Edinburgh’s Christmas’ Santa Paws event attracted over 100 dogs in festive outfits. The event took place on Sunday, 7 December in West Princes Street Gardens, the city’s premier family destination this festive season. It raised awareness of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, a local charity which was also fundraising at the event.
Furry friends (and their humans) also enjoyed games, photo opportunities with Santa’s elves, pet stalls including Bowzos Bows and Pure Pet Food and took part in a best dressed dog parade with winners chosen by the organisers: 3rd place went to Pisco, 2nd to Luigi and 1st to Winton.
The charity event raised funds for Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, which strives to support families who need help caring for their pets at home, as well as providing loving care, rehabilitation and rehoming services for animals who can no longer be cared for by their owners.
Santa Paws took place after the annual Santa Fun Run, also in West Princes Street Gardens, which each year raises funds for When You Wish Upon A Star, who grant the wishes of children aged 4–16 living with life-threatening or terminal illnesses.
The eventful, family friendly afternoon brought festive joy to all who attended, raising money for two important charities.
Life Raluy,Development Manager at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home said: “Today’s Santa Run and Santa Paws gathering was a fantastic celebration of people and their pets coming together for a great cause.
“We may not have broken a record this time, but the atmosphere was full of joy, kindness and community spirit. Every person — and every dog in a festive jumper — helped raise vital funds and awareness for animals who need us.
“We’re so thankful to everyone who joined us and made today so special.”
Edinburgh Leisure is celebrating one of its own as Josh Ward, Swim Teacher at its iconic Leith Victoria Swim Centre, scooped the Rising Star Award at the recent Scottish Leisure Network Group Awards.
The Scottish Leisure Network Group (SLNG) is a not-for-profit organisation for leisure and sport providers in Scotland. Founded in 2003, its purpose is to help members, such as local authority leisure trusts and university sports departments, share best practices, provide industry guidance, and develop benchmarking processes.
Josh’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of opportunity. Starting out on Edinburgh Leisure’s Positive Destinations programme – an employability initiative supporting young people from deprived areas – Josh faced significant challenges. Surrounded by negative influences and lacking financial support, his future could have taken a very different path.
Instead, Josh embraced the programme, earned his lifeguard qualification, and began his career as a Leisure Attendant.
Recognising the need to create a positive environment for himself, Josh made the brave decision to transfer to a venue further afield, away from peer pressure. That move marked a turning point.
With encouragement from his manager, Josh trained as a Swim Teacher, gaining his Scottish Swimming Teaching Qualification. Two years on, he’s not only thriving but inspiring others.
“Josh is a fantastic role model for our team and for the young people who come through our programmes,” said Louise Bathgate, Manager at Leith Victoria, who nominated him for the award.
“His journey shows what’s possible when someone is given the right support and opportunities. He’s passionate, committed, and always goes the extra mile for his swimmers and colleagues.
“Josh’s approach to swim teaching reflects the values of our organisation, creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-quality experiences for all his participants. He is known for building strong relationships with children and adapting his teaching style to meet individual needs.
“He has played a key role in supporting both participants and less experienced staff, particularly through our Care-Experienced and Active Communities programmes. His patience and ability to connect with others make him a trusted and respected member within his team.”
One customer commented said “Josh is doing a great job running the Skills & Development and Master’s swim classes. He’s always friendly, encouraging, and brings great sets for us to swim. His feedback on technique has significantly improved my swim times.”
Josh’s success comes as sportscotland celebrates Role Models in Sport this December, highlighting individuals who inspire others to get active and achieve their potential. Josh embodies that spirit – from overcoming personal challenges to becoming a trusted and respected Swim Teacher who makes a real difference in his community, said Jack Martin, Coaching Workforce Manager at Edinburgh Leisure.
Edinburgh Leisure offers a range of career pathways, from entry-level roles to specialist coaching and teaching positions. Josh’s story is a powerful reminder that a career in leisure isn’t just a job – it can be life-changing.
Find out more about careers with Edinburgh Leisure at:
Motorists are being warned about the dangers of aquaplaning, as experts share tips on how to stay safe on the roads during stormy weather.
Rainfall in the UK is on the rise, with winter 2023-24 the wettest on record,* making it vital that drivers know how to react in these challenging situations.
Car insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk urge drivers to check their tyre tread depth and significantly reduce their speed when it’s raining to help keep control during unexpected aquaplaning.
Also known as hydroplaning, aquaplaning happens when a layer of water builds up between a vehicle’s tyres and the road surface, causing the tyres to lose grip.
This can lead to a complete loss of steering and braking control, leaving drivers unable to manoeuvre safely until the tyres regain contact with the road.
Even a small amount of water can cause aquaplaning if tyres are worn or under-inflated. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, so it’s important for motorists to regularly check their tyres to ensure they meet or exceed this limit.
Drivers are advised to slow down when conditions are wet, as aquaplaning is far more likely to occur at speeds above 35 mph.**
It’s also important to avoid harsh acceleration, braking or sudden steering movements in rainy weather.
When the car is aquaplaning, drivers might notice the engine suddenly becoming louder, feel as though they’ve dropped the clutch down a gear, causing the revs to increase, experience lighter or unresponsive steering, or feel the back end of the car drifting from side to side, also known as ‘fishtailing’.***
In that situation, it’s crucial not to slam the brakes or turn the wheel sharply. Instead, drivers need to gently ease off the accelerator and keep the steering straight until the tyres regain contact with the road.
Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “As the weather across the UK gets wetter and stormier, motorists need to be on alert for dangerous driving conditions.
“Many drivers underestimate how easily aquaplaning can happen. Even a thin layer of water can be enough if tyres are worn or speeds are too high.
“It can be a frightening experience when you suddenly lose control of the car, and can result in serious accidents, so knowing how to prevent and manage aquaplaning is crucial at this time of year.
“Regularly checking tyres, slowing down, keeping an eye out for puddles and avoiding harsh manouvers in wet conditions, can all help improve safety while driving in the rain.
“Being aware of the first signs of aquaplaning is also important so that drivers can react calmly and safely. If the steering suddenly feels light or the car starts to drift, don’t panic.
“Staying composed, easing off the accelerator, keeping the wheel straight and letting the tyres regain their grip naturally is the best that you can do in this situation. Being prepared and aware of what’s happening is half the battle.”
Your tyres will have less chance of gripping the road if you’re travelling at a higher speed. There’s no magic “safe speed,” but experts say that cars travelling under 35 mph in an inch or two of water are much more likely to stay in control.
2. Check your tyre tread depth
The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but don’t wait until you’re right on the limit. More tread means better grip, especially on wet roads. If your tyres are starting to look a little smooth, it’s time to get them checked or replaced,**** driving with unroadworthy tyres can lead to fines, penalty points and could even invalidate your car insurance.
3. Keep tyres properly inflated
Under-inflated tyres can’t clear water as effectively, increasing the risk of aquaplaning. Check tyre pressures regularly, especially before long journeys. If you’re not sure what your tyre pressure should be, check your car manual or reference sticker on the inside of the doorframe.
4. Keep an eye out for puddles
Those big puddles might look harmless, but hitting one too fast can make your car lose contact with the road in an instant. Try to avoid waterlogged roads or drive around puddles safely – if you have to go through, reduce speed and proceed with caution. Turning your headlights on is recommended on rainy days to increase visibility, so other drivers can see you better and you have a better chance of spotting excess surface water.
5. Follow the track
If there’s a car ahead, their tyres will already have cleared some of the water from the road, leaving tracks behind. Driving in those tracks, while keeping a safe distance, could help your tyres maintain better grip.
6. Drive smoothly
Gentle steering, braking and accelerating are key when it’s wet. Take extra care on bends and avoid using cruise control, as it can stop you from reacting quickly if you start to aquaplane.
As a leading price comparison site, Quotezone helps millions of drivers every year compare and find savings on all sorts of car insurance, such as young, older and convicted driver insurance.
Christmas is often portrayed as a season of wall-to-wall joy and celebration. But for those of us who have lost loved ones, this season can sometimes feel heavy and complicated.
Our CEO Mark reflects on his own journey with grief at this time of year and offers tips for those who may be struggling during the holidays.
Supported by the British Council, Scottish musician RuMac is in India this week bringing the accordion to thousands of people at Hornbill festival, one of India’s largest cultural festivals
Originally from Ullapool, Ruairidh Maclean, a singer-songwriter who performs as RuMac, took to the main stage at the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland this week (Tuesday 02 December), where the United Kingdom is this year’s Country Partner for the festival.
RuMac’s performance at Hornbill marks his first visit to India. Following his festival appearance, he performed at the historic Tollygunge Club in Kolkata (Thursday, 4 December).
Nicknamed the “Festival of Festivals”, the 10-day Hornbill Festival is celebrating its 26th year and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. It is India’s largest celebration of tribal heritage, with audiences given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich traditions, music, and folklore of the Naga people.
RuMac began his solo set in front of a large projection of the Scottish flag, bringing a blend of traditional Scottish folk, Gaelic song, and a mix of genres to the Hornbill stage. Known for high-energy performances that move from traditional accordion playing to heavy rock, he has built a reputation as a unique live act that went down well with the large crowd.
RuMac said he felt proud to showcase Scottish culture internationally and saw parallels between Highland and Naga folk traditions, saying: ““I’m thrilled to be performing in India for the first time, in a part of theworld I’ve never had the chance to visit before.
“I didn’t know how the performance would go as the accordion is quite a weird instrument! but the crowd have made me feel at home and it was brilliant.
“I’m especially looking forward to my show in Kolkata and to bring a little bit of The Highlands of Scotland along with me; hopefully they’ll like what I do! Slàinte!”
Claire de Braekeleer, Director, British Council Scotland, said:“It’s been brilliant to follow RuMac’s journey to Nagaland for the Hornbill Festival, which is such a significant moment in the Indian cultural calendar.
“His performance shows how music can bridge cultures and continents and we’re proud to create platforms for Scottish musicians to find new global audiences.”
The British Council has brought UK artists to Hornbill in previous editions, with the festival creating opportunities for musicians to connect with audiences and experience the rich musical traditions of Nagaland, a region whose folk heritage resonates strongly with Scotland’s own.
The visit forms part of the British Council’s ongoing work to foster cultural connections between the UK and India, creating opportunities for artists from both regions to share their work and develop new collaborations.
It continues the British Council’s work, building connection, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas through arts and education.
With less than two months until the Self Assessment deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is asking people filing their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year ‘What’s your filing style?’ and encouraging them to start now.
HMRC is launching an online poll asking people to pick how they choose to file.
Are they an early bird – filing within a few days of the new tax year, a dipper – someone who dips in and out throughout the year – or, a last minute panicker – rushing to submit their form in the last hours of 31 January?
The poll will run on HMRC’s X, LinkedIn and Facebook channels for 7 days.
Last year 735,316 Self Assessment customers in Scotland filed before the 31 January deadline. In total more than 11.5 million taxpayers filed their 2023 to 2024 tax return on time.
Millions of people have already filed their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year, with 58,000 early birds returning theirs on 6 April 2025 – the first day they could. Customers can complete their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year on GOV.UK.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: ““For customers yet to file, there’s still time to start and submit an accurate tax return. Don’t leave something as important as your tax return to the last minute. Go to GOV.UK to start today.”
Those who start their tax return early can take their time to access the range of online help available to them. Once started they have time to dip back in as many times as they need to check it’s accurate before submitting.
Those who file their tax return early don’t need to pay their tax bill straight away but can consider the best way to settle it ahead of the deadline.
For customers who are unable to pay their tax bill in full, HMRC may be able to help by arranging an affordable payment plan, known as Time To Pay. They can set up a plan online on GOV.UK. Alternatively, they can contact the helpline.
If anyone is unsure if they need to fill in a tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year, they can use the Self Assessment checker tool on GOV.UK where they can also register and notify HMRC if they no longer need to complete one.
Child Benefit claimants who would only file a tax return to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) can now opt out of Self Assessment and choose to pay it through their tax code via the new PAYE digital service.
Eligible customers can call HMRC to de-register from Self Assessment before the filing deadline. Where a tax return has already been sent, customers can choose to de-register from the following tax year. HMRC will then amend their tax code and they will be registered to pay HICBC through the new PAYE digital service.
Customers do not need to include their 2025 Winter Fuel Payment, or Pension Age Winter Heating payment in Scotland, on their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year as payments received in Autumn 2025 will be recovered in the 2025 to 2026 tax return, due by 31 January 2027. More information can be found on GOV.UK.
Self Assessment customers are at increased risk of being targeted by criminals and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone, including a tax agent, if they have one. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.
Regional filing figures for 2023 to 2024 tax year:
Four high school pupils have illuminated the city’s skyline by officially switching on the Christmas lights adorning the crane above The Jenners Building, where GRAHAM is underway with construction works to sensitively restore one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks.
The pupils – Metis To, Rebecca Price, Julianne Herbert, and Lovely Loquias – are participants in GRAHAM’s ConstructHER programme, a pioneering initiative designed to inspire more young women to explore careers in construction.
Developed by GRAHAM in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), the six-month programme will see participants spend one morning each week on-site at The Jenners Building.
The cohort will also take part in workshops, university visits, and employability sessions – gaining practical experience and valuable insight into the diverse career opportunities within the construction industry.
The Edinburgh rollout builds on the success of the ConstructHER pilot in Glasgow, which helped its first cohort of students progress into apprenticeships and further study within the sector.
Serena House, Social Impact Manager at GRAHAM Building North, said:“It’s always an exciting time of year as Edinburgh’s festive spirit comes to life, and it was fantastic that our ConstructHER participants had the honour of switching on the festive crane lights this year.
“ConstructHER is an important initiative that helps inspire the next generation of the construction workforce – showing young women the wide range of rewarding and creative opportunities our industry has to offer.”
GRAHAM began work on The Jenners Building earlier this year, overseeing the shell and core works on the historic Princes Street landmark. Spanning 17,500 square metres across ten floors, the redevelopment skilfully blends the preservation of the building’s rich architectural heritage with contemporary design.
Andrew Keith, Managing Director, The Jenners Building:“We are delighted to support GRAHAM’s ConstructHER programme this Christmas, a time of year that has always been a magical part of the history of The Jenners Building.”
The NHS in Scotland has not improved in line with commitments made by the Scottish Government, despite having more staff and more money.
Health spending in 2024/25 was over £20 billion – a £3 billion real terms increase from 2019 and 25 per cent higher than a decade ago.
The NHS now employs more than 160,000 whole-time equivalent staff, a 20,000 increase since 2019.
However, despite health boards making unprecedented savings, the NHS in Scotland remains financially unsustainable. In 2024/25, boards struggled to break even and seven needed Scottish Government loans.
Activity has increased in acute hospital settings, helping cut waiting times and waiting lists, but is still below pre-pandemic levels. Demand is high across the health system, and it remains to be seen if this progress can be sustained.
The Scottish Government has made progress in setting out its plans for reform, including a short-term operational improvement plan and longer term health and social care frameworks.
But the published improvement plan lacks clear actions, timeframes and accountability, which will make reporting its progress difficult.
And some of the ambitions within the documents, such as moving more care into communities, are longstanding and have yet to be delivered.
Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: ‘Despite increased spending, the NHS in Scotland remains unsustainable and it will be extremely challenging to eradicate long waits by the spring of 2026.
‘The plan and frameworks the Scottish Government has put in place for reforming the NHS are welcome. But there is still a persistent implementation gap between policy ambitions dating back over a decade and delivery on the ground.
‘This time round, it’s vital that the Scottish Government delivers on its reform plans. That means publicly setting out the detailed, measurable actions that will enable change and help everyone understand how a different health service will work.’
Read the Auditor General’s annual overview of the NHS here:
Scottish deal site, itison, has returned with its much loved £5 Christmas Appeal voucher which can buy a person who is vulnerable or experiencing homelessness a Christmas meal or gift this festive period with Social Bite.
The £5 vouchers have become a tradition for many kind-hearted Scots who like to give back over Christmas and help make a difference to people who are facing a challenging winter period. Since the partnership between itison and leading homelessness charity began in 2014, they have raised over £4.5 million, providing more than 700,000 people with a much needed gift or Christmas meal – which may be the only one they receive this festive period.
Despite the rise in costs across the country, Social Bite and itison have ensured that the vouchers stay at £5 to continue to reach as many people as possible.
A fiver goes further with Social Bite and itison – with just one voucher you can buy a gift for a child or individual to open on Christmas Day, a hot Christmas meal with all the trimmings, or help break the cycle of homelessness in the UK by helping to fund Social Bite’s services and its supported accommodation villages in South Lanarkshire and Edinburgh.
Social Bite Tree of Kindness
Pic Peter Devlin
Oli Norman, founder of itison, said: “So many of us take for granted that we will wake up on Christmas Day to gifts, the company of our loved ones and a filling meal in a warm, safe place – unfortunately that’s not the reality for a growing number of people in Scotland. But by purchasing a £5 Christmas Appeal voucher on itison, you can change that for someone.
“It’s hard to imagine the incredible difference even just one voucher can make to children, individuals and families who are facing a challenging Christmas. We want to support a record number of people this year, so please, get involved and let’s spread Christmas cheer!”
Josh Littlejohn, founder of Social Bite, said: “When the £5 Christmas Appeal started we had no idea how much of an annual tradition it would become for many generous supporters.
“It has now grown into one of Social Bite’s most exciting fundraising moments of the year and is a key part of our Festival of Kindness campaign. A huge thank you to everyone who buys a voucher, and to itison for their ongoing support.”
In addition to the itison £5 Christmas Appeal, donations and gifts can be made to Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness online or at one of the Kindness Trees located throughout the UK:
Glasgow – Vinicombe Street
Edinburgh – St Andrew Square
Aberdeen – outside the Bon Accord Centre
Birmingham – New Street Station, outside All Bar One
NHSGGC encourages people to wear masks when visiting hospitals
As is the case throughout the UK, hospitals across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are currently seeing rising numbers of patients with symptoms of flu.
While all our staff are doing all they can to address these challenges, we are asking visitors to help us reduce the spread of the virus and to minimise the risk to vulnerable patients.
In response to advice from our Infection Prevention and Control Teams, and in line with other Health Boards across Scotland, we are encouraging all visitors to our hospitals, and all clinical staff, to wear Fluid Resistant Surgical Masks – similar to those used during the COVID pandemic – at all times while they are on our premises.
We will keep this situation under review and we will advise of any changes as soon as we can.
In addition, we are asking people who have mild to moderate flu-like symptoms not to attend A&E or visit friends and family in hospital – and to follow a few simple suggestions:
Think before you go out. Use our online self-help guides to manage symptoms safely at home. Go to NHS Inform or download the NHS 24 app.
Seek local support. If you need medical advice, call your GP surgery. Alternatively, you can drop in to your community pharmacist without an appointment. They can review your symptoms and direct you to further care if necessary.
Call 111. If you think your condition is urgent, or if it is out of hours, NHS 24 is available 24 hours a day and will be able to give you the help you need, or arrange an appointment if required. It’s better to wait in the comfort of your own home and reduce the risk of spreading flu.
Professor Angela Wallace, Executive Director of Nursing at NHSGGC, said: “Flu season is here, and we want to ensure that you, your loved ones, and those who are the most vulnerable stay protected.
“By wearing a mask when you visit a hospital, or by following our simple suggestions if you are experiencing symptoms, you are doing your bit to help reduce the spread of the virus.”
However, we are also reminding people that the best thing they can do to maximise protection from flu is to get the vaccine if they are eligible.
If you are eligible, you will receive an invitation to get your vaccine, and we would encourage people to take up their appointment.
Alternatively, or if you have missed your appointment, many community pharmacies are administering the vaccine if you check availability in advance, while mobile vaccination clinics are operation throughout NHSGGC, where eligible patients can drop in without an appointment.
