Dr Owl will soon be making an appearance in Melrose offering his "wise" winter health tips as part of a major public health campaign.

With Christmas only a few weeks away, NHS Scotland's Be Health-Wise this Winter campaign is visiting the town on Monday December 8 to offer advice on some simple steps locals can take to help themselves and their families enjoy a healthy festive period.

Dr Owl is advising people to check they have cold and flu remedies in their medicine cabinet, make sure they have enough repeat prescription to last over the festive period, and to make sure they know when their GP surgeries are open over Christmas and New Year.

Staff from Scotland’s national telehealth service, NHS 24, will be on hand at the event to offer advice on how to stay well this winter and answer questions about winter health issues.

This year's Be Health-Wise this Winter campaign is being supported by The Co-operative Pharmacy and winter health packs – containing an information leaflet, lip balm, hand sanitisers and plasters – will be available to visitors to the roadshow.

NHS 24's Medical Director Professor George Crooks said: "The Be Health-Wise This Winter roadshow in Melrose offers the ideal opportunity for locals to take some time out from their Christmas shopping to get some important information about their health this winter.

"By preparing ahead, people can ensure they make the most of the festive period, by not allowing winter coughs and colds to spoil their holiday. Listen to the wise words of Dr Owl and make sure you have cough and cold remedies at home to deal with any winter ailments that may strike this winter.

"Your local pharmacist is also a good source of information and advice on what to have in your medicine cabinet. If you need to visit your GP, try to schedule an appointment before the festive period and make sure you submit your repeat prescription request in plenty of time and pick it up in plenty of time."

Nisith Nathwani, Regional Development Manager for The Co-operative Pharmacy and General Council Member for Community Pharmacy Scotland, said: "We are very pleased to support NHS Scotland’s Be Ready for Winter campaign and our Co-operative Pharmacy branches up and down the country will be on hand to offer health advice and winter remedies to our local communities throughout the winter.

"Our pharmacists are trained to offer health and medication advice and should be the first port of call throughout the winter months."

This year, GP surgeries throughout most of the country will be closed for four days at Christmas ( December 25-28), before re-opening on Monday December 29 and again for four days at New Year ( January 1-4), before re-opening again on Monday January 5.

The national Be Health-Wise this Winter campaign is supported by NHS Scotland in partnership with NHS 24, the Scottish Ambulance Service and all 14 Scottish Health Boards.