More than £90 million will be allocated to local authorities in 2024-25 to support eligible households at risk of hardship through the Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) scheme.
The funding enables local authorities to mitigate the impact of UK Government policies such as the ‘bedroom tax’ and the ‘benefit cap’ which can reduce how much universal credit or housing benefit someone receives.
Payments can also be made where Local Housing Allowance doesn’t meet someone’s rent, or if a household is in hardship and struggling to meet their housing costs.
Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “This funding will help to bridge the gap between what people need in benefits from the UK Government, and what they actually receive. This can be the difference between a family thriving, or a family experiencing financial hardship.
“We are clear that this is the right thing to do to support households – but the Scottish Government should not be forced to step in and divert money from our own housing and anti-poverty policies because of UK Government welfare reforms.”
One Parent Families Scotland CEO Satwat Rehman said: “The Scottish Government is to be commended for taking these mitigating measures as we recognise it continues to spend massive sums compensating for welfare cuts made by the UK government.
“Mitigating the benefit cap is absolutely the right thing to do. The increased funding and improved support for families affected by the benefit cap will be greatly welcomed by the many single parents who have been pushed into further hardship by this policy. 74% of all capped households in Scotland consist of single parents with children (92% of whom are women).
“We at OPFS will do everything we can to ensure all single parent families affected by the benefit cap apply to their local authority for a Discretionary Housing Payment to replace the vital income they should have received. Now the UK Government must act to scrap this poverty creating benefit cap altogether.”
The Scottish Discretionary Housing Payments budget is £90.5 million in 2024-25.
In Scotland, if you rent your home and you get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, but still can’t afford your housing costs, you may be eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment.
A Discretionary Housing Payment can be made if you:
are affected by the benefit cap
are affected by the bedroom tax
claim Housing Benefit but it doesn’t cover all your rent
claim Universal Credit but still can’t afford your housing costs
Drivers are at risk of an unlimited fine and driving ban for taking over-the-counter hay fever medication
Spring allergies have arrived weeks early in the UK, and the first pollen warning of 2024 has already been issued.
Hay fever is one of the most common allergies in the UK, with reports that 10 million people in England alone suffer from pollen allergies.
Symptoms of hay fever, which include anything from itchy eyes and a runny nose to sneezing and headaches, are usually treated with antihistamines.
However, many motorists are unaware that a normal dose of the tablets can impair driving abilities, causing drowsiness, reduced reaction times, decreased coordination and judgement as well as blurred vision.
The laws surrounding drug driving mean taking over-the-counter medication to treat summer allergies could land drivers with serious charges.
In the UK, the law doesn’t distinguish between drug driving caused by illicit drugs, over-the-counter or prescribed medication.
This means that if hay fever medication affects driving ability, it could lead to drug driving convictions.
The penalties for drug driving are severe, even if the driver has innocently taken drowsy-prone hay fever medication.
If convicted, motorists could receive a one-year driving ban, unlimited fines, up to six months in prison and a criminal record.
Additionally, for 11 years afterwards, drivers found guilty will have the conviction displayed on their licences.
The NHS strongly advises those who take medications prone to drowsiness – such as chlorphenamine, cinnarizine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine or promethazine – avoid driving.
Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “It may be hard to believe taking your hay fever tablets could land you a criminal conviction, which is why we wanted to issue an urgent warning to those who suffer with seasonal allergies.
“If you are one of the millions of Brits who suffer from hay fever, it is imperative you check the side effects of any medicines you are taking.
“Blurred vision, slow reaction times and drowsiness behind the wheel can all cause serious issues on the roads, putting yourself and other road users in serious danger.
“Driving in an impaired state under the influence is a very serious matter, meaning the penalties for doing so can be life-changing.
“We’re urging drivers who suffer from summer allergies to check the details of their medication to avoid potentially serious charges. Any medication that says do not operate heavy machinery includes the use of a car, so drivers need to be on the lookout for such warnings and read all instructions carefully. If in doubt, ask the pharmacist and err on the side of caution.”
Five driving tips for hay fever sufferers
1.Keep your car as pollen-free as possible – clean your car regularly to get rid of dust that could trigger symptoms before setting out, changing the pollen filters in your car’s ventilation system when necessary and try to keep windows closed.
2.Plan your journeys – check the Met Office Pollen warnings or download the weather app, which gives a 5-day forecast, for high pollen counts – if your symptoms are particularly bad try additional travel options or ask someone else to drive, don’t take the risk.
3.Check your medication – antihistamines and hay fever medications can differ in strength, check with your doctor if in any doubt about possible side effects and always read the label – the warning, ‘do not operate heavy machinery’ is commonly found and applies to cars, forklifts and any other heavy machinery.
4.Get stocked up – keep your car stocked with fresh tissues, hay fever medicine, a bottle of water, eye drops, anything used to ease the symptoms, should they strike unexpectedly.
5.Drive safely – be extra careful on the roads, giving lots of space to fellow road users and taking breaks if hay fever symptoms start to play up. If you don’t feel well or the pollen count is too high, play it safe and don’t take non-urgent journeys.
Quotezone.co.uk helps millions of people in the UK find savings – CompareNI.com can help people living in Northern Ireland.
The UK announced more support for people in Sudan, including funding to UNICEF for emergency food assistance and support for survivors of gender-based violence
UK support includes food and water for 500,000 children under 5 as Sudan’s humanitarian crisis grows
the funding boost comes as the UK’s Development and Africa Minister, Andrew Mitchell visits the Chad-Sudan border, witnessing the crisis first-hand
the UK again calls on the warring parties to commit to a lasting ceasefire and lift restrictions which are preventing aid reaching those who need it the most
The UK yesterday implemented additional support for people in Sudan, 1 year on from the start of the conflict.
This will include funding to UNICEF which will provide emergency and life-saving food assistance to support people particularly in hard-to reach areas in Sudan, including nutrition, water and hygiene services for 500,000 children under 5. It will also support survivors of gender-based violence.
The UK is committing an additional £4.95 million to provide 100,000 women and girls with a range of female genital mutilation, child marriage and gender-based violence prevention and response services.
The boost has been announced by the UK Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, during a 2-day visit to Chad where he visited a site for refugees driven over the border into Chad by the violence.
In addition, the UK will be working with the World Food Programme to assist over 285,000 beneficiaries for 6 months by providing 13,405 tons of assorted food commodities. These include cereals, pulses, oils and salt.
It is part of a £89 million package the UK will deliver in Sudan in 2024 to 2025 – up from nearly £50 million in the current financial year.
The conflict in Sudan has caused more than 8 million people to flee their homes, with over 6 million displaced within Sudan itself. After almost a year of conflict, 25 million people in Sudan need assistance, and the country is on the verge of a catastrophic hunger crisis. The UN has formally warned of the risk of famine in this year, with 18 million currently facing hunger in the country.
Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, said: “The conflict in Sudan is devastating lives. Millions are displaced and facing catastrophic hunger conditions. There is growing evidence of atrocities against civilians.
“The package announced today will help save lives. We have not forgotten the war in Sudan – nor must the world. The urgent priority is to end the violence.”
Whilst in Chad, Minister Mitchell met with the President of the Transition, Mahamat Deby and Prime Minister Masra to underline UK support for peaceful, transparent and inclusive elections. They also discussed how the UK and Chad could work together towards peace in Sudan.
Musselburgh Racecourse’s 16-fixture Flat season gets under starter’s orders this weekend with the Virgin Bet Easter Saturday Raceday.
With increased prize money of £295,000 – up £65,000 on the 2023 race day – the feature race is the £100,000 Virgin Bet Queen’s Cup, which has attracted quality entries from the leading UK training yards. Meanwhile, the £45,000 Virgin Bet Scottish Sprint Cup – Scotland’s fastest horse race – remains an attractive proposition for the five furlong specialists.
Last year’s Queen’s Cup narrow runner-up Metier, will bid to go one better in Saturday’s big race (3.35pm). Trained in Dorset by Harry Fry, he was only half a length by Wise Eagle in the 1m 6f Heritage Handicap twelve months ago, and the Grade 1 winning hurdler also landed the 2023 Chester Cup after his excellent second-placed effort at Musselburgh.
Callum Shepherd has only recorded one winner at the East Lothian track, and Newmarket trainer George Scott has booked him for the mount on Prydwen, who was only touched off by a neck at Lingfield nearly a month ago.
Berkshire Rocco was a gallant fifth in last year’s Ebor Handicap at York and Berkshire handler Andrew Balding has already secured David Probert for the ride, while Mark Johnston – who won two of the last four runnings – and his son Charlie have five entries including Yorkindness, who landed the Musselburgh Gold Cup over two miles last September.
Scottish interest centres around Jim Goldie-trained Faylaq and Lucinda Russell’s Evaluation, while Ian Jardine has three entries from his Dumfriesshire stable.
Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup at Ayr Racecourse
In the Virgin Bet Scottish Sprint Cup Handicap (3.00pm), John and Sean Quinn could have one of the favourites in the shape of Jm Jungle. The Malton raider stopped a valuable prize in Bahrain in February when partnered by his regular pilot Hawick-born Jason Hart.
Silky Wilkie (2023) and Zarzyni (2022), winners of the last two renewals, are also among the entries for Karl Burke and David and Nicola Barron, respectively.
In the 2.25pm Virgin Bet Silver Arrow Handicap, last April’s winner, Gweedore, was successful for the second year running, and his Galashiels trainer, Katie Scott, is preparing her stable star for the hat-trick.
Musselburgh’s Flat season – which stretches to 6 November – includes the Edinburgh Cup sponsored by Edinburgh Gin on 1 June, Friday Night at the Races on 2 August, and the hugely popular Ladies Day on Friday 9 August, which typically is a sell-out event.
Racecourse director, Bill Farnsworth, said: “Sales for Easter Saturday are ahead of forecast so we are sure of an excellent atmosphere for our curtain raiser to the Flat season.
“Not surprisingly, the £100,000 purse for the Virgin Bet Queen’s Cup has caught the attention of some of the leading trainers and we can expect a very competitive contest. The fast and furious Scottish Sprint Cup will have the crowd on their feet as always.
“We have an excellent Flat racing programme evenly spread throughout the summer and autumn months which cements Musselburgh’s reputation as one of the UK’s most innovative and attractive racing venues and we look forward to welcoming guests old and new.”
Gates open on Saturday (30 March) at 11.30am, the first race is off at 1.50pm, and the last race at 5.20pm. Tickets booked before midnight on 29 March are reduced by £5 per person. Children aged years and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
Landmark Edinburgh hotel, The Caledonian, is set to receive a multi-million-pound transformation.
Private real estate investment fund manager Henderson Park, together with its in-house hospitality operator and asset manager, Klarent Hospitality, have announced plans to invest over £35 million in transforming the iconic Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, marking a new chapter in its 120-year history.
Having acquired Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh, affectionately known as ‘The Caley’, in July 2023, Henderson Park and Klarent Hospitality have investment plans that will see improvements in the infrastructure, bedroom refurbishment as well as upgrading and restoring the public areas to enhance the guest and visitor experience.
There are plans to extend the hotel, expanding its capacity to over 300 rooms by early 2026, making The Caley one of Edinburgh’s largest leading hotels.
The flagship Edinburgh hotel will become part of Curio Collection by Hilton this summer, joining a global portfolio of remarkable, prestigious lifestyle hotels with one-of-a-kind stories to share.
Curio Collection by Hilton hotels are handpicked for their individuality and character and are designed to reflect the unique spirit of the cities they call home. Each individual hotel evokes a bespoke story through distinctive architecture and design, world-class food and drink, and curated experiences.
The rebrand provides an opportunity for The Caledonian to further elevate its heritage and position as one of Edinburgh’s most famous and loved hotels, further cementing its future as a market leader and providing high-end experiences for guests for generations to come.
The Caledonian was constructed from 1899 to 1908 and was originally owned by the Caledonian Railway Company, where the hotel takes its name.
The new bedroom and suite concepts are inspired by the crests of the historic capital cities of Edinburgh, Stirling and Inverness. The original stained-glass windows will continue to stand proud at the head of the grand staircase showcasing the crests of destinations the former railway station used to serve.
The bedroom design concepts offer an opportunity for the hotel to bring its stories to life and through interesting and unique points of discovery will create lasting memories for future guests.
The rebrand and investment will ensure that the unique essence of the hotel is brought to life for the next generation of guests, reaffirming its status as one of the UK’s most culturally significant hotels.
The renowned hotel at the west end of Princes Street has been part of the social fabric of Edinburgh for over a century, welcoming guests from all over the world and hosting famous guests such as Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth II and former US President Barack Obama.
Klarent Hospitality, led by Chairman John Brennan and Chief Executive Peter Stack, employs over 60 people at its head office in Glasgow and manages a portfolio of Henderson Park-owned hotels across the UK and Europe, including five Hilton Hotels across the Central Belt of Scotland.
Christophe Kuhbier, Managing Director at Henderson Park, comments: “Our continued investment in The Caledonian is testament to our stewardship of this iconic hotel, which has been a bastion of Edinburgh hospitality over a century.
“We look forward to working with Hilton and Klarent, our specialist hospitality operator and asset manager, to unlock The Caledonian’s full value potential on behalf of our investors and ensure it continues to enchant guests for many years to come.”
Peter Stack, Chief Executive of Klarent Hospitality, added:“As custodians of this landmark hotel, we have committed to the significant investment and transformation that will see The Caledonian as a world-renowned, leading hotel at the heart of Edinburgh.
“We are delighted to celebrate the hotel’s 120th anniversary and look forward to working with the hotel team creating the next chapter for The Caley”.
Stephen Cassidy, SVP and managing director, UK&I, Hilton, said: “The Caledonian has long been one of the top destination hotels in Scotland – loved by guests from all over the world and Edinburgh residents alike.
“The hotel is a hugely important member of the Hilton portfolio, and this exciting rebrand empowers its exceptional team to elevate the rich storytelling opportunities and continue to celebrate the hotel’s heritage.”
Statutory sick pay (SSP) is failing to provide enough support for those who most need financial help when ill and should be increased and made more widely available, MPs say today.
The report from the Work and Pensions Committee says that a modest increase to SSP in line with Statutory Maternity Pay would strike a reasonable balance between providing extra financial support and not placing excessive extra costs on businesses.It also says that all employees should be eligible for SSP, not just those earning above the lower earnings limit.
Rates of sickness absence and ill health have increased in recent years, with a record 185.6 million working days lost to sickness or injury in 2022. During its inquiry, the Committee heard the current system of SSP was an insufficient safety net for those who relied on it, and no use at all to those who were not eligible.
Despite consultations by previous governments, no permanent changes have been forthcoming. While the Committee understands why the Government decided that the Covid-19 pandemic was the wrong time to introduce changes, due to the immediate additional costs on employers, it finds that this argument is now less valid.
In addition to recommending changes to the SSP rate and eligibility, the report calls on the Government to amend legislation to enable SSP to be paid in combination with usual wages in order to encourage phased returns to work.
On the cost to businesses, the report concludes that the overall impact of SSP reform is difficult to predict, but even if they did not result in lower levels of sickness absence, larger firms would be able to absorb the costs. It says this would not be true of smaller businesses, however, and calls on the Government to consult with small and medium-sized businesses on the design of a small business rebate for SSP.
Finally, the report says that the Government should establish a contributory sick pay scheme for the self-employed to increase support during periods of illness.
Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP, Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, said: “Statutory sick pay is failing in its primary purpose to act as a safety net for workers who most need financial help during illness.
“With the country continuing to face high rates of sickness absence, the Government can no longer afford to keep kicking the can down the road on reform. The Committee’s proposals strike the right balance between widening and strengthening support and not placing excessive burdens on business.
“A growing number of workers are now classified as self-employed and a new contributory sick pay scheme for self-employed people would be a welcome step towards ensuring they are they are no worse off financially during periods of sickness than employees on SSP.”
A full list of the Committee’s conclusions and recommendations is available on Pages 34–36 of the report.
Commenting on the publication of a Work and Pensions Committee report on whether the government should reform statutory sick pay to provide more financial support to low-paid employees, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “The Covid-19 pandemic showed that our sick pay system is in desperate need of reform.
“It beggars belief that ministers have done nothing to fix sick pay since.
“It’s a disgrace that so many low-paid and insecure workers up and down the country – most of them women – have to go without financial support when sick.
“The committee is right that ministers urgently need to remove the lower earnings limit and raise the rate of sick pay.
“Wider reform is also needed to remove the three days people must wait before they get any sick pay at all.
“Working people deserve better.
“It’s time for a new deal for workers, like Labour is proposing – which includes stronger sick pay and a ban on zero hours contracts.”
Analysis published by the TUC in January revealed that 1.3 million people do not earn enough to qualify for statutory sick pay – and 70% are women.
And zero-hours contract workers are eight times more likely than those on secure contracts (30.3% compared to 3.6%) to miss out on statutory sick pay because they don’t earn enough to qualify.
Lothian MSP Foysol Choudhury has called for an improved Scottish patient strategy for brain tumours, following his Member’s Business Debate which marked March as Brain Tumour Awareness Month.
Mr Choudhury, whose Member’s Business Motion on Brain Tumour Awareness Month achieved Cross-Party Support this week (26th March 2024) opened the debate on that Motion and shone a light on the importance of increasing funding for brain tumour research and improved patient outcomes, which he says have changed little in over a generation.
One in three people know someone affected by a Brain Tumour and this prevalence of the disease, Mr Choudhury argues, is why brain tumours must be treated as a clinical and strategic priority by Government, with increased funding for research into brain tumours.
Mr Choudhury said: “Brain Tumours are a cancer of unmet need- despite poor outcomes, funding for brain tumour research remains at just a percentage of research funding for other cancers.
“Money must be ring fenced to support the discovery science that could transform patient outcomes in the field. More investment in research can lead to more clinical trials, new knowledge, and improved options and outcomes for patients.“
MSP Choudhury also shared the experience of Rayhan and Theo, who both had to eventually attend A&E where a scan diagnosed their brain tumours after these went unnoticed by GPs.
Mr Choudhury said: “The saddening experiences of Rayhan and Theo are unfortunately not unique-many other patients have to struggle with misdiagnosis or their brain tumours going undetected for some time.
“The Brain Tumour Charity found 41 percent of people suffering from a brain tumour had to visit their GP three or more times before being diagnosed.
“This must change if we are going to achieve early and successful treatment for brain tumour patients.
“That’s why it should be a priority to develop new clinical pathways informed by specialist knowledge and clinical training to identify Brain Tumours.”
Thomas Brayford, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Brain Tumour Research, said of the debate: “We come together every March to mark Brain Tumour Awareness Month and to raise awareness of this deadly disease, which kills more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.
“And, only 12% of brain tumour patients survive beyond five years of their diagnosis. These outcomes can and must improve. But this will only happen if the Government prioritises brain tumours and declares them a clinical priority.”
Mr Choudhury says that Brain tumours have been left ignored for too long and that following his Member’s Business Debate, he will continue to argue for increased funding and clinical development to tackle the devastating outcomes for brain tumour patients.
Foysol Choudhury MSP’s Member’s Business Debate for Brain Tumour Awareness Month on 26/03/34 can be watched here: https://www.scottishparliament.tv/
Reforms will help reunite thousands of lost or stolen animals every year and deter pet theft
Lost or stolen pets will be reunited with their owners more quickly under reforms to the pet microchipping system announced today (29 March).
With over nine million pet dogs and nine million pet cats in England, it is devasting for owners when they are lost or stolen. Microchipping is the most effective and quickest way of identifying pets, with microchipped dogs more than twice as likely to be reunited with their owner.
Reforms set out today will help reunite stray pets by making microchip records easier to access, improving the accuracy of microchip information, and standardising database operator processes.
The new measures will help deter pet theft by creating more opportunities for suspicious activity to be flagged. This will include requiring database operators to provide a field indicating whether the pet has been reported as ‘missing’, strengthening the process for transferring keepership of a pet by ensuring the current keeper has 28 days to object, and preventing the creation of duplicate records.
The changes also include the creation of a central portal that approved users – including vets, local authorities, and police – can use to search microchip records rather than having to contact separate databases individually, which can delay the time taken for pets to be returned home.
Animal Welfare Minister Lord Douglas Miller said: ““Pets are treasured members of the family so it can be devasting for owners when they are lost or stolen.
“These vital reforms will simplify the microchipping system to make it quicker for vets, local authorities and police to access important information when they need it, helping to safeguard pets from theft and increase the likelihood of lost pets being returned home.”
Michael Webb, Battersea’s Head of Policy & Public Affairs, said: “Battersea is incredibly pleased with these reforms to the microchipping system, which will improve services for owners, enforcers and rescues alike.
“We see dogs and cats arrive at our centres every day with out-of-date microchips, or sadly no microchip at all, making it near impossible for our staff to reunite people with their pets.
“These reforms, which we have been calling for for some time, will not only help rescues like Battersea reunite more pets in less time, but also hopefully better protect dogs and cats from theft.
“With only several weeks to go until the law requires millions of cats to be microchipped, it is vital that the country’s microchipping system is as effective and robust possible and we will continue to work with Defra and other organisations to ensure that this is the case.”
RSPCA Chief Executive Chris Sherwood said: “Microchipping our pets is so important and provides reassurance and security, should they go missing, that they’ll be able to be identified and returned home quickly.
“A centralised portal with more accurate records will ensure that animals who end up with vets, local authorities and charities, like the RSPCA, can be traced back to their owners as quickly as possible, minimising the stress and anxiety they may feel being away from everything they know.”
British Veterinary Association President Anna Judson said: “Microchipping is a vital tool for vets working to identify lost pets and to successfully reunite them with their owners. The British Veterinary Association has been pressing for action to address issues with the current database system, which have been a source of ongoing frustration.
“These new measures are a positive step forwards and the new portal should help vet teams to check multiple databases quickly, identify and reunite cats and dogs with their owners and provide prompt treatment where needed.”
Today’s announcement follows a government consultation on the issue in which over 96% of respondents expressed support for the measures, and progresses an Action Plan for Animal Welfare pledge and key recommendations from the Pet Theft Taskforce.
It also builds upon wider work to make it easier for lost, stray, or stolen pets to be returned home safely, including making it compulsory to microchip all pet cats in England by 10 June 2024.
Westminster is also clamping down on pet theft by taking forward key recommendations from the Pet Theft Task Force, and have recently confirmed Government support for the Pet Abduction Bill.
These commitments are part of a wider Government effort to build on our existing world-leading animal welfare standards.
Since publishing the Action Plan for Animal Welfare in 2021, Westminster has brought in new laws to recognise animal sentience, introduced tougher penalties for animal cruelty offences; announced an extension of the ivory ban to cover other ivory bearing species; supported legislation to ban glue traps, the import of detached shark fins and measures to ban the advertising and offering for sale of low welfare activities abroad.
Please find below the latest National Museums Scotland listings:
Exhibitions & displays
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Rising Tide: Art and Environment in Oceania Until 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.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year Until 06 May 2024 Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3 Ticketed
In this world-renowned exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, see exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behavior, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.
Game On 29 Jun – 03 Nov 2024 Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3 Tickets on sale spring 2024
Get set for Game On – the largest interactive exhibition of the history and the culture of video games.
Game On, an exhibition conceived and curated by Barbican Immersive, examines the creative and technological advances that have established a new medium and art form.
From Sonic the Hedgehog to Mario, explore gaming’s rich history through over 100 playable games from the last five decades.
Cold War Scotland 13 Jul 2024 – 26 Jan 2025 10:00 – 17:00 Special Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free
Exploring Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War, a new exhibition will tell the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Edinburgh Science Festival 30 Mar – 14 Apr 10:00 – 17:00, with some events after 17:00 Book via Edinburgh Science’s website
Join us as we host two weeks of science-fuelled exploration at the National Museum of Scotland, from free interactive exhibits to family workshops and adult talks and events.
Audio-Described Access Evening: Wildlife Photographer of the Year 16 Apr 17:30–19:00 Special Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3
Join us after hours for an audio-described tour of key exhibits in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. The tour will last around one hour with the option to explore the exhibition independently afterwards. This event is particularly aimed at those who are blind, partially sighted or visually impaired. Recommended age is 8+.
Sensory Sunday: Exploring Ancient Egypt 05 May 14:00 Level 4, Studio 2, Learning Centre Free, booking required
Families with children with additional support needs and disabilities are invited to join our programme of sensory play sessions. Explore the museum’s collections, get creative and meet other families.
Sensory Sunday sessions are relaxed, fun hands-on, and respond to the needs of the families participating.
You are welcome to come and go at any point during a session.
These sessions are suitable for children with additional support needs, neurodivergent children or children with disabilities.
The content is aimed at ages 5-10 but is not set – we welcome all families who think they might enjoy these sessions.
Magic Carpet Minis Block 1 (08,15 and 22 May) 10:30 & 14:00 on Wednesdays £15.00 per child for block of 3 £13.50 per Member child for block of 3
Magic Carpet Minis introduces you and your little one to some of the wonderful galleries, objects and themes in the museum in a fun and gentle way. Taking place in different spaces around the museum, you will explore subjects such as the Natural World, Space, World Cultures and Scottish History through songs, stories, rhymes, actions, objects and sensory play.
Magic Carpet Toddlers Block 1 (13, 20 & 27 May) 10:30–11:15 or 14:00–14:45 £15.00 per child for block of 3 £13.50 per Member child for block of 3
Magic Carpet Toddlers introduces you and your little one to some of the wonderful galleries, objects and themes in the museum in a fun and interactive way. Taking place in different spaces around the museum, you will explore subjects such as the natural world, science and technology, world cultures and Scottish history through songs, stories, rhymes, actions, objects and short activities.
Wellbeing Wanders 13-17 May 11:30-12:00 Meet at the Lighthouse Lens, Grand Gallery, Level 1 Free, sign up on the day
Join us on a guided walk around the museum for Wellbeing Week. Explore the collections and take part in mini mindful sessions at each stop along the way with these short, free guided walks.
Curiosity Club: Ancient Egypt 18 May 10:30-12:00 Level 4, Learning Centre £10 (Members and Concessions £9)
Capturing some of the museum’s most exciting collections, this is a chance for kids to explore the museum through games, activities and gallery visits.
Wellbeing Week: Mindful Art at the Museum 19 May 11:30-12:30 Meet at the Tower Entrance, Level 1 £10, £8 Members and Concession
Join artist Kayleigh McCallum and mindfulness practitioner Charlene Duncan for mindful sketching in our galleries. This small group session in our galleries will start with a short introduction to mindfulness, followed by guided sketching and then some final mindfulness exercises. Suitable for all levels, including complete beginners. All materials will be provided. All ages welcome, but recommended age 8+.
Slow Down Sunday for Families 19 May 10:30–11:15 & 13:00–13:45 Event Space, Level 2 Free, booking required
Join author and mindfulness teacher Natasha Iregbu as she invites families to practice mindfulness in a fun and enjoyable way. Natasha and her excitable butterfly Amaya will take you on a journey of storytelling and mindfulness as they guide you and your children to use your senses and practice being in the moment. The session will include a book reading, mindfulness activities, yoga movement and a craft activity.
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: Family Encounters Day 25 May 10:00 – 16:30 Grand Gallery, Level 1 Free, drop-in Some activities may require sign-up on the day
At our Festival Family Encounters Day, enjoy exciting new performances and interactive experiences from local artists, pop-up theatre and dance shows, walk-about character actors and plenty of hands-on family activities.
The full event programme will be published in early May.
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open daily 10:00 – 16:00
Flying into the Future 1 Apr – 5 Apr 11:00 – 15:00 Concorde Hangar Free with museum admission
From airships to autogyros and electric to hydrogen-powered aircraft, discover how we might fly in the future with fun, family activities.
Activities include a family technical challenge where you will use craft materials to build something that flies, a staff-led tour of the Civil Aviation Hangar and a trail exploring the 50+ aircraft on display in the museum.
Tractor Tots Until May 2024 10:15 & 13:30 Various dates Ticketed
Running in blocks of three Friday morning sessions, Tractor Tots offers a fun, focused experience for our younger visitors, introducing them to the museum and farm, and bringing it to life through interactive creative play.
Each session will take place in a different location at the museum and working farm, and will feature handling objects from our learning boxes, singing, storytelling, rhymes, actions and sensory play to learn all about life in the countryside.
