Big Give Christmas Challenge 2026 opens for application

• Last year, the campaign raised a record £57.4 million in one week
 • More than 1,500 charities took part in last year’s campaign
 • Applications are now open to charities across all sectors

Big Give has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 Christmas Challenge. Charities of all sizes are invited to apply to take part in the week long initiative, which continues to grow year on year and offers organisations the opportunity to double donations during the festive giving season.

Applications for the 2026 Christmas Challenge open on 11th May 2026 and close on 3rd July 2026 at 5pm, giving charities a limited window to secure their place in the campaign.

The Christmas Challenge, which takes place in early December to coincide with Giving Tuesday, enables charities to secure match funding from Big Give’s network of Champion funders, including philanthropists, foundations and corporate partners. This model allows public donations to be doubled, significantly increasing the impact of each contribution.

Confirmed Champions in 2026 include The Reed Foundation, The Childhood Trust, The Reed Educational Trust, The Monday Charitable Trust, The Hospital Saturday Fund amongst many others. Big Give is also delighted to announce a new partnership with the St. James’s Place Foundation, which will ring‑fence its Champion funding specifically for the hospice sector.

The campaign builds on strong momentum from previous years. In 2025, more than 1,500 charities participated, raising a record £57.4 million with the support of over 150,000 donors. The initiative has become a vital fundraising moment for the sector, particularly as charities continue to navigate rising costs and increasing demand for services.

Through the Christmas Challenge, participating organisations also gain access to a range of support, including training, campaign tools and marketing guidance, helping them to strengthen their digital fundraising capabilities and engage new audiences. 

Last year, charities estimated that almost a third of all of the donations they received in the campaign were from new supporters. In addition, 92% of the charities reported increased confidence in digital fundraising and 98% of the charities would recommend the campaign to another charity. 

Alongside flagship campaigns like the Christmas Challenge, Big Give also delivers targeted initiatives such as Small Charity Week, which focuses on supporting smaller organisations to build resilience and grow their fundraising potential.

Alex Day, Managing Director, Big Give, said: “Following another record-breaking year for the Christmas Challenge, which raised an incredible £57.4 million in just one week, we’re delighted to open applications for 2026 and welcome charities from across the sector to be part of this growing movement.

“The campaign continues to demonstrate the power of collective giving, bringing together Champion funders, charities and the public to achieve extraordinary impact. As demand for charitable services rises, the Christmas Challenge remains a vital opportunity for organisations to amplify their fundraising and reach new supporters, doubling donations at a time when generosity is at its peak.”

Applications are now open, with charities encouraged to apply early to take advantage of one of the most significant fundraising opportunities in the UK calendar.

For more information and to apply, please visit Big Give’s Christmas Challenge page

A Turner Triumph: Iconic sunrise painting shown in Scotland for the first time

An acclaimed painting by renowned artist JMW Turner is now on display at the National in Edinburgh. Norham Castle, Sunrise is one of the artist’s most celebrated late works and a highlight of the Turner Bequest at Tate.

Its arrival offers visitors a unique opportunity to see this iconic painting, which is on display in Scotland for the first time and free to visit until 4 October 2026.

Norham Castle, Sunrise is one of Turner’s most hauntingly beautiful and intriguing paintings. With its loose, watercolour-like brushwork and glowing colours, it shows Turner’s work at its most experimental, pushing his exploration of sunlight on landscape to extremes.

Unknown in the artist’s lifetime, Norham Castle, Sunrise was one of over 300 oil paintings left in his studio at the time of his death. It is often regarded as emblematic of the expressive, free style of painting now most associated with Turner.

The most famous British artist of the 19th century, Turner was born in London in 1775. His combination of exceptional talent, intellectual curiosity and relentless hard work resulted in paintings which capture the sublime beauty of nature and encourage us to look again at the world around us.

In a career spanning 50 years, he developed new ways of painting. Experimenting with an array of techniques and colour, Turner created works which continue to captivate and excite audiences today.

Norham Castle is situated on the River Tweed, six miles from Berwick-upon-Tweed and at a point where the river forms the border between England and Scotland.

Set on a high mound on the English side and commanding a vital crossing point, the 12th-century castle was one of the most important Border strongholds and was besieged at least 9 times.

It remained a site of military significance until the union of the English and Scottish crowns in 1603 and is integral to Borders history and legend, inspiring Sir Walter Scott’s influential long-form poem Marmion (1808). 

Turner felt enormous affection for Norham Castle. He first visited in 1797, aged 22, returning in 1801 as part of his first extended tour of Scotland, and again in 1831, when he was staying with Scott at Abbotsford, near Melrose in the Borders.

Captivated by the vision of the great tower silhouetted against the sky, he sketched the castle from different viewpoints and studied the site under different light conditions, constantly finding something new.

Norham was a rich source of inspiration for him, generating showpiece watercolours and landscape prints.  Such was the importance of Norham to Turner’s career that on his final visit in 1831, he is said to have bowed and doffed his hat to the mighty ruins.

Norham Castle, Sunrise comes from a group of light-filled oil paintings from the 1840s, in which Turner revisited favourite subjects from earlier in his career, basing his compositions on his Liber Studiorum prints – a series of 71 engravings intended to demonstrate the power and importance of landscape art. 

Drawing upon memory and imagination, Turner captures the essence of this much-loved landscape and shows it transformed by the power of light.  

Charlotte Topsfield, Senior Curator European & Scottish Art, said: “We are so excited to have Norham Castle, Sunrise on display in Scotland for the first time and free for everyone to see.

“One of Turner’s best loved paintings, it is an astonishing exploration of light, landscape and the power of memory. We are very grateful to Tate for this special loan, allowing us to share this wonderful picture with our visitors.”
 
Norham Castle, Sunrise can be found on display at National Galleries Scotland: National, with works from Scotland’s national art collection including another oil by Turner, Somer Hill, Tonbridge by Joseph Mallord William Turner | National Galleries of Scotland and a later painting of Norham Castle from the collection by Scottish artist George Reid, Norham Castle by Sir George Reid | National Galleries of Scotland. 

Bloom boom

New surge in spring blossom interest

Scotland’s spring blossom is in full bloom across the country – and online – with petal-powered posts and searches rising sharply this season.

According to national tourism and events organisation, VisitScotland, online search terms such as “cherry blossom season Scotland” and “when do cherry blossoms bloom in Scotland” have doubled year-on-year, while entirely new searches like “where to see cherry blossoms in Scotland” have emerged for the first time.

Specific searches for “cherry blossom Edinburgh” have risen by over 400%. Although the blossoms are fleeting – most displays lose their bloom by the end of May – parks and tree-lined avenues continue to attract both visitors and locals.

The rise reflects a growing appetite for seasonal experiences, with Scotland’s towns, cities and countryside offering a rich variety of spring blossom – from ornamental cherry trees to apple, plum and hawthorn lining streets, parks and green spaces.

This growing interest is also reflected across VisitScotland’s own social media channels, where blossom content has seen strong engagement this spring. Vibrant videos shared across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube have gained over half a million views. Featuring everything from city-centre displays to scenic rural spots, the clips show audiences are increasingly interacting with and sharing seasonal imagery, highlighting the widespread appeal of Scotland in bloom.

Across the UK, interest in blossom is also on the rise. Total monthly searches for cherry blossom-related terms now exceed 352,000, while “cherry blossom near me” has seen a significant increase (+3,967%) as people seek out local places to enjoy the season.

The data reflects a growing awareness of global traditions. Terms such as “sakura” and “hanami”, associated with Japanese blossom viewing, continue to see consistent UK search interest, suggesting a broader cultural appreciation of the season. 

In Japan, the hanami cherry blossom season has long been a tourism driver. It attracts millions of visitors and is estimated to generate £7-9million for the economy each year.

Jill Walker, VisitScotland Director of Marketing, said: “Spring is one of the most special times of year to experience Scotland, and the growing interest in blossom shows just how much people value these seasonal moments.

“From cherry blossom in our cities to the wider mix of flowering trees across parks, gardens and rural areas, these displays are proving a social media hit and helping to inspire more people to seek them out – often right on their doorstep.

“With only a short window to see the blossoms before the petals fall, their fleeting nature may make them even more appealing to experience and share.

“Extending the visitor season is a core part of our work to grow the value of the visitor economy, and these latest figures show that spring blossom is becoming an increasingly noticeable feature in Scotland’s tourism calendar, with exciting opportunities for attractions and communities alike.”

Find out what Scotland has to offer this Spring here: 

www.visitscotland.com/travel-planning/when-to-visit/spring

Edinburgh returns new MSPs in Scottish Parliament Election 2026

The results for Edinburgh’s six city constituencies, along with the seven seats for the Edinburgh and Lothians East region were announced at the Royal Highland Centre yesterday (Friday 8 May).

The declarations were made by Paul Lawrence, Returning Officer for the Edinburgh constituencies, and Regional Returning Officer for Edinburgh and Lothians East.

The newly elected Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) are listed below, with further details of the results available on the city council’s website:

Edinburgh Central: Lorna Jane Slater, Scottish Green Party (4,582 majority)

Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith: Ben Macpherson, Scottish National Party (3,071 majority)

Edinburgh North Western: Alex Cole-Hamilton, Scottish Liberal Democrats (13,016 majority)

Edinburgh Northern: Sanne Dijkstra-Downie, Scottish Liberal Democrats (2,493 majority)

Edinburgh South Western: Simita Kumar, Scottish National Party (3,289 majority)

Edinburgh Southern: Daniel Guy Johnson, Scottish Labour Party (4,963 majority)

Edinburgh and Lothians East (Region):

  • Kate Nevens – Scottish Green Party
  • Angela Ross – Reform UK
  • Irshad Ahmed – Scottish Labour Party
  • Miles Briggs – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
  • Q Manivannan – Scottish Green Party
  • Katherine Sangster – Scottish Labour Party
  • Kayleigh Ferguson Kinross-O’Neill – Scottish Green Party

Paul Lawrence, Constituency and Regional Returning Officer said: “I’d like to thank our colleagues in the Elections team and across the Council for their hard work and many months of planning in delivering this election.

“This is one of the most important duties that we carry out and truly is public service at its very best. I’d also like to thank Police Scotland, the candidates, agents, and media for working with us throughout the process.

“I wish our new MSPs the best of luck and I have no doubt they will represent our city, our region, and its residents with great pride. 

“Finally, I’d like to thank our residents for taking the time to cast their votes and make their voices heard.”

The total electorate for the city constituencies was 387,355, total votes cast 223,815, and turnout 57.8%.

For the region, the electorate was 564,571, total votes cast 320,286 and turnout 56.7%.

SCOTTISH RESULT:

SNP 58 (– 6 on 2021 results)

LABOUR 17 (- 4)

REFORM 17 (+ 17)

SCOTTISH GREENS 15 (+ 6)

CONSERVATIVE 12 (- 19)

LIBERAL DEMOCRAT 10 (+ 6)

Edinburgh_and_Lothians_East_Regional_DeclarationDownload

Jet fuel and travel plans: what you need to know

UK airlines say that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. The government is working with industry and international partners to keep passengers moving

There is no current need for passengers to change their travel plans. UK airlines buy jet fuel in advance, and airports maintain stocks to support their resilience. The government is working closely with the aviation industry to monitor risks and minimise disruption to passengers.

If your flight is cancelled, you have clear legal rights, including the right to a full refund or re-routing. Read this factsheet for the full picture on the current situation and what it means for you.

Is there a shortage of jet fuel in the UK?

UK airlines are clear that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. It is typically bought in advance, with airports and their suppliers keeping stocks of bunkered fuel to support their resilience.

Do you need to change your travel plans?

There is no current need to change upcoming travel plans. Government regularly meets with industry to monitor risks, understand pressures and ensure clear communication with passengers, should circumstances change.

We recognise that families may be concerned, and that aviation and tourism businesses are operating in challenging global conditions. We are working hand‑in‑hand with industry to help flights keep operating.

We advise passengers to continue checking with their airlines before they travel, and to check the FCDO travel advice for the latest updates. You should also ensure you have appropriate travel insurance.

Read about the latest action that government is taking to to protect summer holidays from disruption.

Are airlines cancelling lots of flights?

While there has been media reporting on flights cancelled internationally, Cirium has stated that its data shows only 0.53% of the UK’s planned flights for May 2026 have been cancelled. The Department for Transport (DfT) analysis of OAG data shows that only around 1,200 flights departing from the UK have been cancelled from 3 May to 14 June 2026. This represents less than 1% of planned flights over this period and is within the range of the number of cancellations we would expect within that period.

Airlines often change or remove a small number of flights based on demand and other operational factors, and we continue to monitor the situation. Reductions to summer flight schedules have predominantly been to countries in closer proximity to the Middle East due to the conflict.

How is the government protecting passengers?

Under UK law, if your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to either a full refund or to be booked onto an alternative flight if you:

  • depart from an airport in the UK on any airline
  • arrive at an airport in the UK on an EU or UK airline
  • arrive at an airport in the EU on a UK airline

For more information about your rights, you can:

What is government doing?

Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, we have been closely monitoring UK jet fuel stocks and working with airlines, airports and fuel suppliers to ensure passengers keep moving and businesses are supported.

We continue to plan for a range of contingencies, while focusing on securing a long lasting and workable solution to get shipping flowing freely again through the Strait of Hormuz.

How are airlines being supported?

At some UK airports, airlines are given scheduled times known as ‘slots’ in which to take off or land.

Under normal rules, airlines must use at least 80% of their allocated slots during a season to keep them for the following year. If they fall below this threshold, those slots can be reassigned to another airline. This is known as the ‘use it or lose it’ rule.

Airport Coordination Limited, the independent body that manages slot allocation at UK airports, has updated its guidance so that airlines will not lose their slots if fuel shortages prevent them from flying. Airlines can now apply for an exemption from the ‘use it or lose it’ rule in these circumstances.

The government is also seeking industry views on slot rules for the summer 2026 and winter 2026 seasons. The temporary measures would allow airlines to consolidate schedules on routes with multiple flights to the same destination on the same day.

This means airlines can better plan ahead and focus on minimising disruption for passengers. It can also reduce fuel consumption by consolidating passengers onto fewer flights, rather than feeling pressure to operate flights purely to protect their slots.

Electoral Commission: Post-Count statement

Following the conclusion of the Scottish Parliament election count, Cahir Hughes, Acting Head of the Electoral Commission, Scotland, said: “The verification and counting of votes for the Scottish Parliament election has now concluded, and all 73 constituencies and 8 regions have declared their results. their results. 

“Our initial assessment is that the count ran smoothly and took place transparently in the presence of candidates, their agents and the media. 

“Delivering the Scottish Parliament election is a considerable task, with around 2,500 polling places across Scotland and more than 4.3 million registered voters, including many 16- and 17-year-olds taking part for the first time. We want to thank the Electoral Management Board for Scotland, electoral administrators and Returning Officers across Scotland for their dedication and professionalism in delivering these well-run and accessible polls. 

“In the lead up to the poll, we joined with the Electoral Management Board and Police Scotland to call for a campaign free from abuse and intimidation, and the Commission published a new set of principles to guide campaigning at these elections. The abuse and intimidation of candidates, elected officials and electoral workers comes at a great personal cost and it is damaging to our democracy. 

“We have been alert to the spread of false information, including AI-generated content, but have not seen significant deepfakes affecting the Scottish Parliament election. We will now collect evidence from voters, candidates, campaigners and administrators, to better understand their experiences.

“We will publish our statutory report on the Scottish Parliament election in the autumn, recommending improvements to the system where necessary. 

“Thank you to everyone in Scotland who contributed to this being a free, fair and well-run election.”

CCTV appeal following disorder at Scottish Cup quarter final

Officers investigating disorder at the Scottish Cup Quarter Final have released CCTV images of 24 people they believe may be able to assist with their ongoing enquiries.

The match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, took place on Sunday, 8 March, 2026.

Those depicted or anyone who believes they may recognise them are asked to contact police, quoting incident number 0899 of 8 March, 2026.

Anyone with information can call 101 or can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Information can also be sent directly to the investigation team.

The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) is a website that gives the public access to a form to pass information, images and footage directly to the Major Investigation Team and can be accessed here: 

https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT26G03-PO1

Five further arrests after disorder at Scottish Cup quarter-final

POLICE investigating disorder at the Scottish Cup Quarter Final between Rangers and Celtic on Sunday, 8 March, 2026, have made five further arrests.

Four men, two aged 18, and others aged 26, and 46, along with a 17-year-old male youth, were arrested and charged in connection with culpable and reckless conduct. One of the 18-year-olds was also charged with threatening and abusive behaviour.

They are due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.

This brings the total number of arrests in connection with the disorder to 26.

Yarn-Bombed Postboxes Pop Up for David Attenborough’s 100th Birthday

This May, red post boxes across the UK have been transformed into colourful crochet tributes to British wildlife, marking Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday.

Launched by Hobbycraft, the nationwide “yarn bombing” campaign sees handcrafted toppers appearing in key locations linked to Sir David’s life – from his current hometown of London to Cambridge, where he studied, and Leicester, where he grew up, as well as Edinburgh, Manchester, Bournemouth and Glasgow; turning everyday street furniture into joyful celebrations of nature.

The toppers will be dropping throughout the month of May.

Each topper features detailed scenes inspired by British wildlife, including bees, squirrels, and woodland habitats, designed to delight passers-by and spark conversations about the natural world.

The postbox topper installations were created by Hobbycraft’s Knitcraft expert Natalie Beard @sewing_the_seeds_of_love, who said: “Each topper is a celebration of Sir David’s incredible legacy and the wildlife he’s spent his life championing.

“We hope they inspire people to get creative and connect with nature. Hobbycraft has everything you need to get crafting.”

At the end of May, the toppers will be donated or auctioned to raise funds for environmental charities.

Ben Macpherson holds Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith

LEES, David – Reform UK: 2,746

MACPHERSON, Ben – Scottish National Party (SNP): 13,630

NEVENS, Kate – Scottish Green Party: 10,559

OWEN, Liss – Scottish Liberal Democrats: 1,895

THOMAS, Oliver Philip – Scottish Labour Party: 7,894

YOUNG, Haris – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party: 1,297.

Ben Macpherson (SNP) has been duly elected as Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith constituency with 13,630 votes.

SNP HOLD

Alex Cole-Hamilton returned in Edinburgh North Western

AHMED, Irshad – Scottish Labour Party: 1,879

CAIRNS, Rachel – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party: 1,749

COLE-HAMILTON, Alex – Scottish Liberal Democrats: 22,959

HENRY, David – Scottish Workers Party of Britain: 268

JARDINE, Lyn Ann – Scottish National Party (SNP): 9,943

THOMSON, Davie – Reform UK: 3,342

Alex Cole-Hamilton (Scottish Liberal Democrats) has been duly elected as Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Edinburgh North Western constituency with 22,959 votes.

LIB-DEM HOLD