Bright Horizons marks International Literacy Day

Children at Bright Horizons Cramond in Edinburgh are being encouraged to explore stories, songs, rhymes and language through everyday play and interactions, helping to build the foundations for literacy from an early age.

Literacy begins long before a child learns to read or write, and International Literacy Day is an opportunity to highlight how parents can support their child’s language and literacy development through simple activities at home.

Zoe Austen, Director of Education at Bright Horizons Cramond, said: “Literacy begins long before a child learns to read or write. From the moment babies have their first interactions with others, hear their first stories, songs and rhymes, they are building the foundations for literacy.

International Literacy Day gives us a great opportunity to remind parents that some of the most important steps in this journey happen through simple, everyday interactions at home.

“The best way parents can support early literacy is by making language a part of everyday life, without it feeling like a lesson. Talking, singing, sharing stories, rhymes and play can all help develop their vocabulary and confidence.

“Babies and young children are constantly tuning into the rhythm and patterns of our speech, as well as our facial expressions, tone and gestures. It all helps them to understand language and build connections with the people around them.

“Giving children plenty of opportunities to interact, listen and explore language in a fun, pressure-free way helps build their confidence and encourages them to see literacy as something enjoyable, rather than something they must learn.

“These positive early experiences can lay the foundations for a lifelong love of reading and learning.”

Specsavers backs grassroots football with £1,000 Cramond kit sponsorship

SPECSAVERS Glenrothes has helped a youth football team kick off the new season in style after sponsoring a new set of home shirts for the squad.

The locally owned and run Glenrothes store donated £1,000 to Cramond FC, with the sponsorship covering the cost of new home kits for the team’s 36 young players.

The team are now sporting their new shirts as they prepare for the season ahead, with the sponsorship helping ensure the whole squad is equipped with matching kit.

Cramond FC is a long-established community football club which provides opportunities for children and young people to take part in the sport in a positive and supportive environment.

David Platt, store director at Specsavers Glenrothes, says: ‘We’re delighted to be able to support Cramond FC and provide the team with their new home shirts.

‘Grassroots sport plays such an important role in helping young people build confidence, stay active and develop friendships, and we’re really pleased to know our sponsorship has helped all 36 boys start the season with a new kit.

‘Supporting local communities is something that’s important to us at Specsavers, and it’s fantastic to see the players wearing their new shirts and representing their club with pride.’

The sponsorship is part of Specsavers Glenrothes’ commitment to supporting community initiatives and helping young people access opportunities through sport. 

To book an appointment at Specsavers Glenrothes for optical or audiology needs, speak to a member of the team on 01592 611044 or visit:

 https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/glenrothes.

CRAMOND FUNDRAISER

The Cramond FC clubhouse, which is located in Davidson’s Mains Park, is in desperate need of a few repairs and a little refresh.

From toilets needing fixed/replaced, exterior harling and guttering needing work and a full repaint. Any help is appreciated.

See Cramond’s website for info

Sunday: Cramond Litter Pick

Dear friends and members of the Cramond Association,

Our September litter pick will be this Sunday, 6th September at Cramond Beach carpark (accessed from Cramond Glebe Road).

We’ll meet at the notice boards in the carpark for a 10am start, and will be finished at 11am. The carpark always benefits from a clear-up, and depending on attendance, we can spread out to the promenade and adjacent field.

All equipment is provided, although our gloves are size large so your own may be more comfortable. If you have a Hi Viz, please bring it along.

Everyone is welcome!

CRAMOND ASSOCIATION

Indian culture takes centre stage at Edinburgh luxury care home

Residents and staff at one of Edinburgh’s leading care homes enjoyed a colourful celebration of Indian culture as part of its annual summer fête.

Cramond Residence, located on Cramond Road in the north-west Edinburgh, brought residents, staff and loved ones together for an Indian-themed celebration, complete with traditional food, music, dancing and dress.

The event saw members of the care home’s Indian team take centre stage, sharing elements of their culture with residents by preparing a selection of traditional dishes and performing songs and dances in the gardens while dressed in traditional clothing.

Residents were encouraged to get involved throughout the day, with many joining staff on the dance floor and embracing the music and celebrations.

The summer fête formed part of Cramond Residence’s wider commitment to creating an inclusive community where the cultures, backgrounds and traditions of both residents and team members are recognised and celebrated.

With people from a range of backgrounds making up the team at Cramond Residence, the event also offered an opportunity for staff to share an important part of their identity with the people they care for every day.

The celebration reflects the home’s belief that providing exceptional care extends beyond meeting residents’ physical needs. Creating a genuine sense of belonging, where people feel respected and connected to the community around them is considered equally important.

Ross Bijak, General Manager of Cramond Residence, said: “Our summer fête is always a wonderful occasion for residents and the team, but this year was particularly special.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have colleagues from a variety of backgrounds and cultures within our team and giving them the opportunity to share their traditions with our residents was particularly valuable.

“A care home should feel like a community, and an important part of creating that is making sure everyone feels welcome, regardless of where they come from. Celebrating the culture represented within our team helps us learn from one another, while also showing families that their traditions and identities will always be respected here.”

Cramond Residence provides luxury care in a peaceful setting on the outskirts of Edinburgh, offering residents beautifully designed accommodation alongside a range of facilities and services tailored to support physical, emotional and social wellbeing. The residence is committed to delivering exceptional care while creating opportunities for residents to remain active, engaged and connected.

For more information about Cramond Residence, please visit:

 www.cramondresidence.co.uk

Sign up for Big Forth Cleanup

Big Forth Cleanup! 28th, 29th,30th August

We’re calling on people all around the Firth of Forth coastline to join us and this is a special callout to folk in East Lothian who might be interested in organising or joining a beach clean along our coastline!

We already have a few beach cleans taking place in east Lothian, but we’d love to see even more communities getting involved!

When you register your beach clean, you’ll have the opportunity to add it to the Big Forth Cleanup map. You’ll also receive lots of useful information, including:

♻️ Top tips for beach cleaning

📍 Information to help you plan your event

🗑️ Guidance on waste disposal from your local authority

Every clean makes a difference, so why not get involved and help us make an even bigger impact along the East Lothian coastline?

👉 Register your beach clean and get involved! https://balancedhorizon.org/big-forth-cleanup/

Have questions? Email us at bfc@balancedhorizon.org

Alzheimer Scotland’s Edinburgh Memory Walk to raise funds for dementia

SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER at LAURISTON CASTLE GARDENS

A fundraising walk that pays tribute to people with dementia is returning to Edinburgh. People across the Lothians are being encouraged to book their place for Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walk 2026 on Sunday, 6 September.

Those joining the event in Lauriston Castle Gardens on Cramond Road South can walk in memory of loved ones affected by the illness while also raising vital funds to support dementia care, research and improvements in brain health.

The Edinburgh event is the first of a series of memory walks taking place across Scotland in 2026.

Those looking to take part can sign up at memorywalk.alzscot.org.

Walks will also be taking place in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Perth, Irvine, Inverness and Kirkcaldy. Tickets cost just £10 for adults and children can be registered for free. It’s quick and easy to set up a sponsorship page, which can be shared with family, friends and colleagues.

Every penny raised will help people with dementia and their carers, as well as supporting better brain health for everyone in Scotland.

Scotland’s Memory Walk is also about celebrating the lives of people with dementia and walking to remember them.

Among those taking part is Debbie Magee, 48, a contracts manager from Broxburn. She will be walking in memory of her mum Rosie who passed away in January aged 82, six years after being diagnosed with vascular dementia.

Debbie will be joined by her sister Annie and 15-year-old daughter Jess, and supported on the day by her other sisters Caroline and Jane.

Debbie said: “My mum Rosie was quite a woman. She was the heart and soul of our family and was dedicated to looking after us all.

“Losing mum to dementia was really tough for the whole family, and it inspired me to sign up to Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walk in Edinburgh.

“I wanted to do something positive that would help keep mum’s memory alive and also raise funds for such a great cause. I’m really looking forward to the day. Our team name is Rosie’s Forget Me Nots. Those were mum’s favourite flowers, which feels extra poignant in light of her diagnosis.

“Dementia affects every person differently and it’s important for me to raise awareness of that, and of the huge impact it has on the wider family.

“Alzheimer Scotland do amazing work and I hope the money we raise can help them support other families like mine who are affected by dementia.”

Lauren Heap, Alzheimer Scotland’s Day Services Manager for Edinburgh and the Lothians, said: “Alzheimer Scotland is proud to support people living with dementia, their families and carers right from our centres in Edinburgh.

“We are delighted to host this Memory Walk in Edinburgh. It is such a special event and it will be wonderful to walk alongside our supporters again in the local community.

“Alzheimer Scotland relies heavily on fundraised money – now more than ever – and every penny helps us continue to develop and deliver vital dementia support. We can’t wait to see Lauriston Castle Gardens filled with a sea of purple t-shirts.”

To find out more and to sign up for Scotland’s Memory Walk, visit: 

memorywalk.alzscot.org 

Cramond Association: Litter pick tomorrow

August’s litter pick will be this Sunday, 2nd August.

We’ll meet outside Barnton Post Office at 10am and target the local area.

We’ll be finished by 11am.

All equipment is provided, but please bring a Hi Viz if possible.

Everyone is welcome, hope to see you there!

Today: Community Meals at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Rise and shine! 🌞 Our lunch menu for Monday, 27th July, is a celebration of local, organic goodness! We’re thrilled to be serving a broad bean and goat’s cheese tart, made with broad beans harvested by the fabulous Walking Group at Edinburgh Agroecology Coop last week, paired with a fresh side salad.

For dessert, indulge in our Gooseberry Crumble Cake, made with gooseberries plucked from our very own garden, served with a divine fruit coulis created by the talented volunteer chef, Artemis!

This menu is a testament to the power of community and the beauty of summer – don’t miss out on this opportunity to treat yourself to a delicious, healthy, and uplifting meal.

As always, our doors open at 9am for a free breakfast and a warm welcome, so spread the word and invite your friends and family to join in on the feast!

Treasure Island at Lauriston Castle

Join us for Treasure Island, our next family theatre performance at Lauriston Castle, on Thursday 23 July.

Join plucky Jim Hawkins and his crew of salty old sea dogs on their search for buried treasure in Quantum Theatre’s exciting adaptation of the pirate adventure classic, Treasure Island.

An action-packed show for all the family!

Book: https://cultureedinburgh.com/…/treasure-island-with…