Free help with benefits
People are urged to avoid any demands for payment in return for help with benefits.
Anyone in Scotland who needs extra support in making an application for benefits is entitled to receive free help to complete their applications. There are several options available for people who need support:
Social Security Scotland’s Client Advisers can help people by talking to them by phone or through webchat.
People can get help in their communities from Social Security Scotland’s team of local advisers.
In addition, the Scottish Government funds an independent advocacy service to deliver free advice and support to disabled people applying for benefits.
Organisations including Citizens Advice Scotland, Macmillan Cancer Support, Age Scotland and local authority welfare rights teams can also help.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “I urge everyone to avoid any company asking people for money to help them apply for benefits. Free support is readily available from Social Security Scotland and several organisations.
“People should get every penny of the vital support we are delivering to help them live with dignity. Companies charging fees to make benefit applications are exploiting people and taking money from those who need it most.”
Derek Mitchell, CEO of Citizens Advice Scotland said: “Our advisers in local Citizens Advice Bureaus across Scotland provide free and confidential advice expert advice that gets money back in people’s pockets. Whether you need that face to face, over the phone or online, advisers based in local communities will work with you and make sure you get all the support you need.
“No one should have to pay for advice to get the social security payments they’re entitled to. Every penny of the nearly £170 million we secured for people last year, stayed with them.”
Southside Community Centre open on Christmas Day
If anyone is facing spending Christmas Day on their own then Southside Community Centre is opening their doors on the 25th from 10am to 5pm and all adults are welcome.
Beehive will be closed for renovations in January
The Belhaven owned Beehive Inn in the Grassmarket will have a brand-new look after it undergoes a “significant programme of refurbishment”.
The Beehive Inn has been an important building in the capital for more than 400 years and remains a vibrant hub for locals and tourists alike.
This flagship Belhaven pub will temporarily close to the public from 12 January whilst renovations take place, with the restored venue set to officially reopen its doors in February.
Key features of the investment include the transformation of the pub’s interior with a complete refresh of the ground floor bar and the creation of an open-plan restaurant upstairs, complete with stylish décor and furniture to provide guests with an elevated dining experience. The first floor will also feature the addition of a brand-new whisky bar, offering a true taste of Scotland with over 100 whisky varieties, tailored whisky flights and tasting classes for customers to enjoy.
A major part of the investment will focus on the Beehive Inn’s top floor, which is being revamped to provide a multi-purpose space able to host the pub’s infamous comedy attic as well as private meetings, dinners and parties –for corporate bookings and group celebrations.
The refurbishment will preserve the building’s rich heritage whilst refreshing the venue to provide first-class guest experiences.
All 42 existing staff will be retained during the closure and will be redeployed across sister venues whilst the works are carried out. The Beehive Inn will be hiring new staff to join its talented team following the pub’s official reopening, with multiple roles available across both front and back of house. For more information and to apply, please visithttps://jobs.greeneking.co.uk/beehive-inn-edinburgh-jobs.
David Race, general manager at the Beehive Inn, said: “We are thrilled to announce that the Beehive will be getting a top-to-bottom refresh in the New Year, giving our much-loved pub a new lease of life. Following our refurbishment, we look forward to offering something for everyone, whether you’re stopping in for a midweek pint or whisky, enjoying a delicious Sunday roast or celebrating a special occasion with friends and family. We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome guests old and new inside!”
David McBride, Business Unit Director for Belhaven pubs, added: “The Beehive Inn is Belhaven’s flagship venue in Scotland, and it holds a special place in the hearts of many in the local community as well as those who have visited Edinburgh over the years. This investment marks the next chapter in the Beehive’s journey, and we’re looking forward to showcasing the new and improved pub and offering fantastic experiences, which will help to solidify its reputation as a premier destination for Scottish hospitality in the capital.”
Opening times at Fort Kinnaird
Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its festive opening hours, giving shoppers plenty of time to pick up last-minute gifts, make the most of a festive day out at the centre, and even enjoy the post-Christmas sales.
This includes some stores extending their opening hours in the days leading up to Christmas to give visitors more time to get what they need.
Fort Kinnaird’s festive opening hours are:
- Monday 22nd December: 9am – 9pm
- Tuesday 23rd December: 9am – 9pm
- Wednesday 24th December (Christmas Eve): 9am – 5pm
- Thursday 25th December (Christmas Day): Closed
- Friday 26th December (Boxing Day): 9am – 6pm
- Saturday 27th December: 9am – 6pm
- Sunday 28th December: 9am – 6pm
- Monday 29th December: 9am – 9pm
- Tuesday 30th December: 9am – 9pm
- Wednesday 31st December (New Year’s Eve): 9am – 5pm
- Thursday 1st January (New Year’s Day): 9am – 6pm (limited store openings – check with individual retailers)
- Friday 2nd January: 9am – 9pm (normal opening hours resume)
Opening times may vary by store, particularly on bank holidays, so visitors are encouraged to check with individual retailers before travelling to the centre.
Fort Kinnaird’s festive programme is already well underway, with the Winter Village, which includes a Christmas Market, fairground rides and two Circus shows, open until Sunday 28th December, as well as festive film character appearances as part of the centre’s seasonal line-up.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We know the festive period can be a really busy time, so we want to make it as easy as possible for our visitors to get everything they need. Our extended opening hours throughout the Christmas week give shoppers plenty of flexibility, whether they’re picking up last-minute gifts or planning to spend a festive day out with loved ones.”
Howies Restaurants raise thousands for charity
Edinburgh-based Howies Restaurants has raised funds for end of life charity, Marie Curie. Through adding an optional donation to customers’ bills, more than £12,200 was raised over three months.
This contribution will fund a special Christmas Day at the Marie Curie Hospice, Edinburgh ensuring patients and their families can enjoy a festive celebration filled with warmth, care, and comfort.
Howies Restaurants chose to support Marie Curie as staff have had loved ones cared for by the charity, either at the Fairmilehead-based hospice, or in the comfort of home.
Fiona Bushby, Community Fundraiser at Marie Curie Scotland, said: “We’re so grateful to Howies Restaurants and their generous customers for this amazing support. Their kindness means we can make our patients last Christmas really special with their families.
“Marie Curie provides expert care and support for people living with any terminal illness and their loved ones. We believe everyone should have expert care and support at the end of life, free from unnecessary pain, and have the dignity and respect they deserve, whatever their illness.
Emily Murphy of Howies said: “We are absolutely delighted to be supporting Marie Curie in the incredible work they deliver, not least here in our community through the hospice at Fairmilehead and through their home care service. The choice to give the charity this support came from a collective team decision from our own people, who know well that cancer and terminal illnesses can impact on all of us – indeed they have hit the homes of individuals within our team.
“We were therefore very keen to support a wonderful charity which, through its care, goes above and beyond for the community. We are extremely grateful to the many customers who have supported this initiative, and if we can make a difference – no matter how big or small – for patients and their families at this time of year through this support, we are humbled to do so.”
