Scottish Book Trust: Januread

Are you interested in developing or rekindling a love of reading in 2026?

Introducing Januread, an exciting opportunity for you to develop the reading habits you want in the new year.

Recently, the Reading Agency found that only 50% of UK adults are regular readers, with 35% describing themselves as ‘lapsed readers’. Whether you’re a new reader, a lapsed reader, or are just looking for a wee reading re-set, Januread can help you develop the reading habit that will help you enjoy them more often.

Why does reading matter? Reading is an easy, accessible way to do something for you. Research proves that it:

  • Supports your mental health and wellbeing – especially through the darker winter months
  • Helps you to connect with others, both old pals and new fictional friends, when money and motivation for some social activities might be lower than usual
  • Improves your attention span in a world of distraction and fragmentation
  • Helps you relax and can lead to a good night’s sleep

Our Januread emails will offer you plenty of reading tips and advice – not to mention some fantastic book recommendations. 

Once you’ve signed up, you can expect a welcome email followed by a series of emails throughout January.

To take part or to find out more, visit

Januread: Restarting the reading habit – Scottish Book Trust

Cruden donates £2,500 to St John Scotland

Five-star homebuilder Cruden has donated £2,500 to St John Scotland through its charitable arm, the Cruden Foundation, supporting the charity’s vital work in providing Public Access Defibrillators, CPR awareness, and patient transport services across the country.

The charity’s work helps ensure people throughout Scotland have access to life-saving equipment and support when it matters most.

Cruden’s donation will help the organisation continue expanding access to defibrillators and CPR within local communities, equipping more people with the skills and confidence needed to act in an emergency.

Fraser Lynes, CEO of Cruden, said: “This is a cause close to all of our hearts. Earlier this year, one of our assistant site managers was very thankfully saved by the use of an on-site defibrillator when suffering from cardiac arrest.

“It highlighted the importance of having lifesaving defibrillators and trained CPR providers on sites, making all the difference in an emergency.

“Supporting St John Scotland allows us to give back to the communities we build in and help ensure others have the same chance of receiving timely, life-saving support.”

Barri Millar, Chief Operating Officer of St John Scotland, said: “We are very grateful for Cruden’s generous donation. The services we provide to install and support community defibrillators across the country offer vital equipment that, in an emergency, can truly mean the difference between life and death.

“Cruden’s contribution will help us expand this essential work even further, ensuring more people have access to life-saving equipment and the confidence to use it. We are truly thankful for their support.”

The Cruden Foundation is a private charitable funder established in 1957 and is part of Cruden’s wider commitment to supporting the communities where it lives and works. To date, the Cruden Foundation has donated more than £8 million and supports over 150 charities each year, helping organisations make a meaningful difference to people’s lives throughout the country.

Rock legend Jesse Leach announced as Guest Judge at 8th Braw Beard & Moustache Championships

Scotland’s most distinctive celebration of beards, community and creativity returns to Drygate Brewery, Glasgow, on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st February 2026 for the Braw Beard Weekender – the only event of its kind in the UK.

Now in its eighth year, the beard competition is expected to welcome a full house once again, continuing a streak that has seen thousands of competitors and spectators attend since 2017 from across the UK, USA, Germany, Belgium and Norway.

On Friday 20th February, The Braw Cast Live podcast will be hosted by comedian Billy Kirkwood and Braw Beard founder John Jackson, with special guests including Jesse Leach, frontman of Grammy-nominated metal band Killswitch Engage.

Leach, who has been open about his own experiences with mental health, will discuss the importance of community, self-care and creativity.

He recently collaborated with Braw Beard on The Resilient beard oil, a limited-edition blend created by Jesse. He’ll be joined on stage by professional wrestler and actor Jack Jester, artist and author Tragic O’Hara and multi-award-winning barber Angela Dickson.

On Saturday 21st February, the Braw Beard & Moustache Championships return, featuring 13 categories ranging from Best Fake Beard to Over 12-inch Styled and Best Ginger Beard. The night will include live music from In Charge, exclusive products and the trademark camaraderie that defines the global beard community.

“It’s incredible to see how far this community has grown,” says John Jackson, founder of Braw Beard.

“What started as a small gathering to celebrate creativity and confidence has become an international family with people from around the world sharing respect, humour and a sense of belonging.”

Jesse Leach adds: “I’m honored to be part of the Braw Beard Weekender. To me the culture Braw Beard has created is not just about beards and facial hair, its about support, unity and solidarity!

“I am excited to make the journey and I am sure a good time will be had by all who attend! Grateful to be there for this event!”

The 2026 Weekender comes in the same year that Braw Beard will celebrate its 14th anniversary in October. Founded in 2012, the East Lothian company has grown into Scotland’s first and most recognised beard-care brand, known worldwide for its hand-crafted beard care products.

Proceeds from the event’s charity raffle will once again support Chris’s House Suicide Awareness Charity, a cause central to both Braw Beard and Leach’s advocacy for mental-health awareness.

With its mix of competition, conversation and compassion, the Braw Beard Weekender stands as a fixture in Scotland’s cultural calendar – part beard festival, part family reunion.

Tickets: Limited to 150 on Friday and 300 on Saturday.

Available now at www.thebrawbmc.com

 New research underlines pressures on third sector workforce and services

Lack of Fair Funding for Scotland’s voluntary sector is having a significant impact on staff, 2025’s Workforce Survey found

Only a sustainable, multi-year funding model for Scotland’s third sector can address growing pressures on workers across the charity sector, new research has found. 

The 2025 Voluntary Workforce Survey, carried out by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO)  – Scotland’s national membership organisation for the voluntary sector – spoke to more than 1,300 people working for charities and voluntary organisations.  

Funding insecurity and uncertainty, and general funding shortages impacting on pay and resources, are all having a negative impact on staff, with representatives from across the sector warning that unless action is taken, the situation will not improve.  

1 in 4 survey respondents reported being on fixed-term or temporary contracts, rising to 1 in 3 for front-line workers. This is far higher than the wider workforce where only 1 in 10 workers is on a non-permanent contract. 

More than a quarter of voluntary sector workers (27%) felt it was quite or highly likely they would lose their job in the next 12 months, twice the rate reported in the wider workforce (13%). 

Alongside this stress about their future, the number of staff who felt they had a good work-life balance has also dropped from 60% to 50% between 2015 and 2025.

Many respondents spoke of workloads increasing due to problems recruiting and retaining staff, often a knock-on effect of funding cuts and funding insecurity. 

SCVO are calling for the Scottish Government’s own funding principles to align with SCVO’s definition of Fair Funding – developed through significant research and engagement with the voluntary sector.

This includes longer-term funding of three years or more; flexible, unrestricted core funding, which enables organisations to provide security; timely decision-making and the inclusion of inflation-based uplifts and full costs, including core operating costs in grants.  

Despite the pressures facing them, workers also underlined their belief in their work, and the meaningful services they provide. 84% of respondents said that making a real difference to people and communities is one of best aspects of their work, while 87% saw their work as useful – far higher than the wider Scottish workforce.  

While still generally positive, job satisfaction is down 15 percentage points from 79% in 2015 to 64% in 2025. The main factors driving this downturn in satisfaction appear to be higher workloads and stress, and most importantly funding.  

SCVO Chief Executive, Anna Fowlie said: “Scotland’s voluntary sector is powered by people who care deeply about making a difference. Our workforce survey shows a strong sense of purpose among voluntary sector workers, and commitment to the work they do day in, day out.  

“But it also highlights the significant strain being put on voluntary sector workers as a result of the financial pressures that have become all too familiar to the voluntary sector.   

“Voluntary sector leaders will, of course, be up for the challenge of delivering rewarding, fair work. Too often this is being undermined by public sector funders. Budget cuts, short-term funding cycles, late payments, incoherent decision-making and poor communication have become all-too familiar.   

“This needs to change – and our politicians know it. Ahead of the Scottish Budget and Spending Review, the Scottish Government has a real chance to create a funding landscape that is multi-year, sustainable, flexible and accessible. The people and communities served by Scotland’s dedicated voluntary sector workers deserve nothing less.” 

Lucinda Godfrey, CEO of Charity Leadership Scotland, commented: “These numbers confirm what many leaders already feel: the work is vital, but the weight of it is heavy.  

“At Charity Leadership Scotland, we are committed to collaborating on powerful research that assesses the wellness of Scotland’s voluntary sector and ideally leads to meaningful action to protect and support the individuals and organisations underpinning it.” 

The voluntary sector in Scotland employs just over 136,000 people, meaning that 5% of Scotland’s 2.66million workers are employed in the voluntary sector.  

Shauna Wright, lead officer for fair work in Unite the Union, commented: “Unite the Union stands with care and not‑for‑profit workers who have faced underfunding in their sector, resulting in higher stress levels and concerns about their future employment opportunities in an industry where they have not felt valued for the work they provide.  

“Urgent action is needed to secure fair pay terms and conditions.” 

New low-cost train service launches linking Glasgow with Edinburgh, North East and London

o   Low-cost Lumo launches services connecting Glasgow Queen Street and Falkirk High with Edinburgh, North East England and London.

o   Guests treated to high-speed electric violin duo, Scottish comedian Connor Burns and a back-flipping performance from boyband Just The Brave

o   Lumo will also launch a new service between Stirling and London along the West Coast Main Line from Spring 2026.

The all-electric train company Lumo has launched an affordable and reliable new service linking Glasgow directly with Falkirk, Edinburgh, the North East of England and London with great fanfare.

Customers will be able to travel for as little as £33.10 between London and Glasgow, with tickets starting from an astonishing £10.90 between Newcastle and Glasgow. The low fares combined with Lumo’s high-scoring onboard customer satisfaction results will make travelling between the popular destinations even more accessible for all.

Lumo held an eye-catching launch celebration for the inaugural service, which departed Glasgow Queen Street at 18:16 and arrived into London King’s Cross one minute early.

Storm Electric Strings performed hits for customers, who also experienced a comedy gig by new talent Connor Burns from the Glasgow International Comedy Festival.

Lumo is proudly supporting the popular festival in 2026 and Glasgow’s Pride. Scottish boyband Just The Brave, who have racked up over five million likes on TikTok, also made a special appearance.

Stuart Jones, Managing Director of First Rail Open Access, said: “This is a landmark moment which will boost connectivity between Scotland and England, offering a sustainable travel option whilst also boosting economic growth.

“It was a particular pleasure to celebrate the launch of our inaugural services in style with a brilliant range of guests from our dedicated team, as well as our partners from Scotland and across the border.

“We’re proud to champion Scotland and look forward to providing the unique Lumo service to even more customers from this week.”

To mark the occasion, Lumo enlisted the help of Houston Kiltmakers to design an official Lumo tartan which was revealed to guests who attended the launch, each receiving a limited edition scarf. 

Ken MacDonald from the company, Vice-Chairman of the Scottish Tartans Authority, said: “It’s a pleasure to work with like-minded people who appreciate Scotland and all it has to offer.

“I’m absolutely delighted that we were able to play a part in Lumo launching in Glasgow and look forward to seeing our new tartan design out and about in Scotland and across the border.”

Scottish broadcaster Bev Lyons joined the Lumo team to welcome customers onboard. She said: “The Lumo team are fabulous and I’m so thrilled that they have officially brought their unique service to my home city of Glasgow!

“We’ve been crying out for an affordable and direct link to the North East and London and I know that this service will be valued by many people.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Lumo over the past few months and it’s great to see the company backing local events such as the Glasgow Comedy Festival, as well as the likes of Glasgow Pride. Welcome, Lumo!”

Paul Tetlaw from Transform Scotland, said: “We welcome the new Lumo services from Glasgow and Falkirk via the East Coast Main Line. There is a significant market of people who currently drive or fly to the North East of England and London who now have the opportunity to switch to the train.

“The new services soon to be launched from Stirling will help to build on that modal shift to rail.”

Customers will be able to travel on two northbound services each weekday and one southbound. It’s anticipated that the Lumo connection will attract more people to the Commonwealth Games, due to take place in Glasgow in July 2026.

Lumo is also set to launch a brand new route connecting Stirling with London Euston from May 2026.

tub2pub: Recycle those sweetie tubs

When you’re finished with your plastic sweets and chocolate tubs (and no judgement if that’s happened already!) then remember you can support Macmillan Cancer Support Scotland by dropping your tubs off at participating Greene King Brewery pubs between 1 January and 15 January.

Bring your clean, empty plastic confectionery and biscuit tubs to participating Greene King pubs and their Tub2Pub recycling solution stops them ending up in landfill. In 2025 they collected over 240,000 tubs, weighing in at a record-breaking 27,990 kg of plastic – more than all previous years combined.

Visit https://www.greeneking.co.uk/christmas/tub2pub for more information.

Top tips to protect your Christmas gifts from cyber-scrooges

Got a new tablet, smart watch or connected toy for Christmas? Take 5 minutes to set up 2-step verification and keep cyber criminals out of your home

  • Families urged to take simple security steps when setting up new accounts for Christmas gifts like tablets, smart watches and connected toys
  • Quick 5 minute checks including enabling 2-step verification and automatic updates will protect homes from cyber criminals
  • Taking these steps will help keep personal data and home networks safe from unwanted access

As Christmas celebrations are wrapping up and excited children (and adults!) are playing with their new smart watches, talking toys, and tablets, the government is reminding families to give these high-tech gifts a quick security check before the festive fun begins.

Smart technology has topped wish lists across the country, bringing entertainment and connection to homes. Research found that 45% of UK adults planned to buy electronic devices for Christmas in 2024, highlighting how popular smart technology has become as a festive purchase.

From voice-activated assistants answering questions about reindeer, to fitness trackers logging Boxing Day walks, and robot toys becoming new best friends, connected devices can spread joy nationwide.

But just like checking if batteries are included, a few simple security steps will keep Christmas magic safe from cyber-Scrooges. Taking 5 minutes to set up 2-step verification (2SV) on new accounts or enable automatic updates means families can enjoy new technology without worrying about hackers.

Think of it as part of the Christmas routine, alongside the turkey and festive films.

Festive security checklist

Set up 2 -step verification

When creating new accounts for devices and apps this Christmas, turn on 2-step verification (also called 2SV).

This adds an extra layer of protection to accounts like email, making it much harder for criminals to access them, even if they know your password.

Create strong passwords for new accounts

Many Christmas gifts will need new accounts set up. Use strong, unique passwords – combining 3 random words works brilliantly, for example SantasMarmaladeHat.

Enable automatic updates

Keeps devices protected while families enjoy mince pies and tins of chocolates.

Set up parental controls

Helps to protect children’s devices with child accounts.

Check privacy settings

Turn off remote access and unnecessary data collection.

Cyber Security Minister Baroness Lloyd said: “Smart devices can bring families closer at Christmas, whether it’s video calls with relatives or enjoying festive films and new gadgets.

“Taking a moment to follow simple setup steps gives families peace of mind and lets them focus on making amazing Christmas memories.”

NCSC Director for National Resilience, Jonathon Ellison said: “As you set up a smart device you received this Christmas, make sure it’s wrapped up in the essential security layers. Keeping your home and your information safe is the best present you can give yourself this year.

“We recommend following the NCSC’s guidance for using smart devices, and remember to switch on 2‑step verification for all your important accounts.”

The average UK household owns nine connected devices, making Christmas a prime time for hackers. According to analysis of millions of connected homes, devices see an average of 10 attacks every 24 hours, with security solutions blocking roughly 1,736 threats per minute. Poorly secured gadgets and accounts can give criminals access to personal data, audio or video from toys and monitors, or home networks.

The UK is leading the world in protecting families from cyber threats. World-first Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regulations, which came into force in April 2024, mean that every smart device sold in the UK must meet basic security standards including no default or easily guessable passwords.

Combined with these simple festive security tips – particularly setting up 2-step verification on new accounts – families can unwrap their presents with confidence and enjoy a worry-free Christmas.

Brand-new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club at its Edinburgh store.  

This hands-on event takes place on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 January, offering a beginner-friendly, cosy and mindful experience. It’s also a great Christmas gift for anyone looking for a last-minute present. 

During the 90-minute afternoon workshop at the Edinburgh store, attendees will get the chance to try their hand at a punch needle kit. The kit is a wildlife design, with everything you need to get started, whether trying a new hobby for the very first-time, or honing skills.

During the crafting experience, there will be a delicious three tier afternoon tea.

The first tier includes a selection of freshly-made finger sandwiches, on a mix of white and grain bread, with soft cheese and cucumber, ham, rocket and red onion chutney, prawn, and egg and watercress.

Dobbies’ famous scones can be enjoyed on the second tier, with plain and fruit options, served with Cornish clotted cream and a mini pot of jam.

The top tier offers a delicious selection of sweet treats including a mini Victoria sponge, lemon mousse, meringue kisses and coconut and cherry macaroons. Customers will also get a pot of tea or coffee with unlimited refills. 

For those wanting to add a savoury twist, there is the option to add on a sharing plate of additional treats, including chicken terrine on brioche toast, houmous and olives in a filled pastry cup, and smoked salmon and dill on brioche toast for £8.50. Hot drinks can also be upgraded if people prefer a speciality coffee, tea or an indulgent hot chocolate for just £0.50 extra, or opt for a 200ml bottle of Prosecco for £6.50 per adult aged 18 and over. 

Ayesha Nickson, Events Programme Manager at Dobbies, said: “This brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club at our Edinburgh store is aimed at bringing people together to slow down and get creative. “

We’ve designed the workshop to be a relaxing, beginner-friendly experience and it’s a great way to spend time with friends and family members.

“Whether you’re looking to treat yourself, or gift an experience this Christmas, our Crafternoon Tea Club is the perfect present.”

For more information on Dobbies’ Crafternoon Tea Club at the Edinburgh store and to make a booking, visit www.dobbies.com/events