FREE MONDAY MORNING SESSIONS FOR NORTH EDINBURGH FAMILIES
Join our new family-friendly cycling group in North Edinburgh!
Explore the local area on short rides led by two qualified cycle leaders on Monday mornings. We’ve still got places for our next session on Monday 2 September at 10am.
We have a limited number of bikes available to borrow – just let us know your needs when booking! All children must be 8+ and accompanied by an adult.
These sessions are FREE for residents of Muirhouse, Pilton, Granton, and Drylaw. Priority will be given to local community members and NEA Members.
As Scottish Child Health Week begins next week, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging families across Scotland to take immediate steps to protect their children from three significant but often overlooked household hazards: blind cords, small magnets, and stair gates.
Philip Le Shirley, Product Safety Advisor at RoSPA, warns: “Blind cords, small magnets, and stair gates can pose serious risks to young children, and tragically, they have caused fatalities, so we’re calling on all parents and caregivers to take action now.
“Securing blind cords out of reach, storing small magnets safely, and ensuring stair gates are properly installed and used could prevent these potential disasters.”
Blind Cord Safety
Blind cords are a hidden but deadly hazard in many homes. Since 2001, over 30 young children in the UK have died as a result of becoming entangled in blind cords. These cords, which are often within easy reach of toddlers, can lead to strangulation within seconds.
“To prevent such tragedies, it’s crucial to keep all blind cords out of children’s reach,” advises Philip.
“This can be done by tying them up, using a cord safety device, or choosing blinds with built-in safety features like tensioned or cordless designs. Additionally, parents should regularly check that cords are securely fastened and never leave furniture that children can climb on near windows with blinds.” Magnet Safety
Small, powerful magnets, particularly those used in toys, can be extremely dangerous if swallowed. These magnets can attract each other through the walls of the intestines, leading to serious injuries such as blockages, perforations, and even death.
“Even one loose magnet can pose a severe threat if ingested,” says Le Shirley.
“Parents should be vigilant about inspecting toys for loose or missing magnets, especially in toys designed for older children that may still be accessible to younger siblings. It’s also important to keep small magnetic items like fridge magnets, building kits, and certain household tools well out of reach of young children. If you suspect a child has swallowed a magnet, seek immediate medical attention—don’t wait for symptoms to appear.”
Stair Gate Safety
Stair gates are essential safety devices for children under 24 months old, to prevent dangerous falls. However, they can only protect if installed and used correctly.
“A stair gate that is improperly installed or left open is essentially useless,” Philip emphasises. “Ensure that gates are securely mounted at the top and bottom of stairs or at the entrance to rooms and that they fit tightly without gaps. Pressure-mounted gates should not be used at the top of stairs due to the risk of displacement.
“It’s also important to teach older children and visitors how to operate the gate correctly to ensure it remains closed when needed. Regularly check the gates for signs of wear, such as loose fittings or weakened locking mechanisms, and replace them if necessary.”
RoSPA remains dedicated to reducing accidents in the home and raising awareness of these preventable dangers. For more detailed advice on keeping your children safe, visit RoSPA’s website.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Game On Until 3 Nov 2024 Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3
Get set for Game On – the largest interactive exhibition of the history and the culture of video games.
Game On, an exhibition conceived and curated by Barbican Immersive, examines the creative and technological advances that have established a new medium and artform. From Sonic the Hedgehog to Mario, explore gaming’s rich history through over 100 playable games from the last five decades.
Cold War Scotland 13 Jul 2024 – 26 Jan 2025 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 12 Jan 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
Morning Curator Tour: Cold War Scotland Wed 25 Sep & Tue 29 Oct 09:15-10:00 Meet at Tower Entrance, Level 1 £12, £10 Members & Conc.
Join our exhibition curators for an exclusive early morning tour of our Cold War Scotland exhibition. Dr Meredith Greiling, Principal Curator of Technology, and Cold War Research Fellow Dr Sarah Harper 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.
Relaxed Viewings: Game On Sun 1 Sep & Sun 6 Oct 10:00-12:00 Tickets from £10
Enjoy a calmer visit to the Game On exhibition. In these sessions visitor numbers will be reduced and the volume of some games turned down. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, neurodivergent children, young people and adults, and those with sensory or additional support needs who would prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
Magic Carpet Explorers Mon 2 Sep-Mon 11 Nov 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 Explorers introduces you and your little one to some of the wonderful galleries, objects and themes in the museum in a fun and interactive way. Taking place in different spaces around the museum, you will explore subjects such as the natural world, science and technology, world cultures and Scottish history through songs, stories, rhymes, actions, objects and short activities.
Book now nms.ac.uk/magic-carpet-explorers
Magic Carpet Minis Wed 4 Sep – Wed 20 Nov 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.
Book now nms.ac.uk/magic-carpet-minis
Spotlight On: Cold War Scotland Thu 5 Sep 14;00-15:00 £5, £4 Members & Conc.
The Cold War was a global conflict that began in the wake of the Second World War and ended with the peaceful revolutions of 1989-90 and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. During this 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union, Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research.
In this spotlight talk, Director of Collections Dr Sam Alberti and historian Holger Nehring discuss Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War and share the stories of the Scots involved in this global conflict.
Book now nms.ac.uk/spotlight-on-cold-war-scotland
Relaxed Evening: Game On Tue 10 Sep 17:30-19:30 Tickets from £9
Enjoy a calmer visit to the Game On exhibition. During this special session, visitor numbers will be limited and we will lower sounds on the loudest games to create a more relaxed experience. A quiet break-out space will also be available and a visual welcome guide will be provided in advance to help you prepare for your visit.
Book now nms.ac.uk/relaxed-evening-game-on
The Galloway Hoard: A Decade of Discovery Wed 11 Sep 19:30-20:30 Free with optional donation
The Galloway Hoard was hailed as a remarkable Viking-age treasure and, in the ten years since its discovery, has been analysed by experts from across the globe.
The Hoard has not only provided researchers with a window into an early medieval world of vast horizons and networks, but also intimate family heirlooms and sacred relics.
In this live online event, many of the experts who have studied the Galloway Hoard will discuss the unique insights it has revealed, and will share a vision for its future.
Curiosity Club Sat 14 Sep – Sat 23 Nov 10:30 £10 (Members and Concessions £9)
Capturing 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.
Book now nms.ac.uk/curiosity-club
Relaxed Curiosity Club Sat 14 Sep – Sat 23 Nov 14:30 £10 (Members and Concessions £9)
Capturing 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 sessions are particularly aimed at children with additional support needs, neurodivergent children or children with disabilities.
Book now nms.ac.uk/relaxed-curiosity-club
Multisensory Museum Walk: Scotland Galleries Sat 21 Sep 10:15, 12:15 & 14:30 Free, booking required
Join dance artist Alena Ageeva to experience our Scottish archaeology and art collections in a new and creative way using movement, touch, sound, and smell. This creative exploration of the Scotland Galleries uses movement and your senses to find new connections with some of our most important and beautiful objects.
Book now nms.ac.uk/multisensory-museum-walk-scotland-galleries
Magic Carpet Explorers: Maths Tales Special Wed 25 Sep 10:30 – 11:15 or 14:00 – 14:45 Free, booking required
Bring your little ones for a fun session on the Magic Carpet exploring maths tales. Discover shapes, numbers, time and more through songs, action rhymes, objects and sensory play. Suitable for children ages 2–4 and their adult helper.
Book now nms.ac.uk/magic-carpet-explorers-maths-tales-special
Science Saturday 2024 Sat 28 Sep 10:30-15:30 Free, drop in
Join us to celebrate Maths Tales at the museum, as part of Maths Week Scotland. Unleash your creativity with LEGO® bricks, meet friendly learning robots Sphero, Botley and Code-a-Pillar, delve into strategy games, or challenge yourself to brain teasers and logic puzzles.
Book now nms.ac.uk//science-saturday-2024
Museum Late: Game On Sat 5 Oct 19:30-22:30 Prices from £16, exhibition add-on ticket from £7
Join us for a night of grown-up fun and games in the spectacular setting of the National Museum of Scotland at night. Get ready for a night like no other with music, bars, and gaming throughout our galleries.
Book now nms.ac.uk/museum-late-game-on
Accessible Games Night with RNIB and TripleTapTech: Visual Impairment Tue 15 Oct 17:30-20:00 Free, booking required
Join us for a sociable night of accessible gaming with TripleTapTech and RNIB for people who are blind or partially sighted. We are partnering with RNIB and gaming innovators TripleTapTech to create a special event where visitors can play on a range of accessible games..
Book now nms.ac.uk/accessible-games-night-with-rnib-and-tripletaptech-visual-impairment
Collection Centre Tours Until 26 Mar 2025 National Museums Collection Centre
Discover the secrets of how we store our Natural Sciences, Science & Technology and Scottish History & Archaeology collections, and find out how these objects and specimens are used in international research. This is an in-person event at the National Museums Collection Centre in Granton, for those aged 14 and over.
Book now nms.ac.uk/CollectionCentreTours
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open daily 10:00 – 16:00
Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Flight Sun 8 Sep-Sun 8 Dec 10:00-12:00 Free with museum admission
Join us for a Relaxed Morning at the National Museum of Flight, for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children, neurodivergent 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.
Book now nms.ac.uk/relaxed-morning-national-museum-of-flight Science Sunday Sun 22 Sep 10:30-15:30 Free with museum admission
Join us to celebrate Math Tales at the museum, as part of Maths Week Scotland. Unleash your creativity with LEGO® bricks, meet friendly learning robots Sphero, Botley and Code-a-Pillar, delve into strategy games, or challenge yourself to brain teasers and logic puzzles.
Book now nms.ac.uk/science-sunday
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Nature Track Packs Until 1 Sep 10:00 – 17:00 Free with museum entry and Annual Pass
Available to borrow at the museum ticket desk, each pack contains fun ideas and activities to help children use all their senses to explore the countryside on a walk to the farm.
Book now nms.ac.uk/naturetrackpacks
Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Rural Life Sun 1 Sep – Sun 1 Dec 10:00-12:00 (quiet space open until 12:30) Free with museum admission
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 neurodivergent children; neurodivergent 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.
Book now nms.ac.uk/relaxed-morning-national-museum-of-rural-life
MooFest Sat 14 & Sun 15 Sep 11:00 – 16:00 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Celebrate all things cattle at the National Museum of Rural Life. We are putting our bovine friends in the spotlight at this weekend of hands-on activities, talks and family fun. Find out all about cows, bulls, milk, and meat with our experts, take part in family craft sessions and meet some of the cattle on our working farm.
Book now nms.ac.uk/MooFest
Tractor Tots Fri 20 Sep – Mon 25 Nov £20 per child for block of 3, £15 per Member child for block of 3
Tractor Tots is a bookable series of playful sensory singalong sessions for under-fives and their adults at the National Museum of Rural Life.
Book now nms.ac.uk/tractor-tots
Adult Workshops: Natural Dyeing Sat 21 Sep 10:15-16:00 Tickets from £55
This hands-on workshop will get you started with all you need to know to start dyeing at home.Find out how to use homegrown or foraged plants to dye yarn and fabric in this full-day workshop with natural dyer and textile artist Elisabeth Viguie-Culshaw.
Book now nms.ac.uk/adult-workshops-natural-dyeing
Menopause Wellbeing Walk Fri 11 Oct 10:30-12:30 Tickets from £30
Slow down and take some time out on a guided menopause wellbeing walk with mindful activities at the National Museum of Rural Life. Join Anna Neubert-Wood from WanderWomen for this meditative, restorative and reflective outdoor experience aimed at those going through menopause.
Book now nms.ac.uk/menopause-wellbeing-walk
Autumn Explorers 15 Oct – 18 Oct 2024 10:30 – 15:30 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Tickets available August 2024
Our Autumn Explorers family activities are back, with storytelling, sustainable crafts, and the chance to learn all about soil and spiders.
Read more nms.ac.uk/autumnexplorers
Follow us on Facebook…facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland
Follow us on Instagram…instagram.com/nationalmuseumsscotland/
Follow us on X…x.com/NtlMuseumsScot
For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789
Master’s is child’s play for hero who holps orphans in Ukraine
Gavin Menzies, a 38-year-old from Carrick Knowe, has graduated with a Master’s degree in Play Therapy from Queen Margaret University. His journey to this achievement is remarkable, as he put his career and studies on hold to help people in Ukraine during the war.
Within weeks of the full-scale Russian invasion, Gavin travelled to Kyiv to support children who had lost their families and to provide end-of-life care to the elderly. Despite the risks, he was determined to alleviate the suffering of those caught in the conflict.
Before his involvement in Ukraine, Gavin ran support businesses for children in Edinburgh. The pandemic highlighted the complex challenges faced by the children he worked with, prompting him to study the MSc Play Therapy at Queen Margaret University.
This course, run in collaboration with the specialist play therapy organisation With Kids, equipped him with the skills to better support young people. Due to his volunteering in Ukraine and his local commitments, he studied the course part-time over three years.
Since the full-scale invasion, Gavin has made several trips to Ukraine to provide vital supplies. During his time there, he supplied clothing, supplies and Christmas presents to over 600 orphans in Odessa.
Once home in Edinburgh, Gavin continued to provide vital support to the orphaned group of children by maintaining their extraordinary connection online. His volunteering also allowed him to apply the knowledge gained from his course to enhance his ability to serve children with complex needs in his local community.
As a former player with the Pleasance Basketball Club, Gavin uses sport to give children a head start in life. His High Flyers Basketball Academy has grown to provide coaching to 300 kids across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Gavin opted to use the last year to focus on his Master’s course to ensure that he was better qualified to support his groups of children.
This July, he graduated from Queen Margaret University with a MA Play Therapy with merit. However, the ongoing plight of the Ukrainian people weighed heavily on his mind.
Now with his Master’s degree firmly under his belt, he has returned to Ukraine and is currently working to rebuild and revamp the orphanage in Odessa and volunteer in Kharkiv, where Russian forces have made gains these last few months.
He has just delivered supplies to a medical representative at an outpost in Kharkiv, and in the last few days, he has also been supporting orphans in Kyiv while drone attacks and bombing takes place all around them.
Sir Paul Grice, Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: “Gavin’s selfless dedication to supporting the next generation through sport is what ultimately motivated him to come to QMU and study the MSc Play Therapy.
“Gavin’s drive and determination to make a positive impact on people’s lives epitomises the values of QMU. He is an inspiration and a true local hero.”
Gavin received his Master’s award at a graduation ceremony attended by QMU’s Chancellor, Dame Prue Leith CBE.
He has now secured a position as a play therapist with the charity With Kids, and continues to blend this work with his holiday camps and basketball clubs, while still volunteering in Ukraine.
Join our new family-friendly cycling group in North Edinburgh! 
. 
