May 2023 – Page 5 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Fringe 2023: Fringe Central locations revealed

Fringe Central: Artist Hub will be at Quaker Meeting House
Fringe Central: Arts Industry and Media Offices will be at Appleton Tower.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society reveals the locations for its Fringe Central hubs for Fringe participants, which will be split across two city-centre spaces for the first time.

Fringe Central: Artist Hub

The Fringe Central: Artist Hub will be located at the Quaker Meeting House on Victoria Terrace. A former Fringe venue of 25 years’ standing, the Quaker Meeting House is an iconic building located in the heart of the Old Town, a stone’s throw from both the Grassmarket and the Royal Mile.

It will be a welcoming, inclusive space dedicated specifically to Fringe artists, where they can access Fringe Society services, meet fellow Fringe artists or just grab a tea or coffee and escape the buzz of the festival. The hub will be open between 10:00 and 18:00, seven days a week, and any artist from any venue will receive a warm and friendly welcome from the Fringe Society team. This space is for anyone, and everyone involved with bringing a show to the Fringe.

The hub will have a wellbeing focus as the Fringe Society is working for the first time with local mental health charity Health in Mind, to offer one-to-one support for artists, workshops during the festival and targeted resources on Fringe Connect, a digital platform for Fringe artists and arts industry. Following artist feedback from previous years, and in keeping with the wishes of the building’s owners, the space will be alcohol-free throughout the Fringe.

The Fringe Society offers year-round support and services to Fringe artists, including advice on connecting with industry, support creating press materials and guidance around managing and improving ticket sales or resolving any problems with their show. All of these services will be available in person at the Fringe Central: Artist Hub.

The Fringe Society will also be hosting a programme of participant-focused events, including discussions of topics relevant to the sector and social/networking meetups. The full programme of events will be announced ahead of August.

Fringe Central: Arts Industry and Media Offices

The arts industry and the media represent two vital components of the Fringe ecosystem, providing Fringe artists with significant opportunities to increase their profile and progress their careers beyond the festival.

The Fringe Society will continue to provide support and services to both groups this year via the Fringe Central: Arts Industry and Media Offices in Appleton Tower, just off George Square through support from the University of Edinburgh. This space will be where industry can access Fringe Society ticketing services, and meet with Arts Industry and Media teams, while benefitting from a quiet place to work.

Although there are two buildings this year, all Fringe participants will be brought together through events in the Fringe Central events programme, details of which will be announced at a later date.

Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: ‘We are continually working to provide the best possible support to artists within our limited resources, and sometimes that yields beautifully serendipitous results.

“Establishing two separate Fringe Central spaces this year was borne out of budgetary and logistical necessity, but the consequent realisation of a dedicated space for artists is a massive benefit, both for them and for our team, in terms of having a focused and dedicated artists’ space throughout August. The Quaker Meeting House is a beautiful space with views that really connect to Edinburgh.

‘I’m especially pleased with our wellbeing offering this year, in partnership with Health in Mind. As everyone knows, the Fringe can be an intense experience – we want artists to know the Fringe Society is here to support them every step of the way, from finding affordable accommodation to onward touring and career development after the festival ends.’

Miranda Girdlestone, Manager, Edinburgh Quaker Meeting House said ‘We’re delighted to be hosting the Fringe Central: Artist Hub space this year.

“We approached the Fringe Society a few months ago following concern about operating as a venue in 2023, to explore how we could still be involved in this year’s festival. We are thrilled that our peaceful Meeting House will be used as a home away from home for artists, looking for a wellbeing-focused space to relax and access support from the Society team.

“We hope to be back as a Fringe venue in the future, as are so proud of our long-standing relationship with this brilliant festival.’

Alana Genge, Head of Engagement at Health in Mind, said: ‘We’re excited to be working with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and supporting the talented and creative artists involved.

“We’ve had great discussions around what mental health and wellbeing support will look like this year for artists and it’s clear to see the passion and commitment the Fringe team has for ensuring artists know where to get support and that support is available in different ways.

“It’s the start of a hopeful partnership and we’re looking forward to being part of the buzz that the Fringe brings to Edinburgh.’

What makes a strong community?

What do you think makes a strong community?
How can we improve or change things for the better?
Are you interested in climate and environmental issues?

Your voice and opinion matters!

June 7^th

Workshop 1 10.30 – 12.00 am
Workshop 2 7.00 – 8.30 pm

You are warmly invited to come along to a relaxed and informal workshop and be part of a conversation about these questions. We’ll have free refreshments on offer and the discussion will be supported by a couple of facilitators who will help guide the discussion. No previous knowledge is required, we simply hope you will bring along your thoughts, opinion insights and hopes for your community’s future.

Please let me know if you’d like to take part in one of these sessions by emailing lynne.porteous@heartofnewhaven.co.uk and letting me know whether the morning or evening workshop works best for you. Please also let us know if you have any specific dietary requirements.

This event is organised by Restoration Forth, Heart of Newhaven and WWF (World Wildlife Fund) to gather information on community resilience. Your contribution is voluntary and confidential, but the anonymised results from discussions will be used to build a better picture of people’s perceptions, attitudes and practices around the Firth of Forth and the local community

Boyack: Two-tier dental crisis is failing the most vulnerable patients

The Scottish Government was unable to answer a parliamentary question regarding the number of NHS dentists who require a deposit to be paid before registering with them.

In response to a question submitted by Sarah Boyack MSP, the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Jenni Minto, said that the information requested “is not held centrally by the Scottish Government,” raising concerns about the scale of the problem and the number of people it affects.

Earlier in May, the Scottish Labour MSP for Lothian, Sarah Boyack discovered that 75% of NHS Dentists in Edinburgh and Lothians are no longer accepting new NHS patients and some of those that are accepting new patients, are charging patients to do so.

The Lothian MSP has recently released findings showing that more than 3 in 4 Dental Practices serving patients in Musselburgh are no longer accepting NHS Patients.

This comes amid concerns over dentistry services failing to recover from the pandemic and fears that NHS dentists are becoming increasingly inaccessible.

Commenting Sarah Boyack, Labour MSP, said: “How can the Scottish Government get a grip of the crisis facing our NHS Dentists if they have no clue about how it is working?

“Following concerns from constituents in Edinburgh and the Lothians, that they are unable to register with an NHS Dentist I conducted research on the state of NHS Dentistry in Lothian and the finding were shocking.

“When asked about this, the Scottish Government admitted they have no clue and do not hold any information about this.

“The SNP have created a two-tiered healthcare system that prioritises those who can afford to pay over anyone else.

“It is a disgrace that in a cost-of-living crisis the SNP/Green Scottish Government knows nothing about the added costs being placed on patients, which has been caused by their managed decline of the NHS and lack of support for dentists.

“People deserve better than a botched two-tiered system that fails the most vulnerable.”

Data collected by the office of Sarah Boyack MSP on 5^th May 2022 for 39 NHS Dentists in Edinburgh

Practice Name	Accepting Patients	Status on NHS Inform
Meadowbank Dental Practice	No	Open
Holyrood Dental Care	No	Open
Parkside Dental Practice	No	Open
Abbeymount Dental Care	No	Open
Easter Road Dental Practice	No	Open
University Dental Care	No	Open
Bupa Dental Care Prestonfield	No	Open
Montgomery Street Dental Practice	No	Open
Hope Park Dental Practice	No	Open
Vitality Dental Care	No	Open
LW Dental	No	Open
Barbour Dental Care	No	Closed
Edinburgh Dental	Yes	Open
Annandale Dental Care	Yes	Open
Craigmillar Dental Centre	No	Open
Pilrig Dental Practice	No	Open
Duddingston Dental Practice	No	Open
KF Dental Care	No	Open
Citrus Dental Practice	No	Open
Marchmont Dental Care	No	Open
Bellevue Dental Practice	Yes	Open
Leith Walk Dental Practice	Yes	Open
Southside Dental Care	No	Closed
Edinburgh Gums and Teeth	No	Open
Newkirkgate Dental Care	No	Open
Meadows Dental Clinic	no	Closed
Frederick Dental Care	Yes	Open
Lauriston Dental Care	No	Open
Duddingston Park	No	Open
NinetyfiveDental	No	Open
City Health Clinic	No	Open
Gilmore Dental Practice	No	Open
Great Junction Dental Practice	No	Open
Edinburgh Orthodontics	No	Open
Mydentist Portobello	No	Open
Portobello Dental Clinic	Yes	Open
Dental Express	No	Open
Craigentinny Dental Care	No	Open

Question submitted:

Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Scottish Labour Party): To ask the Scottish Government what information it holds on how many NHS dentists require patients to pay a deposit before registering with them.

S6W-17895

Jenni Minto: This information is not held centrally by the Scottish Government.

‘When the Words Away Went’

STROKE ASSOCIATION talks APHASIA

Nearly half Scots have never heard of aphasia, despite 350,000 people living with the condition in the UK.

New research from the Stroke Association reveals a huge lack of public awareness and knowledge of aphasia – a language and communication disorder most commonly caused by stroke
Of the Scots who have heard of aphasia nearly one in two (46%) are unclear as to what it is
Almost two thirds (68%) of Scots lack confidence in spotting the common effects of aphasia.
To address this and raise awareness of aphasia, the charity has produced a documentary ‘When the Words Away Went’ available to watch on
stroke.org.uk/film or stream on Channel 4 from Friday 26^th May

New research from the Stroke Association reveals nearly half of the Scottish public (45%) have never heard of aphasia*, despite it affecting over 350,000 people in the UK.

Aphasia is a language and communication disorder – with stroke being the biggest cause. The condition often has a profound effect on someone’s ability to speak, read, write and/or use numbers. There are 128,000 stroke survivors living in Scotland and over a third (40%) will experience aphasia after their stroke.

The new research* from the UK’s leading stroke charity highlights that most Brits don’t know about the disorder, and the huge impact it has on people’s lives. Moreover, nearly half (46%) of those who have heard of aphasia are unclear as to what it is.

To help raise awareness of aphasia, the Stroke Association has launched ‘When the Words Away Went’, a documentary about three stroke survivors living with aphasia embarking on their journey to find their voice and rebuild their lives.

The documentary aims to equip people with the knowledge, understanding and confidence to support those living with aphasia. Currently, most people (72%) lack confidence in recognising its symptoms and less than half of people (42%) would feel confident in communicating with someone with the disorder.

Whilst aphasia does not affect intelligence, the majority of Scots (68%) think being able to speak or communicate well is a sign of intellect, which can create huge barriers for those with aphasia. In fact, a fifth of adults (20%) also admit that, if they met someone who had problems communicating, they would assume that person had a learning difficulty.

John Watson, Associate Director Scotland of the Stroke Association said: “Aphasia is very common, affecting over a third of stroke survivors, so it’s disheartening to see such low awareness and knowledge of aphasia amongst the general public.

“Most of us can’t imagine living with aphasia, but it makes everyday tasks like getting on the bus or talking to a friend daunting, made worse by misconceptions that people with aphasia lack intelligence. This can often lead to anxiety and depression, feeling excluded from society and difficulties with personal relationships.

“We want to encourage everyone to watch our new documentary ‘When the Words Away Went’, featuring stories from three inspiring stroke survivors impacted by aphasia, so the public can better understand the condition and become an ally to those affected. Together we can help make the lives of those living with aphasia a little bit easier.”

The research also highlights other common misconceptions around aphasia including, over a fifth (25%) of Scots Brits believing that aphasia only affects someone’s ability to talk and one in ten people mistakenly thinking that aphasia can’t improve.

Tom Middlemass, 59, from Edinburgh – featuring in the documentary said: “When you have aphasia, you find people shout at you when they talk to you. You get that all the time.

“People need to know that those with aphasia are not dumb. There’s a person behind that voice who is struggling. It’s very hard to get these words out. It exhausts you.”

“The Stroke Association is here for everyone affected by aphasia, providing support and an important reminder that there is hope. Aphasia can and does improve, and with the right help people with aphasia can live normal lives.”

Watch the ‘When the Words Away Went’ online at stroke.org.uk/film or stream on Channel 4 now.

To find out more about aphasia and how you can support those affected, visit https://www.stroke.org.uk/aphasia.

The ultimate Harry Potter Scottish road trip for fans to try this summer

– As Harry Potter arrives on Netflix, experience its iconic locations in real life with a beautiful Highlands road trip

– There are six magical locations to explore, including Glen Etive, Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Loch Morar

– The Harry Potter road trip takes 7 hours 54 minutes to complete by car

As the fifth most popular filming location in Europe, Scotland has provided a beautiful backdrop for countless Hollywood blockbusters over the last few decades.

Harry Potter is perhaps the most famous and beloved of these film series to shoot scenes north of the English border, with stunning Highland scenery featuring across each of the eight exciting instalments.

And, as this franchise has arrived on Netflix and reignited the nation’s love for all things Potter, fans can visit its most iconic filming locations, as Macklin Motors has curated the ultimate road trip route of Scotland for Potterheads.

Taking 8 hours to complete by car, this road trip is perfect for Harry Potter fans who want to feel the magic of their favourite scenes, while taking in beautiful Scottish landscapes at the same time.

The journey starts in the astonishingly beautiful valley of Glen Etive, before driving just over half an hour to Rannoch Moor’s Insta-ready autumnal shades, both of which featured in the Deathly Hallows.

The next stop is Steall Falls, the second highest waterfall in Great Britain, a popular beauty spot that made an appearance in the adrenaline-pumping dragon chase scene in the Goblet of Fire.

Drive 40 minutes further and drivers will find the most iconic Harry Potter filming location in Scotland: Glenfinnan Viaduct. Potterheads will certainly recognise this stunning railway viaduct from the Chamber of Secrets’ unforgettable flying car sequence.

The penultimate stop on the road trip route is Loch Morar, which eagle-eyed fans will immediately recognise as Hogwarts Lake from the Prisoner of Azkaban. Then, a long drive across the Scottish Highlands will reveal the very last filming location on the map: Black Rock Gorge. This stoic cavern featured in the Goblet of Fire, taking centre stage during the Triwizard Tournament.

A Macklin Motors spokesperson commented: ““Whether for a bank holiday weekend or a week in the Summer holidays, finding the perfect holiday destination for the entire family is always a tricky task.

“With our Harry Potter road trip, we want to provide the best of both worlds for kids and parents alike, touring beautiful Highland hotspots with a magical twist. Plus, at just under eight hours in total, drivers can complete this road trip in a day or take their time with it throughout their holiday in Scotland.

“So, pack the car with snacks, ready your family’s favourite playlist, and set off on a bewitching adventure around Scotland’s stunning scenery.”

For more filming location road trips around Scotland and to find the Google Maps route for this road trip, visit the Macklin Motors blog.

Healthy Heart Tip: Working out in the Park

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: Working out in the Park

Let’s get physical! Did you know, regular physical activity can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 35%? Many of us don’t have gym memberships or access to home gym equipment, so whilst the weather is getting nicer, this week’s tip looks at how to create an easy work out in the park.

Get walking or cycling

Find your nearest park or open green space and head on down. Skip the use of the car, bus or train and throw your trainers on and get walking or cycling to that outdoor space.

Walking or cycling is good for the environment, a great cardiovascular exercise and an excellent way to warm up before jumping into a resistance workout.

Resistance exercises

We should aim to do at least two resistance exercise sessions a week. They are designed to improve strength and endurance – this can be done through body-weight exercises or using weights.

Whilst in the park look out for objects you can use. For example, use a park bench to perform some triceps dips, high step-ups, or elevated glute bridges.

Outdoor gyms

Many outdoor spaces are now equipped with free outdoor gyms. With the cost-of-living crisis among us and most of us cutting back on spending, these free outdoor spaces are a great way to access workout equipment.

You’ll normally find a variety of cardiovascular and resistance-based equipment, such as cross trainers, stationary bikes, rowers, chest and leg press, and pull up bars.

Find your closest gym by using the following links:

The Great Outdoor Gym Company
Fresh Air Fitness
Wicksteed

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/health-tips.

Proposals announced for 20-minute neighbourhood at Straiton

Proposals to deliver a residential-led development at Straiton North in Midlothian have been announced.

Located on the opposite side of Straiton Road from the retail park, proposals by Straiton Estates Ltd will see the delivery of a mix of uses as part of a new 20-minute neighbourhood if consented.

In addition to new much-needed homes, these uses include the opportunity for employment, commercial and community facilities, as well as other amenities required for a 20-minute neighbourhood.

In the target to deliver net-zero, 20-minute neighbourhoods are a key driver in this. These are places that are designed so residents can meet their day-to-day needs locally through access to safe walking and cycling routes, or by public transport, reducing the reliability on car use.

It is anticipated that the proposed A701 relief road will form the northern boundary of the proposed built development.

The land has been allocated for development for over five years and is a key site in Midlothian Council’s current Local Development Plan (LDP) strategy where a mix of uses, including residential and commercial, are supported as part of a new ‘Gateway’ to Midlothian.

In addition to new homes will be a mixed-use neighbourhood centre, including potential land for a new health centre. Open space and play areas will be located within easy walking distance of all new homes, with attractive pedestrian green links between open spaces and the homes.

Safe and attractive routes to existing schools and facilities within Loanhead and Straiton will also be established, with a biodiverse wetland area north of the relief road, linking to a wider green network across the site.

Included within the proposals will be a 2.4-hectare employment zone located within easy reach of transport network and active travel routes.

The proposal for the site at Straiton North offers a unique opportunity to support the Council’s aspirations to develop Straiton into a people-centred place though creating a new 20-minute neighbourhood integrated into its existing context and forming a new mixed-use gateway to Midlothian.

Development will also serve to deliver significant economic benefits, bringing new sustainable jobs through the construction period and beyond, as well as investment into the existing local economy.

With a proposal of application notice (PAN) now submitted to the Council, formally notifying it of its intent to submit a planning application following a minimum period of 12-weeks of consultation, two community consultation events will be held. The first of these will take place on Tuesday 27^th June between 4pm and 7.30pm at Loanhead Leisure Centre.

Commenting on the proposals, Colin Mclachlan, Director of Straiton Estates Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be bringing forward these exciting proposals for a new 20-minute neighbourhood that will deliver a mix of residential, commercial and community uses.

“Our scheme offers a unique opportunity to support the Council’s aspirations to develop Straiton into a people-centred place though creating a new 20-minute neighbourhood, successfully integrated into the area and forming a new mixed-use gateway to Midlothian.

“We look forward to engaging with the community on our proposals for the site and to respond to feedback received.”

Harmful Tory immigration policies must stop, says Labour MSP

Responding to the news that foreign postgraduate students on non-research courses will no longer be able to bring family members to the UK due to new UK Tory immigration curbs, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “The recent news from the Tories at 10 Downing Street is that foreign postgraduate students on non-research courses will no longer be able to bring family members to the UK.

“This is disappointing news for Scotland which could hinder the Scottish economy.

“Suella Braverman, UK Home Secretary, says that this policy “strikes the right balance” between bringing down migration and “protecting the economic benefits that students can bring to the UK”.

“In fact, not only could these policies hurt the economy in the future and damage the talented pool from which we can draw on to fill roles, but harmful Tory immigration policies could continue to fracture relationships between migrants to the UK and existing communities.

“I’m incredibly concerned about reports suggesting that some in the UK Government wanted to go even further and ban the dependants of all postgraduate students, including those on research courses.

“We run the risk of discouraging talented postgraduate students from coming to the UK at all.

“If their families are not welcomed by the UK Government, they might choose to take their talent and knowledge elsewhere, both potentially damaging the economy in the long-run and contributing further to the dangerous rhetoric on immigration which we have sadly seen all too often come out of 10 Downing Street recently.

“It is time to create policies that allow our communities across the UK to diversify, flourish and be enriched by the multitude of perspectives, skills and knowledge which migrants in our country offer.

“We cannot allow harmful policies like this divide us even further.

“The Scottish Government should enter into urgent talks with the UK Government to ensure that international students in Scotland are not further impacted by disruption to their studies and are instead made to feel welcome and valued.”

Reducing the carbon footprint in the NHS

Delivering more environmentally sustainable care

A programme to reduce the carbon footprint of NHS Scotland and enable more environmentally sustainable care has been launched.

The National Green Theatres Programme, developed by clinicians, will cut the high emissions and waste typically generated in surgery while maintaining the highest levels of patient safety and quality of care.

The first set of actions will help NHS Scotland meet its net zero target by 2040 and reduce carbon emissions by 7,100 tonnes of carbon dioxide, the equivalent 4,400 single passenger return flights from Glasgow to New York.

The programme features a number of measures, all of which can be made without impacting patient safety or standards of care, including:

removing anaesthetic gases from the supply chain
moving away from single use instruments/consumables
introducing waste segregation
switching from pre-operative intravenous to oral paracetamol

The programme is being rolled out across the country following a successful pilot in NHS Highland.

Visiting the green theatre at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport Maree Todd said: “The roll out of the Green Theatres Programme is a very positive step in the right direction to making our NHS net zero by 2040.

“Our incredible NHS staff have worked tirelessly to develop a model that not only puts patients and their safety first, but will reduce our environmental impact.”

Dr Kenneth Barker, CfSD Clinical Lead for the National Green Theatres Programme said: “Our patients always comes first but it’s great that we are now making clinically safe patient care decisions with sustainability in mind.

“Theatres are high carbon and energy intensive areas that produce high volumes of waste, so reducing their environmental impact will make a positive difference toward achieving Scotland’s net zero targets.

“We are working with our National Green Theatres Specialty Delivery Group and national partners to support Boards to implement these actions and are developing a Green Map to monitor progress.”

What’s On at National Museums of Scotland

Exhibitions & displays    
   
National Museum of Scotland     
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF    
Open 10:00–17:00 daily   

The Declaration of Arbroath
3 Jun – 2 Jul 2023
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3       
Free entry       

The Declaration of Arbroath is a letter dated 6 April 1320 written by the barons and freeholders of the Kingdom of Scotland to Pope John XXII. The letter asked the pope to recognise Scotland’s independence and acknowledge Robert the Bruce as the country’s lawful king. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see one of the most famous documents in Scottish history – the Declaration of Arbroath.

Find our more nms.ac.uk/The-Declaration-of-Arbroath

Beyond the Little Black Dress 
1 Jul – 29 Oct 2023 
Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3 
Ticketed (concessions available)

From design classics to cutting-edge catwalk creations, this exhibition deconstructs the little black dress and examines the radical power of the colour black in fashion.

The exhibition will chart a century of fashion in a series of themed, immersive displays. Iconic early pieces by Yves Saint Laurent, Dior and Jean Muir will be juxtaposed with recent looks by ground-breaking contemporary designers and brands like Gareth Pugh, Simone Rocha and Off-White. 

Find out more nms.ac.uk/Beyond-the-Little-Black-Dress

Rising Tide: Art and Environment in Oceania
12 Aug 2023 – 14 Apr 2024
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3
Free

Delve into the most important and pressing issue of our time, humanity’s damaging relationship with planet Earth. This urgent issue is felt especially deeply in Australia and the Pacific Islands where sea levels are rising due to climate change and the oceans are filling with plastic. Rising Tide considers our relationship to the natural environment through contemporary artistic responses to climate change and plastic waste by Indigenous Australian and Pacific Islander artists.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/Rising-Tide

Japanese Contemporary Design   
Until 30 Jul 2023       
Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1      
Free entry
  
From striking statement jewellery to prints and porcelain vases, this new free display considers how Japanese contemporary makers have combined innovative and traditional art, craft and design elements over the past five decades.   

The star object is Hitomi Hosono’s A Large Pine Tree Pool, a sculptural porcelain bowl with complex hand-carving made and acquired in 2019. Further highlights include Junko Mori’s intricate New Pinecone Silver Organism, and colourful body adornments by jeweller Suō Emiko’s adapted from metalworking and engraving techniques traditionally used in the making of Japanese sword fittings.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/Japanese-Contemporary-Design

Events 

National Museum of Scotland     
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF    
Open 10:00–17:00 daily   

Edinburgh International Children’s Festival Family Encounters Day
27 May 2023
10:00 – 16:30
Grand Gallery (and beyond)
Free, some performances may require sign up on the day

Join us as we kick off the 2023 Edinburgh International Children’s Festival with Family Encounters – a day of free pop-up performances, artist interventions and activities for the whole family.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/Edinburgh-International-Children’s-Festival-Family-Encounters-Day

Insect Week
19 – 24 Jun 2023
Various dates and times

Join us for a bug bonanza with a range of interesting insect activities and resources.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/insect-week

The Declaration of Arbroath: Insights from the Archives
20 Jun 2023
14:00 –15:00
Auditorium
Adult/Over 60: £3
Member/Student/Concession: £2

Inspired by a rare chance to see The Declaration of Arbroath, curator Dr Alice Blackwell and National Records Scotland conservator, Hazel de Vere, discuss its historical significance and material fragility.

Book now nms.ac.uk/Insights-from-the-archives

Discovering Decorative Arts at the National Museum of Scotland
Until 22 Jun 2023
11:00-13:00
In the museum galleries
£155 for 10 sessions (concessions available)

National Museums Scotland are delighted to host a new term of University of Edinburgh Short Courses including this ten-week course that will introduce the magnificent arts collections within the National Museum of Scotland. Exploring the historical developments of decorative arts and how they have influenced modern methods and techniques used to create many beautiful objects on display in the museum.

Book now nms.ac.uk/Decorative-Arts

Concert for a Summer’s Night
22 Jun 2023
20:00 – 21:15 (doors open 19:15)
£9-£19 (includes welcome drink)

The Scottish Ensemble’s Concert for a Summer’s Night series is back at the National Museum of Scotland after sell-out performances at venues around Scotland in 2022. Join us for a musical journey that takes in the well-loved (Debussy’s serene Clair de Lune) and the less expected (including music from jazz legend Chick Corea), introductions from the stage and a chance to chat to musicians afterwards. A perfect way to celebrate summer.

Book now nms.ac.uk/concert-for-a-summers-night

National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Open daily 10:00 – 16:00

Conservation Hangar Tours
Until 31 Mar 2024
Free with museum admission
Booking required

See behind the scenes of the work carried out in the museum’s Conservation hangar with a guided tour and find out more about objects from the collection that aren’t normally on display.

Book now nms.ac.uk/Conservation-Hangar-Tours

Operation Sabotage
3 & 4 Jun 2023
Age 14+ event   
Ticketed   

The year is 1942 and you are stationed at the RAF base at East Fortune. There has been an act of sabotage and one of the aircraft is unknowingly carrying live ordnance with instructions to bomb the town. Solve a series of fiendish puzzles to call off the flight and save North Berwick!

Operation Sabotage is an escape room experience for 4-8 people that lasts up to an hour. Working together as a team, you must race against the clock in two Second World War-themed rooms to decipher the identity of the saboteur before it’s too late.  

Book now nms.ac.uk/Operation-Sabotage

Awesome Bricks
17 & 18 Jun
10:00 – 17:00
Ticketed
Advance book required

Our hands-on celebration of all things LEGO is back with a wealth of things to see and do. Get a close-up view of incredible LEGO constructions, including an interactive train set, and make your own unique creations in our blue brick build zone.

Book now nms.ac.uk/Awesome-Bricks

National Museum of Rural Life   
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR  
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Lewis’s Scottish Adventure Trail
27 May – 6 Oct 2023
Trail
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Go on an adventure around the museum with a new family trail at the National Museum of Rural Life.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/lewis-s-scottish-adventure-trail

Nature Track Packs
24 Jun – 31 Aug
10:00 – 17:00
Borrow from the ticket desk
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Explore more at the National Museum of Rural Life this summer with our Nature Track Packs. Each pack contains fun ideas and activities to encourage children to engage all their senses to explore the countryside on a walk up to the farm.