The twinkle lights are up, the books are on the shelves, the food trucks have pulled up – oh yes, the Book Festival site at Edinburgh Futures Institute is ready for all the amazing authors, artists, costume characters, musicians, thinkers, dreamers, and, most importantly, YOU – our wonderful audience – to start arriving from Saturday. 9th August – i.e. TODAY!.
If you still haven’t decided what to come along to yet, we’ve got you! This e-news will give you plenty of events to pick from:
We’re planning ahead and want to know. What would YOU like to see happening at the centre?
Whether it’s kids’ activities or adult only sessions, now’s your chance to help shape what we offer.
Karaoke night?
Mindfulness or fitness sessions?
Art for adults?
Gaming clubs for kids?
Movie nights, pamper days, anything fun?
Nothing is too silly to suggest if you’d come along to it, let us know!
We’re using our resources carefully and want to put on things you actually want so if you don’t speak up, we’ll just go with what we think sounds fun (and then you’re not allowed to moan if we plan karaoke every week )
Pop your ideas below or message us privately we’re all ears!
Residents from Strachan House care home in Blackhall, Edinburgh, were delighted to visit Ratho Canal for an afternoon with The Seagull Trust Cruises.
Residents were able to engage in some nature spotting and enjoy a brief history of the canal, including its bridges and famous aqueduct. Residents were able to spend the day cruising along the canal, and enjoyed an incredible afternoon tea provided by the home’s hospitality team.
Fran Fisher, General Manager of Strachan House, said: “Our residents have enjoyed their day out on the water.
“Trips out in the homes’ mini bus are a regular event for the residents, and we always ask for ideas on where they would best like to go. The day was so much fun. Residents were delighted to see such a diverse range of wildlife. ”
Strachan House Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential, nursing and dementia care for short and long-term stays.
Fans who missed out on tickets to see Oasis at Murrayfield this summer can still enjoy the iconic anthems at Fort Kinnaird on Sunday 10th August, thanks to a free live performance by popular tribute band ‘Oasus’.
Oasus is set to bring the classic Wonderwall, Live Forever and Don’t Look Back in Anger anthems to the centre for the many fans who tried and failed to get tickets to the Scottish leg of the tour, coming to Murrayfield on Friday 8th August, Saturday 9th August and Tuesday 12th August.
This two-hour live gig will take over Fort Kinnaird’s Summer Stage near Pizza Hut, promising all the swagger, sound and 90s nostalgia of the real deal – minus the ticket fees and stadium crowds. Whether you’re a die-hard Gallagher fan or just fancy a fun Sunday with the family, it’s a brilliant way to soak up the buzz set to sweep the city.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said:“There’s so much excitement around the Oasis reunion gigs at Murrayfield, so it’s only right that we bring a bit of that buzz to Fort Kinnaird too.
“Oasus are a brilliant tribute act and their free show is the perfect chance for Oasis fans of all ages to get involved in the action. It’s a great way to spend a Sunday – grab a bite, enjoy the music and make a proper day of it with friends or family. Definitely Maybe also pick up an iconic bucket hat while you’re here too!”
The event is just one of the free events running at Fort Kinnaird this summer, designed to offer visitors of all ages memorable, free experiences.
This includes character visits between 11am – 4pm from Aloha Alien on Sunday 27th July, and a Wicked Duo on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd of August.
With more than 70 shops, a seven-screen ODEON cinema, and dining favourites including Wagamama, TGI Fridays and Nando’s, there’s something for everyone – whether you’re after a day of retail therapy, tasty food, or dancing to your favourite 90s bangers.
The centre is easy to reach too, just off the A1 with 2,600 free parking spaces and good public transport links.
For more details and to plan your day at Fort Kinnaird, please visit:
Join us, all welcome, for an inspiring weekend of visits, tours, workshops, and connection celebrating the richness of permaculture across Edinburgh and beyond! …
Guided market garden tour with Connie + talk on Scotland The Bread (miller for 5 years)
★ Syd’s West Lothian 2 Acre Permaculture Small Holding (tickets going fast)
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From coast to countryside, walled garden to forest garden, come explore “Using the edges, value the margins” (#Permaculture Principle 11) as part of this year’s festival theme …
Step Into History – Kids Go Free at the Crowning Place of Scottish Kings
This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with Kids Go Free promotion, running from 30 June to 15 August 2025. Perfect for keeping the kids busy and entertained.
Set in the heart of Perthshire, just over an hour drive from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scone Palace is offering free entry for children (aged 15 and under), making it an unforgettable and affordable day out for families across Scotland.
From ancient kings to, mazes, Scone Palace is bursting with history, nature, and fun for children of all ages.
Perth’s historic landmark offers a unique blend of storytelling from times gone by, outdoor adventure, and family fun. Children can step into the past as they stand where Scottish kings, including Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, and Charles II had been crowned on Moot Hill and pose for a photo on the replica Stone of Destiny. Inside the Palace, young visitors can take part in a special treasure hunt, a fun way to explore history, with a small prize at the end as a reward.
The Palace grounds provide plenty of space for children to run, explore, and play. With over 100 acres of gardens and woodlands to discover, there’s no shortage of fresh air and freedom. The grounds feature an adventure playground, the Murray star- Maze, and a chance to spot local wildlife including butterflies, squirrels, and the famous vibrant peacocks that roam the estate.
Families can take a break in the coffee shop, where all food is freshly prepared on-site using ingredients from the Palace’s Kitchen Garden. From tasty baked goods and hearty soups to child-friendly lunchboxes, there’s something to suit every appetite. The gift shop also offers a handpicked selection of books and toys, perfect for children eager to take home a souvenir from their day.
To make summer visits even more exciting, Scone Palace will host special event days included with the Kids Go Free admission. Visitors can enjoy Falconry Fridays on 11 July and 15 August and join in on the fun at the Circus Workshops taking place 24 July.
The Kids Go Free promotion runs daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm between 30 June and 15 August 2025. Tickets can be booked online or purchased at the gate. With something for everyone, from history lovers and nature enthusiasts to energetic little explorers, Scone Palace is the ideal summer day out for families that will keep costs down.
Whether you’re walking in the footsteps of ancient kings, solving the Palace treasure hunt, or simply enjoying an ice cream in the sun, Scone Palace is ready to welcome families for a summer of stories, adventure and memories – now with free entry for kids. With its beautiful historic backdrops, blooming gardens and wide-open spaces, it’s as picturesque as it is fun.
Join us to celebrate International Moon Day on Sunday 20th July Get involved with moon-centric activities from 10am – 6pm!
FREE Drop-in Activities
Enjoy a variety of free drop-in activities to commemorate this iconic day in space history. Have fun creating your own Lunar Wheel, guessing what the moon is made of, making your own asteroid and crater, and building a Lunar Lander.
11am – 3pm | Free | Drop-in | No ticket required.
Wallace & Gromit: All Systems Go AR Trail
Find and follow the seven markers around our immersive galleries to embark on a unique Augmented Reality trail to help Wallace & Gromit ready their rocket for blast off! Enjoy meeting and posing alongside the inventive duo, try on Wallace’s Techno Trousers, take a selfie as Feathers McGraw and launch a rocket through our rainforest! Included in your add-on ticket is an activity pack with colouring, dot-to-dots and a build-your-own rocket to take home.
10am-4pm | Annual Pass and ‘All Systems Go’ Trail Add-On Required.
Meet the Astronomer Live Talks
Meet our in-house astronomer, Dr. Alastair Bruce, as we find out more about the iconic Saturn V rocket. Listen to insights from Alastair and have the chance to ask your burning questions about space!
11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm | Free | No ticket Required.
Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out
Join the inventive duo in our Planetarium as we screen this Wallace & Gromit classic. Wallace & Gromit enjoy a day out with a difference when a quest to find cheese takes them to the moon!
12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm, 4.30pm | Annual Pass or Planetarium Only ticket required.
CapCom Go: The Apollo Story
Enjoy this full dome film in our Planetarium for one day only. Learn about the Apollo moon landings, and the journey that led up to the famous small step for man. Check out our Planetarium schedule here.
11am, 4pm, 5pm | Annual Pass or Planetarium Only ticket required.
We Want Your Ideas! 
K
Mindfulness or fitness sessions?
Art for adults?
Gaming clubs for kids?
Movie nights, pamper days, anything fun?
(and then you’re not allowed to moan if we plan karaoke every week 
)
…
Friday 25 – Sunday 27 July 2025
New programme alert! 
Get involved with moon-centric activities from 10am – 6pm!
11am – 3pm | Free | Drop-in | No ticket required.