Every year, thousands of families face a terrifying crisis. A sudden diagnosis. A life-threatening condition. A desperate need to be close to their child, but nowhere to stay.
The Sick Children’s Trust provides a calm, comforting space for families to be near their critically ill child during the most traumatic time of their lives. A warm bed, a place to cook, and somewhere to rest – all free of charge, just minutes from the hospital.
It costs The Sick Children’s Trust £40 a night to support one family in one of our ten ‘Homes from Home’, and we rely entirely on donations. The reality is that costs are rising, and demand for our homes is growing. That’s why I’m asking your readers to become a Friend of The Sick Children’s Trust by giving £10 a month. Their monthly gift will keep another family together, when they need it most.
The families we support travel an average of 86 minutes to be by their sick child’s bedside. One such family is that of Laura Makin, whose teenage daughter Keisha needed urgent treatment in Newcastle, over 200 miles from their North Wales home. Our Crawford House ‘Home from Home’ became their lifeline, keeping them close to Keisha during months of uncertainty and heartache. Laura said:
“Crawford House quickly became our sanctuary. Being offered a room there meant I could stay close to Keisha while she faced months of intensive treatment. Spending Christmas and Keisha’s 16th birthday in hospital was tough, but the ‘Home from Home’ gave us comfort and normality in the chaos. I could cook meals, talk to other parents, and just breathe. It even gave Keisha a break from the hospital when she came out of isolation – she loved being there, just being a teenager again.
“We stayed in Newcastle for nine months, and Crawford House was with us every step of the way. I’ll never forget the warmth and support we felt. It truly was a lifeline when we needed it most.”
Because people chose to give, Keisha didn’t have to face hospital alone. Now your readers can help another parent, another child, get the comfort and closeness they deserve.
Please visit sickchildrenstrust.org/donate to become a Friend today. Your regular support will help us plan for the future and will make sure our ‘Homes from Home’ are there for the next family in crisis – tomorrow, next month, and for years to come.
Edinburgh born baritone, Arthur Bruce makes Usher Hall debut
Enigma(Solve riddles in music)
Capella Edina
Conductor Luis Schmidt
Soloist Arthur Bruce
Usher Hall, Edinburgh
3pm, 12 October 2025
Edinburgh’s first resident philharmonic orchestra for almost 90 years brings its first annual season to a conclusion with one of the most perplexing pieces of music created, Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations.
The afternoon concert in the city’s spectacular Usher Hall precedes the Elgar with shorter riddles including Arthur Bliss’s playful work, A Knot of Riddles with Edinburgh born baritone Arthur Bruce joining the orchestra, and Alexandre Desplat’s evocative Suite from The Imitation Game, the haunting musical tribute to the genius of Alan Turing heard in the 2014 feature film.
Bringing more beautiful film music to the concert hall, from the same year, The Theory of Everything brought us the story of another famous scientist, Stephen Hawking with a Golden Globe winning film score by Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson, heard here in a Suite.
Capella Edina’s composer in residence, James Clay has his third work for the orchestra premiered, Afterland, a work for string orchestra, organ and timpani. It is dedicated to Alan Turing and uses God Save the King, the first music recording ever produced by a computer used by Alan Turing.
Riddles have fascinated humankind for centuries – and none more enduringly than Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations. “The Enigma I will not explain,” he once wrote about this work which portrays friendship, love, and deep personal reflection.
From thunderous brass to intimate strings, crowned by the voice of the Usher Hall’s majestic organ Elgar’s Enigma promises an incredible finish to Capella Edina’s first season.
Proving that age is just a number, Scottish Building Society hosted Scotland’s largest walking rugby festival last month, bringing together players of all abilities for a celebration of sport, community, and accessible active living.
Delivered in partnership with Edinburgh Rugby on 15 August, the seven-team tournament saw clubs from across Scotland come together to prove that walking rugby can keep people playing the sport they love for longer.
Ayr, Annan, Edinburgh BATS, Kelso, Midlothian Uncoachables, Murrayfield and Strathmore all participated in the event fielding both male and female teams, with the oldest male player being 85.
The tournament was held during a memorable day at the home of Edinburgh Rugby.
Walking Rugby follows a similar format to traditional rugby except there is no sprinting, meaning passing accuracy and positioning are key.
It is a more accessible game as tackling is a much lesser part of the game and requires greater tactical knowledge. The format is growing in popularity with former players who still want to play the game but are older or are unable to partake in full Participants were also joined by Oliver Duncan from the Edinburgh Rugby Academy, who shared his expertise with the players.
Oliver Duncan, Edinburgh Rugby Academy, said:“It’s great to see people of all ages across Scotland come together for the love of the game.
“Walking rugby can really help older players, or those less able, to enjoy the game for longer and help communities stay fit. ”
Speaking following the tournament, Lindsey Kyle from Annan Walking Rugby, said: “Making connections, being out in the fresh air, interacting with others and staying active for as long as possible is so important form a physical health and a mental health perspective.”
Paul Denton, CEO, Scottish Building Society said: “Walking rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in Scotland because it can be played by such a wide range of ages and abilities.
“Through our partnership with Edinburgh Rugby, we’re proud to champion inclusivity and give back to communities in meaningful ways. Programmes like these show that rugby truly is a game for everyone.
“This tournament shows that age is just a number, and we hope events like this encourage more people to take up the sport and see that regardless of ability, mobility or age- rugby has a place for you.”
With just a few days left until the 10th anniversary of Poppyscotland’s popular Sportive, supporters are being urged to sign up today and get on their bikes in aid of the Armed Forces charity.
Taking place on Sunday, September 21, 2025, the Sportive features four routes designed for different ability levels. It is split into two distinct types – the Classic (46, 68 and 102 miles) and the Wee Yin (22 miles).
As in previous years, riders will start in Prestonpans, East Lothian, before following the coastal route to North Berwick and beyond. Classic routes include a timed hill climb and feed stations, with distances ranging from 46 to 102 miles, while the Wee Yin (22 miles) offers a flatter, family-friendly ride through Gullane and Aberlady before returning to the coast. All routes finish in Prestonpans.
The event wouldn’t be possible without the support of the charity’s many volunteers who staff the various stations throughout the routes, or its sponsors, including Leith Cycles, based on Leith Walk, Edinburgh, who have been a staple supporter throughout the event’s history.
Sportive organiser Richard Todd said: “We are extremely grateful to the team at Leith Cycles for their support with our Sportive event each year, ensuring that they are on hand at pit stops throughout each route to assist with any minor bike faults.
“As a small token of our appreciation, we recently presented owner Richard Dowsett with a framed Poppyscotland memorabilia jersey marking 100 years of the Scottish poppy.”
Richard Dowsett, owner of Leith Cycles, said it was a pleasure and privilege to support Poppyscotland over the years. He added: “We are a small, independent business and we are delighted to help once again by providing both manpower and the necessary tools or equipment that may be needed for any bicycle issue on the day.
“Just being there to help cyclists with any issues they may have is imperative so that participants can complete their Sportive route safely.
We really enjoy being a part of the Sportive and we continue to help, knowing what a fabulous charity Poppyscotland is in supporting our country’s Armed Forces community.”
Entry for the Classic routes is £40 per rider (minimum age: 16). The Wee Yin route is £25 per rider or £40 per family (2 adults and 2 children). The minimum age is 12, and entry is free for riders under 16.
Entry includes electronic timing, mechanical support, food and water stations, coffee at the start, tea and toast at the finish, the ‘King and Queen of The Heugh’ timed hill climb, sweeper service, and a finisher’s gift.
Edinburgh Leisure is inviting little ones to take their first steps into sport with its Play & Try Week, running from Monday 29th September to Sunday 5th October 2025.
Designed for babies to preschoolers, this special week of £3 taster sessions offers a fun and friendly introduction to a variety of coached activities across the city.
Whether it’s bouncing into trampolining, splashing into swimming, or scoring their first goal in football, these sessions are all about building confidence, learning new skills, and having fun.
Participating venues include:
Ainslie Park Leisure Centre
Drumbrae Leisure Centre
Gracemount Leisure Centre
Kirkliston Leisure Centre
Meadowbank Sports Centre
Royal Commonwealth Pool
Tumbles at Portobello
Portobello Swim Centre
Warrender Swim Centre
Sports on offer:
Gymnastics
Trampolining
Dry Dive
Football
Basketball
Swimming
Multi-Sport
And there’s more good news for parents: if you sign up for a coaching course at the venue on the same day as your taster session, your October coaching fee will be waived.
“We know how important it is to get children active from an early age,” said Angela McCowan, Sports Development Manager for Edinburgh Leisure. “Play & Try Week is a brilliant opportunity for families to explore our coaching programme and find something their little ones love.”
Wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is here to help the people of Edinburgh enjoy a healthier, happier, and more active life. And it’s never too early to start.
Book your spot from 15th September – just £3 per session.
A package has been announced to support the retention of manufacturing jobs at Alexander Dennis in Scotland.
On a visit to the bus company’s site in Larbert, Falkirk, First Minister John Swinney confirmed approximately £4 million towards a furlough scheme until work can recommence.
To access this salary support funding, the company will need to provide evidence of sufficient orders to sustain its operations in Scotland.
The First Minister said: “The Scottish Government wants to retain the manufacturing workforce of Alexander Dennis. My officials have discussed detailed terms with management and reached agreement on the principles of a company run furlough scheme.
“To access the Scottish Government funding, the company will need to provide evidence of orders that will enable its manufacturing to continue in Scotland. Although the details are commercially sensitive, I am aware Alexander Dennis is working hard to do that.
“This is intended to act as a bridge to a sustainable future for the company in Scotland. During this period, training will also be offered by Scottish Enterprise.
“It is essential we protect the skilled manufacturing jobs we need to build our transition to a green industrial economy.”
Alexander Dennis President and Managing Director Paul Davies said: “We are deeply grateful for the Scottish Government’s commitment to preserving jobs, skills, and industrial capability in the region.
“This announcement marks a turning point. The Scottish Government’s support allows us to propose a new outcome to our statutory consultation.
“This has been made possible by collaboration, determination, and a shared belief in the value and future of domestic manufacturing.”
Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive Adrian Gillespie said: “This welcome announcement signals a strong commitment to supporting and retaining vital Scottish manufacturing expertise in an important, growing market.
“We’ve reached this outcome through partnership working at its best, and I’d like to thank everyone involved for their dedication. Scottish Enterprise looks forward to working with the company to build a successful future in Scotland.”
THIS October, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, Dynamic Earth invites visitors of all ages to step into the shadows and uncover the science behind the spookiest stories ever told.
From myth-busting monster hunts to late-night planetarium thrills, Dynamic Earth promises a Halloween season filled with discovery, imagination, and just the right amount of fright!
At the heart of the celebrations is the brand-new Monsters and Myths Trail – a Halloween adventure curated and illustrated by Dynamic Earth’s own talented team. Visitors are invited to journey through immersive galleries and track down legendary creatures, both real and imagined. From Halloween favourites such as zombies, vampires and Frankenstein’s Monster to icons of Scottish folklore including selkies and the Loch Ness Monster, this self-guided trail reveals the fascinating science behind the stories.
On the trail, interim CEO Anastasia Rocke said ‘October is one of our favourite times of year at Dynamic Earth. Our new Monsters and Myths Trail brings together creativity, science and storytelling in a way that captures the wonder of Halloween while staying true to our mission – helping people of all ages understand the incredible world around them. We’re especially proud of our incredible staff whose passion and talent made this programme possible. Whether you’re coming with kids, friends, or flying solo, there’s something here to make your October unforgettable.’
Dynamic Earth’s Learning and Engagement team is delivering brand-new spooky science sessions to celebrate the season. For families with younger children, under 6, the Dynamos and Dynamites sessions will combine gentle Halloween-themed fun with hands-on discovery, helping children explore some of the world’s spookiest creatures.
Dynamic Earth’s October programme runs throughout the month, with highlights including:
Monsters and Myths Trail
Daily from 3rd October – 2nd November | £4.50 add-on to Science Centre & Planetarium
Embark on a thrilling journey through Dynamic Earth’s immersive galleries and uncover the real-life science behind legendary creatures. Upon purchase, visitors receive a Trail Passport to guide their adventure, collecting stamps and tackling interactive science challenges along the way.
Budding explorers will uncover both myths and monsters whilst discovering the real creatures that shaped the stories we know and love today. Uncover different legends: from the shadowy waters of Loch Ness and its famous monster to Halloween favourites like vampires and zombies. Complete the trail and claim a fossil detective set to take home – perfect for budding explorers.
A special spooky edition of Dynamic Earth’s sensory sessions for under-4s. With storytelling, crafting, and play, explore some of the real creatures that helped inspire some of our favourite fantasy beasts! Which real animals are poisonous, have terrible teeth, and fearsome claws? In a session that mixes storytelling, crafting and sensory play, you can sort fact from fiction. Includes free entry to Ocean Commotion Soft Play (on the day of your science session for under 6s).
A special spooky edition of Dynamic Earth’s sensory sessions for 4 – 6 year olds. With storytelling, crafting, and play, explore some of the real creatures that helped inspire some of our favourite fantasy beasts! Which real animals are poisonous, have terrible teeth, and fearsome claws? In a session that mixes storytelling, crafting and sensory play, you can sort fact from fiction. Includes free entry to Ocean Commotion Soft Play (on the day of your science session for under 6s).
Dino’s: Monstrous Myths
Saturday 1st November, sessions throughout the day | Book here
Dynamic Earth’s Dino’s Saturday Science Club invites 6–12 year olds to get hands-on with spooky science this Halloween. Through fun activities and a take-home craft, children will explore the real creatures that inspired famous myths and monsters
This October, children aged 7–12 can join Dynamic Earth’s Holiday Club for four days of discovery and adventure. Each day brings new scientific challenges – from outdoor investigations in Holyrood Park and wildlife spotting, to creative crafts, games, and experiments. And, with flexible booking, families can choose the days that best suit their holiday plans. Led by Dynamic Earth’s Learning & Engagement team, the club offers the perfect mix of fun and hands-on science, inspiring the next generation of planet protectors.
Step into the role of a space detective in What’s Up – Dark Matter Detectives, the latest presenter-led Planetarium show from Dynamic Earth’s in-house astronomers. The Universe is full of mysteries, from dark energy to the elusive dark matter that shapes the cosmos. Join Dynamic Earth’s team of astral agents to discover the hidden clues the Universe leaves behind and explore one of science’s biggest unanswered questions: what is dark matter?
Planetarium Lates
16th – 18th October | 18+ | Various concession prices available | £20 per ticket | Book here
Adults can enjoy an atmospheric evening under the stars with cult classics like Rocky Horror Picture Show and Aliens, or lose themselves in The Dark Side of the Moon dome shows. Cocktails and a spine-tingling atmosphere guarantee a Halloween night to remember.
Family Film Screenings
13th – 19th October daily | £6 per ticket | Book here
Every Saturday and Sunday between 4th October and 2nd November | £6 per ticket
Family favourites including Monsters Inc., Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Brave, and Scooby Doo: Frankencreep light up the dome every morning from 10:00 am.
October Membership Offer:
This October, there’s more than just Halloween fun in store at Dynamic Earth! Visitors can upgrade their Annual Pass from £25 and receive a 12-month membership at Dynamic Earth.
A Dynamic Earth Annual Membership Includes:
Exclusive invites to Members Only events
Free tickets to selected seasonal events
Welcome £5 voucher for the Cafe or Gift Shop
10% discount in the Cafe and Gift Shop every time you visit
20% discount on parking at Dynamic Earth every time you visit
£2 per child entry to Ocean Commotion Soft Play
Priority access to skip queues
Regular updates via Dynamic Earth’s Members e-newsletter
Priority notification on special events
T&C apply.
Visit Dynamic Earth and Transform Your Halloween! Celebrate Halloween at Dynamic Earth with a mix of science, storytelling, and spooky fun. From uncovering legends on the Monsters & Myths Trail to family-friendly Planetarium shows and late-night screenings for adults, October at Dynamic Earth offers unforgettable adventures for all ages.
Olympic and paralympic heroes judge design to cap ten years of swimming success
YOUNG swimmers in Edinburgh are being handed the unique chance to see their creativity celebrated by sporting royalty for Learn to Swim Month.
A new competition has been launched for children design a commemorative swim cap marking a decade of the trailblazing Learn to Swim programme.
The winning design will be announced live by Learn to Swim Ambassadors, Olympic medallist Duncan Scott and Paralympic champion Toni Shaw, during the official 10th Anniversary Celebration Event later this year.
Delivered in partnership by Scottish Water and Scottish Swimming, the Learn to Swim Framework has grown into one of Scotland’s most successful programmes – supporting more than 210,000 children and adults learn to swim and help them to become safer, more confident and competent in water.
Duncan Scott, the most decorated Scottish Olympian of all time, said: “The success of the Learn to Swim programme over the past decade has been phenomenal.
“We’ve reached hundreds of thousands of young people and are continuing to grow year after year. What I really love is just how inclusive it is, welcoming children of all ages, all backgrounds and abilities, and giving them the chance to thrive in and around the water.
“This competition is a brilliant way to celebrate everything that’s been achieved and gives one lucky youngster the chance to create a special memory and have their very own unique swimming cap.”
The competition runs throughout Learn to Swim Month this September, with entries welcomed via a dedicated form hosted online from those currently enrolled in the Learn to Swim programme.
A judging panel including representatives from Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water will select the winner.
The design brief asks children to show what swimming means to them – whether that’s fun, freedom, learning or adventure.
Paralympic medallist Toni Shaw, who has been a passionate ambassador for the initiative since 2021, added: “This is such a fun way to celebrate the past 10 years and really mark the occasion in style.
“To now see so many opportunities opening up for young people, especially those facing unique challenges, is special for me personally.
“This competition is a great way to shine a light on everything that’s been achieved – and I can’t wait to see the creative designs the children come up with.”
The young designer behind the chosen cap will receive a one-of-a-kind cap featuring their artwork, a goodie bag and the chance to see their cap design produced in limited numbers for use by learners at their own Learn to Swim provider.
The Learn to Swim programme is now delivered by 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers in 167 pools across the country. It currently sees around 84,000 children and adults take part in swim lessons every week – with ambitions to reach a further 50,000 by 2028.
Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: “The 10-year milestone of the Learn to Swim programme represents an opportunity to celebrate all the great work that’s been done so far.
“We are proud to support the Learn to Swim programme and work with Scottish Swimming and all the leisure trusts and aquatic providers across the country to create ‘Generation Swim’, a generation of confident, safer and competent swimmers, who will also get to experience the wider health and social benefits that swimming can offer.
“Everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland’s miles of rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines safely and with confidence – and the programme plays a vital role in teaching essential water safety skills, helping individuals stay safer in, on and around Scotland’s vast network of pools, rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines.”
Since its inception, the Learn to Swim Framework has championed inclusive access to lessons, helping over 2,700 children with disabilities take part – with more than 80% now swimming in mainstream lessons.
John Lunn, Chief Executive at Scottish Swimming, said: “The 10th anniversary is a chance for us to reflect on just how far Learn to Swim has come – and the Celebration Event will be a fantastic way to recognise the people and partners who’ve made it all possible.
“From improving water safety to driving inclusion and supporting physical literacy, the programme has achieved so much – and this competition adds a brilliant, creative twist to the milestone.”
The 10th Anniversary Celebration Event – where the winner will be unveiled – is due to take place on October 30th at Dynamic Earth bringing together key partners and supporters to reflect on a decade of progress in water safety, inclusion, and physical literacy.
