The Forth Bridges Creative Trail is back this month

After a hugely successful launch in 2025, the Forth Bridges Creative Trail is back — bigger, brighter and more ambitious than ever

📍 South Queensferry • Dalmeny • Bo’ness

🎨 35+ artists and makers

🏛️ 11 venues

💫 Free public arts event

Open studios   –   Popup exhibitions   –    Creative workshops* School art competition    –    Meet artists and makers  –  Explore local independent businesses

  • A great day out for all, against the stunning backdrop of the iconic Forth Bridges
  • A Vibrant Weekend of Creativity in and around South Queensferry

After the huge success of its 2025 inaugural event, the Forth Bridges Creative Trail (FBCT) returns for the last weekend of May — bigger, more inclusive and even more ambitious. We invite you to enjoy a vibrant celebration of art, creativity and community across South Queensferry, Dalmeny and Bo’ness.

This year’s trail features over 35 local artists and makers exhibiting across 11 venues, showcasing work ranging from fine art and ceramics to jewellery, woodwork and a wide variety of contemporary crafts.

The Creative Trail is a free public arts event that shines a spotlight on the incredible talent within our community. Visitors can look forward to:

  • Open studios and pop‑up exhibitions
  • Workshops* and hands‑on creative activities
  • A school art competition for primary age children
  • High School art exhibited along the trail
  • Opportunities to meet artists (many in their own studios), discover new venues and explore local independent businesses.

The 2025 event attracted hundreds of visitors and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from residents, artists and local businesses.

FBCT Chair, Juliet Russell, commented, “We are a small voluntary organising team, who feel passionately about the importance of encouraging creativity within our community.

“In our crazy world, creativity has never been more important! It promotes good mental health and helps people feel connected and inspired by something they can make or see. 

“The Forth Bridges Creative Trail has the ability to act as a catalyst in creating a sense of place, which in turn drives the vibrancy of an area. Community‑led, grassroots arts events can transform public spaces and help social connection, local identity and economic vitality.

“We hope more local organisations and businesses will collaborate with us, so we can continue to build pride and a sense of belonging – as well as having creative fun along the way”

Building on a Successful First Year

Last year’s Creative Trail was a huge hit – the artists and makers enjoyed taking part, visitors loved the range of work and the vibe, local residents revelled in the creative talent living around them and local hospitality venues reported increased footfall.

This year, with more artists, more venues and expanded marketing activity, we hope to attract an even bigger and broader audience and make an even bigger splash.

It’s a fun, family‑friendly weekend with a wide range of creative work on show, fantastic local eateries to enjoy, and the stunning backdrop of the Forth and its bridges. Come explore your own creativity at one of the workshops or simply chat with the wonderful artists and makers who help make our community so special.

Help us put the Creative Trail firmly on the map — share our posts, spread the word and join us the last weekend in May.  We look forward to welcoming you!

Please note: (*workshops are paid events that require booking)

Corstorphine Library: Mousey Morning with Fiona Lowry

THURSDAY 16th APRIL at 11am

This week Corstorphine Library are happy to be hosting children’s author Fiona Lowry for a great workshop for wee ones.

Come along at 11am on Thursday 16th April for a story, craft and scavenger hunt!

It is free to attend and perfect for 3-5 year olds.

Crafternoons at Holyrood!

Our usual Crafternoon schedule has been extended for October!

✂️🎨 Free drop-in craft sessions, all ages welcome! 🙌

https://ow.ly/TAGq50X91C8

#Crafternoon

#CraftSessions

#FamilyCrafts

#CreativeCommunity

#DropInCrafts

#AllAgesWelcome

#OctoberEvents

#ArtsAndCrafts

Making a Statement: Craft & Activism in Edinburgh

Exhibiton explores the intersection of traditional craft and social activism

A new colourful and vibrant exhibition bringing together historic objects and contemporary protest material to explore the recent explosion of ‘Craftivism’ in Edinburgh is now open.

Running until 26 January 2026, the exhibition will explore Craftivism – the practice of using traditional craft techniques like knitting, sewing and collage to address political, social, and cultural concerns. Over the past two decades, the movement has gained significant momentum, especially in the wake of the global pandemic.

Edinburgh has become a centre of Craftivist activity due to its position as Scotland’s capital and the home of its Parliament, as well as its strong heritage in teaching and nurturing craft skills.

The exhibition shines a light on how these humble, time-honoured practices have been repurposed as powerful forms of expression, from political protests to expressions of personal identity.

It will feature a rich variety of items from Edinburgh’s collections, including pieces from the People’s Story, Museum of Edinburgh, and the Museum of Childhood.

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: Edinburgh has strong craft heritage so I’m delighted that the Museum of Edinburgh will be showcasing how the tradition of craft has evolved into a powerful form of activism.

“It’s wonderful to see historic examples of work from across our museums displayed alongside the work of talented contemporary makers. The range of creativity displayed, and the issues engaged with, shows what a vibrant city Edinburgh is.

“This exhibition is a testament to the resilience and spirit of communities who are using their craft to advocate for change, from environmental justice to mental health awareness.”

Curator Vicky Garrington said: “It’s been a fascinating experience, diving into Museums & Galleries Edinburgh’s historic collections to explore the history of crafting and protest in the Capital.

“We hope viewers will enjoy seeing objects from our collections alongside works by talented contemporary makers.

“From quiet explorations of wellbeing through lacemaking to bold knitted panels demanding climate justice, there is something for everyone on display.”

Highlights include crocheted protest banners, a Victorian scrap screen, and even a Jacobite drinking glass, each providing a unique lens through which to understand Edinburgh’s history of activism.

Alongside these historic items, the exhibition will present the work of contemporary Craftivists, with pieces that touch on topics such as politics, feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental justice, and mental health.

Among the featured works are those made in collaboration with MindRoom, a charity that supports neurodiverse young people, and the City Art Centre South Asian Youth Group.

The exhibition will also host a variety of public programmes, lacemaking demonstrations, interactive workshops.

It runs from Wednesday 17 Sept 2025 until Monday 26 Jan 2026.

Museum of Edinburgh 142-146 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DD

Halloween Charity Day at McDonalds

Pop along to Telford Road McDonalds on the 2nd November for a charity fun day. There will be face painting, arts and crafts and you can even have a chance of winning a jar of sweets if you guess how many’s in it correctly! 🙂

This is to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

This event is completely free however there is still a chance to donate 🙂

This event will run from 12 – 3pm, hopefully see some of you there! 🩷

World Aids Day: Quilt workshops

ST MARY’S EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL, PALMERSTON PLACE

❤️ Has a loved one died from HIV-related causes?

🧵 As we approach World AIDS Day, anyone is welcome to come to one of our drop-in quilting workshops to add a friend or family member’s name to the HIV quilt, housed in the Cathedral.

🤝 Free. All are welcome on a drop-in basis, no need to book.

🔗More info: https://tinyurl.com/2j947me9

Edinburgh Diocese

Scottish Episcopal Church

The NEN North Edinburgh News

Waverley Care – HIV, Hep C & Sexual Health in Scotland

NHS Scotland

Anglican Communion

Benji the Playbus is coming to Muihouse Millennium Centre today

💚🩵💚Happy to announce 💚🩵💚

Benji and the PlayTalkRead team are coming to Millennium Centre TODAY – Wednesday 24th April♥️

Hop on board from 10am-1pm or 2pm-4pm, for lots of fun activities that you and your wee one can do together.

Lots of arts and crafts, messy play, and a load of books for you to enjoy. Our activities are aimed at families with children 0-4 years old.

No booking necessary and entry is free!

What’s On at North Edinburgh Community Festival next month?

SATURDAY 11th MAY 12 – 5.30pm at WEST PILTON PARK

What can you expect from the festival this year?

80 stalls from local organisations, charities and groups hosting interactive activities such as glitter tattoos, hair braiding, craft workshops, facepainting, games, help, advice, storytime.

Edinburgh festivals – Edinburgh Science festival with their cargo tricycles and science demonstrations.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society – street performers.

Edinburgh Book Festival – free books and talks.

Colla Castellera – building human towers.

Edinburgh Equi Centre returns with their horses.

Obstacle course from North Edinburgh Childcare, and activities from Royal Air Force, Army and Scottish Fire Services.

Art and craft workshops with North Edinburgh Arts, National Galleries of Scotland, video games and scavenger hunt with Tinderbox Collective.

We have Granton Giants Dodgeball, Super strikers and Blast Boxing.

And things to buy include, tie dye clothing, pocket money toys, wax melts, cupcakes, dog accessories etc.

As for food we have RRT handing out free burgers again but we also have cupcakes and cookies, Indian food, hotdogs plus several other stalls to purchase food from.

We have 2 Music Stages this year – the park stage filled with community music and performances and the North by North West stage inside the WPNC for up and coming young musicians.

The parade will kick start the festival, starting at North Edinburgh Childcare and heading along Ferry Road Drive, round the park and into the park. Everyone welcome to join in the parade – theme is Superheroes!

There is so much going on at the festival, with something for everyone. I hope that you will all come along and enjoy the day.

The festival is free to attend. Many of the activities/food/items will be free but there will also be some that require payment.

Please feel free to share this and spread the word.

#northedinfest

Sunshine guaranteed at North Edinburgh Community Festival!

LAUNCH PROMISES MORE STALLS, MORE MUSIC, MORE FOOD and.. SUNSHINE!

Next month’s North Edinburgh’s Community Festival will be even bigger than last years event, organisers announced at Tuesdays launch at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.

Around 6000 people attended last year’s gala event, and with at least SEVENTY marquees (up from 50 last year) and and not one but TWO music stages there promises to be even more for the local community to do, see and enjoy on 13 May.

Highlights include:

Disney-themed LIFT Parade from Muirhouse Millennium Centre to West Pilton Park to launch the Festival.

More than 70 local organisations and charities with Community Stalls

Two music stages: the open air Park Stage and the Green Room stage in West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre

The music line-up features a wealth of local talent. Performers include local youth orchestra Tinderbox, Granton Youth’s Mixtape Music Club and a session from ever-popular Fischy Music.

There’s a musical medley from the Edinburgh College Musical Theatre Group, performances from local choirs including Ama-zing Harmonies, AUGB Ukranian choir, Craigroyston High School Choir and a high-energy performance is guaranteed from local punk rockers Yer Local Bams. Low Tide, Rai Williams, Laurent and Abigail Kerner will also be performing live on the day in a musical feast.

Family events and activities will include Bookbug with Muirhouse Library and a Storytelling session with Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Citizen writers.

Fancy some sport? You’ll be spoilt for choice as Access Parkour, Spartans Community Football Academy and Inverleith Rugby Club will all be there. And there will be children’s Zumba classes.

North Edinburgh Arts will be organising arts and craft activities and Screen Education Edinburgh will offer film workshops. There’s an Army obstacle course, too.

There will also be learning and upskilling opportunities provided by local organisations including Edinburgh College will be offering course taster sessions.

All in all, there really should be something for everyone. And with sunshine (almost) guaranteed, it promises to be a great day.

Local activist Willie Black, a member of the Festival planning committee, introduced Tuesday’s launch. “We are very excited about this year’s Festival and it promises to be a really great event, a community celebration for everyone to enjoy.

“We have a wealth of diverse talent in this community and we want to share that talent far and wide. We’re looking forward to offering a warm North Edinburgh welcome to thousands of visitors next month, and the hope is that the Festival will be a great success and that it can become an annual event.”

North Edinburgh Community Festival is on Saturday 13 May from 12 – 5.30pm. Free event. All welcome.

IMAGES FROM LAUNCH EVENT: