continue our mission at LCDC to support deaf children and their families. 

A big part of that is providing opportunities to learn BSL so we hope these resources will encourage and support BSL learning in schools.

“This also fosters community learning, where hearing children have the opportunity to learn alongside deaf children and helping to create an inclusive school environment where everyone feels they belong.” 

Funding awarded to Whitecraig Christmas Lights will support ongoing fundraising efforts to help light up the village during the festive season, bringing residents together and creating a strong sense of local pride.

Rebecka Melrose, representative of Whitecraig Christmas Lights, said: “Thanks to a generous £1,000 donation from Miller Homes, we can continue to light up the village and spread festive cheer for everyone to enjoy.

“A huge thank you to Miller Homes for supporting our community.”

Neil Gaffney, Regional Sales Director for Miller Homes Scotland East, said: “We are delighted to be able to continually support causes within the communities that we have developments.

“Supporting initiatives like Lothian Children’s Deaf Club and local projects such as Whitecraig Christmas Lights reflects our commitment to strengthening communities and bringing people together.

“The work of Lothian Children Deaf Club is vitally important in supporting families by creating a community centred around inclusivity and continuous learning.

“We are delighted that this funding will go towards continuing this amazing work.

“The village Christmas lights play a special role in creating a sense of pride and festive spirit for residents of all ages. We’re pleased that this funding will help ensure the lights continue to shine for the community.”

For more information on Miller Homes’ Community Fund and to find out when the next round of funding opens, visit www.millerhomes.co.uk/communityfund.

Appeal following robbery in Old Town

POLICE are appealing for information following a robbery in Edinburgh.

Around 8.25pm on Saturday, 20 December, 2025, a man entered a newsagent on Keir Street with a knife and stole a three-figure sum of cash.

The man made off along Keir Street.

He is described as male, of slim build, and was wearing light grey trousers, a three-quarter length black jacket, a black face covering, black baseball cap and red gloves. He spoke with a Scottish accent.

Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe, Edinburgh CID said: “This was an extremely alarming incident for the staff, and it is vital we trace the man responsible.

“Keir Street would have been busy at the time, and I would ask anyone who was there and who may have seen this man, to get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 1198 of 21 December.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.