Locals and visitors from across the country helped kickstart the celebrations in the capital as Castle of Light, the interactive light trail at Edinburgh Castle, officially opened to the public.
This year, Castle of Light is helping to mark the city’s epic 900th anniversary with a showstopping celebration suitable for all ages. Getting the party started, pupils from the local Royal Mile Primary School joined Rex the lion on the esplanade to officially ‘switch on’ this year’s event for its seven-week run.
Electrifying Edinburgh’s iconic skyline for a fifth fantastic year, Castle of Light pulled out all the stops with an immersive after-dark trail, transforming the historic castle grounds with all-new light and sound displays celebrating 900 years of history and setting the festive season ablaze.
From mythical creatures to long-lost tales, visitors reveled in the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of some of Scotland’s most famous figures before dancing through the ages in Crown Square.
This year, the creators are also taking the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the lesser-known stories of Edinburgh’s trailblazing women, inspired by Edinburgh author, Sara Sheridan’s book ‘Where are the Women?’.
Illuminating the Lava Wall with stories of the tenacious women that history forgot, guests came face to face with figures spanning the 12th to the 21st century, including Scottish science pioneer Mary Sommerville, explorer, naturalist and photographer Isabella Bird, and Sophia Jex-Blake, one the ‘Edinburgh Seven’, with Sara joining the team on opening night to see her writing come to life on the Castle walls.
Emma Bowie, regional visitor & community manager at Edinburgh Castle, said: “Castle of Light has truly become a jewel in Edinburgh’s bustling winter schedule, and this year’s celebration is particularly special as we mark the city’s 900th anniversary.
“This year’s event is all about bringing people together to revel in the capital’s incredible history as it comes to life on the castle walls. From uncovering the inspiring stories of Edinburgh’s trailblazing women to soaking in the vibrant energy in Crown Square, Castle of Light showcases the incredible depth of Scotland’s past while creating unforgettable memories for the present. It’s a spectacular way to celebrate this milestone year with family and friends this festive season.”
Brought together by a consortium of the finest digital and visual talent in Scotland, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Castle of Light will run for seven weeks throughout the festive season, on select dates until Saturday 4 January 2025. A special access night will also take place on Sunday 8 December.
Ticketed entry slots will run every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm each evening, with last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm. The event closes at 9pm.
For more information and to get your tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.scot. Advance booking required. Concession rates, family tickets and discounts for Historic Scotland members are also available.
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Fats and heart health
Many people believe that eating fats should be avoided at all costs, but fats are an important part of a healthy balanced diet and are needed for your body to function. However, consuming too much-saturated fat increases your risk of developing heart disease.
You should consume no more than 10% of your daily energy intake from saturated fats. But unsurprisingly, adults in the UK consume around 12.4% on average, which can lead to excess weight gain and heart disease.
In this healthy tip, we discuss the importance of fat, different types of fat and the sources of them:
Importance of fat in the diet
Fats are the body’s second source of energy, and our body uses them for fuel when carbohydrate stores have run out. We need fats in our diet so our body can absorb vitamins A, D, E and K, which are fat-soluble vitamins that can only be absorbed when there is fat present.
Fats also provide essential fatty acids that the body cannot make itself. These fatty acids help to regulate the immune and central nervous system, as well as help with skin health, brain function, heart health and cancer prevention.
Finally, fats protect the vital organs, including the heart, and insulate the body from extreme temperatures. Fats should make up 20% to 35% of your daily energy intake.
Types of fats
Saturated or unhealthy fats have a negative effect on your body and health. These often increase your LDL or bad cholesterol levels, which can lead to blockages in your arteries and a heart attack. Therefore, these should be consumed irregularly and eaten in small amounts.
Unsaturated or healthy fats can benefit your health and your heart. These increase the amount of HDL or good cholesterol in your blood, helping to keep your arteries clear and working efficiently. These should be consumed more frequently than saturated fats due to their health benefits, but they’re still high in calories and should be eaten in moderation, as part of a healthy balanced diet.
Sources of fats
Foods high in saturated fats include cheese, butter, cream, cakes, biscuits, coconut oil and processed meats. It is worth noting that whilst coconut oil may have some health benefits, it is high in saturated fat and its consumption should be limited.
Unsaturated fats are found in avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds and oily fish. Types of oily fish include herring, pilchards, salmon, sardines, sprats, trout and mackerel.
Getting healthy fats into your diet
Some small changes to your diet can ensure that you’re eating healthy fats and keeping your arteries and heart healthy.
Try adding nuts to dishes such as stir-fry, salads, smoothies and yoghurts. Nuts and seeds make a great snack as they contain protein, which helps keep you feeling fuller for longer, pair them with some fruit to make sure you hit your five-a-day goal.
You could also use olive oil to cook dishes on low heat, or to drizzle over the top of salads and vegetables, and make sure you’re eating one portion (140g cooked) of oily fish per week.
A leading mountaineer and Army veteran, Mac Mackay is urging people of all ages to sign up for the Cateran Yomp 2025, one of the UK’s toughest endurance events held in the Cairngorms, in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), the Army’s national charity.
Mac Mackay, originally from Dornoch, in the Scottish Highlands, is the new ambassador of the Yomp, Scotland’s largest mass participation walking event – a gruelling hike of up to 54 miles in the UK’s largest national park.
Backing Mac’s call to join the challenge is fellow adventurer and ABF supporter, Sir Brian Blessed. Sir Brian is leading the rallying cry – Get Your Yomp On! – for this year’s event, saying: “It’s the ultimate charity challenge – 24 hours hiking up to 54 miles in the wilds of Scotland, testing your fitness and endurance.”
Since its launch in 2011, Yomp participants and sponsors have raised over £4m for the Army Benevolent Fund’s support for soldiers, former soldiers and their families. Every year, hundreds of yompers gather in the Scottish wilderness to battle through the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains, walking continuously for 22, 36, or 54 miles over 24 hours. The event is taking place from 7th to 8th June 2025 and, for the first time, teams of 4 can also sign up to complete the full distance as a relay.
Mac Mackay spent almost 30 years in the Army, in roles including Royal Physical Training Officer, and is a qualified mountain and ski guide.He completed his first Yomp in 2023 as part of a team of veterans with an average age of 71.
Mac is Chair of Climb 2 Recovery, which receives funding from the Army Benevolent Fund for its programme of climbing and mountaineering for wounded, injured, disabled and disadvantaged service people and veterans.
Mac said: “It is a great honour to be the ambassador for the Cateran Yomp 2025. I have taken on many tests of endurance but this event is different. The Yomp fosters incredible camaraderie and resilience amongst participants, and the ABF team provide you with excellent support.
“Thanks to events like this, the Army Benevolent Fund is able to support charities like Climb2Recovery, which is truly lifesaving. Many veterans we work with have been in dark places, and their experiences on our climbing courses are transformational. We help people to see their ability rather than their disability, and they go on to mentor and share this with other veterans.”
Major General Tim Hyams CB OBE, Chief Executive of the Army Benevolent Fund, added: “The support we receive from individual participants, and the organisations that not only sponsor the Yomp but also encourage their staff to take part, is vital.
“The Army Benevolent Fund relies on the generosity of our supporters to ensure that soldiers, former soldiers, and their families have the opportunity to avoid hardship and enjoy independence and dignity.
“We look forward to welcoming more yompers to Scotland in June, when we will be joined by this year’s Ambassador, Mac Mackay. Every single step helps our mission: to be there for soldiers, for veterans, and for their families, for life.”
Sir Brian Blessed, actor, adventurer and honorary Vice President of the Campaign for National Parks, was asked to lend his voice to inspire Yomp participants, because of his passion for outdoor adventure, and because his unique style conveys the spirit of the Yomp.
He said: “I am delighted to support the Army Benevolent Fund’s Cateran Yomp 2025. I’ve trekked to the North Pole so I know it takes teamwork, grit and determination to make it to the finish line. Most of all, the Cateran Yomp is fun, and it’s in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund which supports soldiers, veterans and families. So, get your Yomp on and sign up today!”
Nearly 1,000 people yomped the Scottish hills during the 2024 Cateran Yomp and the Army Benevolent Fund is hoping to attract more yompers in 2025. Early Bird Registration closes on 30th November.
Residents, businesses and other interested groups in the Capital are being asked to comment on a strategy to revitalise Princes Street and the wider ‘Waverley Valley’ to be more vibrant and welcoming.
The new vision will guide the long-term regeneration of this part of the city centre, providing a mix of shops and services for residents and visitors, attracting investment and jobs and supporting businesses within an exceptional historic and climate resilient environment.
The Princes Street and Waverley Valley draft strategy is part of our bold plans to transform the city centre. The ECCT was approved in 2019 and includes the George Street and First New Town, Meadows to George Street projects. www.edinburgh.gov.uk/citycentretransformation
As well as Princes Street the Waverley Valley area covers East and West Princes Street Gardens, Waverley Station, Waverley Market and East Market Street.
The draft strategy aims to:
Create a more accessible city centre
The masterplan for comment recommends guiding the area from the West End of Princes Street along to Waverley Station to become more accessible, with improvements such as additional ramp access to Princes Street Gardens, a footbridge over the Waverley Valley, more public spaces to enjoy, an improved crossing and pedestrian improvements to Castle Street, the Mound Precinct, and Waverley Bridge.
Protected green spaces
The strategy looks to integrate climate resilience and biodiversity measures to protect the existing Waverley Valley and Gardens from climate change and to plant more trees and flowers – also promoting sustainable transport options and the retrofitting of historic buildings in line with Edinburgh’s net zero aims.
Revitalise Princes Street
Working with developers, the strategy suggests improvements to Princes Street with temporary pop-up premises, building wraps and artwork and encourages mixed-uses for the prominent high street. Improvements to historic buildings, including the Ross Bandstand, are also suggested to create better opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the area.
Make improvements to Waverley Station
Shape the future of Waverley Station and the area around it. Its key position between the Old and New Towns makes the station a vital connection between the Old and New Towns. Network Rail’s Waverley Masterplan recognises the need to restore and modernise the station.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Planning Convener, said:“We have published a draft ambitious vision for the Capital’s iconic Princes Street and surrounding area which sits within our internationally renowned World Heritage Site.
“I’d encourage everyone living in or interested in our beautiful Capital city to comment on it by answering the questions we’re asking around accessibility and public space in area, the future of the Gardens and the area in and around Waverley Station.
“As we put together the draft vision we listened to views about all of these important sites for Edinburgh. And as we move forward developing it, we need to make sure we balance our city’s rich heritage with the urgent need for sustainable and accessible spaces, and with new development. This will allow us all to continue to appreciate the charm of our city centre as well as the facilities it provides.
“The area is well used by Edinburgh residents, businesses and visitors from across the world and we plan to breathe new life into it, protecting and invest in it, to make sure that this will be the case for many years to come.”
Public health minister and NHS national director visited Wigston, Leicestershire as more than 100 people from across the Midlands took part in a debate on future of NHS
The second national event will ensure views from the communities in the Midlands help to shape the government’s plans to build an NHS fit for the future
Over one million visits to change.nhs.uk, after rallying cry was issued to ‘entire nation’ to help shape 10 Year Health Plan
The biggest ever conversation about the future of the NHS came to the Midlands yesterday (Saturday 23 November) as part of a nationwide series of public debates about how to fix the health service.
More than 100 people from the region visited Wigston in Leicestershire to discuss their views of the NHS, share their experiences, and offer their suggestions for delivering an NHS fit for the future.
Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne and NHS England’s National Director for Urgent and Emergency Care Sarah-Jane Marsh both attended. They asked people for their opinions on NHS reform and how the government’s 10 Year Health Plan can help tackle disparities in the region.
Addressing the event, Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention said: “I want to say a big thank you to so many people coming out so that you can be part of this 10 Year Health deliberation.
“We can’t change the NHS and make it better without you. When we say that the NHS is broken but not beaten, it’s not beaten because the staff are incredible, it is because the NHS is not where we need it to be.
“The NHS makes me proud to be British, it’s still the incredible service that was set up after the Second World War. But the NHS of 1948 is not an NHS that is fit for the future, with people living longer now and with more complex conditions.
“This opportunity allows us to recreate an NHS that’s fit for the future. Central to this is our three shifts from: hospital to community; analogue to digital; and from sickness to prevention.
“It’s exciting times and we’ve got a big task ahead. You are part of it and we can’t do it without your ideas. Let’s fix our NHS for the better.”
Sarah-Jane Marsh, National Director of Urgent and Emergency Care and Deputy Chief Operating Officer for NHS England said: “As someone with over 20 years’ experience working in the NHS in the Midlands – including almost 14 years as CEO of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital – I know how vital it is to hear from patients and their families directly, so it is truly fantastic that more than a million people have already come forward to let us know about their experiences.
“The 10 Year Health Plan is our chance to help the NHS continue to innovate and adapt, and make best practice, normal practice across the country.
“That’s why we want even more people to come forward and share their views, so if you work for the NHS or are a patient, family member or simply someone with a good idea, please share with us what we do well, what we need to do better, and your ideas for the future – we are waiting to hear from you.”
The minister and national director also visited a mobile vaccination unit in Loughborough, met a super vaccinator, who offers a full range of childhood vaccines and seasonal and adult vaccines. They saw first-hand the impact that the mobile vaccination unit and super vaccinators are having on the community.
Last month, the government issued a rallying cry to the nation – including all 1.5 million NHS staff, patients, experts, and the wider public – to visit the online platform change.nhs.uk to share their experiences, views and ideas for fixing the NHS and to help shape the plan.
Change.nhs.uk has already received over one million visits. It will be live until spring 2025 and is available via the NHS App.
Thousands of ideas to fix the health service have been submitted, with suggestions including:
Establishing an NHS research health company that can be used to get insights on early prevention
Digital records, so records from all hospitals are available to view at all GP surgeries
Pop-up / mobile clinics to meet surge demand for services in areas of need
Stop giving out paper leaflets and sending letters, and limit this to those who do not have access to IT to reduce waste
All submitted ideas will be carefully considered as part of the engagement process so that we can better understand the priorities of the public, patients and people working in health and care.
It comes after the government announced a package of tough reforms to cut wasteful spending and ensure the health service delivers greater value for money – so more goes back to the frontline of care to benefit patients and staff everywhere.
People in the Midlands – an NHS region – are being affected by a range of health issues. The latest data shows there were:
over 1.4 million patients on the waiting list in the Midlands, with nearly 50,000 waiting more than a year
over 100,000 patients on the waiting list at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, with more than 2,000 waiting more than a year
nearly 130,000 patients on the waiting list at Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board, with more than 2,500 waiting more than a year
over 300,000 patients waiting for diagnostic tests and scans in the Midlands
there are over 25,000 patients waiting for diagnostic tests and scans at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
At the end of September 2024, data shows there were:
over 100,000 patients waited more than four weeks for a GP appointment in the Midlands
nearly 15,000 patients waited more than four weeks for a GP appointment at NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB
The public engagement exercise will help shape the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, which will be published in spring 2025 and will be underlined by 3 big shifts in healthcare:
hospital to community
analogue to digital
sickness to prevention
As part of the first shift from ‘hospital to community’, the government wants to deliver plans for new neighbourhood health centres, which will be closer to homes and communities. Patients will be able to see family doctors, district nurses, care workers, physiotherapists, health visitors or mental health specialists, all under the same roof.
In transforming the NHS from analogue to digital, the government will create a more modern NHS by bringing together a single patient record, summarising patient health information, test results and letters in one place, through the NHS App.
By moving from sickness to prevention, the government wants to shorten the amount of time people spend in ill health and prevent illnesses before they happen.
A by-election will be held in the Colinton and Fairmilehead ward following the resignations of Councillor Marco Biagi and Councillor Louise Spence (who resigned after just ONE WEEK in post).
Residents will go to the polls on 23 January, 2025 to select two new councillors to represent the ward, which also covers Bonaly, Dreghorn, Oxgangs and Swanston. The current electorate is 19,907.
On Friday 6 December, the formal Notice of Election will be published, and the Election Timetable, Election Notices and Nomination Papers will all be accessible on the Council website.
Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said: “On 19 November I received the resignation of Councillor Marco Biagi, and we immediately began making arrangements for a by-election in the ward of Colinton and Fairmilehead.
“Having now received the resignation of Councillor Louise Spence – who represented the same ward, voters will now be asked to select two councillors instead of one when they go to the polls on 23 January.
“The formal notice of election will be updated and published as scheduled on Friday 6 December. The process and timetable will remain the same.”
Candidates will be confirmed when nominations close at 4pm on Thursday 17 December.
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 23 January.
The election will use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system where voters can rank candidates in order of preference rather than using a single cross. Voters can give a rank to as many or as few candidates as they like.
FM’s pledge to ‘create the conditions for every person in Scotland to thrive’
First Minister John Swinney will this week pledge to ‘create the conditions for every person in Scotland to thrive’, as he urges the country to pull together in a spirit of collaboration to remove barriers to economic and social progress.
In a major speech to representatives from organisations across the public and private sectors ahead of St Andrew’s Day, Mr Swinney will reflect on his approach to leadership and why challenges must be ‘understood and solved from the bottom up’.
In the speech – which will be delivered one week before the publication of the 2025-26 Scottish Budget – the First Minister will say he is “here to do the hard work” in finding lasting solutions to improving people’s lives.
The First Minister is expected to say: “Every single day, I meet inspirational people from all walks of life – people who are doing their bit to make their community, their business or their country that wee bit better today than it was yesterday.
“When added together, those efforts form the engine of progress that is driving our country forward. For me, unlocking that potential is what government is about – it is about creating the conditions for every person in Scotland to thrive.
“I do not believe in trying to solve problems from the top down. Rather, I believe they need to be understood and solved from the bottom up. I am not here to dictate from on high to those on the front line.
I am prepared to roll my sleeves up every single day to properly understand barriers to their progress and to find solutions. And in identifying those solutions, I am not looking for quick-fixes or sticking plasters.
“I am here to do the hard work, to lay the foundations for lasting improvements to our country, our economy, and our society. I do not pretend that this style of government is always headline-grabbing, but I do believe it is effective. And, in the long run, I know the results will speak for themselves.”
Running for six weeks, this latest menu provides nostalgic feelings to transport you back to a simpler time.
The menu will run in both of the capital’s Six by Nico locations including Queensferry Street and Hanover Street from 16 December 2024 to 26 January 2025 – with bookings starting at £44 per person
Six by Nico, the dynamic dining experience in Edinburgh known for its six-week tasting menu rotation, has unveiled its latest six-course concept, transporting guests back to the good old days with déjà vu food that serves a taste of forgotten flavours with every bite.
Taking inspiration from CEO and Founder Nico Simeone’s childhood favourites and his families festive traditions, the latest concept menu is full of creative twists on old school classic flavours that will never fade.
The latest menu will run at Six by Nico’s city centre locations including Queensferry Street and Hanover Street, for six weeks from 16th December 2024 to 26th January 2025, using timeless tastes to help guests forget about being an adult for a while.
For £44, guests will be able to experience the old school flavours of Nostalgia, with a matching wine pairing from £30 per person or cocktail pairing from £40 per person. Start the experience with the snack selection for only £10 per person.
Nico Simeone, CEO and Founder of the Six Company, commented: “Our final menu of 2024 and the first of 2025 pays homage to nostalgia, inviting guests on a journey through flavours that evoke personal memories.
“Inspired by reflections on my childhood, it draws on moments from an era spent watching films, playing games, or enjoying time outdoors with friends.
“While New Year often focuses on resolutions, this menu celebrates traditions and revisits the timeless magic of Christmas through familiar and comforting tastes.”
Aldi Scotland is set to sell the cheapest real Christmas trees this festive season, as it announces the return of its freshly cut Nordmann Fir trees, with prices starting from just £13.99.
The festive trees will be sprouting into stores from Thursday 21 November for medium trees, with large trees following on Sunday 24 November, offering customers a chance to get their hands on a fresh Christmas centrepiece as the countdown to Santa Claus ramps up.
Priced at £13.99 medium (5-6ft) or £19.99 large (6-7ft) trees, the hand-selected Nordmann Firs are available across Aldi’s 107 Scottish stores while stocks last.
Grown in the heart of Aberdeenshire by Lovania Nurseries, the Nordmann Fir trees are renowned for their glossy pines, strong branches and symmetrical shape, making them ideal for decorating with festive frills.
Sustainability is at the root of it all, with Lovania planting more than two trees for every tree harvested, ensuring these festive favourites are as environmentally friendly as they are beautiful.
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Having proven a great hit in recent years, we’re excited to bring back our Scottish-grown Nordmann Fir Christmas trees this year and provide our customers with the cheapest real Christmas trees available.
“Christmas is an expensive time of year for families, so we’re proud to offer outstanding value on our products that allow our customers to get into the festive spirit without having to sacrifice on quality.”
Aldi recommends placing your tree in a bucket of water to keep it hydrated and letting the branches settle before decorating them with ornaments or baubles. It’s also best to keep trees away from radiators or any other heat source.
You can find your nearest Aldi here.
As part of its commitment to supporting customers this Christmas, Aldi Scotland is also assisting shoppers this year through its ‘Heidspace’ campaign, which offers handy tips and tricks on getting prepared for the festivities early, to ensure the day is as stress-free and merry as possible.
Heidspace assets are all available to download for free from Aldi Scotland’s Instagram and Facebook, with more being added throughout the season.
