Author: davepickering

National Bereaved Parents Day (3 July) helps us highlight financial support that could make a difference during such a difficult time. 

We offer two payments which can help ease some of the money worries for bereaved parents.

Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment is available for eligible parents whose baby was stillborn or died within six months of birth. Parents can apply from the end of the 24th week of pregnancy up to six months after their baby’s birth date. If the baby was born before 24 weeks, parents can apply from the date their baby was born up to six months later.

Families eligible for free school meals may also receive support to access food during school holidays through their local authority.

Free and low-cost activities – including football, rugby, swimming, cycling and athletics are also available throughout Scotland.

The wider help available for families is listed here: A helping hand for families this summer
 
Shareable resources are available to download from our website: Resources –

Shareable resources are available to download from our website: website: Resources – Social Security Scotland 

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The National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride will celebrate a quarter century with a day of special activities on Saturday 4 July. 

Nms.ac.uk/rural 

The National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride will celebrate a quarter century with a day of special activities on Saturday 4 July. 

To mark the milestone, 25 new and vintage tractors will parade the grounds of the Museum in a special anniversary tractor run. Visitors can also enjoy a programme of tours, demonstrations and hands-on crafts around the Museum, historic working farm and 1950s farmhouse. 

In the farmyard, visitors can vote for best in show as the Clydesdale horses, sheep and cows are dressed for competition. They can also meet the Museum’s newest arrivals, Eigg and Muck, the eight-week-old Highland calves, alongside rare breed Tamworth pigs, hens and the Ayrshire dairy herd, which is milked every afternoon.  

Behind the scenes tours will showcase the Museum’s galleries and stores, exploring the land, people and ways of working that have shaped Scotland’s rural history. On display is Scotland’s largest collection of tractors, combine harvesters and farming machinery. 

Vicky McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Rural Life said: “In July July 2001, the museum opened on 170 acres of farmland just outside Glasgow.

“Now, 25 years and nearly two million visits later, the site has become a truly beloved attraction, offering an escape from urban life and a way to connect to Scotland’s rural heritage. 

“We hope visitors of all ages will join us to celebrate this exciting milestone!” 

National Museum of Rural Life’s 25th Anniversary Day takes place from 10:00-17:00 on Saturday 4 July. 

The event is free with museum admission and Annual Pass Entry and visitors can enjoy delicious food and drink options from the Shielings café or grab a tasty bite and drink from the Really Awesome Coffee food van and cool down with a treat from Thorntonhall Ice Cream – both located in the picnic field.  

SHARE YOUR MRMORIES OF STERPPING STONES

Over the last four decades, we’ve had the privilege of being part of so many families’ journeys. Some people joined us for a few weeks, others for much longer, but every family has helped shape who we are today.

As we celebrate this milestone, we’d love to hear from you.

Maybe there was a group that made you feel welcome, a member of staff who made a difference, a friendship that started here, or simply a happy memory you’d like to share.

If Stepping Stones has been part of your story, we’d love to hear about it in the comments or send us a message.

Thank you for being part of the last 40 years. Here’s to the next chapter.

#familysupportinedinburgh

Landmark new report evidences the profound impacts of the Edinburgh Festivals, confirming them as one of the most remarkable demonstrations of cultural power in the world.

In the latest of a long line of internationally acclaimed impact studies, the Edinburgh Festivals are now publishing their most recent research across a series of cultural, social and economic indicators – which shows that at a fundamental level the festivals make life better – for residents, artists, visitors, and businesses.

The research identifies the Edinburgh Festivals as a unique civic asset that enhances wellbeing through creative and community engagement, an unrivalled international springboard for Scottish artists and companies, and a major attraction for those choosing to live, work, visit and invest in Edinburgh.

The findings clearly indicate that the Festivals define Scotland’s cultural identity on the global stage.

Introducing the latest Impact Study, Professor Daisy Fancourt, Director of WHO Collaborating Centre on Arts and Health and UNESCO Chair in Arts & Global Health as well as author of Art Cure: How the Arts Can Transform Your Health and Help You Live Longer said: “The Edinburgh Festivals have long stood as one of the world’s most remarkable demonstrations of the power of arts and culture.

“Shared cultural experiences create opportunities for dialogue, build understanding and challenge ideas. They bring people together across generations, backgrounds and perspectives, helping to build trust and social cohesion.

“At a time when many communities are grappling with social fragmentation and unrest, cultural participation offers powerful opportunities to strengthen civic life and nurture a sense of common purpose.

“The Festivals show what is possible when culture is placed at the heart of civic life, and this report provides a powerful case for the importance ofsustaining and investing in their future for generations to come.”

The research affirms that while the individual festivals are powerful brands in their respective fields, collectively they are both a unique national asset and a global phenomenon. They are an integral part of the cultural and social fabric of the country and provide an opportunity to showcase a 21st century nation.

The headline findings in this publication show the Edinburgh Festivals as:

• cultural adventurers, with 90% of audiences acclaiming the festivals as unique places of cultural discovery
• civic drivers, that enhance community well-being with 79% of local audiences stating that the festivals make Edinburgh a special place to live
• national investors, spending more than £10m annually with event production companies and creative talent based in Scotland
• economic powerhouses, calculated to have a gross economic impact of £4.26 billion over the next five years in Scotland.

Commenting on the publication of the Impact Study, the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, Màiri McAllan MSP said: “The Edinburgh Festivals are truly world class — and this research confirms their extraordinary cultural, social and economic value to Scotland.

“A projected national economic impact of £4.26 billion over the coming five years, 90% of audiences describing them as unique places of cultural discovery, and 79% of Edinburgh residents saying they make the city a special place to live — these are remarkable findings.

“As we approach the 80th anniversary of Edinburgh’s status as a festival city, the Scottish Government is proud to champion the festivals and committed to ensuring they continue to thrive for the benefit of people across Scotland and on the global stage.“

Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener at City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Edinburgh’s festivals are at the heart of what makes our city so special, bringing together residents and visitors to enjoy thousands of shows and events throughout the year.

“This research highlights that these celebrations deliver significant cultural, social, and economic benefits, supporting local communities and businesses while enhancing the city’s global reputation.

“As we approach the 80^th anniversary of our festivals, we remain committed to supporting their future while balancing the needs of residents, visitors, and business, ensuring Edinburgh continues to thrive as a world-leading festival city.”

Vicki Miller, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “Edinburgh’s festivals are world renowned, and a key part of what makes Scotland a must-visit destination, drawing thousands of international visitors to the country each year.

“Cultural events like these provide authentic and immersive experiences for people across Scotland and from around the world and are vital in strengthening our international profile and supporting local businesses, artists, and performers.”

Lori Anderson, Director of Festivals Edinburgh stated: ‘We are facing challenging times which call for boldness, direction, and vision – and the Edinburgh Festivals, through their pioneering collaborative work, focused strategic thinking, and hugely praised programmes, have these qualities in abundance.

“They have a powerful role to play in increasing the creative capacity, economic strength, and international reputation of Scotland. Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the birth of our world leading festival city, now is the time to champion and invest in the Festivals’ success.”

Further findings in the Impact Study include:

The Edinburgh Festivals have seen a major expansion in their community reach

Alongside its global scale, the report identifies a major expansion in the Festivals’ community footprint. They offer residents of the city and substantial audiences of all ages throughout Scotland, opportunities that support creative expression, social connection and wellbeing, while breaking down barriers, enhancing community cohesion and civic pride.

These core principles were fundamental building blocks of the PlaCE [Partnerships for Creative Excellence] programme, a pioneering three-way partnership between Edinburgh Festivals, Scottish Government and the City of Edinburgh Council. Almost 76,000 community participants took part across the life of the programme.

Over the five years spanning 2018 to 2023, the Festivals delivered a 489% increase in engagement with community groups, a 39% increase in schools participation (from 497 to 694) anda 245% increase in partnership activity.

This growth reflects a significant development of year-round activity and more equitable access, with programmes increasingly reaching communities less likely to have engaged with the Festivals in the past.

The Edinburgh Festivals are a civic asset as well as a global platform

The report reinforces the Festivals’ role within the city itself. Edinburgh residents account for around one third of all attendances, with 79% of local audiences identifying the Festivals as central to the city’s identity and sense of place, making it a special place to live. And 89.9% of audiences say that the Festivals create a welcoming environment in the city.

This dual role – as both a global cultural gathering and a locally rooted civic asset – is identified as a defining feature of the Edinburgh Festivals.

The Edinburgh Festivals are a key investor in Scotland’s creative economy

Beyond audience impact, the Festivals continue to act as a major investor in Scotland’s cultural sector, supporting artists, production companies and creative organisations across the country.

Annual spend with Scottish-based creative talent and production companies exceeds £10 million, helping to sustain jobs, develop skills and build international connections across the sector.

The Edinburgh Festivals provide a platform for Scotland on the world stage

With participants from over 80 countries and audiences from more than 100 countries, the Festivals play a central role in projecting Scotland internationally, showcasing a 21^st century nation.

The report affirms the Edinburgh Festivals as a globally significant cultural marketplace, while remaining deeply embedded within Scotland’s communities and creative industries. Both a unique national asset, part of the cultural and social fabric of the country, and a global phenomenon making up part of the appeal that will drive Scotland forward.

The Edinburgh Festivals are economic powerhouses

The Edinburgh Festivals delivered an estimated £558 million in net economic impact for Edinburgh and £852 million across Scotland in 2025.

A central finding of the research is that this economic impact is driven by the quality and innovation within the Festivals’ cultural programmes which drive attendances. 90% of audiences acclaimed the festivals as unique places of cultural discovery.

The report concludes that investment in programming is the primary factor that attracts global audiences and generates wider economic activity across tourism, hospitality and the creative industries. With the right investment the future impact is expected to reach £4.26 billion over the next five years.

The findings underline the Festivals’ position as a major national asset, operating at a scale rarely seen in global cultural events.

With over 4 million attendances drawn from more than 100 countries last year, Edinburgh hosts one of the largest ticketed event programmes in the world every year, on a scale equivalent with less frequent major events such as the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup.

As part of the National Museum of Scotland’s Summer Family Fun, family visitors to the Museum on 29 June and 3 July are invited to help celebrate the 30th birthday of the world’s most famous sheep.

Visitors will have the chance to write in Dolly the sheep’s big birthday card, and can enjoy a special Dolly-themed cupcake, on sale in the Museum’s cafes from 29 June – 16 July.  

Dolly was born on 5 July 1996 at the Roslin Institute just outside Edinburgh, the first cloned mammal ever to be created from an adult cell. 

Affectionately named after country music legend Dolly Parton, her inception changed what scientists thought was possible and opened new possibilities in medicine and biology. She spent her entire life in Roslin where she gave birth to six healthy lambs and died in 2003 aged six.  

On 16 July, the Museum will host an adult event exploring the history and legacy of Dolly. Dolly at 30: The Life and Legacy of a Cloned Sheepwill bring together an expert panel to explore the historical significance and ongoing cultural impact of Dolly.  

Director of Edinburgh Science Hassun El-Zafur will chair a panel conversation exploring the scientific innovation, historic significance and ongoing cultural impact of Dolly the sheep. Panelists include experts from the Roslin Institute, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Cambridge, and National Museums Scotland. The discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A.  

On the night there will also be the opportunity to see recent Dolly-related additions to the museum’s contemporary collections. 

Professor Andrew Kitchener, Principal Curator of Vertebrate Biology at National Museums Scotland said: Thirty years on, Dolly remains an icon of modern science whose story captures the public’s imagination. 

“Dolly has been on display at the National Museum of Scotland for over 20 years and remains one of our most popular exhibits. We look forward to welcoming visitors in July to help us celebrate this milestone birthday for Dolly.”

Dolly at 30: The Life and Legacy of a Cloned Sheep 
Thu 16th July  
 
18:30 – 20:00: Panel discussion in the Auditorium,  
20:00 – 20:30: Pop-up display of newly acquired objects related to Dolly the sheep. 

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street  
This event is free, but booking is required.  
This event is for ages 16+. 

Tickets can be booked online at Dolly at 30: The Life and Legacy of a Cloned Sheep | National Museums Scotland  

This event is supported by the History of Science Society’s Elizabeth Paris Endowment.  

A campaign to highlight the criminality of buying alcohol for minors has been welcomed by the Scottish Government.

Scottish Minister for Community Safety Kirsten Oswald MSP praised the collaboration between Police Scotland, retailers and the alcohol sector to tackle the issue which leads to underage drinking and street disorder.

The “It’ll Cost You” is a campaign fronted by Police Scotland which will run in communities across Scotland during the summer months.

Ms Oswald said: “This campaign by the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership is a welcome addition to the efforts in confronting underage drinking.”

The clear message of the campaign is that buying alcohol for minors could land you with a fine, a jail sentence or both.

Police Scotland is working with retailers and alcohol companies to drive home the stark message that buying alcohol for children, proxy purchase, is a criminal offence.

Evaluations of the previous campaigns have shown a steady increase in awareness about the implications of supplying alcohol to minors, but it remains a serious issue with detections being made by police across Scotland during the course of last year’s campaign.

The “It’ll Cost You!” campaign is a collaboration between Police Scotland, the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership and Community Alcohol Partnerships.

This year’s campaign will run from Monday 29 June in communities across Scotland.

Kirsten Oswald MSP, Minister for Victims and Community Safety said: “Buying alcohol for anyone under 18 is a criminal offence and could result in a fine, imprisonment or both.

“It can put young people at risk of harm, increase their vulnerability and contribute to antisocial behaviour. This campaign highlights the value of partnership working to tackle underage drinking and help keep our young people safe.

“I welcome the continued efforts of Police Scotland, retailers and the alcohol industry to promote and reinforce this message.

“While awareness is growing, every detection shows that proxy purchasing remains an issue in communities across Scotland. I urge anyone considering it to think carefully about the consequences – for themselves and the young person involved.”

Chief Inspector Michelle Grant, Police Scotland, said: “This campaign showcases the benefits of key partners working together to inform the public of dangers associated with underage drinking, as well as the criminal consequences for supplying those under 18 with alcohol.”

Luke McGarty, Chair of the SAIP Campaigns Group and Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Scottish Grocers Federation, said: “Retailers are successfully stopping underage alcohol purchase through the Challenge 25 scheme.

“It is vital, therefore, that adults buying alcohol for them instead are fully aware that it is a criminal act. The “It’ll Cost You!” campaign fits perfectly with SGF’s position of promoting responsible community retailing.

“We look forward to continuing to work with our partners on the campaign again this year.”

Tam Cassidy, Community Alcohol Partnership, said: “The campaign gives us an opportunity to spread the “It’ll Cost You!” message in local communities, highlighting the dangers of buying alcohol for young people.

“We look forward to working with Police Scotland and the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers to make sure that this messaging is carried through all our engagement activity this summer.”