UK - The Evening Standard

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1. In need of an affordable holiday? Here are the top 10 cheapest destinations to book

   From France to Denmark, this year’s getaway is looking surprisingly affordable

2. Snow and ice expected to bring travel disruption ahead of amber weather warning

   Parts of the Highlands and north-east Scotland could see blizzard-like conditions on Friday.

3. John Swinney calls on parties to agree budget quickly

   The Scottish Government’s tax and spending plans have been delayed as a result of the UK Budget.

4. Claire Foy says playing Queen Elizabeth II felt like ‘just another role’

   The actress won two Emmy awards and a Golden Globe for the role.

5. Mushroom pellets use fungi ‘superpowers’ to restore forests around world

   Rhizocore Technologies aims to curate Earth’s largest library of fungal specimens.

6. Dani Dyer-Bowen inspired to go on Celebrity SAS after watching Georgia Harrison

   Dyer is among 14 famous faces who feature in the upcoming series of the Channel 4 reality show.

7. Number of mortgaged first-time buyers ‘up by nearly a fifth’ in 2025

   Yorkshire Building Society estimated there were 18% more first-time buyer mortgage transactions last year than in 2024.

8. Queen Elizabeth II and British Grand Prix celebrated in 2026 coin designs

   Five new coin designs have been revealed by The Royal Mint, commemorating milestones and anniversaries in 2026.

9. Scotland’s highest distillery proud of unbroken record of operating in snowfalls

   Dalwhinnie Distillery sits at 1,300 feet above sea level in the Cairngorms National Park.

10. Spurs news: Thomas Frank reveals new Dominic Solanke return date as transfer plans explained

    Striker underwent ankle surgery in autumn but return could affect club’s approach to January transfer window