NHS warns us to 'stock up'

Pharmacies across the Lothians will open on Christmas Eve but will then be closed for four days. A similar pattern is likely to be repeated at New Year, with services returning to normal on January 5.

The NHS said it was important the elderly and people with health problems ensured they had enough medical supplies to see them through the festive period.

Dr George Crooks, medical director of NHS 24, said: "Families and elderly people, in particular, should know when their local GP and pharmacy is open over the Christmas and New Year period, especially if they are planning to visit family and friends in different places."