Christmas Toy Appeal launches to ensure struggling Scots children get a gift this year

SAS legend has urged a missing Scots teen to return home to his family. Former special forces hero Big Phil Campion made a heartfelt online appeal for Kai Rae to get in touch with his worried relatives after he disappeared.

Get the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter.Almost half of consumers are planning to cut back on Christmas spending this year, according to a poll.A survey by Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) has revealed that 45 per cent of people in Scotland are planning to splash out less this festive season than they did last year.But the research by YouGov also revealed that 16 per cent will take on debt to buy gifts, despite the coronavirus crisis squeezing

Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, just two days after Christmas Day in 2011.The fire, believed to have been caused by an electrical fault, swept through the house at around 3am as the family slept.Sheree McGill and her daughters Talia, Yasmin and Nya escaped with their lives while her other son Zac was staying with his gran.Evan was found in his bedroom at the back of the house by firefighters who braved temperatures of 1000°C to get to him.He was rushed to nearby Crosshouse Hospital but could not be

Christmas.But when pandemic travel restrictions made this year’s pilgrimage to the Midlands impossible, Jason took to social media to seek help.The 30-year-old from Dumfries was inundated with offers - including from a woman who lives just five minutes away from his dad’s resting place.Coincidentally the woman faces a similar problem as she lives in the Midlands but her mum is buried in Moffat, just 30 minutes away from Jason's home.So the pair have agreed to visit the plots of their respective

parents have reacted to leaked proposals to extend the Christmas school break further into January. A two-page COSLA document details Scottish Government proposals to close schools earlier than planned and send children back a full week later on January 11, in a bid to stop the virus spreading after the five-day Christmas relaxation.

charity which has witnessed first-hand the impact Covid-19 has had on child poverty in Scotland today calls on political leaders to put more money in struggling families’ pockets.Save the Children has seen parents on the breadline as the effects of the pandemic ravage finances and leave kids without basic provisions.The charity has been delivering emergency grants to low-income families in seven local authorities in Scotland since April.

vaccination programme and targeted action in high-risk areas in level 4 restrictions.Speaking at Holyrood today, Freeman said: "Testing is undeniably important but it is just one layer of protection - many layers are needed to fight this virus."Our increased capability to test more people, more often, is potentially powerful as we navigate our way through the coming months as safely as we can alongside our nationwide vaccination programme."Freeman said six mobile testing units and 20,000 home

a four-nation approach to the festive season was confirmed on Tuesday night. She admitted some people thought the decision to allow people to form a "Christmas bubble" with three households over a five day period was too little, but others thought it was terrible.

struggling families face a bleak Christmas.Angela Boyce, 46, assistant service manager with children’s charity ­Aberlour, admits: “Sometimes we can’t make it better but we can make it a bit less rubbish.”Whether it’s donating toys to a local appeal or giving cash to one of the many charities tackling child poverty, there are lots of things you can do to help spread a bit of festive happiness.Here are some of the many ­community groups, national charities and local appeals seeking your help.Many

South Lanarkshire, and between the four nations during December 23 and 27 to form a bubble, and must only join one bubble. The five-day period provides time for travel, and for those who may have to work over Christmas.

Get the stories that interest you straight to your inbox every day with our personalised newsletterNicola Sturgeon says she hopes to agree a "common framework" for Christmas lockdown across the UK today.But the First Minister warned easing of restrictions in Scotland "might differ" to the rest of the country as key talks take place around the festive break.The First Minister is currently locked in a meeting with leaders from the devolved administrations and Cabinet Office Minister, Michael

dad has hosted a virtual switch on of his festive lights display with people tuning in from as far away as Canada and Ireland. Iain Fleming, 35, lit up his house to 'cheer up the neighbours' but his sparkling display of more than 25,000 bulbs ended up attracting a global audience.

Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford have reportedly been axed from This Morning because of an argument over a Christmas bauble that was meant to be presented to Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.TV host Eamonn, 60, who allegedly wonders if losing the gig is because of his and Ruth's age, is said to have had a row with the show editor Martin Frizell ahead of last December's General Election after he refused to give the gift live on air.

Neil Lennon turning festive storyteller. The manager takes on the role of narrator as his Hoops stars bid to "save Christmas" in the club's yearly feature.

breakthrough drugs are given the formal green light in time.Scotland's health secretary Jeane Freeman set out the timeline and who will get vaccinated first in a statement to the Scottish Parliament.She said one million people could be vaccinated by the end of January.Freeman said it will be among the "biggest civilian logistical challenges in our lifetime".The first wave of vaccine distribution, from December to February, will go to frontline health and social care staff, older residents in

coronavirus  vaccine could be available in Scotland, she hopes people will start receiving jabs before the end of 2020 or "certainly very early next year". Her comments at the Scottish Parliament came after drugs manufacturer Pfizer revealed earlier in the week that its  Covid-19 vaccine  is more than 90% effective at preventing the virus.

coronavirus vaccine could be available in Scotland, she hopes people will start receiving jabs before the end of 2020 or "certainly very early next year". Her comments at the Scottish Parliament came after drugs manufacturer Pfizer revealed earlier in the week that its Covid-19 vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing the virus.

throne. The May Day Bank Holiday will be moved to Thursday June 2 with an additional day off on Friday June 3 for Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.

sweet treats from home. A confectionery company is recruiting a “baker tester" who will be paid to eat 12 boxes of chocolate.UK-based Electric Piñata is hoping to find someone who will try out its latest creations every month.