#sfaextratime have organised a special ASN event in partnership with Active Schools Edinburgh
If your child/children would like to attend please book using the qr code.
Wee Connections ASN Family Afternoon at Craigie
Category: North Edinburgh News
Claim your Child Trust Fund this National Apprenticeship Week
- Young adults encouraged to find their matured Child Trust Fund quickly and for free using the GOV.UK locator tool
- Child Trust Funds worth on average £2,242 each
- Those starting an apprenticeship can use the HMRC App for essential information needed by their employer
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging young people in Scotland who have yet to claim their Child Trust Fund to do so during National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February).
While an apprenticeship can provide a good start to life in work, latest figures show 758,000 young people could be missing out on cash as they have yet to claim the savings in their Child Trust Fund account.
Child Trust Funds are long term, tax-free savings accounts which were set up for children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011 with an initial government deposit of at least £250.
Young people can take control of their account at 16, but once they turn 18 years old the account matures and they can decide whether they want to withdraw the money or re-invest it.
With more than 14,500 young people aged 24 and under on Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland, a Child Trust Fund worth on average £2,242 each, will give them a financial head start.
Hope Kerr-Williams, a 22 year-old apprentice from Nottingham, claimed her Child Trust Fund at 18.
Hope found out about her Child Trust Fund account when she was a teenager. Her parents had told her where it was invested and that they had paid an inheritance into it on her behalf. It was worth £5,000 by the time she claimed it and she used it to help pay for her expenses when she started university.
Hope said: “I was counting down the days until I could claim my Child Trust Fund as I was planning my move to Sheffield. I used it to put a deposit down on my flat, pay the first months’ rent and buy essentials for my accommodation, which all adds up when you have to buy everything at once. I also bought a laptop for my course.”
Hope says she doesn’t know how she would have managed costs without it and encouraged her friends to claim theirs.
“Having my Child Trust Fund account saved me from going into an overdraft or borrowing money when I had a lot of expenses at the start of university. It gave me independence and a great start to adult life, which I’m still grateful for.”
Hope graduated last summer and joined HMRC in November. She is one of 870 apprentices currently with HMRC and is doing a Level 4 PR and Communications Apprenticeship.
“I’m enjoying applying what I’ve learnt to my job. Apprenticeships allow you to work, study and gain experience while earning a qualification that’s directly relevant to your role. I’d recommend an apprenticeship to anyone.”
For young people who know where their Child Trust Fund is held, they can contact the savings provider directly.
For those who don’t know where their Child Trust Fund is, the quickest and easiest way to locate it, is to use the GOV.UK Child Trust Fund locator tool.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer said: “Whether young people are on an apprenticeship, starting their first job, or making plans to go to university, a Child Trust Fund can make all the difference. Find yours today by searching ‘find my Child Trust Fund’ on GOV.UK”.
It is quick and easy to search for a Child Trust Fund account online. To make a request, young people just need provide their National Insurance number and Date of Birth.
For those who don’t have their National Insurance number to hand, young people can download the HMRC app to view it and save it in their digital wallet.
Nearly 1.7 million young people under the age of 25 have downloaded the HMRC app. While National Insurance number views is one of the most popular functions for young people using the HMRC app, they can also find other essential information at their fingertips – including Pay As You Earn (PAYE) information, their tax code as well as employment history.
More information about Child Trust Funds can be found on GOV.UK.
OMNI enters home stretch of landmark £5 million refurbishment
Edinburgh’s affordable leisure and entertainment hub, OMNi has announced its centre-wide refurbishment is progressing well and is due to complete at the end of March 2026.
OMNi is home to brand favourites including Vue, Boom Battle Bar, Wetherspoon, Escape Hunt, The Glasshouse Hotel, and Edinburgh Street Food.
The £5 million transformation, which began last summer, is delivering significant enhancements to the public realm.
These include new flooring throughout the centre, an upgraded and more visible main entrance, modern LED lighting, new seating zones, and extensive internal structural improvements.
Together, these upgrades will create a more vibrant, welcoming, and contemporary space for the local community in the heart of Edinburgh.
OMNi is planning a series of celebrations to mark the completion of the project, with further details to be shared in the coming weeks.
Neil Mackie, OMNi Edinburgh Centre Manager, said: “We’re thrilled with the progress of the refurbishment and can’t wait to reveal a revitalised OMNi this spring. These improvements will create a more welcoming and vibrant space for everyone who visits, works, and relaxes here in the heart of Edinburgh.
“With the refurbishment entering its final stage, we’re now shaping our celebration plans and can’t wait to mark the completion with our community soon!”
International investment group Triple B acquired OMNi in April 2024 and announced its commitment to enhancing communities and promoting positive experiences through transformative real estate projects.
The investment will help OMNi kick-start its journey of evolution, with locals at the heart of the project.
Refurbishment updates will be available throughout via the OMNi website and social media channels. OMNi Edinburgh is open 6am – 1am, Monday to Sunday. Individual brand opening times may vary, including Bank Holidays.
Edinburgh & Lothian families to receive free storm‑safety storybook from SP Energy Networks
SP ENERGY NETWORKS BRINGS STORM SAFETY TO STORYTIME
Meet the tiny puppies taking on Britain’s wildest weather by teaching kids how to stay safe in a power cut, as top kids author-illustrator Emily MacKenzie reveals the exciting Stormy Night children’s book every family needs this winter.
Two fearless puppies are taking on storm season in a new bedtime story that could save the day in a power cut – Walter and Skye’s Stormy Night.
Award‑winning children’s author‑illustrator Emily MacKenzie has partnered with distribution network operator SP Energy Networks to create a new playbook for power cuts. Released at the height of the UK’s storm season, this new storybook helps families stay cosy and safe if the lights go out.
Perfect for children under five, the story is tailormade for bedtime or nursery reading. The wind howls, the lights flicker and heroic puppies Walter and Skye start their new adventure as a storm blows in. The brother‑and‑sister duo will face their fear of the dark and take on a power cut – thanks to a special storm kit they prepared before the weather turned.
The new book will hit nurseries, libraries and playgroups across Central & Southern Scotland, North Wales, Merseyside and Cheshire over the course of this winter. Over 2,000 print copies are being shared across SP Energy Networks’ patch, with a free online version available through the company’s website.
Author Emily MacKenzie has twice been shortlisted for the Bookbug Picture Book Prize and is known for her colourful illustrations made using coloured pencils, pens, gouache, inks and rubber stamps.
Her books include Wanted! Ralfy, Rabbit Book Burglar, Stanley the Amazing Knitting Cat, Eric Makes a Splash! and Help! Ralfy Rabbit and the Great Library Rescue.
Emily MacKenzie said: “I loved the idea of turning a wild, windy night into something exciting rather than scary. Walter and Skye are the kind of friends you’d want by your side when the lights go out – curious, brave and ready to spring into action!
“As I painted each page, I thought about the families who might read it together, wrapped up in blankets, learning these simple tips without even realising they’re learning. My hope is that children will remember the characters and when a storm comes along, SP Energy Networks makes them feel ready and safe.”
The book packs in SP Energy Networks’ top tips for staying safe, warm and prepared during storm season – from keeping a wind-up torch within reach and a power bank fully charged, to knowing the emergency helpline number and signing up for the free Priority Services Register if you need extra support.
Kendal Morris, Customer Service Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “We’re always looking for innovative ways to help our customers prepare for bad weather so partnering with the incredible Emily MacKenzie to create a children’s story felt like a great way to engage families.
“While power cuts are rare, it’s really important that parents and all our customers know what to do if the lights go out. Our teams are working round the clock this winter to keep the power flowing.”
The book is part of a partnership with Scottish Book Trust to help the story reach as many families as possible. On Thursday 5 February, SP Energy Networks teamed up with Bookbug for a special family‑friendly live reading at Central Children’s Library in Edinburgh.
Children, parents and carers joined author Emily MacKenzie in person at a Bookbug Session, heard the story come to life and took home a signed copy to treasure. Scottish Book Trust also shared the story through its Bookbug network and free app, helping it reach thousands of families nationwide.
Marc Lambert, CEO at Scottish Book Trust, said: “Stories are a wonderful way for children and families to bond, and Walter and Skye’s Stormy Night does just that. It’s a charming story with beautiful illustrations that will help families to be prepared for stormy winter weather.
“We’re proud to share this adventure through Bookbug, and help the book to reach families across the country.”
Families can get their hands on the new book for free on the SP Energy Networks website:
https://www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/walters_skyes_stormy_night.aspx
Tattie Day at Lauriston Farm
SUNDAY 1st MARCH 11am – 1pm
Ever wanted to grow your own potatoes?
Come along to Tattie Day to get low-cost seed tatties, plus growing tips, and share soup & bread and other seeds for free…
Sunday 1 March 11am -1pm
Drop in to the Welcome portacabin in farmyard
We will have low-cost sets of seed tatties available for you to buy to get planting, as well as people on hand to advise you on your tattie growing.
Please bring your own bags if possible
Access Notes
There is one step up into the portacabin. It is a rough compacted stone path from the Toby Carvery car park. The cabin is set on rough grass, just off this path. This will be an informal and chatty gathering, in a relatively small space.
Assistance dogs welcome of course.
There is a spacious, level access, single cubicle, gender neutral toilet in the Community Allotments that participants can use. This is on rough grassy ground, no steps.
There is no on-farm parking, but we can make arrangements for disabled people who need to drive in for access reasons.
Please email us if you have any access requests or questions.
Nat Cen British Social Attitudes Survey: 81% Scots back Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults
In the weeks before the final vote in the Scottish Parliament on Liam McArthur MSP’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, new findings from the British Social Attitudes Survey show that an overwhelming majority of Scots (81%) support assisted dying for terminally ill people.
The report notes that the public has long been in support of a change in the law, and that this support remains unchanged despite the intensive debate regarding the issue over the last year.
Ally Thomson, Director of Dignity in Dying Scotland, said: “These findings are a powerful reminder that the Scottish public has long supported giving dying people the choice and control they desperately need, and that this support has not wavered despite intense scrutiny and debate.
“Without a change in the law terminally ill Scots facing a bad death are forced to contemplate a series of desperate decisions, from trying to go to Switzerland, stopping eating and drinking, taking matters into their own hands in lonely and often brutal ways, or suffering against their will. The most dangerous thing the Parliament can do here is nothing and allow this situation to persist.
“When MSPs voted in favour of Liam McArthur’s Assisted Dying Bill at Stage 1 last year, they gave dying Scots and those who had watched a loved one suffer real hope that such suffering will be consigned to the past.
“It’s clear that the public expect the Scottish Parliament to deliver on this issue and pass the Bill next month.”
Emma Cooper, Convenor, Friends at the End (FATE) said: ““It is very clear that there is sustained, overwhelming public support from Scottish people for assisted dying to be introduced in Scotland.
“No one should have to endure a bad death because the law has failed to provide a compassionate choice.
“Too many people have suffered and seen loved ones suffer unnecessarily.
“MSPs should listen to the will of the people and pass this deeply considered and highly safeguarded legislation, rather than listening to misleading information perpetuated by a few loud and misrepresentative voices.”
The British Social Attitudes Survey 2025 is available from: https://natcen.ac.uk/
Strengthening the third sector
A partnership to boost outcomes and better support communities
The Scottish Government will develop an agreement with the third sector to strengthen its voice and improve lives, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has said.
The Third Sector Partnership will be co-designed with the sector, guided by some of the key principles in the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisation’s 2026 manifesto, to set out how both can work together to enhance services.
This includes:
- protecting the sector’s future and independence with fairer funding
- a focus on shared goals to improve outcomes for people and communities
- providing greater opportunity to contribute to policy and service design
Ms Somerville said: “Scotland’s third sector is essential to the wellbeing of our communities. From local charities supporting vulnerable families to national organisations tackling poverty and inequality, they reach people and places that government cannot reach alone.
“This partnership will put our relationship with the third sector on a clear, principled footing, strengthening their voice and improving lives. It builds on our commitment to fairer funding and signals that we value the sector as an essential delivery partner and as an independent, strong voice that provides support for people across the country every single day.”
The Scottish Government intends to work with partner organisations and the wider third sector to develop and refine the agreement in the next Scottish Parliament, subject to the outcome of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.
This is in addition to delivering a Fairer Funding pilot that provides multi-year funding worth more than £130 million over 2025-2027, prioritising organisations that deliver frontline services and tackle child poverty.
Welcoming the Scottish Government’s commitment to a “Third Sector Partnership”, Anna Fowlie, SCVO Chief Executive, said: “Voluntary organisations are at the heart of Scotland’s response to the biggest challenges we face. They make our communities better places to live. Too often, however, public bodies overlook the voluntary sector in planning, decision-making and delivery. That must change.
“To ensure that our sector is properly recognised as an essential partner, we need the right infrastructure in place – to support genuine partnership working between the voluntary and public sectors. Our manifesto sets out why a formalised relationship, set in law, would help achieve this. We welcome all commitments that move Scotland closer to achieving that goal and will engage constructively with their development.
“It is essential that any future scheme is properly resourced, and co-designed with the voluntary sector, so that it reflects, from the start, the experience, evidence and needs of Scotland’s essential sector.”
SCVO’s 2026 Scottish Parliament election manifesto, Scotland’s Essential Sector, is available here: https://scvo.scot/about/manifesto-2026
The draft Scottish Budget 2026-2027 commits a dedicated £20 million fund for third sector partners to deliver support that people need in their communities.
The Gathering is organised by SCVO and runs on 10 and 11 February 2026.
A Fairer Funding pilot to deliver on the Scottish Government’s top priority of eradicating child poverty. The Pilot commenced in April 2025 and consists of 51 separate grants, totalling over £130m over 2025-26 and 2026-27 to organisations across Scotland.
PYCP: Community Chat & Chill Cafe
STARTS THIS THURSDAY 12 FEBRUARY: 12 – 2PM
To all our local neighbours:
For the next 7 weeks we are trialling a warm safe space for our Chat & Chill Cafe. Our first one is this Thursday 12 February midday to 2pm.
Whether you have children attending PYCP or not, EVERYONE in our community is welcome to join us.
Pop in, chill out and enjoy a warm space filled with good vibes and good company.
We will be serving up free homemade soup, tasty sandwiches and some extra treats to brighten your day.
Each session comes with giveaway goodies and a lively round of prize bingo (no cost to you).
We will also have our Pop up shop of affordable clothing if you want to browse and pick up some bargains (cash and card payments taken for this). Any money raised goes staight back in to the running of the clubs and groups.
If you think you can make it for our first Chat & Chill then it would be great if you can give us a quick message or send an email to info@pycp.co.uk
Thanks
PY Team
PS> If you can’t make this week, then plenty of other dates in the flyer!
Specsavers Home Visits partners mark total of 35 years of customer care
TWO directors who lead the Specsavers Home Visits team across Edinburgh, the Lothians and the Scottish Borders both celebrate major career milestones this year, marking a cumulative 35 years with Specsavers caring for the eyesight of local communities across Scotland.
Home Visits partner Lynne Seebaluck began her optical career as an optical assistant for Specsavers in East Kilbride, qualifying as a dispensing optician before moving to the Specsavers store in Bellshill as a retail manager.
At the store, Lynne completed an ILM management course, as well as her Hearing Aid Audiology diploma, moving onto an audiology role as well as store manager.
Lynne became a partner at the Edinburgh Home Visits team in 2022 and brought her experiences, particularly in audiology, to the team – mentoring several team members through their own audiology qualifications.
Reflecting on the past 20 years, Lynne says: ‘I have had such a varied career with Specsavers and there are so many people to thank for making my career such a rewarding one.
“From the directors I’ve worked for over the years, to the great teams I have worked with, even my husband David, who also works for Specsavers.
‘Since I joined as the partner for the Home Visits team, it’s been incredible being able to pay a visit to so many amazing customers. They are so grateful for the service, and they always have super stories to share.
“I’d also like to thank our incredible team of opticians, optical assistants, dispensing opticians, schedulers and audiologists. All of them are amazing and help us to provide the best care to the communities we work in.’
Fellow partner Laura Owens also marks a milestone of 15 years, starting her Specsavers career in a frontline customer service role before progressing through roles such as optical assistant and into a variety of leadership and managements positions.
She joined the Home Visits team back in 2022 and now serves as customer service director for the business, with a strong focus on team wellbeing and patient care at the heart of her day-to-day.
Laura says: ‘My journey with Specsavers has been both rewarding and transformative. I love that we’re not just delivering eye care and audiology services, we’re making a real difference in people’s lives and delivering total care, especially in the home visits space where many of our patients are vulnerable or isolated.
‘Hitting this milestone, I’m also very excited about continuing to shape the future of our Home Visits team. My focus is on driving awareness and making eye and ear care more accessible to those who need it, while ensuring our teams feel supported and empowered.
She adds: ‘I’d like to thank my incredible team both past and present for their dedication, resilience, and heart. Every success we’ve had is a reflection of their hard work and compassion. It’s truly a privilege to be part of a business that truly puts people first.’
For more information about the Specsavers Home Visits team, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/home-eye-tests/request-a-free-home-visit or call 0808 239 4492 to book a home visit.
Pirates of Caribbean and Game of Thrones stars join star-studded guest line-up for Capital Sci-Fi Con 2026
Pirates of the Caribbean star Kevin McNally and Game of Thrones actor Murray McArthur are the latest stars to join the guest list for this year’s Capital Sci-Fi Con which will take place later this month in Edinburgh in aid of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
The unmissable event, which attracts thousands of fans each year, is on at Edinburgh Corn Exchange on February 21 and 22.
Organisers are promising an action-packed weekend of celebrity guests, cosplay, and immersive experiences, all in aid of CHAS.
Although most famous for starring in Pirates of the Caribbean, Kevin McNally has also appeared in many other films and TV shows including Doctor Who.
Murray McArthur, who plays the Wildling chieftain, Dim Dalba in Game of Thrones has also starred in Doctor Who as well as films such as How to Train Your Dragon and Wonka.
Other famous faces attending this year’s event include Deadpool and Wolverine canine star Dogpool, whose real name is Peggy, Emmett J Scanlan (Guardians of the Galaxy), Dee Tails (Star Wars movies) and Samantha Alleyne, best known for being the first female Stormtrooper in Star Wars.
Popular voice actors Rich Keeble and Maxence Cazorla from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Nola Klopp from Murder Drones who is also a singer and songwriter, will be in attendance to greet fans too.
Props for this year include exciting replicas from fandoms such as Stranger Things, Ghostbusters, Alien and Judge Dredd. There will also be a dedicated gaming room with an which includes a Super Mario section. For younger guests there will be famous cartoon mascots such as Sonia and Stitch, Minions and Moana. There will also be a Little Mermaid throne and dinosaur inflatables.
Every ticket purchased helps the charity provide essential care and support for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families,
The event has raised an incredible £484,014.62 since 2016 when it was originally set up by West Lothian volunteer fundraiser and community superhero, Keith Armour.
CHAS now runs Capital Sci-Fi Con itself although Keith is still involved in an advisory capacity along with a committee of dedicated volunteers.
Con guests have the chance to sign up to the LEGO Walk Challenge on the Sunday which involves walking barefoot across LEGO in aid of CHAS.
There will also be a spectacular range of trader stalls and artist areas with a large show floor for the perfect shopping experience for everyone across all fandoms.
Laura Campbell, Head of Community Fundraising and Retail at CHAS said, “We are delighted to be bringing CHAS’s Sci-Fi Con back to Edinburgh for an 11th year and excited to welcome Kevin McNally, Murray McArthur and all our other wonderful guests.
“Our Con has grown into one of Scotland’s most loved fan events, welcoming thousands of visitors from every corner of the country and beyond. It’s the ultimate place to celebrate all things pop culture—and a fantastic day out for fans of every age.
“From meeting your heroes and getting treasured autographs or photo ops, to hearing guests speak live on stage about their latest projects and iconic roles, there’s something unforgettable around every corner. Don’t miss out—tickets are selling fast, so get yours now!”
To find out more about Capital Sci-Fi Con 2025 and buy tickets visit:
https://www.capitalscificon.com/tickets.html.
Further information is also available via the event’s Facebook page.