Join us for our annual wassailing celebrations in the Granton Castle Walled Garden orchard on 19 January from 1-3 pm.
The wassailing, or blessing of the fruit trees, involves drinking and singing to the health of the trees in the hope that they will provide a bountiful harvest in the autumn.
We love this tradition and are delighted to have Penny Stone join us for the afternoon. Penny will be leading us in traditional and contemporary Wassailing songs.
Apple-based food and drinks will be available by donation. No need to book, just turn up. All welcome.
The revitalised Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced that its 78th edition will run from 14 to 20 August 2025. Submissions for the 2025 edition of the Festival open today (6 January 2025) via the Festival website.
Building on EIFF’s invigorated vision under new leadership from CEO and Festival Director Paul Ridd and Festival Producer Emma Boa, the Festival will continue to accelerate the discovery of new film talent and engage with audiences, industry members and local, national and international media.
Further details on the 2025 Festival will be announced in the next few months.
Helmed by CEO and Festival Director Paul Ridd, the Festival team aims to create a world-class showcase for independent film and filmmaking talent. Ridd is supported by an expanding Board, including Teresa Moneo, Director of UK Film, Netflix; Peter Rice, former Chairman of General Entertainment at Disney and President of 21st Century Fox; Isla Macgillivray, Partner at Saffrey; and Romana Ramzan, Producer at No Code Studio; Chair Andrew Macdonald of DNA Films, producer of the iconic Edinburgh-based film Trainspotting; and Vice Chair Amy Jackson, producer of BAFTA award-winning indie, Aftersun.
EIFF CEO and Festival Director, Paul Ridd said: “Our reborn Film Festival is now a major part of the excitement of August in Edinburgh when the city hosts the biggest and best Arts Festival in the world.
“We are delighted to announce our next edition in August 2025 and cannot wait to see the submissions that will come our way for potential selection in the new year.
“For my team there is no feeling greater than discovering something truly great for audiences, and knowing so many of our 2024 films have had lives well beyond our Festival is truly invigorating. Bring it on again!”
Criteria for submitting films to the Festival can be found via the Festival website at https://www.edfilmfest.org/submissions/ with submissions to open on 6 January 2025. More information will be released on the shape of the 2025 Festival, venues and key strategic partners in the coming months.
ACT on IICSA responds to recent press coverage on Child Sexual Abuse.
For anyone affected by this or any other story on this subject, you are not alone. Visit www.thesurvivorstrust.org or call our free, confidential helpline: 0808 801 0818 or text 07860 022 956
TOMORROW (Tuesday 7 January), the International Development Committee will question Anneliese Dodds, Minister for Development, on her priorities in office.
Upon being appointed, the Minister said she aimed to make the world a safer, more prosperous place and to unlock opportunity for everyone. The FCDO’s development mission would be to “create a world free from poverty on a liveable planet”.
Members are likely to ask the Minister how the Government will meet its ambitions with a reduced foreign aid budget, and whether concrete plans are yet in place to reduce spending foreign aid on refugees within the UK.
Members may also question the Minister on the UK’s humanitarian response to the conflicts in Gaza and Sudan. The UK’s foreign aid spending to support women and girls, and adaption and mitigations for climate change, may also be discussed.
Prior to the Minister’s appearance, MPs will also hear from the FCDO’s two Permanent Under-Secretaries, Sir Philip Barton and Nick Dyer, on the department’s accounts.
At 2.00pm in the Wilson Room, Portcullis House
From 2.00pm
Sir Philip Barton KCMG OBE, Board member and Permanent Under-Secretary
Nick Dyer, Second Permanent Under-Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
3.9 million British pensioners could be facing a cold winter, following research which reveals over a third (36%) of over 65s expect to be too cold at home as temperatures drop.
The study found that over 65s are the most likely to be cold at home of any age group, with more than a fifth (21%) saying they can’t get their house warm on cold days, no matter what they try.
As a result, 34% of pensioners worry the temperature of their house is bad for their health on cold days, and it’s no wonder. The research, conducted by SpeedComfort, reveals that British homes are falling short of recommended healthy temperatures, putting older and vulnerable people at serious risk.
On average, British pensioners anticipate the temperatures inside their homes will drop down to 13.9°C this winter, over six degrees cooler than the World Health Organisation’s recommendations for older and vulnerable people (20°C).
According to Age UK, this drop in living temperatures can make older people more susceptible to infections, disease and viruses, and impact long-term respiratory and musculoskeletal conditions that many already live with.
The new research backs this up, with data confirming that older people are most vulnerable to the mental and physical effects of the cold.
The survey found that half (50%) of over 65s feel physical discomfort because of the drop in temperature – 7% higher than the average UK adult. Almost the same proportion (49%) say it makes them feel down.
On top of this, 46% of older people feel less motivated when cold and almost a quarter (23%) believe they get ill more often when their home is cold.
Wouter Heuterman, CEO of SpeedComfort, comments: “It’s heartbreaking to discover just how many vulnerable older people in Britain will be feeling the effects of the cold this coming winter.
“With temperatures beginning to drop and the cost of bills continuing to rise, the next few months will present a significant challenge to many households across the UK. But, for older and vulnerable people, the prospect of being cold at home this winter is particularly concerning, given the significant associated health risks.
“We know times are tough, so, if you are over 65 or have a loved one who is, it’s so important to consider alternative ways of keeping warm and safe this winter. To help with this, we’ve put together a guide for staying warm without increasing energy usage this winter.”
Experts advise against making hasty decisions about the future after a challenging Christmas
Relationships Scotland, Scotland’s leading relationship support charity, is urging couples not to make hasty decisions about their future if they’ve had a difficult time over Christmas.
The first working Monday of the year, known as Divorce Day, is often the time when there’s a surge in people looking to leave their partner and enter into a formal separation agreement. This is often the result of the emotional pressures and expense of Christmas, which can push couples to breaking point as the New Year starts.
Stuart Valentine, Chief Executive of Relationships Scotlandsaid: “The festive season can put a huge strain on relationships where families typically spend more time together with normal routines disrupted, creating a far higher potential for stress and arguments to erupt.
“As we approach what is now known as Divorce Day, we would urge couples not to be hasty in making decisions about the future but instead seek help to discuss the issues which are causing problems within the relationship.
“Often the advice and support from a trained counsellor can be the difference between a family staying together, or becoming another January divorce statistic.
“Where couples do decide to separate, we also have family mediators across the country who can help separating parents agree the future living arrangements for their children, ensuring both parents keep in contact with their kids after they split up where possible.”
The total number of divorces granted in Scotland in 2022-23 was 7,488, a slight drop from the 8,249 in 2021-22 but still significantly higher than the 5,698 granted in 2020-21.
Stuart Valentine added: “While Christmas will be a time of happiness for many, the pressure it brings can be too much for an already fragile relationship.
“Relationships Scotland understands the importance of positive and resilient relationships and the damage caused by relationship breakdown if not handled properly, especially for children.
“We hope couples experiencing difficulties will think about accessing support through counselling or mediation, before heading to the courts seeking divorce.”
Monday 6th January, National Divorce Day, reportedly sees a significant spike in divorce enquiries. Eleanor Levy, Chief Commercial Officer at now:pensions comments:“Pensions are often one of the largest and in some cases the second most valuable asset in a marriage after a home, yet they are frequently overlooked during divorce settlements.
“Sharing these savings could play a huge role in narrowing the gender pensions gap, as today women retire on average with pension savings of £69,000, compared to £205,000 for men*.
“It is essential women understand this when settlement terms are being negotiated. Ignoring these savings can leave one spouse with insufficient funds, ultimately undermining their financial stability for decades to come.”
POLICE are appealing for assistance to trace Safdar Hanif, 14, who is missing from the Swanston area.
Safdar was last seen in Tryst Park around 8.20pm on Saturday (4 January). His family contacted police when he didn’t return home.
He is Asian, 5ft8, has short black hair, and is wearing a navy blue Nike jacket, and green and grey Nike tracksuit.
Sergeant Louise Gordon, Wester Hailes Police Station, Edinburgh, said: “We would ask anyone who has seen Safdar or knows where he is to contact police.
“Our concern is that despite both police and his family trying to contact him, no one has managed to get a hold of him yet.
“We have been checking CCTV and are liaising with local taxi, bus and train companies in an effort to trace Safdar.
“He may be with friends but the fact that he has not been in touch or heard from is of concern. Although he looks older, he is only 14-years-old and we and his family want him home safe.”
If you have any information as to Safdar’s whereabouts, please call police via 101 and quote incident number 2957 of Saturday, 4 January 2025.
Sabre-rattling? Thousands of UK personnel will continue to deploy to Europe in the next two months to spearhead a major NATO exercise
UK leading contribution with over 2600 personnel and 730 vehicles deploying to NATO’s eastern flank.
First deployment under new NATO Allied Reaction Force.
Deployment demonstrates UK’s ‘unshakeable commitment’ to NATO and European Security.
Thousands of UK personnel will continue to deploy to Europe in the next two months to spearhead a major NATO exercise.
Leading from the front, the UK is providing the largest contribution of forces with over 2600 personnel, and 730 vehicles deploying to NATO’s eastern flank.
Throughout January and February 2025, NATO will conduct Exercise Steadfast Dart 25 to practice the deployment of the new Allied Reaction Force, which can rapidly reinforce NATO’s eastern flank. These important exercises will showcase the Alliance’s readiness, capability, and commitment to defend every inch of NATO territory.
The UK’s 1st Division will be in command of all of NATO’s land forces in the exercise, continuing Britain’s proud tradition of leadership in NATO and demonstrating this government’s unshakeable commitment to the Alliance.
The exercises will see the UK Armed Forces join thousands of personnel from ten NATO Allies, operating across Romania and Bulgaria coinciding with the anniversary of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, said: “This Government wants the UK to be NATO’s leading European nation.
“Exercise Steadfast Dart demonstrates our unshakeable commitment to NATO and highlights the UK key leadership role in the Alliance.
“As we approach the three-year anniversary of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we must continue to strengthen our collective defences together to deter Putin effectively.”
Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority, and an integral part of its Plan for Change. The work of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, is critical to the security and stability of the UK, supporting all of the Government’s five missions in its plan.
This exercise will help to improve co-ordination and cooperation between NATO Allies, particularly in the early phases of deployment. The ability of NATO to rapidly deploy is reliant on nations being able to seamlessly operate alongside each other.
Having a high-readiness forces that can operate across land, air, and sea to respond to emerging threats is a critical component of NATO’s defensive plans.
The new Allied Reaction Force will not only support the Alliance’s defence in times of crisis but strengthen deterrence against our adversaries – including Russia.
It will ensure that forces from across the NATO alliance can come together at shorter notice that has ever been possible before.
730 vehicles including Foxhound and Jackals will deploy by road, air, and sea to Eastern Europe where they will conduct two exercises before returning to the UK at the end of February.
