Fire and Ice captivates thousands as Castle of Light opens in spectacular style

Over 4,700 people descended on Edinburgh Castle this weekend as Castle of Light: Fire and Ice officially opened to the public, drawing crowds from across the country for an action-packed  launch filled with elemental wonder.

Fusing Scotland’s fierce spirit with its frozen beauty, Edinburgh and Scotland rugby stars Matt Currie, Adelle Ferrie and Merryn Gunderson took centre stage on the esplanade to ignite this year’s walking trail, triggering a dramatic eruption of light across the Castle walls.

Marking the start of a seven-week run for the UK’s largest annual projection show, Castle of Light: Fire and Ice will now transform the iconic fortress into an immersive world where ancient stories blaze to life after-dark, on select evenings until 4 January.

Matt Currie said: “It’s genuinely a massive honour to be here tonight and to play a small part in officially switching on the lights for Castle of Light. Edinburgh Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and seeing it lit up with these spectacular projections and stories is truly special.”

Adelle Ferrie said: “Being up here on the esplanade tonight, seeing the buzz and excitement, really brings home how much this event means to Edinburgh. For us as players, getting to be part of such a great event that connects with the wider community is fantastic.

“It’s an amazing way to shine a light on what makes Edinburgh so unique. We’re incredibly proud to play our part in launching something that adds so much magic to the city’s winter calendar.”

Created by a consortium of Scotland’s leading digital and visual artists, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Castle of Light continues to be a highlight of Edinburgh’s winter calendar, drawing families, friends and visitors eager to see the Castle in a breathtaking new light.

Returning for its sixth spectacular season, guests are invited to wander through an awe-inspiring tapestry of storytelling projections, with dazzling installations and atmospheric sound displays shaped by the enchanting forces of fire and ice.

From a dragon sweeping across the night sky to the Ice Queen gliding through the Great Hall, audiences will be captivated by mythical creatures, powerful storytelling and cutting-edge visual artistry.

One of this year’s most innovative moments is the dramatic reimagining of the ancient epic poem, Y Gododdin. Rather than using animation, the creative team collaborated with renowned Edinburgh-based artist Maria Rud, who painted her interpretation of the tale live in real time.

With every brushstroke projected onto the rock face, Maria’s hands — and even her hair — become part of the artwork, making the creation as mesmerising as the story itself. The result is a raw, expressive performance that brings the ancient warriors of Y Gododdin vividly to life while providing a striking contrast to the high-tech digital installations seen throughout the Castle elsewhere on the trail, making it an early standout of the 2025 show.

Alastair Young, producer of Castle of Light, said: “This year’s story celebrates Scotland’s resilience, forged in fire, shaped by ice, and to see audiences respond with such awe and excitement has been hugely rewarding.

“Whether people joined us for the very first time or returned for another adventure, the reaction so far has been phenomenal.”

While taking in the spectacular light and sound displays, guests savoured winter drinks, indulged in treats from the street food vendors and toasted marshmallows by the fire pit, adding to the atmosphere of the crisp November weekend.

Kit Reid, Head of Experience at Historic Environment Scotland, added: “Castle of Light: Fire and Ice has arrived with extraordinary energy this year.

“Watching the Castle come alive as thousands of visitors explored its fiery origins and icy transformations has been incredible. The opening weekend set the tone for what promises to be our most atmospheric and enchanting trail yet.”

The event runs on select evenings from 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, with ticketed entry slots every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm.

The last entry is between 7.30pm and 7.45pm, with the event closing at 9pm.

A special reduced-capacity ‘quiet night’ will also take place on Sunday 7 December, offering a calmer experience with softer lighting, lower sound levels and no smoke effects.

To celebrate St Andrew’s Day, a special £10 ticket offer will be available for entry on Sunday 30 November, with pre-booking encouraged as tickets are selling fast.

For more information and to get your tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.com. Advance booking required.

Reeves: £550 boost for millions of pensioners next year

MORE BUDGET DETAILS ANNOUNCED

  • The Chancellor is expected to announce that 13 million pensioners are set to benefit from an above inflation rise to the State Pension next April.
  • Those on the full rate of the new State Pension are set to receive over £550 a year more.
  • Pensions boost comes ahead of the Budget where the Chancellor will take the fair choices to cut NHS waiting lists, cut national debt and cut the cost of living.  

13 million pensioners are set to see their State Pension increase faster than inflation next April thanks to the Government’s commitment to the Triple Lock.

From next April the rate of the full new State Pension is expected to increase to just over £240 a week.

This is an increase worth over £550 a year, an extra £120 compared to what it would have been if it had been uprated only by inflation. The full basic State Pension is expected to rise by around an extra £440 a year.

Tackling the cost of living is at the centre of this week’s Budget, and this announcement comes following government action to freeze rail fares and prescription fees next year saving working families millions of pounds.  Government is also cracking down on ticket touts that will cut costs for music lovers across Britain.

At the Budget the Chancellor will go even further to bring down bills, tackle inflation, and grip the cost of living.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “Whether it’s our commitment to the Triple Lock or to rebuilding our NHS to cut waiting lists, we’re supporting pensioners to give them the security in retirement they deserve.  

“At the Budget this week I will set out how we will take the fair choices to deliver on the country’s priorities to cut NHS waiting lists, cut national debt and cut the cost of living.”

The government ‘is committed to supporting pensioners’, and this boost will ensure the State Pension remains the foundation of a secure retirement. The Triple Lock guarantees that the State Pension increases annually by the highest of inflation, average earnings growth or 2.5 per cent.

This comes alongside other support for the most vulnerable pensioners through Pension Credit, worth on average £4,300 a year, and Winter Fuel Payments for nine million pensioners in England and Wales with an income of, or below, £35,000 a year.

Three new stores open in Livingston next week

The countdown is on to the opening of three new stores at one of Scotland’s largest shopping centres, The Centre, Livingston next week, The Works on Thursday, 27th, Flying Tiger Copenhagen on the 28th, which is Black Friday and MINISO on Saturday, 29th November.

The three new arrivals follow on from the recent opening of Wingstop and the jewellers, F.Hinds at The Centre, Livingston, which has over 150 shops and restaurants, including M&S, Flannels, River Island, JD Sports, wagamama and Nando’s, welcoming over 14.8m visitors a year.

The Works, which sells a wide range of books, art and craft supplies, stationery, toys and games, including stocking filler essentials, will open at 9am on Thursday, 27th November. Visitors can enjoy live product demonstrations and free activity sheets and stickers for children.

The opening of Flying Tiger Copenhagen the following day at 9am, will be marked with an official, celebratory ribbon ceremony, with the first 200 customers receiving a complimentary goody bag.

The global Danish brand, which specialises in creating modern, seasonal items and contemporary, colourful everyday essentials, from homeware and stationery to toys and decorations, will also be running various promotions on the day and a ‘Spin the Wheel’ competition to win prizes. The brand’s mascot will also be making an appearance to entertain shoppers.

Opening just in time for Christmas, visitors to the store will be able to pick up everything they need for the festive season, including stocking fillers, gadgets, games and sweet treats. 

Pic Greg Macvean 03/07/2025 The Centre, Livingston – Style Squad and Miniso

The pop culture retailer, MINISO, will open the day after Flying Tiger Copenhagen, on Saturday, 29th November at 12noon, with goody bags for the first 200 shoppers who spend £5, which are worth £25. There will also be a special visit from MINISO’s mascot, Penpen.

The brand is known for its fun, colourful and trendy design-led lifestyle products, including unique collectables, plush toys and figurines from brands like Hello Kitty, Harry Potter and Friends, and its beauty and homeware range.

The Centre, Livingston, which is owned by LCP UK, part of M Core, one of Europe’s leading privately owned commercial property development and management companies, has welcomed various other brands this year including Starbucks, Aunty Anne’s, XXXTra and the country’s first darts store, ArrowHeadz.

Pizza Dawgz and Cake Box is expected to open early next year and Marble Buffet in the summer, which will be their first site in a Scottish shopping centre.

The company is also planning to expand into the leisure sector with the opening of Hollywood Bowl in 2026, featuring 22 lanes, an arcade and a bar and diner.

Michael Burke, Flying Tiger Copenhagen, Managing Director UK and Ireland, said: ‘‘We’re thrilled to be opening our new store at The Centre, Livingston, just in time for the festive season. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring our unique mix of fun, creative and affordable products to even more shoppers. 

“We look forward to welcoming customers in to explore the range and find everything they need to make this Christmas that bit more magical.’’

Simon Eatough, Director at LCP UK, part of M Core and Asset Manager of The Centre, Livingston, said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming three new brands to The Centre, Livingston, The Works, Flying Tiger Copenhagen and MINISO which is great timing, just ahead of Christmas.

“Alongside our existing mix of great places to shop and dine out, which has been enhanced even more this year with many exciting new arrivals, we are confident all three new openings will be a big hit with our shoppers.”

Chancellor expected to further protect those on the National Minimum Wage at Budget

  • Government to crackdown on those not paying employees National Minimum Wage
  • Set for more regular public naming and shaming employers breaking the rules
  • This comes after Government introduces the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights and enforcement for a generation

The Chancellor is expected to announce reforms to protect those on the National Minimum Wage, ensuring that no employer can exploit vulnerable workers.

As part of these plans, the Government will introduce more regular naming and shaming rounds – publicly naming employers found to have broken minimum wage rules and clearing the case backlog inherited by the previous government.

These changes will mean businesses breaking the rules will have no place to hide, and those on the minimum wage will be further protected by this Government.

This comes as the Chancellor is set to deliver a Budget that makes the fair choices to deliver on the country’s priorities to cut NHS waiting lists, cut national debt and cut the cost of living.

Last month 500 employers failed to pay the minimum wage to around 42,000 of the country’s lowest-paid workers. Big name brands were among those forced to reimburse employees and faced fines totalling £10.2 million for breaking the rules.

The Government is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate those who short-change their workers, regardless of their size or sector.

This action comes as the Government introduces the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights and enforcement for a generation through its Plan to Make Work Pay, which is set to directly benefit around 15 million workers – half of all UK employees.

An HMT source said: “This Government is cracking down on unscrupulous employers to protect the country’s lowest paid workers and ensure fair pay for hard work.

“We are sending a clear message – those who short-change their staff will not be allowed to hide.”

Improving the lives of people with diabetes

Increased access to technologies

A further 2,500 people living with type 1 diabetes are receiving “life changing” access to the latest technologies to help prevent serious health complications.

An additional £6.9 million Scottish Government funding this year is expanding access to closed loop systems, prioritising children and adults who health boards believe will benefit the most.

Closed loop systems use a blood glucose sensor linked to a pump to automatically calculate how much insulin should be delivered – reducing the need to work out dosages and take injections.

Training, education and support is given remotely by health professionals including specialist nurses and dietitians.

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Expanding access to closed loop systems will have a life changing impact on those living with type 1 diabetes. These technologies greatly reduce the risk of long term complications and removes much of the burden of managing the condition on a day to day basis.

“More than a century since insulin was first discovered, technology continues to change lives for the better. I hope all children and adults who benefit from these technologies go on to lead healthy and active lives with the support of treatment advances such as this.

“We are harnessing innovation, in line with our ten-year Service Renewal Framework, to help people better manage their own treatment. This will shape an efficient health and social care system which delivers high quality care at the right time in the right place.”

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition which affects more than 35,000 people, including around 3,340 children.  

Some 70% of NHS diabetes spend is on preventable complications including treating kidney failure, heart disease, blindness and foot amputations.

During the programme’s first year in 2024-25, the Scottish Government invested £8.8 million and around 2,100 people received closed loop systems; including approximately 77% of under 18s with type 1 diabetes.

In 2025-2026 health boards will receive £7.5 million ongoing funding for consumables used by the systems and £6.9 million to support adding 2,500 more people.

Health and Social Care Service Renewal Framework – gov.scot

STUC Disabled Workers Conference: Usdaw seeks to tackle poverty and address the impact of new technology

STUC Disabled Workers Conference 2025: Usdaw seeks to tackle poverty and address the impact of new technology

Retail trade union Usdaw has a delegation of members, reps and officials attending the annual Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) Disabled Workers Conference in Glasgow this weekend, 22 and 23 November.

The union is raising the impact of new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), on disabled workers; along with seeking action to address and prevent disabled people’s poverty.

Tony Doonan – Usdaw regional secretary for Scotland says: “New technologies are dramatically changing the world of work and the daily lives of workers.

“The pace and scale of change is accelerating and disabled workers are disproportionately affected by technological advancement.

“The Scottish Government’s response remains a significant factor in disabled people’s inequality. Unless unions, and specifically disabled workers, are properly consulted about the development, application and implementation of new technologies in the workplace, including AI, disabled workers will continue to be discriminated against and excluded.”

Usdaw is calling on the STUC to work with all key stakeholders including governments to:

·         Ensure conversations and decisions regarding the introduction of new technologies in the workplace include disabled workers, to improve their access to and experiences of paid work.

·         Introduce a statutory duty requiring employers in both the public and private sectors to conduct and publish equality impact assessments specifically on the introduction of new technologies at work.

Tony Doonan continued: “Disabled people are already more likely to be living in poverty, with the continuing cost of living crisis adding to the extra costs that come with living as a disabled person.

“Disabled people also continue to face discrimination in the labour market and are more likely to be employed on short-hours contracts in low-paid work. The Adult Disability Payment in Scotland is key to enabling disabled people to meet the additional costs of being disabled, including costs associated with work.

“The recent publication of an independent review calls for a simplified and more accessible application process. Significantly, the review urges the Scottish Government to protect and improve access to ADP, advising them against restricting eligibility or introducing further barriers to application.

“We urge the Scottish Government to adopt the recommendations, including investing in sustainable funding for welfare advice services and more inclusive communication.”

Usdaw is calling on the Scottish Government to take a strategic and preventative approach to disabled people’s poverty by dealing with the long-term drivers including:

·         Reviewing the adequacy of all disability benefits and disability-related premiums.

·         Working with the UK Government to fully implement the disability pay gap reporting proposals in the UK’s draft Equality Bill.

·         Raising awareness of the crucial role the social model plays in disability equality, and ensuring that they lead by example, embedding it in their approach to policy and decision making.

Mercat Tours celebrates 40th anniversary year with the premiere of The Spirit of the Mile 

Mercat Tours, local, independent family tourism business thanked its team and community of industry partners, plus generations of storyteller alumni, as it wraps up its 40th anniversary year. 

Co-hosted by Managing Director Kat Brogan, Director Michael Brogan and company founder Des Brogan, last weeks’ event celebrated four decades of storytelling from the award-winning walking tour company.  

Mercat’s enduring impact is how visitors connect with Edinburgh through the deeply human craft of storytelling, grounded in the values that have steered the business to success from the start.  The event was attended by over 100 invited guests, warmly welcomed at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

The premiere of The Spirit of the Mile was the highlight of the evening. Written and narrated by professional dramatist and former Mercat storyteller Karen McKenzie, the Ode pays homage to the voices that echo through Edinburgh’s remarkable history, the famous and the forgotten.

The work is both a love letter to the city’s rich past and a tribute to the Master Storytellers who have thoughtfully curated and shared stories with passion, truth and deep connection. 

Kat, current MD, described the Ode as “a beautiful gift from a beautiful friend.” 

“Our 40th anniversary is a milestone for Mercat Tours and for our wider community – our team, locals, friends and partners. Our Ode captures the love we have for the city and how seriously we take the task as custodians – ensuring stories pass from the past to future,” she continued.

Karen McKenzie said: “Writing The Spirit of the Mile was a lovely chance to thank Mercat for sparking my love of storytelling and to applaud the guides that bring Edinburgh’s past to life every day.

“I wrote this piece as a thank you, inspired by the history of the city, the stories of the closes and the passion of the Mercat team. Being part of their 40-year story has been a genuine joy and a reminder of just how powerful a well-told tale can be.”

Featuring live music and local food and drink, the evening offered a heartfelt thank you to the many people and organisations that have supported Mercat throughout its 40-year journey.

The gathering brought together their team with representatives from the travel trade, cultural organisations, heritage attractions, and the Scottish tourism community, including longstanding collaborators such as VisitScotland, the Grassmarket Community Project, ASVA, Scottish Enterprise, Edinburgh Castle (HES), Living Wage Scotland, and ETAG.

Guests were also invited to contribute to the Mercat Memory Tree, sharing moments that showcase the impact of Mercat’s work, the strength of industry relationships, and the promise to put their people first that has guided Mercat’s purpose since its founding in 1985. 

Jill Walker of VisitScotland encapsulated her reflections simply and powerfully: “Mercat = it matters!!”

“Mercat has always been about values first, not value.  Deep, meaningful connections are what set the Mercat team apart and keep us thriving, true to our promises in the Mercat Deal. Any good story leaves you wanting to know what comes next and we look forward to writing our next chapter together.”

Watch the Spirit of the Mile

Drivers urged to take precautions against surge in keyless car thefts

A surge in keyless car thefts is raising concerns as experts warn motorists to take preventative measures against organised crime. 

The car insurance team at Quotezone are sharing five ways motorists can protect their vehicles as theft techniques become more sophisticated and offenders increasingly target cars with keyless entry systems.

Signal manipulation is a technique criminals are using to intercept wireless signals between a car and its key fob to unlock and start the vehicle – thieves can even block the tracker inside the car so it’s harder to recover.

This method accounted for 58% of all car thefts between April 2023 and March 2024, with offenders using devices to replicate and manipulate key fob signals to gain illegal access.

A new law which will make it illegal to possess or share electronic devices used to steal cars is making its way through Parliament, but the experts say this may not be enough to help allay the concerns of motorists across the country.

Drivers are being urged to take precautions such as using traditional deterrents, like a steering wheel lock, parking in well-lit areas preferably with CCTV coverage or turning off the keyless feature altogether.

Car insurance premiums have been known to increase when there is a surge in theft of a particular make and model of vehicle.  Jaguar Land Rover reportedly stepped-up security measures after owners were experiencing escalated premiums after high rates of vehicle theft – which saw the brand make the top 10 list of most stolen cars under three years old.

Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Criminal groups are quickly adapting to modern vehicle technology, allowing them to steal cars without needing access to keys – meaning drivers need to take practical steps to protect their vehicles.

“The new law on possessing or sharing the electronic devices used to detect key fob signals is really encouraging but with the prevalence of this crime, we are concerned this may not be enough. 

“It’s important for drivers to be on the lookout for suspicious behaviour and be aware of the additional security measures that could help keep their car safe.

“For this type of modern crime, it’s often best to go back to basics and use traditional safety measures, considering when and where the car is parked, hiding valuables and adding physical deterrents like chains and wheel locks – anything to make stealing the vehicle look awkward and time consuming.

“Improving home and vehicle security could also help reduce the insurance premium, demonstrating extra care and consideration for the vehicle reduces risk and could put pounds back in pockets.

“If we can reduce theft, it helps lower claims and therefore costs, helping to make insurance more affordable for all drivers.”

Quotezone.co.uk’s tips for protecting keyless cars:

1.Keep keys in a signal blocker

It’s best to store keys away from doors and windows and invest in a signal-blocking punch such as a Faraday bag, especially overnight, meaning thieves targeting your home can’t pick up the signal and use it to unlock your car.

2.Disable the keyless feature

Many manufacturers allow you to disable the wireless feature, so if you are concerned about being targeted or are parked in a high-risk area, this may be the best approach – you can normally turn it off when not in use, ideal for storing it in the house overnight.

3.Use a steering wheel lock

Steering wheel locks may be one of the most effective deterrents against keyless car thefts. Keyless crimes are often quick and quiet, but a steering wheel lock makes it much harder for thieves as they don’t rely on software and can’t be hacked.

The brightly coloured locks are a great visual deterrent and could help you to avoid being targeted.

4.Don’t keep any valuables in your car

Any valuables stored in your car will make it a much more attractive target for thieves. To avoid bringing any extra attention to your vehicle, make sure you empty out your car and take any valuables inside your home.

5.Consider your parking spot

If you have a garage, parking your car inside is one of the best ways to avoid becoming a victim to car theft. If that’s not an option, park your car as close to your home as possible.

If you have a camera doorbell fitted at the front of your home, try and park within its range and adjust the settings so you will be alerted to anyone in that area.

As a price comparison site, Quotezone helps millions of drivers every year to compare and find savings on their car insurance.

Meeting to support Mossmoran workers

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes is to host a summit following a visit to the Exxon Mobil plant at Mosmorran with Scottish Enterprise’s Chief Executive, Adrian Gillespie, on Tuesday.

This visit and summit follows the Deputy First Minister’s announcement to the Scottish Parliament last week that she will convene a taskforce with Scottish Enterprise

Hundreds of staff have been told that their jobs are at risk as the petrochemical company prepares to close part of the site in February.

The Deputy Fist Minister has already called for the UK Government to take urgent action as ExxonMobil has been clear in its announcement that the current economic and policy environment does not create a competitive future for its site.

The summit will be an opportunity to explore how to ensure everything possible is being done to support workers and secure a future for the site.

Invited to the summit will be unions GMB and Unite, the site owners ExxonMobil, Scottish Enterprise, the UK Government, Fife Council, Fife College, the Scottish National Investment Bank and local MSPs.

The Deputy First Minister said: “Our immediate priority is to explore way to retain employment at the site and support the workforce through this period of uncertainty. 

“I look forward to visiting the site and engaging with workforce representatives and the company. The Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise will join me, so that we can move at pace to explore new investment opportunities.

“Last week, I informed the Scottish Parliament that I would convene a task force to consider new opportunities for the Mossmorran site and to prioritise the workforce. Since then I have engaged extensively with the Unions and Scottish Enterprise.

“I will announce further information about the taskforce imminently. 

“In the meantime, this summit will bring together all the key stakeholders and I am keen that we consider every possible option to support the workforce at this distressing time. 

“The Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise are committed to doing all we can to support the people impacted by this and to ensure we do not lose the vital skills base of the Mossmorran workforce in Fife.”

Robert Deavy, GMB Scotland senior organiser, said: “Every possible option to protect the future of this plant must be on the table on Tuesday and  pursued with absolute urgency. 

“Everyone involved in these discussions must share our commitment and determination to protect these workers’ jobs and safeguard their communities in every way possible. 

“Scotland cannot afford to lose the jobs, skills and industrial capability of Mossmorran and these talks must recognise that and then quickly deliver effective action.”

Cliff Bowen of Unite, said: “Unite the Union welcomes this important intervention by the Deputy First Minister to convene a summit to tackle the issues arising as a result of ExxonMobil’s decision to close the Fife Ethylene Plant.

“Both Governments now must take decisive action to support the workforce that mitigate, and hopefully prevent, the consequences of this decision. Unite members need the support of all parties to secure their future.”

Edinburgh locals encouraged to embrace the Season of Giving

Launch of The Leith Collective’s Re-Gifting Tree and Christmas Tree Exchange projects

Three in five adults in the UK received an unwanted gift last Christmas. That equates to around 31 million unnecessary presents, many of which ended up in landfill. In a bid to simultaneously put a stop to this staggering seasonal waste and to help families who may be struggling to make ends meet, one local Community Interest Company is launching a brand-new Re-Gifting Tree project.

Commencing on Monday 17th November, all Leith Collective stores across Scotland will feature a Christmas tree adorned with gift tags. Each tag will bear the name of a gift, from a children’s book or a warm scarf to a box of chocolates or toiletries set.

Visitors to the store can take a tag and drop off the corresponding gift at the store, where they will be collected and distributed to those in need this Christmas. Crucially, the emphasis of this project is on re-gifting good quality, unopened presents, rather than encouraging people to purchase new items.

Speaking ahead of the launch of the Re-Gifting Tree project, The Leith Collective founder Sara Thomson said; “We live in such a divided society where some people are literally throwing away unwanted presents while many others are struggling to afford basic essentials such as heating and food, let alone Christmas presents.

“By launching our Re-Gifting Tree project, we hope to keep as many unwanted presents as possible out of landfill and instead direct them to people who will truly appreciate them.”

Monday 17th November also saw the welcome return of The Leith Collective’s popular Christmas Tree Exchange project.

Locals are being urged to search their homes for any unwanted Christmas trees and decorations that may be languishing in cupboards and attics. Instead of sending them to landfill, they can drop them off at The Leith Collective stores where they will be passed on to struggling families whose budgets can’t stretch to non-essentials such as festive trimmings.

Commenting on the return of the Christmas Tree Exchange, Sara added; “We need to pull together as a community because everyone deserves to enjoy the sparkle and magic of waking up to a Christmas tree with a present beneath it.”

Christmas trees and decorations will be available for anyone to collect at Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird, Ocean Terminal and Livingston Designer Outlet, as well as Dundee’s Overgate store, during opening hours completely free of charge. No stigma, no judgement, no questions asked.