As we near the end of the summer school holidays we have some special events coming up next week for children moving from nursery to Primary one.
All events are free with no need to book.
Next week at Drumbrae Library Hub
Tag: activities
Summer holidays sorted: East Lothian’s ultimate summer escape
For nearly 14 years, East Lothian’s Foxlake Adventures has been a must-visit summer holiday destination, and this summer is hotting up to be the site’s best yet.
From Wakeboarding and Ringo rides to the obstacles of the Foxfall and Aqua Park, the site is the perfect place for an adventure with the whole family during the school holidays.
With a range of water-based activities guaranteed to get blood pumping, Foxlake’s updated schedule offers something for everyone this summer.
It’s not all adrenaline-fuelled adventure. The site has also established itself as a wellness hotspot, where visitors can recharge in the popular HotFox sauna, brave a cold plunge or enjoy a wild swim in the lake.
Competitive spirits can put their skills to the test on Foxlake’s Foxfall and Aqua Park obstacle courses, racing friends and family across land and water before the inevitable splash into the lake. For those craving even more speed, Ringo rides deliver an adrenaline-fuelled blast as riders cling on while being towed at high speed across the water.
Foxlake continues to be a local hub for Wakeboarding, and is home to expert instructors and some of the nation’s best riders. As the sport continues to grow, Foxlake champions inclusive participation, creating specialised sessions for beginners, experts, and groups.
In particular, Foxlake is championing the participation of women and children in the sport, creating unique events in partnership with Wakeboarding and Waterski Scotland. This July, Foxlake will play host to a female-only event, ‘She Shreds’, as well as a Wakeboarding day focused on youth involvement called ‘Little Ripples’.
These sessions follow on from June’s Ladies Night, an annual event in the Foxlake calendar, and are an important part in Foxlake’s mission to create opportunities for everyone to enjoy the range of water-based activities on offer.
Foxlake will also be introducing the Wakeboarding RiDE Competition Series for 2026, with riders competing to showcase their skills on the water on Saturday, 15th August.
The series of competitions will take place at Foxlake as well as Wild Shore Dundee, Wild Shore Delamere, and Wild Shore Blackpool.
James Barbour, Director of Foxlake Adventures, said: “Summer is here and we are very excited for our busiest period of the season.
“At Foxlake, we continue to grow the sport of Wakeboarding with some key partnerships that help open the sport to newer audiences, which remains a key goal of ours.”
Megan Hay, Site Manager at Foxlake Adventures, added: “With the school holidays underway and summer in full swing, we are gearing up for one of our busiest seasons yet at Foxlake.
“Our mission has always been to make adventure accessible to all, and our diverse lineup of activities ensures there is truly something for everyone to experience this year.”
To learn more about Foxlake’s array of offerings or to book your session, you can visit https://www.foxlake.co.uk/.
Week ahead at Corstorphine Library
It’s the fourth week of the summer holidays and we have yet more events on for you. All of them are free and there is no need to book ahead.
If Saturday doesn’t suit you for board games, come along on Tuesday from 2-4pm with your family or friends to play new games and classics with a member of staff available to teach the rules.
We have a special extra Zoo Tails session on at the usual time on Wednesday at 3:30pm. This is a great one for younger children, but everyone can enjoy the stories and activity with a community zookeeper!
If the weather is still good on Thursday afternoon, we have another toddler-friendly event: some parachute songs and games with Emily!
Friday Crafternoon is back for one week during the summer holidays, so come along and get colourful and creative from 2:30pm.
We’ve got Bookbug on this Saturday at 11am, as well as our usual sessions on Tuesday at 11am and Wednesday at 2pm.
Remember to register for the #SummerReadingChallenge and earn your first sticker by coming to a library event!
2026 is the National Year of Reading – #GoAllIn
PEP: Join Our Groups!
Would you or anyone you know fancy coming along to one of groups?
Our groups are friendly, fun and a great place to chat to others!
Temporary Blackhall Library open at Davidson’s Mains Primary School
Blackhall Library has reopened in a new temporary facility next to Davidson’s Mains Primary School.
The service previously operated via a mobile library bus, following the closure of the original Blackhall Library building on Hillhouse Road in 2023 due to the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
The new temporary building is providing access to library services while work continues on a long-term plan for the library and other community services in the area.
The library sits within the school’s grounds, but has its own dedicated entrance and is separated from the school by fencing. Signage has been installed at the gates to help guide people to the new building.
The new library is open 10am to 8pm Monday-Wednesday, and 10am to 5pm Thursday to Saturday.
Regular events and activities for adults include:
- Writing Group: Tuesdays 6pm to 7pm, monthly
- Book Group: Wednesdays 6pm to 7pm, monthly
- Library Link: Wednesdays and Fridays, fortnightly
Craft activities for children and young people are also available on Fridays from 2 to 3pm, with Bookbug sessions running on Tuesdays from 11am to 11.30am. The library will also be running a programme of activities and events over the school holidays.
The enclosed site includes relaxing and secure outdoor space for the community to enjoy.
Spacious community rooms are also available to book for meetings and events. Information on pricing and booking can be found on the Council’s website.
The process of developing the temporary library has included engagement with the Davidson’s Mains Primary School community to ensure the facility supports the needs of the school, its pupils and staff.
Additional works have been carried out at the school to support the delivery of the library, including new fencing and works to the playground to provide new fire safety spaces. New road safety improvement works are also underway outside the school, including pavement widening.
Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Margaret Graham said: “The arrival of the new temporary Blackhall Library is fantastic news for the local community, bringing an exciting range of events and activities back at a convenient and central location.
“We’ve already had some excellent feedback from library users of all ages, and it’s been particularly pleasing to see young people and their families embrace the service as part of their regular school day.
“The original Blackhall Library was a very popular resource and provided a wide range of library services, community events and activities. We know it’s important that people across Blackhall, Davidson’s Mains and the local area have access to quality local services in places that are convenient and accessible, and this new building has been designed to fit that need while we continue to develop plans for its permanent replacement.
“We have an opportunity to develop a new range of modern and accessible services through the long term replacement, and we need to make smart choices to invest in the future of the area. We’re looking forward to announcing more details and public engagement soon.“
Work is ongoing to develop plans for the long term replacement facility. Council officers have been engaging through local community organisations and workshops with pupils at local primary and high schools.
An engagement display has also been set up in the new temporary library to present some of the feedback received and to gather views from library users.
This work is helping to build a detailed understanding of the types of services people across Blackhall, Davidson’s Mains and the wider local community would like to access in a future library facility.
A 12-week public engagement process will launch on the proposals later this year. The findings of this initial engagement work will be used to inform the design of the proposed long-term solution, which will then be presented for formal public engagement.
Picnic in the Park
SUNDAY 21st JUNE at VICTORIA PARK 12.30 – 3.30PM
Pack your picnic baskets and join us this Sunday, 21st June in Victoria Park!
Trinity Community Croft and Drakkar’s Drift garden, located on the bowling greens, will be open to all. There will be live music, tours and activities throughout.
See you there!
QMU launches first Anti-Ableism Challenge Badge for Girlguiding UK
Thousands of young people across the UK are set to learn about disability, inclusion and equality through a new Anti-Ableism Challenge Badge launched by Queen Margaret University (QMU) for Girlguiding UK members.
Co-created with disabled people, the badge introduces simple, engaging activities that help young members understand disability, challenge stereotypes and take practical steps to make their communities more inclusive. Designed for Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and volunteers, the badge syllabus also builds awareness of disability history, rights and equity.
Developed by the Toy Box Diversity Lab at Queen Margaret University, the badge has already been successfully piloted in Girlguiding Scotland units in East Lothian. It will now be available as an optional activity alongside the core Girlguiding programme, offering flexible, low-cost or free ways for young people across the UK to explore inclusion and accessibility.
Dr Siân Jones, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Queen Margaret University and co-founder of the Toy Box Diversity Lab, said: “As a disabled person myself, this new badge represents a really positive step forward in the growing momentum around anti-ableism work with young people.
“Too often, disability is left out of early learning, but this badge helps change that by creating space for reflection, discussion and action.
“Disabled children and young people often encounter barriers that non-disabled people don’t notice, from inaccessible environments to assumptions about what they can and cannot do.
“Ableism can be subtle, but its impact is significant. By introducing conversations about disability, fairness and accessibility at an early age, we can help create more inclusive communities where disabled people are valued, respected and included. We hope this badge will give girls and leaders the confidence to recognise barriers, challenge them, and become advocates for positive change.”
Activities that can be completed to gain the Anti-Ableism Challenge Badge include adapting games to make them more inclusive, redesigning spaces to improve accessibility, learning the Braille alphabet, and exploring disabled role models and representation. Girlguiding UK leaders are supported with practical guidance, discussion prompts and information-based resources.
One of the Anti-Ableism Badge co-creators said: “It has been really affirming to me as a disabled person to be part of the development of these resources.
“I think it is really important to have these resources for young people to bring it to the forefront of their awareness at a young age. As a former Rainbow and Brownie, I would have appreciated this in my unit.”
Developed through QMU’s Toy Box Diversity Lab, the Anti-Ableism Challenge Badge builds on the Lab’s wider work addressing inequality, representation and social justice in educational and youth settings. The Lab works collaboratively with communities to ensure disabled people’s voices are at the heart of developing training, resources and inclusive practice.
Dr Clare Uytman, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Queen Margaret University and co-founder of the Toy Box Diversity Lab, said: “At the Toy Box Diversity Lab, we aim to directly tackle representation and understanding of disability through play, imagination and discovery.
“The introduction of anti-ableism into Girlguiding’s suite of challenge badges is an example of how collaborative work can translate research into tools that support real change in educational and youth settings.”
More information about the Toy Box Diversity Lab can be found at:
https://qmutoyboxdiversitylab.com/anti-ableism-challenge-badge/
To sign up for the Anti-Ableism Challenge Badge, visit:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/GuideAndScoutChallengeBadges
Free Connecting Europe Fair opens doors for young people
On Europe Day, Saturday 9 May 2026, a free drop-in event for 16–35-year-olds will take place in Edinburgh, offering practical opportunities to study, work, travel, and volunteer across Europe.
The Connecting Europe Fair will be hosted at the French Institute on the Royal Mile from 10:00 to 16:30. Part of the wider Festival of Europe Scotland (7–17 May), this Fair is all about sharing exciting European connections that are accessible to as many people as possible.
Visitors will have the chance to meet with key organisations offering access to European opportunities, including the British Council, Erasmus Student Network, International Voluntary Service, the University of Edinburgh’s Languages for All programme, and the EU–UK Parliamentary Liaison Office.
The Fair will also feature exciting activities, such as:
- Prize Draw: Win Interrail passes
- Photo Booth Competition: Get creative for a chance to win Amazon vouchers
- Europe Day Quiz – to test your knowledge about Europe and learn something new!
Following the UK’s rejoining of Erasmus Plus, the Connecting Europe Fair offers a timely opportunity to explore education, volunteering, and travel across Europe once again. Whether you have five minutes or five hours to spare, pop by the Fair and in-person connect with experts who can help you unlock European experiences.
Organiser Niamh Donnellan explained: “The Fair aims to open doors and highlight accessible ways for young people in Scotland to engage with Europe, whether through study, volunteering, or cultural exchange.”
EVENT DETAILS
- Date: Saturday 9 May 2026
- Time: 10:00 – 16:30
- Location: French Institute, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1RN (Step-free access via George IV Bridge)
- Cost: Free Entry
More Information: festivalofeuropescotland.org/connecting-europe-fair
Park Life: Edinburgh and Lothian Greenspace Trust activities at West Pilton Park
Local school children have been busy monitoring the Wee Forest in West Pilton Park, assessing how the trees are helping to bring more wildlife, cleaner air and flood management for those very wet days.
Pupils have been helping to gather data as part of their studies.
Get in touch with emily@elgt.org.uk if you fancy having a go.
We had more help in West Pilton Park from our Craigmount High School Duke of Edinburgh volunteers, who helped cut back overgrown vegetation, litter picked and helped complete a bird survey. Thanks for your help.
There were some bears loose in the park as part of the Wellies in the Woods programme. We had fun reading the book ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ and did lots of fun nature-based activities. Not to worry, the bears were friendly!
We’re very proud of this hard working group of young people from Granton Youth who are learning brick laying skills in order to build some new brick planters in West Pilton Park. This is part of the re-development of the park and will be one of the new design features.
To find out more about the planned improvements see here.
British Council goes All In to support Commonwealth Games 2026 with new classroom resources for schools
Ahead of this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the British Council has joined forces with children’s charity Youth Sport Trust to produce a new classroom resource pack for schools.
Designed to support learning and activities for young people, the pack celebrates the return of the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow this summer from 23 July – 2 August and the work of the Commonwealth to improve the lives of its citizens.
The resource forms part of the Glasgow 2026 Schools Programme and is inspired by All In – the nationwide call to action for this year’s Games, inviting communities to celebrate the Games in their own ‘altogether brilliant’ way.
The pack was launched yesterday at St John Paul II School in Castlemilk, Glasgow, where teacher and former Glasgow 2014 ceremony cast member, Jacqueline Hart and her pupils were visited by gymnast Cameron Lynn who, following his appearance at Birmingham 2022, is aiming to represent his country again at Glasgow 2026; and Glasgow 2026’s official mascot Finnie, the sport-loving unicorn.
Featuring a series of interactive learning activities and materials, teachers can use the resource pack to raise awareness of the Commonwealth and its values and help young people feel connected to the Games, their local community, country and the wider Commonwealth.
Schools can find out more and download the pack here.
Pupils will be introduced to the Games’ values of Humanity, Destiny and Equality through sessions exploring connection, fairness and inclusion. This echoes the British Council’s work building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and English language.
Designed for pupils aged between 7 and 11, the activities in the pack are flexible and adaptable. Teachers can use them as starting points for individual lessons or to form part of a larger cross-curricular project with a partner school overseas.
The British Council is also inviting any schools wishing to participate with an overseas partner to use their PartnerFinder database free of charge, to search for like-minded schools around the world.
The classroom resource builds on the British Council’s Schools Connect programme, which supports young people in the UK and around the world to build the skills, knowledge and attitudes they need to respond to global challenges and develop international understanding.
Glasgow 2026 is set to be ‘the most inclusive, community-driven and connected Commonwealth Games yet’, with 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories set to compete in an 11-day programme of 10 sports and six Para sports across four iconic venues.
Beyond its credentials as a major historical sporting event, The Commonwealth Games is also a chance for people from around the world to come together, celebrate their cultures and learn from each other.
Claire de Braekeleer, Director, British Council Scotland, said: ‘The Commonwealth Games 2026 is not just a sporting event, it is a chance for people from around the world to come together, celebrate their cultures and learn from each other.
“This classroom resource pack will enable children and young people to connect internationally on critical themes, such as equality and fairness, and celebrate the Game’s focus on inclusion and sustainability.
“While we proudly shine a light on Glasgow and Scotland as this year’s hosts, the pack is available for all and we hope that teachers and pupils across the whole of the UK will benefit from the resources available.’
Emily Reynolds, Director, Youth Sport Trust, added: ‘The Youth Sport Trust are delighted to be working in partnership with the British Council and Glasgow 2026 to bring this engaging resource to schools and teachers.
“The Commonwealth Games offer a powerful opportunity to connect young people to Glasgow, the values that unite the Commonwealth, and the wide range of sports that make the Games so special.
“Multi-sport events like the Commonwealth Games can inspire children and young people of all backgrounds, helping them to discover new sports, develop curiosity, and build a lifelong relationship with physical activity.
“This resource is designed to support teachers to bring that inspiration into the classroom and empower young people to learn through sport.’
Phil Batty OBE, Chief Executive, Glasgow 2026, said: “‘The Glasgow 2026 Schools Programme is helping to bring the Games to life in classrooms across Glasgow and Scotland, ensuring that young people feel genuinely connected to what these Games represent. It’s vital that young people across the country see themselves reflected in Glasgow 2026, and this programme plays a key role in making that happen.
“Developed with the support of partners including the British Council and the Youth Sport Trust, the programme gives pupils the opportunity to explore the cultures that make up the Commonwealth, increase participation in sport and develop positive, healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
“The resources have been carefully designed to be inclusive and adaptable for all learners and educational settings, while reflecting the vision and values at the heart of these Games.
“With Glasgow 2026 set to deliver the largest-ever Para sport medal programme in Commonwealth Games history, it’s especially powerful to see that same ambition and commitment to inclusion championed through the Schools Programme.’
PICTURES: Craig Watson