![Take the plunge: Hardy open water swimmers enjoy a chilly dip in Loch Lomond](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2Fmethode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2F00e5a6dc-594f-11ec-81f2-17f963b74220.jpg?crop=2589%2C1726%2C0%2C0)
Take the plunge: Hardy open water swimmers enjoy a chilly dip in Loch Lomond
CHRIS MCNULTY/ALAMY
![Warm embrace: A 23-metre high Hope Sculpture by Steuart Padwick has been erected in Glasgow as a reminder of the city’s role as host of the Cop26 climate summit](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2Fmethode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2F1ce43fb0-594f-11ec-81f2-17f963b74220.jpg?crop=2908%2C1939%2C0%2C0)
Warm embrace: A 23-metre high Hope Sculpture by Steuart Padwick has been erected in Glasgow as a reminder of the city’s role as host of the Cop26 climate summit
IAIN MASTERTON/ALAMY
![Christmas sparkle: Volunteers Anne Buchanan and Sue Fitchett finish decorating the tree inside the Lady Chapel at Rosslyn Chapel in Roslin](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2Fmethode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2F1032dc18-594f-11ec-81f2-17f963b74220.jpg?crop=5953%2C3969%2C0%2C0)
Christmas sparkle: Volunteers Anne Buchanan and Sue Fitchett finish decorating the tree inside the Lady Chapel at Rosslyn Chapel in Roslin
JEFF J MITCHELL/GETTY IMAGES
![Michael Yellowlees, a musician from Birnam in Perthshire, and his husky Luna complete a nine-month cross-Canada journey as they near Cape Spear in Newfoundland, to raise money for Trees for Life](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2Fmethode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2F01f522f0-594f-11ec-81f2-17f963b74220.jpg?crop=3600%2C2400%2C0%2C0)
Michael Yellowlees, a musician from Birnam in Perthshire, and his husky Luna complete a nine-month cross-Canada journey as they near Cape Spear in Newfoundland, to raise money for Trees for Life
PAUL DALY/THE CANADIAN PRESS /AP
![Troopers: The storm-delayed Dunbar Christmas lights switch on finally got under way with children from the dance group Dance Discovery](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2Fmethode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2F0800c41a-594f-11ec-81f2-17f963b74220.jpg?crop=2845%2C1897%2C0%2C0)
Troopers: The storm-delayed Dunbar Christmas lights switch on finally got under way with children from the dance group Dance Discovery
SALLY ANDERSON/ALAMY
![High lights: Tree top platforms give a spectacular view of Dalkeith Country Park’s festive display](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2Fmethode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2F042b1912-594f-11ec-81f2-17f963b74220.jpg?crop=5146%2C3431%2C0%2C0)
High lights: Tree top platforms give a spectacular view of Dalkeith Country Park’s festive display
![Knock out: Colourful Christmas wreaths put up by residents adorn historic houses in the Georgian New Town in Edinburgh](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2Fmethode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2F2334fddc-5954-11ec-81f2-17f963b74220.jpg?crop=1659%2C1106%2C11%2C81)
Knock out: Colourful Christmas wreaths put up by residents adorn historic houses in the Georgian New Town in Edinburgh
IAIN MASTERTON/ALAMY