NHS issues flu guidance for hospital visitors
From Monday NHS Lothian has issued guidance on urgent precautions which will help protect patients and staff against flu this winter.
The health board expects a surge in flu cases in Lothian, similar to those already identified in other parts of Scotland and the UK.
To prepare and protect, all staff are being urged to get vaccinated and to wear face masks in front door and high-risk areas, such as Intensive Care or cancer wards, in a bid to stop the spread.
NHS Lothian says that while visitors are still very welcome in hospitals, they need help in minimising the risk of transmission between the community and hospital to protect some of the most vulnerable patients.
Sale of Sir Peter Higgs medals
A collection of medals, trophies, awards and other rare objects collected by Professor Peter Higgs could fetch £50,000 at auction in Edinburgh this week.
The late Professor Higgs was the Nobel Prize-winning physicist who predicted the “God particle”.
The collection includes his Nobel Prize Diploma Citation, his Royal Society of Edinburgh Medal and the 2011 Edinburgh Award.
It also includes personal objects including his academic gown, Nobel badges and even his Rubik’s Cube.
Hamish Wilson (Senior Valuer) examines The Nobel Prize Diploma Citation Awarded to Peter W Higgs, 10th December 2013
£20,000-£30,000
Picture Alan Simpson
Montpeliers opens its Letters to Santa Mailbox
Montpeliers, the Bruntsfield bar and brasserie, is inviting families across Edinburgh to step into the festive spirit with the launch of its Letters to Santa Mailbox, a heart-warming community initiative which is back for Christmas 2025. From now until 24 December, children can drop off their letter to Santa at Montpeliers and enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream as a festive treat.
Alongside a free hot chocolate, for every letter posted Montpeliers will donate £5 to Mission Christmas Cash for Kids, helping ensure children living in poverty wake up to something special on Christmas morning.
This seasonal campaign celebrates a much-loved Christmas tradition while giving families a meaningful way to support local children.
“Being part of the community means giving back,” says Jules Cox, General Manager of Montpeliers. “Christmas should be magical for every child, and Mission Christmas Cash for Kids does incredible work ensuring that happens. We’re proud to support such an important cause and
hope our Santa Mailbox helps raise both local smiles and crucial donations this festive season.”
Alex Wilson, Corporate Fundraising Executive, said: “Cash for Kids would like to express our deepest gratitude to Montpeliers for their outstanding contribution to this year’s Mission Christmas campaign. Their generosity and community spirit have made a meaningful difference to children and families who need it most.”
Cash for Kids works to support children living in poverty, and their Mission Christmas campaign is one of the largest and most impactful
festive charity operations in the country. Powered by dedicated volunteers, generous members of the public, and the invaluable contributions of local businesses and community groups, the campaign ensures that thousands of children wake up to the joy of Christmas.
Cowgate traffic
From today the traffic on Cowgate will be subject to winter safety regulations meaning that no vehicles are allowed from 7pm each night on the stretch between 17 Cowgate (east of Candlemaker Row) and 236 Cowgate (Blackfriars Street junction)
Cyclists from the group, Critical Mass staged a protest at the City Chambers in November, saying that it was time to make pedestrian road safety on this street a priority.
At The Scottish Parliament this week
On Tuesday Rev Gordon Kennedy the Minister from Craiglockhart Parish Church will lead Time for Reflection at The Scottish Parliament. MSPs will then spend time debating Stage 3 of two bills – the Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill and the Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill.
Meanwhile several committees will meet in the morning. (Click on the name of the committee to find out more about the business they will discuss.
8:30am
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
38th Meeting, 2025 (Session 6)Show Committee Content
9:15am
Health, Social Care and Sport Committee
35th Meeting, 2025 (Session 6)Show Committee Content
9:30am
Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee
30th Meeting, 2025 (Session 6)Show Committee Content
9:30am
Finance and Public Administration Committee
35th Meeting, 2025 (Session 6)Show Committee Content
9:30am
Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee
33rd Meeting, 2025 (Session 6)Show Committee Content
10am
Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee
36th Meeting, 2025 (Session 6)
The Finance and Public Administration Committee is considering the cost-effectiveness of public inquiries in Scotland.
Since 2007 The Scottish Government has spent £258.8 million on public inquiries. The Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry is the second most expensive so far coming in at £45.5 million to September 2025. the outright leader is the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry which has run since 2014 and which has racked up costs of £102 million to September 2025.
According to solicitors, Morton Fraser MacRoberts, this is the definition of a public inquiry: “Public inquiries are set up to investigate issues of serious public concern. They scrutinise past decisions and events. They are used to establish facts, to learn lessons so that mistakes are not repeated, and to restore public confidence. By their nature, they are newsworthy – the public will always have an interest in the matters being considered by the inquiry.”
