11.5 million file Self Assessment by 31 January deadline
More than 11.5 million taxpayers filed their Self Assessment tax return by midnight on 31 January.
97.36% of tax returns were filed online.
90.53% of expected filers filed their Self Assessment.
More than 11.5 million taxpayers beat the Self Assessment deadline to file their tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year by 31 January and avoid a £100 late filing penalty, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) can reveal.
The number of people who filed their return on deadline day was 732,498, with the most common time being 16:00 to 16:59 when 58,517 people filed. Thousands left submitting their return until the very last minute when 31,442 filed between 23:00 and 23:59.
HMRC is urging anyone who has missed the deadline to file their tax return now and pay any tax owed. One of the quickest ways to pay is via the free and secure HMRC app. Time to Pay arrangements are available for those who cannot pay their tax bill in full. Late filing and late payment penalties are charged for failure to meet the deadline.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:“Thank you to the millions of people and agents who filed their Self Assessment tax return and paid any tax owed by 31 January.
“I’m urging anyone who missed the deadline, to submit their return as soon as possible to avoid any further penalties. Search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”
The penalties for filing a tax return late are:
an initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time
after 3 months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900
after 6 months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater
after 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater
There are also additional penalties for paying late – 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months. Interest will also be charged on any tax paid late.
If someone regularly sells goods or provides services through an online platform, they may need to pay tax on their income.
Edinburgh’s Gracemount Leisure Centre, recently named Scotland’s Centre of the Year at the prestigious ukactive awards, welcomed the Rt Hon Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge last week to recognise their outstanding achievement in community fitness and wellbeing.
The Edinburgh Leisure centre which has seen a remarkable 14% increase in visits between 2022 and 2023, received the distinguished visitor for a comprehensive tour led by Managers Craig Cassidy and Jen Murray. The visit highlighted the facility’s exceptional contribution to community health and inclusion.
“We’re so much more than just a gym or a swimming pool – it’s a friendly and bustling community hub at the heart of the local area,” said Craig Cassidy, Manager at Gracemount Leisure Centre.
“With staff who go out of their way to make customers feel at home, it’s somewhere people feel inspired and empowered to live happy, healthy and active lives.”
The centre’s recent success is attributed to several key initiatives:
A major gym refurbishment featuring new Life Fitness equipment, leading to a dramatic increase in class participation from 226 to 706 customers monthly
Development of an extensive Additional Support Needs (ASN) programme, including multi-sports activities, and specialised family swimming sessions which supports over 100 families, giving parents and children the opportunity to get active together in a supportive environment.
Implementation of their Active Communities programme, providing access to hundreds of people affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequality, and poverty. Working alongside community partners, such as health professionals and social workers, projects such as Steady Steps for people at risk of a fall; Open All Hours, which gives local young people free access to fun diversionary activities on a Friday night; and Looked After & Active for care experienced children and young people make an active life more accessible for local people who face barriers to participation.
Investment in staff development and wellbeing, resulting in exceptional customer service scores of 9.5/10
The ukactive awards, open to all UK fitness facilities from independent studios to national chains and leisure trusts, recognised Gracemount’s outstanding commitment to meeting community needs through a rigorous assessment process including written submissions, customer surveys, mystery shopping, and digital reviews.
Gracemount’s success is further evidenced by its above-industry-average member retention rate of 14.4 months, demonstrating its vital role in promoting sustained community health and wellness.
PROJECT TO INVESTIGATE LONG-STANDINGCANCER MYSTERY
Scientists are seeking participants in Edinburgh and the Lothians to help solve one of the longest standing mysteries in cancer – how and why it can take decades for mesothelioma to develop after exposure to asbestos.
The Cancer Research UK-funded project, Meso-ORIGINS led by Professor Kevin Blyth at the University of Glasgow, aims to find a way to detect and treat mesothelioma earlier and investigate if the disease can be prevented in the first place.
Mesothelioma is a cancer which develops in the pleural space, the lining of the lung, and is caused by exposure to asbestos. Only a small proportion of patients with inflammation of the pleural space go on to develop mesothelioma. Asbestos fibres can embed themselves in different parts of the lungs so the disease can develop at different rates in different parts of the pleural space.
Only around 4 in 10 (44.3%) people diagnosed with mesothelioma in Scotland survive their disease for one year or more making new ways to detect it and treat it earlier vital.*
The research team are keen to recruit people in Edinburgh and the Lothians already diagnosed with benign (non-cancerous) inflammation in the lungs, who may have been exposed to asbestos.
The Western General in Edinburgh is among 28 hospitals across the UK currently recruiting patients, with the project extending over the next two years. Eligible patients who attend these hospitals will be offered the chance to take part in the study and contribute to mesothelioma research.
Vital data and tissue samples from participants will help build a picture of who is at most risk of developing mesothelioma and identify any genetic differences or biological markers which indicate a predisposition to the disease.
Dr Alexandrea MacPherson, Meso-ORIGINS Project Manager at the University of Glasgow, said:“Mesothelioma is a disease of time and space – after initial exposure to asbestos it can evolve over decades at different times and different places within the pleural space.
“We want to understand why mesothelioma takes so long to develop and to discover new ways of predicting the disease so it can be caught early.
“Once diagnosed there are very few effective treatments so discovering the signs before it begins, and finding a way to prevent it developing, is key.”
Mesothelioma currently has a very poor survival rate and can take more than 40 years to develop. Early symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue and constant coughing can be overlooked because they resemble other illnesses.
According to Cancer Research UK, the UK currently endures the highest incidence of mesothelioma worldwide, with the disease more prevalent in men due to occupation-related exposure, and around 200 new cases in Scotland each year.**
There was widespread industrial use of asbestos between 1950 and 1980, particularly in Glasgow and surrounding areas as the material was manufactured in nearby towns such as Clydebank and used in heavy industry like ship building, which the River Clyde was famed for.
Research funded by Cancer Research UK revealed there are no safe levels of working with asbestos. This led to health and safety policies to protect future generations from mesothelioma and the charity continues to invest in finding new ways to beat the devastating disease.
While asbestos has been illegal to use in the UK since the early 1990s, mesothelioma cases have increased in recent years due to the long period of time it can take to develop, and asbestos remains legal in other countries.
Dr Catherine Elliott, Cancer Research UK Director of Research, said:“Mesothelioma, despite asbestos being outlawed decades ago, is increasingly being diagnosed and is in desperate need of more effective treatments.
“Cancer Research UK is delighted to support this research project which aims to shed a light on why it can take years to develop after someone is exposed to asbestos.
“Long-term in-depth research projects like this are essential to developing our understanding of cancer and helping us find ways to stop it in its tracks.”
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh Until 27 April 2025 Free admission
nms.ac.uk/InjectingHope
An exhibition telling the story of the global effort to develop a COVID-19 vaccine is open now at the National Museum of Scotland.
Injecting Hope: The Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine explores the scientific principles and adaptation of innovative research behind this extraordinary endeavour. It looks at the UK-wide, behind-the-scenes work that accompanied the vaccines’ rapid development, production, transport and delivery and examines the sheer logistical challenges behind the worldwide rollout.
Revealing the inspiring stories of scientists and innovators collaborating around the globe to find solutions and save lives, the exhibition shows how these people have shaped the world we live in today.
Showcasing more than 80 objects and stories that were collected during the peak of the pandemic, it features artworks, interactives, and personal objects examining everything from the virus itself to the work done behind the scenes by volunteers and researchers to make huge innovations possible.
Highlights include the vial of the first COVID-19 vaccine to be administered worldwide, notebooks used by June Almeida, the Scottish scientist who discovered coronavirus in 1966 and artworks interpreting the story of the pandemic by artists including Luke Jerram, Angela Palmer and Junko Mori.
New content created for the exhibition’s Scottish run explores some of the uniquely Scottish experiences of the pandemic.
Sophie Goggins, Senior Curator of Biomedical Science at National Museums Scotland said: “The development and rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in record time is one of the greatest collaborative human achievements in recent memory.
“This exhibition tells the story of just how this extraordinary feat came to be; from the scientific breakthroughs which led to the creation of the vaccine to the countless individuals who helped to roll it out around the globe.”
Injecting Hope is presented by the Science Museum Group (SMG). It comes to the National Museum of Scotland as part of a national and international tour following its inaugural run at the Science Museum in London.
It forms part of a project with the National Council of Science Museums in India and the Guangdong Science Center in China, which, alongside the Science Museum, opened exhibitions in November 2022.
Injecting Hope builds on the work SMG has undertaken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including its COVID-19 collecting project, hosting NHS vaccination centres within its museums and public engagement events and materials.
The Injecting Hope project, including the international tour and UK national tour, has been generously supported by Wellcome. The Huo Family Foundation is kindly supporting the national tour of the exhibition.
Councillors on the Regulatory Committee met on Friday 31 January and agreed some changes to the Council’s licensing policy on short term lets (STLs).
This follows a 12-week consultation held over the summer when residents and industry were encouraged to share their experiences of the policy in the Capital so far. Topics included were secondary letting, temporary exemptions, fees and the application process.
Targeted discussions with resident groups, industry bodies and other key stakeholders led to 780 responses being submitted. This led to the Council recommending some changes to policy in these areas which reflected feedback, legislation and fees.
A further report will be considered in May 2025 that proposes extending secondary letting licence renewals from one year to three years.
Regulatory Convener, Councillor Neil Ross, said: “The Council’s short term lets licensing policy is helping to ensure holiday lets are safe and properly regulated in our city as over 4,400 applications have been granted since it was first introduced in October 2022.
“I welcome the changes to reduce licence fees for residents looking to Home Share and to make temporary exemptions for Home Sharing and Home Letting less onerous, while at the same time providing robust regulation of the short term let industry. I’d like to thank all of the residents and businesses across Edinburgh who took the time to tell us how the scheme is working for them.”
ASSC warn over “part-time approach” to STL health and safety
The main trade association for the Scottish self-catering industry responds to the policy changes agreed by City of Edinburgh Council’s Regulatory Committee last week:
Edinburgh Council will water down key health and safety requirements for homesharers during the Festival period to try to ease the acute shortages of visitor accommodation. Those renting out a spare room, or their entire main home, could gain a temporary exemption which would exclude them from tests and requirements in relation to gas, electrical and fire safety, as well as on legionella.
However, professional operators like self-caterers and B&Bs will still have to comply with the mandatory conditions associated with short-term let licensing.
The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) believes the changes are a recognition from the Council that the regulations are not working and would continue to jeopardise the Festivals in their current form. However, they criticised the “part-time approach” to health and safety which undermines the entire purpose of STL licensing set out in the Scottish Government’s legislation, and risks further incentivising the black market.
The ASSC argues that a level playing field for all types of STL accommodation is required all year round and that the Festival accommodation crisis could be eased through safe and lawful means, including reforms to the city’s draconian planning regime to allow the remaining self-catering properties to continue to trade.
Fiona Campbell, CEO of the ASSC, said: “This change is an admission that the short-term let regulations are harming the capital’s economy and threatening the viability of the Festivals. However, rather than fully resolving the issue, it simply undermines the entire purpose of the Scottish Government’s short-term let licensing regime.
“Ensuring the health and safety of guests is a 365-day operation which self-caterers are wholly committed to. However, a part-time approach is irresponsible and will simply be a boon for the black market which is already flourishing thanks to the squeeze in the supply resulting from the shambolic short-term lets policy.
“Legislation at a national level remains unfit for purpose, especially the conflation of short-term let planning and licensing systems. We now have a situation where responsible and professional operators have spent thousands complying with licensing but are being systematically shut down through onerous planning requirements – only for the door to be opened to unregulated and potentially unsafe accommodation.
“Councillors need to ask themselves: will Edinburgh’s position as a leading visitor destination be enhanced by allowing visitors from around the world to stay potentially unsafe accommodation? Do properties suddenly become safe during the month of August but then dangerous the remaining eleven months of the year?
“Small businesses like self-catering have helped provide accommodation for Festival goers and performers for decades. Our industry wants them to succeed but we need safe, reliable and quality accommodation for that. Edinburgh Council must look at other ways of addressing this crisis and the sector stands ready to work with them to this end.”
Take-5 Tuesdays is on tomorrow at PCHP at 10am. Drop in to learn more about eating a healthy, balanced and sustainable diet on a budget.
We share lots of tips on shopping, peparing, storing, cooking – all with a view to saving money and wasting nothing. This week we’ll be making the finest tomato sauce, the most versatile sauce their is. We’ll talk about the base of all good sauces #Sofritto
Will it become a chilli, or a ragu, or a soup? Who knows… come along and find out! Everyone is welcome and if Tuesday doesn’t suit you, we’re on at the same time on Thursday. We cook, and you are welcome to either stay and eat together, or take it away to enjoy at home!
This week marks Children’s Mental Health Week (3rd-9th February), shining a spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s mental health.
The rise in mental health problems has been labelled as a mental health emergency and one of the greatest public health challenges of our times.
These problems are even more worrying when they concern the mental fitness of our children, and how we are preparing them to face the growing challenges of entering adulthood.
Against this backdrop, our mental health services are however facing overwhelming and unprecedented pressures, which existed even before the Covid pandemic and are becoming further exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis.
Too many of our young people are waiting too long for treatment and the rapidly escalating number of those seeking support, faced with inadequate services, could potentially lead to a lost generation of vulnerable children and young people who are missing out on vital help.
With the right early support through prevention and early intervention, many children would not need access to costly specialist mental health services.
Against the perfect storm of a mental health crisis combined with the long shadow of lockdown and the rising cost of living, we must not lose sight of the challenges that our children and young people are facing, renewing our efforts in a national crusade to ensure that they receive adequate mental health support.
Three community projects are to receive funding from a pot of up to £10 million to plant more trees in Scotland’s cities and towns
A community orchard, tree planting and community wellbeing initiative and a local nature reserve are the first projects to benefit from the Urban Forestry Programme
Future Woodlands Scotland (FWS), the charity dedicated to creating and conserving woodlands across Scotland, has selected the first three projects to receive grants of up to £20,000 from its Urban Forestry Programme.
The Urban Forestry Programme is an ambitious ten-year project that sees FWS working alongside project founding partner bp to support and improve green spaces in Scotland’s cities, towns, and urban areas, an ambition shared by the two organisations.
This first round of funding will support projects that improve tree visibility, canopy cover, access to greenspaces, nature enhancement and education on biodiversity, food sustainability and climate literacy.
The first three projects to receive funding are:
Friends of Inch Park (FOIP), Edinburgh
A community orchard and planting project with an arts-based engagement programme that will improve canopy cover and raise awareness of nurturing trees.
Friends of Linn Park, Glasgow A tree restoration and enhancement programme at a nature reserve in Glasgow that includes facilities for community groups and aims to enhance woodland to provide a better-quality environment for local communities.
3. Norton Park SCIO, Edinburgh
A small-scale tree planting and green space improvement project to increase tree visibility and enhance access to greenspaces for local people and the wider community.
Shireen Chambers, CEO of FWS said: “By funding these three urban greening projects, we are investing in sustainable solutions that will not only benefit the environment by creating leafier neighbourhoods but also improve the wellbeing of local communities and encourage people to spend more time outdoors, interacting with their communities.
“Our goal is for everyone to benefit from trees, whether through learning about them, actively engaging in their care or simply spending time among them.
“We are proud to lead this important initiative with the backing of our founding partner bp and we look forward to seeing how these projects develop and reporting positive outcomes over the coming years.”
A total of 33 applications were submitted across two funding levels: projects ranging from £2,000 to £20,000, and those ranging from £20,000 to £100,000. The selected projects fall within the former funding range.
The projects were chosen based on the significant contribution they could make to the Urban Forestry Programme goal of helping towns and cities across Scotland achieve the 3:30:300 rule: everyone should see three trees from their home, every neighbourhood should have 30% tree canopy and quality green space within 300 metres.
The Friends of Inch Park community orchard and tree care project will ensure that residents can see at least three trees from their homes, which they have personally planted.
Ian Robertson, Secretary at Friends of Inch Park (FOIP), said: “We’ve been working on what more trees and planting in the area can do for people and for nature, so we’re delighted to be awarded an Urban Forestry Challenge Fund grant from Future Woodlands Scotland.
“With it, we can develop a new fully integrated community orchard and tree care project. We’re really looking forward to working across the generations to grow skills and understanding in caring for trees and the local landscape. This funding will take things to a whole new level for us.”
Scotland’s urban tree cover (under 16%) is much lower than the EU average of 30.2%. Increasing the number of trees in its cities and towns is crucial in supporting the journey to net zero and delivering a wide range of socio-economic benefits.
Applications for funding were measured by the Tree Equity tool, which was created to address imbalances in urban tree distribution by American Forests, a US non-profit organisation, and was brought to the UK by the Woodland Trust and Centre for Sustainable Healthcare.
Tom Hudson, bp’s project director, offshore wind said: ““bp has been providing funding towards Scottish woodland creation for over 20 years and is delighted to continue this. We look forward to seeing our support brought to life by these three community projects.”
bp’s contribution to the programme represents a significant part of its commitments to Scotland, which were made as part of the ScotWind bid for its Morven offshore wind project.
The Urban Forestry Programme has already funded two pilot projects: a fruit and nut tree planting project in Stirling and a tree warden volunteer scheme in Glasgow.
Successful applicants for the larger grant programme, which offers funding of up to £100k, will be announced in Spring. More information on the Urban Forestry Programme is available at www.futurewoodlands.org.uk
Five more people have been arrested in connection with disorder offences that took place in Edinburgh on Bonfire Night last year.
As part of the ongoing criminal investigation into the disorder that took place in Calder Road, officers executed two search warrants at addresses in the Broomhall and Saughton areas on Thursday, 30 January 2025. A 17-year-old male was arrested in Broomhall, while a 16-year-old male was arrested in Saughton.
Between Thursday, 30 and Friday, 31 January 2025, three other males aged 17, 17 and 25 were arrested in connection with offences that took place in Calder Road and Captains Road.
Four males aged 15, 16, 19 and 27 have also been reported to the Procurator Fiscal following the incidents in Captains Road.
The total number of people reported across Scotland for Bonfire Night criminality is now 61, with 41 of these individuals being linked to incidents in Edinburgh.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson said: “I will continue to reaffirm my message in the wake of the disorder we experienced on 5 November 2024, that if you were involved, you will be caught. It may take time, but you will not evade justice.
“Enforcement activity like this will continue to take place wherever and whenever we have gathered sufficient evidence.
“The public can continue to support us with our inquiries by coming forward with information, or submitting video or photographic evidence via our Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT24S16-PO1.”
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Injecting Hope: The Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine Until 27 Apr 2025 Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3 Free
Injecting Hope is a new, free exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland that presents the science behind the COVID-19 vaccine.
This exhibition brings together more than 80 objects that were acquired in real time during the peak of the pandemic by curators across the UK. Learn the science behind the creation of the vaccine and understand the logistics behind its global roll-out.
Cold War Scotland Until 4 Jan 2026 10:00 – 17:00 Special Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free
Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union following the end of the Second World War.
Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling. The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. The exhibition will explore both the visible and invisible legacies of the war in Scotland.
Theravada Buddhism Until 9 Mar 2025 Gallery 3, Level 1 Free
A thought-provoking display charts the history and influence of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition across the world, including its role in Scotland today. The display includes a Buddha on loan from The Dhammapadipa Temple in Edinburgh. The Buddha was designed and made in Thailand in 2013, then later gifted to Temple where it is now used in their garden meditation room.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Relaxed Morning 2 Feb & 2 Mar 10:00-12:00 (quiet space open until 12:30) Free admission, drop-in
Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with autistic children; autistic young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers. Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment.
Sensory Sunday 2 Feb & 2 Mar 11:00-12:00 and 14:00-15:00 Free, book required
Exciting, hands-on sensory play sessions for children with additional support needs. 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.
Magic Carpet Minis Block 1 (5, 12, 19 Feb) Block 2 (5, 12, 19 Mar) 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 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.
This half term we will be home to an Agency for World Change climate action booth inspired by the Museum of Bern’s Planetopia project. Meet climate impact advocates, get creative, learn more about what the museum is doing for climate action and make your pledge of what small change you can make to live more ecologically.
Museum Socials 21 Feb 10:30-12:00 Learning Centre Seminar Room, Level 4 Free, booking required
Museum Socials are designed for people living with dementia, their relatives, friends, carers, and supporters. Relaxed and informal, each session explores a different museum theme through various interactive activities, including curator talks, object handling and creative crafts. And tea, cake and a warm welcome are always provided.
Curiosity Club: Ice Age 22 Feb 10:30-12:00 £10 (Members and Concessions £9)
Inspired by some of the museum’s most exciting collections, our Curiosity Clubs are a chance for kids to explore the museum without their adult helpers through games, activities, and gallery visits.
Relaxed Curiosity Club: Ice Age 22 Feb 14:30-15:30 £10 (£9 Members and Concessions)
Relaxed Curiosity Club sessions are particularly aimed at children with additional support needs, neurodivergent children or children with disabilities. Parents/carers (up to two per participating child) are invited to stay and either join in with the activities or enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the foyer of the activity area.
Relaxed Magic Carpet 24 Feb 10:30-11:15 or 14:00-14:45 £ 3 per child
Join us for a relaxed Magic Carpet session as we explore the museum through interactive songs, rhymes, and sensory play. This is a monthly, relaxed version of our Magic Carpet event, for babies, toddlers and children aged 0-6 with additional support needs or for anyone who would prefer a calmer session and a slightly more relaxed pace. This is not a set age range for participants and we welcome all families who feel they may enjoy these sessions.
Morning Curator Tour: Injecting Hope 25 Feb 09:15-10:00 £12 Adults, £10 Members & Concessions
Join our exhibition curator for an exclusive early morning tour of our Injecting Hope exhibition which details the rapid research, development and delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine. Discover the science behind the creation of the vaccine, the logistics behind its global roll-out and will also share some of the uniquely Scottish experiences of the global pandemic.
Magic Carpet Gaelic Week Special 26 Feb 10:30-11:15 Free, booking required
Come along to our Edinburgh Gaelic Week 2025 Magic Carpet special. This interactive session, suitable for under 5s and their accompanying adult, features songs, stories, rhymes, and play with no knowledge of Gaelic required.
Creative Workshop: Sustainable Statement Jewellery 1 Mar 10:30-16:00 £50 Adults, £45 Members and Concession
Join sustainable jewellery designer Syrah Jay to design and create your own statement necklace. Taking inspiration from National Museums Scotland’s nationally significant collection of modern and contemporary jewellery, discover how accessories don’t need to be made from precious metals.
Relaxed Access Evening: Injecting Hope 6 Mar 17:30-19:30 Free
Join us for a relaxed after-hours visit to Injecting Hope: The Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine. During this session, visitor numbers will be reduced, and sounds will be lowered to create a more relaxed experience.
This session is primarily for, but not limited to, neurodivergent visitors and those with sensory or additional support needs who would prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
Banners, Ballads and Badges 8 Mar 13:00-15:30 £5, £3 (Members and Concessions)
Join an afternoon of talks and crafts as we discuss the vibrant anti-nuclear protests between the 1970s and 1990s and consider the unique role women played in Scotland’s peace movement.
There will be speakers from National Museums Scotland, the National Library of Scotland and the Gareloch Horticulturalists (Horties). Together they will discuss the significance of Scotland’s peace camps and vibrant anti-nuclear protests, which attracted women from all over the world.
Creative Workshop: Hand Embroided Stories 9 Mar 11:00-16:30 £50 Adults, £45 Members and Concession
Join textile artist Louise Goult to create your own unique hand embroidered artwork. Taking inspiration from the treasure trove of creativity in our Fashion and Style gallery, you will learn the skills, stitches and techniques to make a unique hand embroidered artwork.
Join our tour guide for an audio descriptive tour and a chance to look round the Injecting Hope exhibition after hours. This tour is aimed at blind, partially sighted and visually impaired visitors, and is most suitable for those aged 14+.
Friday Friends 14 March 14:00 – 16:00 Free, pre-booking required Our Friday Friends programme offers a welcoming space for visually impaired and D/deaf children and their families. The groups meet monthly and explore the themes of the museum through objects, music, art and activities.
Morning Curator tour: Cold War Scotland 18 Mar 09:15-10:00 £12, £10 (Members & Concessions)
Join this tour of our current exhibition Cold War Scotland to better understand a time when the world stood on the brink of nuclear war.
ERKM4Y Polaris Demonstration at Holy Loch, 3rd Feb 1961
Dr Meredith Greiling, Principal Curator of Technology will delve deeper into stories explored within the exhibition, from the emergence of nuclear energy in Scotland to the vibrant anti-nuclear protests and political activism of the period.
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Tractor Tots Until Mar 2025 10:15 & 13:30 Various dates £20 per child for block of 3, £15 per Member child for block of 3 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.
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00
Half Term: Code Breakers 14-16 Feb 11:00-15:00 Free with museum admission
At the National Museum of Flight this half term, learn how secret Second World War codes were made and broken. Learn how secrets were hidden and shared during the Second World War with our family activities. Make your own code and learn how codes were broken. Then try your hand at Morse Code, semaphore and secret writing.
