Christmas crafters urged to check tax rules 

  • Side hustlers selling festive items need to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) online if earnings exceed £1,000 a year 
  • HMRC’s Help for Hustles campaign supports people earning extra income during festive season to understand tax obligations 
  • Online checker tool can clarify if and when side hustlers need to report their additional income  

People making money from Christmas crafts, seasonal market stalls, or selling festive items are being urged to check if they need to tell HMRC about their earnings. 

As the festive season approaches, HMRC’s Help for Hustles campaign is reminding anyone earning extra income from activities like making Christmas decorations, upcycling furniture for seasonal sales, or running market stalls, that they will need to tell HMRC if they earn more than £1,000. 

The campaign’s guidance explains the important distinction between simply decluttering homes by selling unwanted personal belongings – which doesn’t usually require reporting to HMRC – and trading activities like making items to sell for profit, which may be taxable. 

Anyone who earned more than £1,000 from side hustles in the 2024 to 2025 tax year will need to register for Self Assessment as a sole trader, file their return and pay any tax due by 31 January 2026.

This £1,000 threshold applies to all trading activities combined – so someone earning £600 from craft sales and £500 from content creation would need to register as their total exceeds £1,000. 

Visit GOV.UK to file a Self Assessment tax return online for the 2024 to 2025 tax year and pay any tax owed. 

Kevin Hubbard, HMRC’s Director of Individuals & Small Business Compliance, said: “Whether you’re making handmade Christmas decorations, selling upcycled furniture, or running a seasonal market stall, it’s important to understand when your festive side hustle becomes taxable trading. 

“Nobody wants an unexpected tax bill, so anyone earning more than £1,000 from their side hustle should tell HMRC. Our Help for Hustles campaign provides clear, straightforward guidance to help people get their tax right.” 

Graham Wilson OBE, National Association of British Markets’ Deputy Chief Executive, said: “Markets are an important part of Christmas celebrations and every year, town centres around the country witness thousands of traders enriching the festive atmosphere. 

“As the national organisation for market operators, we want to encourage all traders, particularly those who are trading for the first time, to be clear about their obligations for tax arising from their earnings and we welcome the guidance and support provided by HMRC on this important issue.” 

People can use a free online checker on GOV.UK to find out if they need to tell HMRC about additional income. Guidance is also available on the Help for hustles campaign page, explaining the different types of side hustles, including selling items, providing services and creating content. 

FetLor Christmas Appeal

🎄 Help FetLor Deck the Halls! 🎄

FetLor would love to deck our halls with a Christmas tree (or two… or three!) — and we need your help to make it happen.

We’re looking for a couple of Christmas trees (up to six), ideally available by mid to late November.

We’re also accepting working fairy lights and good-quality decorations to help bring some festive sparkle to the Youth Club.

If you or your organisation would like to help spruce up FetLor this season, get in touch!

📧 Email: hello@fetlor.org.uk

💬 Or send us a DM on our socials!

Let’s make this Christmas at FetLor extra magical! ✨

Gail Porter Launches Samaritans Winter Campaign

Scottish media personality and Samaritans ambassador Gail Porter is urging the public to help the charity bring someone’s future back this winter. 

The Edinburgh born Scottish TV personality launched the campaign this week as a new billboard was unveiled to promote the message, focusing on bringing someone’s future back.

Gail attached a pair of trainers to the billboard – an object chosen by Samaritans caller Layla McBain as a symbol representing a hopeful future after overcoming struggles with poor mental health.   

Gail said: “Winter can be a dark time in more ways than one so it’s vital that people know there is help out there if they are struggling. No one is immune from suicidal thoughts and with one-in-four of us struggling with them at some point in our life, even if it doesn’t happen to us, the chances are we know someone who will suffer from them.  

“I’ve called Samaritans before and they really helped me, so I’m delighted to support the campaign to Bring Someone’s Future Back this winter.  

“Support yourself, support each other and if you can support Samaritans with a donation too, that would be amazing.”  

The billboard, on Hammersmith Bridge Road in London, is a joint effort between Gail and Layla, 28 - the face of Samaritans’ new Bring Someone’s Future Back campaign, which will be running throughout the winter months.  

As well as the running shoes, Layla chose to attach a wedding dress to the 3D billboard as she looks forward to planning her future wedding.   

When seven-year-old Layla lost her mum to suicide, her world came crashing down. Over the years, Layla struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts and believed that she wasn’t meant to live a long life.   

But when she wanted to end her own life too, Layla made the choice to call Samaritans instead.   

Now, more than twenty years after losing her mother, Layla is looking forward to the future, including planning her upcoming wedding – a future that she credits Samaritans for giving her.   

Layla said: “I couldn’t see a future for myself. I never thought I’d actually use it, but during one really terrible night, I found Samaritans’ number on my phone and made a call that would change the course of my future.   

“I was convinced no-one would even answer because it was so late, but they did. They asked me how I was feeling and it’s such an emotional blur that I can’t even remember what I said, but I just know I cried and cried. It was a huge relief. That conversation felt like taking a few steps back from the ledge in my mind.  

“The person on the other end of the line seemed to know exactly what I needed at that moment; they helped me see the bigger picture. I now understand it’s a call that saved my life,”   

One-in-four people like Layla will experience suicidal thoughts in their lifetime, but suicide can be prevented, and Samaritans is the charity that does this through the power of human connection. Last year, Samaritans volunteers answered more than a quarter of a million calls in December alone from people in crisis.     

Layla continues: “I’m very grateful to live a life now that I didn’t think I’d get the chance to beforehand. I know I would never be where I am today if it wasn’t for Samaritans – and I’m sure that’s true for so many others who’ve made that same phone call in their darkest moments.   

“It’s like a lifeline, and it’s so important we do what we can to make sure it’s still there to help countless others. If my mum had known about Samaritans, I think she’d call and I think it could have saved her.”  

Sonya Trivedy, Executive Director of External Engagement at Samaritans said: “As our volunteers answer a call for help every 10 seconds, we know that listening has the power to save lives. 

“Sadly, with more people experiencing suicidal thoughts and attempts, it’s clear our service is urgently needed right now, and will continue to be needed into the future. We rely on the public’s generosity, so this winter please consider making a donation.   

“Our winter campaign showcases the life-changing impact a call to Samaritans can have for someone in crisis. One in four of us experience suicidal thoughts in our lifetime, which means most of us will likely have a loved one or be someone who will struggle and may feel unable to reach out. 

“Suicide is preventable, and even seemingly small actions can have a big impact - so we’re reminding people that they too have the power to bring someone’s future back by donating today.”   

A £10 donation can ensure that a Samaritan is there to answer a life-saving call for help. You can find out more and donate by visiting  www.samaritans.org/time.    

Strachan House staff win regional Great British Care Award

 A number of staff at Strachan House were recently honoured to be nominated in different categories at the Great British Care Awards.

Staff from Strachan House, residents and their loved ones had nominated staff to be recognised for the amazing work that they do.   

Those nominated for awards were:  

Fran Fisher General Manager entered into the Registered Manager of the year

Anju Raju nominated for Care home worker

Tsering Chokey entered into the Frontline leader award. 

Team award nomination for the Strachan House memory lane team. 

Marta Aurzecka Zuchkle nominated for a dignity in care award. 

The team were over the moon when Marta won the Regional Award in her category. Marta was thrilled beyond belief and can’t wait to attend the Nationals in February. 

The prestigious Great British Care Awards aim to celebrate excellence in social care. 

Fran Fisher General Manager  for Strachan House said: “We are so proud to have not one but 5 members of staff recognised at this stage of the judging process.

“At Strachan House we employ dedicated and experienced people who consistently provide a high standard in quality of care for our residents. Marta winning the award was overwhelming for all of us but so very well deserved.”

The National Awards will be held in February 2026 at the ICC in Birmingham. 

Comely Bank incident: Do you know this man?

POLICE have released an image of a man they believe may have information that will assist their investigation into an incident that took place on Friday, 16 May 2025 at a premises on Comely Bank.

The man is described as around 6ft and of slim build with grey hair and grey facial hair.

Constable Michael Ross said: “We would ask the man in the image, or anyone that recognises him to contact officers by calling Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1319 of 19 May 2025.

“Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

John McNab ‘Not In Vain’ campaign

LIFT is proud to be supporting John’s Mum in spearheading her mission to ensure as many public spaces as possible have access to “Bleed Kits” in John’s name. We will be raising funds to purchase as many kits as possible to ensure lives can be saved.

If you want to donate please see information on the poster, BUT correct bank details are:

Sort Code: 80 11 05

Account Number: 00205715

Muirhouse Millennium Centre

Lisa and the LIFT staff will be undertaking training to use the kits correctly and we will supply a flyer explaining exactly what to do if you ever find yourself using one-off John’s Bleed Kits.

John McNab “Not in Vain” campaign spearheaded by Lisa and Dale supported by LIFT@ MMC

Housing Convener: Working flat out to tackle the scourge of homelessness

Edinburgh’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Councillor Tim Pogson writes about homelessness services

As I embark on a new role as Edinburgh’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, I’m all too aware of the severe pressures facing the city.

We’re now two years on from declaring a housing emergency in the Capital and demand for safe, comfortable homes is as high as ever. Edinburgh has the lowest amount of social housing per head of population in Scotland with only 14% social housing compared to a national average of 23%.

Here, 80,000 residents live in relative poverty, including one in five children. There are around 6000 homeless households in Edinburgh being supported in temporary accommodation – approximately 11,500 individuals.

These figures are stark, and as we enter colder winter months the necessity to provide warm, accessible accommodation is particularly urgent. Preventing people from becoming homeless in the first place and helping tenants to avoid reaching crisis point is the best way to make sure as many people as possible have somewhere to call home.

I’ve been really impressed by the range of preventative work already being carried out by Council officers, the third sector and other partners to assist households on the verge of homelessness.

Last year, through homelessness prevention services we helped prevent homelessness for 2,622 households under the umbrella of the Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan, the city’s comprehensive strategy to tackle and eradicate homelessness. The team works tirelessly to intervene early, supporting people to access settled accommodation as quickly as possible, to reduce the number of people sleeping rough and to create better outcomes for tenants.

Our Housing Emergency Action Plan (HEAP) sets out clear actions to reduce the number of households without settled accommodation and to ease the strain on those most affected by the crisis.

I’m pleased to say we’re making progress in meeting our targets and our continued work to increase affordable housing supply and provide vital support to those at risk of homelessness is beginning to make a real difference.

However, we know this challenge cannot be solved by one organisation alone. A city-wide response is essential. I call on partners across the city from housing associations and charities to community groups, businesses and public services to join us in this collective effort.

Grant funding is critical in the delivery of affordable homes. Whilst we welcome the additional monies that Edinburgh has received over the last few years from the Scottish Government, more is required to truly address the housing emergency. I will not hesitate in advocating to the Scottish Government for Edinburgh to receive both its fair share of affordable housing funding and the investment necessary to tackle its pressing housing needs. 

Long term plans like our ambitious housebuilding programme, efforts to acquire new homes directly from providers and bringing empty homes back into use aim to increase our quality housing stock, minimising the need for temporary accommodation. 

These kinds of developments give me real encouragement that, while the housing strain can seem bleak, we’re doing everything we can to find solutions and provide residents with the quality of life they deserve. I’m ready for that challenge and look forward to working closely with colleagues and partners across the city to take it on.

This article first appeared in Edinburgh Evening News

Scottish Secretary: Power to the People!

It is time for a new crusade for devolution within Scotland, Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander will say today

In a speech to council leaders, the Secretary of State for Scotland will make clear that there is no route to a decent and prosperous Scotland without strong and effective councils. And to ensure that, the Scottish Government must properly devolve funding and powers to Scotland’s local authorities.

Mr Alexander will set out how the promise of devolution has not been delivered, with the Scottish Government deprioritising councils for funding, and centralising powers at Holyrood.

Twenty five years on from the advent of devolution, Mr Alexander will call for a new crusade for devolution within Scotland, for a proper debate on the delivery of powers from Holyrood to the regions and communities of Scotland.

Mr Alexander is expected to say: “During recent decades, Scottish local government has been systematically deprioritised for funding. Scotland’s local authorities have watched their powers being pulled to Holyrood rather than further devolved to local communities.

“There has never been a point where councils have been so persistently on the defensive – fighting cuts on an annual basis in order to defend an ever-shrinking core of services from further erosion.

“The Scottish Parliament should have heralded a new era of powers, esteem and resource – not just for Scotland, but also for Scottish local government. And yet the reality is that Scottish local government has been systematically starved of funds over the last two decades. 

“At exactly the same time as these funding cuts we have also seen the systematic centralisation of decision-making in Holyrood, including on policing and fire and rescue. At the same time the Scottish Government has constrained council tax powers via national freezes and caps. 

“It is now time for a new crusade for devolution within Scotland, to reach back to the core principles upon which our parliament was founded and restore the values of devolution. We must allow the Scottish Parliament to realise its potential to deliver change and reform for the people of Scotland. And Scotland’s local authorities, regardless of party allegiance, must be at the forefront of that cause.”

Mr Alexander will make clear this debate must be guided by the principle that powers are best exercised as close as possible to the people, rather than hoarded centrally, to the exclusion of local decision-making and accountability.

Bold vision launched to secure the future of Scotland’s libraries

The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) has unveiled a powerful new vision statement calling for urgent, sustained investment to secure the future of Scotland’s libraries.

Libraries are the beating heart of Scotland’s communities — vital community hubs that deliver cultural, educational, economic and digital benefits for millions across the country.

Places where people learn, connect and thrive. Yet, with 55 libraries lost since 2013 – seven libraries closed in 2024/25 alone – many more cut, and funding varying dramatically between councils, SLIC warns that without coordinated national action, Scotland risks deepening inequality and losing one of its most trusted and transformative public services.

The new vision, Securing the Future of Scotland’s Libraries, sets out a clear agenda for a financed, fairer and future-ready library network that supports the nation’s ambitions for inclusion, innovation and net zero.

Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Libraries are essential public infrastructure – every £1 invested delivers almost £7 in community benefit. They are engines of opportunity, equity and wellbeing.

“This vision is a call to action to ensure every person in Scotland, no matter where they live, has access to a thriving library service.”

Securing the Future of Scotland’s Libraries makes clear asks of government and partners to safeguard and strengthen the nation’s library network.

Under the themes of financed, fairer and future, the vision calls for:

  • Sustainable national funding to be factored this into any future growth or investment deals with regions or local authorities, reversing decline.
  • A national policy framework recognising libraries as essential public infrastructure, ensuring consistent funding and protection under Scottish law.
  • A minimum universal standard of library provision, guaranteeing that everyone — regardless of postcode — has access to a well-resourced local library.
  • Recognition of libraries’ cross-sector role in supporting education, health, wellbeing and climate literacy — embedding libraries in wider government strategies.
  • Sustained investment in digital infrastructure, modern facilities and innovation programmes to close the digital divide and prepare libraries for the future.
  • Commitment to long-term capital investment to deliver modern, energy-efficient, net-zero-ready library buildings that reflect the needs of 21st-century communities.

Scotland’s 14.5 million annual library visitors — nearly four times that of the Scottish Premiership football season attendance — demonstrate their enduring relevance. From supporting early literacy and digital skills to improving mental health and community wellbeing, libraries remain among the most effective and inclusive public investments available.

SLIC is calling on policymakers, partners and the public to back its vision ahead of the 2026 Holyrood Election and work together to secure the future of Scotland’s libraries for generations to come.

“A Scotland that values learning, creativity and fairness must also value its libraries,” added Alison Nolan. “Our vision is about ensuring that these vital spaces are not only protected, but empowered to flourish.”

To learn more and support the vision statement, visit:

 www.scottishlibraries.org/securing-the-future-of-scotlands-libraries

020725 SLIC Vision – AsksDownload

PICTURES: Paul Chappells

Tesco customers can spread festive joy by gifting toys this Christmas

Tesco customers in Edinburgh have the opportunity to give new toys to local children who need it most this Christmas.

From today until the 15th of December, Tesco’s Edinburgh Hermiston Gait Superstore is holding a collection for new and unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal, who will then distribute the toys to local children.

The Salvation Army has been fighting against social inequality and transforming lives for over 150 years and offer practical support and services to all who need them.

They hold food donation drive weekends within the Tesco Edinburgh Hermiston Gait Superstore, and as well as collecting and distributing food to those in need, they also support the local community at Christmas by donating gifts and toys to the children of families that struggle daily, especially at Christmas time.

Catherine Potter, Store Manager at Edinburgh Hermiston Gait Superstore, said: “We are absolutely delighted for this opportunity to support the Salvation Army with toy donations for the children in the local area.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone who is struggling and may need some extra assistance this festive season.”

Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco, said: “Our stores are committed to supporting local children and their communities year-round, and thanks to the generosity of our customers and colleagues, the annual toy donation campaign is a wonderful way to make a difference at Christmas.

“It’s great to see Tesco Edinburgh Hermiston Gait Superstore partnering with the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal this year to ensure that every child experiences the magic of Christmas.”

Over 800 large Tesco stores across the UK will have a dedicated toy donation point where customers can donate new, unwrapped toys purchased in store.

Last Christmas Tesco customers donated a total of 125,000 toys, with the retailer looking to beat that number this year.