THIS month NHS Scotland relaunched its ‘It’s OK to Ask’ campaign for 2026, encouraging people across Scotland to feel confident asking questions about their health, care and treatment options.
The campaign aims to support patients to take an active role in decisions about their health. Whether attending a GP, physiotherapist, dentist, pharmacist, hospital appointment, or any other healthcare setting, ‘It’s OK to Ask’ reminds people that asking questions helps them understand their options and make choices that feel right for them.
A key focus of the campaign is encouraging people to prepare for their appointment by thinking ahead about what they want to know. To help get the most out of every discussion, patients are encouraged to consider asking these four questions whenever a treatment, procedure, tablet, or test is suggested, no matter how routine it may seem:
What are the benefits of this treatment?
What are the risks?
Are there any alternative treatments I can try?
What happens if I do nothing?
Dr John McAnaw, Head of Pharmacy and Associate Clinical Director at NHS 24 says the campaign helps remove the pressure or worry some people feel when speaking with healthcare professionals: “Asking questions in a healthcare setting can feel overwhelming, and many people are unsure what to say or how to ask.
“The ‘It’s OK to Ask’ campaign reassures people that healthcare teams welcome questions as it provides a good basis for shared decision making. It’s important that you fully understand your treatment options and feel comfortable with any decisions about your care.
“No matter how simple or serious your condition may seem, if you’re unclear about anything, remember – ‘It’s OK to Ask’. These questions can help you make informed choices about what will work best for you.”
On Thursday (26 February), Chief Constable Jo Farrell KPM hosted an incredibly inspiring and humbling event at the Police Scotland Headquarters; the Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence awards.
Held every year, these awards recognise and celebrate the very best of policing from across the Service and in the community, including work and contribution from officers, staff, volunteers and members of the public.
A police officer who, alongside colleagues, successfully brought an incident where a man was holding a 9-week-old baby hostage, with a knife, to a safe conclusion was one of the many officers, staff, partners and members of the public recognised.
PC Alana Whitby, based in Edinburgh, was recognised alongside other colleagues with a Bravery Award for her outstanding role as negotiator.
Alana and her colleagues worked tirelessly alongside Armed Response Police and Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Unit to engage with the man and, with success, persuaded him to release the baby and surrender himself.
Alana said: “I am deeply honoured to be nominated for an award following a hostage situation that tested my resolve in ways I could have never imagined.
“In a moment defined by fear and uncertainty, my focus was on remaining calm, protecting life, and working alongside an amazing team to help achieve the safest outcome.
“None of this was done alone – it was very much a team effort, and the support, trust and courage shown by everyone involved made all the difference.
“I never expected recognition, but this nomination means a lot, and I am proud to be able to say it reflects the work I do as Police Negotiator alongside an outstanding team.”
Bravery Award winners also included PC Kevin McGhee who, with another colleague, attended an incident to trace a male suspected of stabbing his partner.
On arrival they noted thick black smoke coming from the top floor flat and the suspect refusing to leave. Kevin made the brave and courageous decision to force entry to the property and were met with billowing smoke, intense heat and extremely reduced visibility.
Sergeant Paul Tomkinson, who is based in Ayrshire, won an Excellence Award after devising and securing funding for Cut and Connect, a free-to-use mobile hairdressing service that also provides wellbeing checks, non-judgemental conversations and links to vital services including support in recovery, domestic abuse and financial matters.
This service has, without doubt, changed lives.
Other Excellence Award winners included PC Scott McCulloch who was named police officer of the year. Livingston-based, Scott was recognised for his genuine commitment and support for those experiencing domestic abuse.
Scott developed a powerful domestic abuse lesson-pack that focusses on prevention and education which he has personally delivered to more than 4,000 S4 to S6 pupils in West Lothian. Building on this success, he is now training officers in neighbouring divisions to allow them to bring this initiative to other parts of Scotland.
The Chief Constable also recognised the contribution police animals make to keeping people safe.
Police Horse Cathcart was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award having built a distinguished operational record at Police Scotland for over 13 years, with unwavering courage, reliability, and character.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell KPM said: “In a relentless and challenging job like no other, accounts of how our people show up and stand up for, and with, our communities can be a source of energy and pride for policing in Scotland.
“We police with, and for, the people of Scotland and rely on their support and assistance to build and maintain safe, secure, and resilient communities where everyone can thrive.
“We also recognise acts of courage by members of the public, which go beyond what can be expected of an ordinary citizen, to help others and assist the police.
“I want to congratulate all the nominees and winners for their dedication to keeping Scotland safe.”
Kerry McMahon-White, Managing Director of Police Mutual & Forces Mutual, the Bravery and Excellence Awards’ sponsor said: “Police Mutual is very proud to again be sponsoring the Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence Awards, celebrating the very best of Policing and recognising the outstanding achievements by officers and staff from across the Service, the Scottish Police Authority and other partners.
“All nominees are an inspiration and a credit to the Service and all at Police Mutual would like to offer our thanks to those who were nominated for your achievements as well as congratulations to the winners.”
EXCELLENCE WINNERS:
This is not the list of awards and winners in full. Some winners have chosen not to have their names published publicly.
Community Engagement Award
Constable Guy Jenner
Innovation Award
Donna Sharp and Michelle Bain from Digital Evidence Sharing Capability Project
Police Officer Award
Constable Scott McCulloch
Policing Partner Award
Jamie Blythe and Sergeant Craig McNeill, Brake Road Safety Charity
Policing Together Award
Sergeant Paul Tomkinson
Probationary Constable Award
Constable Melissa Jack
Team Award
Arbroath Group 3 Team
BRAVERY WINNERS
This is not the list of awards and winners in full. Some winners have chosen not to have their names published publicly.
Life saving
Constable’s Jacob Ashmead and Lauren McGregor – Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Division
Crisis Intervention
Constable Russell Duffy – Operational Support Division
Inspector Becky Lidster, Detective Sergeant Isla Craigie, Constable Alana Whitby – Edinburgh City Division
Rescue
Constable Sally Nicol – Operational Support Division
Constable’s Cammy Miller and Kevin McGhee – Lanarkshire Division
Armed/ Violent Attacker
Sergeant’s Scott McElroy, Niall MacKinnon, Anthony O’Reilly, Constable’s Tony Thompson, Stewart Murdoch, and Katie Hunter – Forth Valley Division
Cheryl Gourlay, member of the public
Above and Beyond
Constable Luke Richardson – Greater Glasgow Division
Donald McNeil, member of the public
Police Animal Lifetime Achievement
Police Dog Tora and Handler Sergeant Amy Burns – Operational Support Division
Police Horse Cathcart – Operational Support Division.
An apprentice from Dunfermline who works at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in the city is encouraging others to become an apprentice and pursue their dream career during Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2026 (2-6 March 2026).
Laura Doyle from Dunfermline is taking part in the Amazon Apprenticeship programme and is sharing her story to encourage others to consider an apprenticeship.
Laura lives in Dunfermline and works as a Training Coordinator at the local Amazon fulfilment centre. Laura is completing a CIPD Level 5 in Learning and Development Consultancy apprenticeship with Amazon, and is due to finish in the coming months after starting the programme 18 months ago.
Laura’s journey to Amazon was far from conventional. After leaving university, where she’d wanted to be a history teacher but found it wasn’t for her, she went into nightclubs and hospitality. She loved it and had no plans to change her career path until COVID happened and clubs closed. She took a Monday to Friday office job, thinking she’d “be a grownup now,” but lasted only three months.
She joined Amazon in 2020 with no expectations. As she puts it: “To be honest, I had no plans of being at Amazon for long. I said I would last two weeks until I found a new job and then those two weeks became a month.
“And then I thought I’d see out Christmas as I was on a temporary contract. Then I thought I’d stay a little longer, so it looked good on my CV. And that was five years ago.”
Laura started off quiet and shy, not wanting to make friends because it was “just a job.” But when Amazon asked her to become an instructor, she fell in love with training. She found a lot of similarities between managing teams in a nightclub and training new people.
When a Learning and Development position came up, she went for it despite feeling unqualified, taking her nightclub experience and running with it.
She said: “When you look at education in a workplace, we’re dealing with effectively six generations of people now, because as the retirement age increases and you have 18-year-olds coming into work, their learning requirements are totally different.
“Attention spans and engagement styles also vary across age groups. My job is to keep all those people engaged.”
“At Amazon, you deal with so many different people,” Laura continued. “After a few months with Amazon, I thought I could do better than just ticking career boxes here. I really love people. People are great.
“And I think doing the apprenticeship and being a trainer, you get to meet so many people and then see them do a very similar journey to me and get to watch them take those steps. I want to make sure that if they want to, they can take those steps.”
The apprenticeship is delivered online with seven other Amazon employees, with three away days at different Amazon sites including locations in London and Manchester, plus monthly calls and upskill sessions. Laura particularly values meeting people from different sites and seeing other areas of the business.
What Laura loves most about working at Amazon is the people. “The people make this place so good. There’s a lot of good teamwork.”
The most important thing she’s learnt at Amazon is the ability to change and be adaptable to circumstances: “The ability to remain calm and focus on your goal is a lifelong skill that I’ll really take away from this.”
Laura’s advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship is straightforward: “Go for it. I say it’s hard work – don’t be delusional and think it’s going to be a walk in the park. But overall, it’s probably one of the best things that you can do at Amazon.”
She’s already convinced one person to start the apprenticeship journey, and it’s been rewarding to watch them progress.
Laura’s journey from nightclub manager to learning and development professional demonstrates that apprenticeships aren’t just about gaining qualifications. They’re about discovering your calling in unexpected places and developing the skills to help others find theirs.
The Amazon Apprenticeship programme is recognised as one of the UK’s top three apprenticeship schemes by the Government’s Department for Education.
Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can also take advantage of the Amazon Supported Internship programme. Launched in 2021, the initiative combines classroom learning with practical work experience; helping interns develop essential skills in English, Maths, and CV writing, while gaining hands-on experience across three operational job functions.
Pay at Amazon starts from £13.95 or £14.96 per hour depending on location, equating to between £29,037 and £31,116 annually. Additionally, from day one, all employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, and an employee discount.
Together, these benefits are worth more than £700 annually, and employees can take advantage of a company pension plan.
Applications are now open for Amazon’s apprenticeship programme.
(NO CONDEMNATION OF US or ISRAELI ATTACK, OF COURSE)
Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on The Middle East:
Colleagues, this is a fragile moment for the Middle East.
The United Kingdom played no role in the strikes against Iran.
But we are under no illusion about the nature of the Iranian regime.
The Iranian regime has murdered thousands of its own people simply for exercising their fundamental rights and freedoms.
Iran has repeatedly ignored calls to find a durable and acceptable solution to the nuclear issue, while continuing to destabilise the region through their support to proxies and partners.
We strongly condemn Iranian strikes across the region, including the attacks on a hotel in Dubai, the attack on Kuwait’s civilian airport, and attacks on civilian targets in Bahrain.
We extend our support and solidarity to all our partners – many of which are not parties to the conflict.
Regional stability remains a priority.
As my Prime Minister stated, UK forces are active and British planes are in the sky today as part of coordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people and regional partners, as the United Kingdom has done before, and in line with international law.
Reports of strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure are deeply alarming. The protection of civilians and full respect for international law is critical.
Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.
That is why we, alongside our French and German partners, have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution.
We have always been clear that only a diplomatic solution can fully and sustainably address these threats.
We want to see the swiftest possible resolution that ensures security and stability for the region.
Iran must refrain from further strikes, and its appalling behaviour, to allow a path back to diplomacy.
We will continue to work with our partners to this end – in support of peace and security, and the protection of civilian life across the region.
Heather Marshall is delighted to announce the incredible cast for Medusa, making its stage premiere at Summerhall this March, combining ancient myth with queer rave culture, Scots language and centuries of pathologised female rage.
Clare Nolan makes her professional debut as Medusa, following her training at Guilford Acting School, where her credits include Flying Ant Day, Jane Eyre and The Unimaginable Sisters. Long time Creative Electric collaborator Rosalind McAndrew joins as Athena. A neurodiverse, queer, working class performer whose stage credits include Burst and Dandelion (Creative Electric), Falling Star (Starcatchers) and Inside Pussy Riot (Les Enfants Terribles). TV Credits include Pineapple, Dinosaur and Casualty, BBC.
Hailing from Edinburgh, Conrad Williamson joins the cast as Poseidon, with screen credits in Tetralogue (Valdesiga Productions), The Outrun (Brock Media / Arcade Pictures) and Fear (Wild Mercury Production / Prime Video. On Stage, credits include Trainspotting Live (Seabright Live), Home is Where The Heart Is (Birds of Paradise / Creative Electric) and Brecht: Fragments (Raven Row).
Queer, mixed heritage circus artist and performance maker Sadiq Ali joins as Sthenno, fresh from a UK tour of the Sadiq Ali Company’s Tell Me. Other works include The Chosen Haram and Stuntman (Superfan). Completing the cast from Cumbernauld is Olivia Caw as Euryale. Stage credits include Common Tongue by Fraser Young, PALS by Mirren Wilson and Trainspotting Live (Seabright Live).
With access at its heart, Medusa is for everyone – from theatre lover, to raver, to someone searching for queer, disabled community – and will offer a variety of ways to experience the show.
Four performances from Friday 6 – Sunday 8 March, across varied time slots, will feature integrated BSL, with a sign interpreter moving alongside the cast through the space, acting as a type of Greek chorus.
Each performance is relaxed with the opportunity to take time out in a quiet space, utilise ear defenders or sunglasses while still following the show. For audiences who experience chronic pain, they will be able to lie down.
If you need to move around you can do that too. The Saturday matinee performance will be low sensory for those who experience acute sensory overwhelm, with lower light and sound and smaller audience numbers in the space.
A powerful new piece of theatre that breaks open the mythical Medusa – an ancient woman never given a myth of her own, whose whole existence is rooted in misogyny. This contemporary Scots reimagining explores the impact of hormones on the body, and the pathologisation of the menstrual cycle and its effects on mental and physical health and trauma response, through one of mythology’s most notable figures of “female rage”.
Evolving from Heather’s own personal experience, Medusa invites us under the prescription pad of Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), and the way it ravages both the physical and mental health of those it affects, all under a banging electropop soundtrack, blending queer rave culture, mythology and performance into one transformational theatrical experience.
Created by writer Heather Marshall and directed by Jen McGregor,the creative team is completed by costume designer Chanel O’Conor aka Conor Macdonald (Drag Race UK Season 6); choreographer Sula Castle; sound design and operation from Parasol Wu and Jack Oldcorn respectively, and lighting design and operation from Jamie Heseltine. They are supported by production manager Lee Davis and stage manager Judy Stewart. Medusa is presented by a predominately Queer, Disabled and Neurodiverse group of creatives, and produced by Andrew Eaton-Lewis (Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival).
Last Wednesday, during Portfolio Questions on Culture in the Scottish Parliament, Foysol Choudhury MSP raised an urgent supplementary question regarding reports of violence against library workers in Edinburgh.
Mr Choudhury asked: “Following recent reports of violence against Edinburgh library staff, can I ask the Cabinet Secretary what discussions the Scottish Government is having with Police Scotland and local authorities to ensure library workers can provide services to the community in a safe and protected environment?”
Speaking after the session, Mr Choudhury said library staff are a vital part of local communities and must be able to work without fear: “Libraries are essential community spaces that provide education, support and connection for people of all ages.
“It is deeply concerning to hear reports of violence against staff who are simply doing their jobs. We must ensure they are properly supported and protected.”
Mr Choudhury is calling on the Scottish Government to work closely with Police Scotland, local councils and unions to assess risks, improve security measures where needed, and ensure staff receive appropriate support and training.
He added, “Library workers deserve to feel safe at work, and communities deserve safe, welcoming library spaces. I will continue to press for answers and action on this issue.”
“The use of force by the United States & Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace & security.” – @antonioguterres condemns military escalation in the Middle East.
I condemn today’s military escalation in the Middle East. The use of force by the United States & Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace & security. All Member States must respect their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the @UN.
The Charter clearly prohibits “the threat of the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.”
“I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities & de-escalation. Failing to do so risks a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians & regional stability. I strongly encourage all parties to return immediately to the negotiating table.
“I reiterate that there is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes, in full accordance with international law, including the UN Charter. The Charter provides the foundation for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER STATEMENT
Earlier this morning, the United States and Israel struck targets in Iran.
Iran has since launched indiscriminate strikes across the region.
I know the British people and communities across our country will be deeply concerned about what this means for security and stability and for the fate of innocent people across the region – which for so many of us includes friends and family members.
So while the situation is evolving very quickly, I want to set out our response.
The United Kingdom played no role in these strikes.
But we have long been clear – the regime in Iran is utterly abhorrent.
They have murdered thousands of their own people, brutally crushed dissent, and sought to destabilise the region.
Even in the United Kingdom, the Iranian regime poses a direct threat to dissidents and the Jewish community.
Over the last year alone, they have backed more than 20 potentially lethal attacks on UK soil.
So it’s clear – they must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.
That remains the primary aim of the United Kingdom and our allies – including the US.
I condemn Iran’s attacks today on partners across the region, many of which are not parties to this conflict.
We extend our support and solidarity to them.
As part of our commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region – which we’ve recently taken steps to strengthen.
Our forces are active and British planes are in the sky today as part of coordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people, our interests, and our allies – as Britain has done before, in line with international law.
We’ve stepped up protections for British bases and personnel to their highest level.
We are also reaching out to UK nationals in the region and doing everything we can to support them.
I have been speaking with leaders today – from the E3, and across the region.
It is vital now that we prevent further escalation and return to a diplomatic process.
We want to see peace and security, and the protection of civilian life.
Iran can end this now. (EH? – Ed.)
They should refrain from further strikes, give up their weapons programmes, and cease the appalling violence and repression against the Iranian people – who deserve the right to determine their own future, in line with our longstanding position.
That is the route to de-escalation and back to the negotiating table.
FIRST MINISTER JOHN SWINNEY
First Minister @JohnSwinney has called for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution, following the US and Israel’s strikes on Iran:
JEREMY CORBYN MP:
The attacks on Iran by Israel and the United States are illegal, unprovoked and unjustifiable. Peace and diplomacy was possible. Instead, Israel and the United States chose war.
This is the behaviour of rogue states — and they have jeopardised the safety of humankind around the world with this catastrophic act of aggression. Our government must condemn this flagrant breach of international law, and urgently pursue a foreign policy based on justice, sovereignty and peace.
Two charities are to receive funding to help people in Malawi facing food shortages as a result of prolonged dry spells and widespread flooding.
Tearfund and SCIAF will receive £400,000, which will be split equally between them and delivered through Scotland’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund (HEF) to help address the humanitarian crisis which has seen widespread crop failure and livestock losses as a result of the climate-shocks.
The funding will allow the two charities to distribute cash to people in the affected areas to meet their immediate food and basic needs. It will also allow the charities to deliver training on cholera prevention, safe water usage and hygiene practices to combat the risk of cholera.
External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The widespread flooding has killed and displaced many people and exacerbated ongoing food insecurity for millions of people.
“This funding will help support people and businesses directly at a local level – where it is needed – by empowering them to buy food and supplies.”
SCIAF’s Chief Executive Lorraine Currie said: “We secured this funding to support Malawian families suffering from the combined challenges of food insecurity, malnutrition, and climate-related shocks.
“Since the onset of rains in November 2025, the country has been hit by floods, leading to deaths, displaced families, and damage to crops.
“A number of households are experiencing malnutrition, particularly children under five, and pregnant and breastfeeding mums. These people urgently require immediate, life-saving assistance to prevent a catastrophe.
“This funding comes at a time when many governments are turning their backs on people suffering from hunger, poverty and injustice around the world. Scotland continues to be a good global citizen. The funding means that we can reach out to over 3100 families with cash grants and much needed high-calorific food such as fortified corn soy blend. It’s literally a life-saver.”
Vincent Moyo, Tearfund Country Director for Malawi, said: “Communities in Nkhotakota are facing an extremely difficult and uncertain period. Repeated flooding and prolonged dry spells have destroyed crops, reduced incomes, and pushed many families to the brink as the lean season intensifies.
“With very limited assistance currently reaching these areas, households are being forced to skip meals and sell the little household assets they have just to survive.
“This project will provide a vital lifeline at a critical moment – enabling families to meet their most urgent food and basic needs with dignity, while also reducing the risk of cholera through targeted health and hygiene awareness.
“It will help stabilise households’ livelihoods now and prevent an even deeper crisis in the months ahead.”
Real life stories of how personalised music supports wellbeing
Playlist for Life’s work on helping build playlisting communities
How community organisations are harnessing the power of personalised music to support people affected by dementia
How health and social care professionals are using personalised playlists in dementia care
