Fifth Doctor Who, Peter Davison and Outlander actor, Graham McTavish are among the first stars to sign up for the tenth Capital Sci-Fi Con, due to take place in Edinburgh in February 2025.
The hugely popular convention, which has raised an incredible £430,634. for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) over the last decade, will take place on February 15 and 16 at the O2 Academy.
The event brings together figures and fans from the world of film and television, comic book writers and artists, traders as well as fun movie set props and attracts thousands of visitors from all over Scotland with all profits going directly to CHAS.
This will be Pete Davison’s second outing the Con, having been a guest back in 2019. Janet Fielding, who played his companion Tegan in the hit TV show, will join him at the event.
As well as Outlander, Graham McTavish is well known for starring in The Hobbit film trilogy.
Other big names to also sign up for CSFC 2025 include Tamaryn Payne, the voice actress from Baldurs Gate 3 and Star Wars Outlaws and Amy Manson from HBO sci-fi thriller The Nevers and Once Upon A Time.
Laura Campbell, Head of Community Fundraising and Retail at CHAS said, “We’re delighted to announce Peter Davison, Graham McTavish, Janet Fielding, Tamryn Payne and Amy Manson as our first fantastic guests for our special tenth anniversary Capital Sci-Fi Con in 2025.
“With the event taking place in the new year we’re encouraging people to buy tickets as Christmas gifts this year while raising funds for vulnerable children across Scotland at the same time.
“We will be announcing more guests and also some very exciting props for photo opportunities over the coming weeks so stay tuned to the Capital Sci-Fi Con website and Facebook page.”
To find out more about Capital Sci-Fi Con 2025 and buy tickets visit:
The Centre, Livingston, one of Scotland’s largest shopping centres, has announced its Christmas events plan to raise funds and awareness for the children’s charity, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, (CHAS), which includes its first-ever Christmas ‘Movie Under the Stars Drive-In’ and free festive workshops.
This is the third year the shopping centre has partnered with CHAS, which provides the only hospice services in Scotland for children and young people with life-shortening conditions. Various events over the years have included an Elf Walk and Breakfast with Santa.
This year on the 6th December, The Centre, Livingston is hosting its first-ever Christmas ‘Movies Under The Stars Drive-In’ on the 3rd floor of Car Park 1, featuring the family-favourite film, Elf at 6pm, and the classic romantic comedy, Love Actually at 9pm.
All proceeds will be going to CHAS. Terms & Conditions are on the website, www.thecentrelivingston.com.
Kids will also get the chance to decorate a special bauble, with help from Santa’s Elves, and hang them on the Christmas trees at festive arts and crafts workshops, located near the Post Office. These will run on weekends in the run up to Christmas; 30th November – 1st December, 7th – 8th December and 14th – 15th December, between 11am-4pm.
As part of the charity partnership, CHAS will also be hosting a pop up in the shopping centre on Saturday, 30th November and Sunday, 1st December to raise funds and awareness about the services they offer.
Throughout the festive period shoppers will also be able to make donations at two CHAS contactless pods, located opposite the Post Office and next to the washroom facilities adjacent to Hotel Chocolat, which will be in situ until the end of the year.
Tess Sundberg, Marketing Manager at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We are very excited to launch our Christmas events plan this year, which includes our first Christmas Drive-In Movie Night and free festive arts and crafts, to help raise money for CHAS again.
“This is a charity which is very close to our hearts which is why we like to partner with them at this time of year to help raise funds and even more awareness of the incredible work they are doing. We look forward to welcoming them at their pop up on the last weekend of November.”
Alison Rennie, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We are very excited to partner with The Centre, Livingston for another magical Christmas season.
“Their incredible support helps us bring joy, comfort and unforgettable moments to children with life-limiting conditions and their families during the most precious time of the year. Together, we can make a real difference this Christmas, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
“We are really looking forward to hosting our pop up in the shopping centre on Saturday, 30th November and Sunday, 1st December. Visitors can meet our team and learn more about the vital care we provide. We’ll also be selling a range of festive CHAS Christmas merchandise, perfect for gifts, and some of your favourite characters will be there to add to the holiday magic.
“We’ll also be joined by the wonderful Linlithgow Male Choir, who will be entertaining shoppers with carol singing on Saturday, adding to the festive cheer.”
Other activities taking place at The Centre, Livingston include an ‘Advent Calendar Spin the Wheel’, located near Waterstones, where shoppers will get the chance to win various prizes every day from the 1st – 24th December.
These include a luxury Velvetiser hot chocolate machine from Hotel Chocolat, worth £99.95, a Rituals Gift Set worth £43.90, JBL Headphones from Vodaphone worth £50, a meal for two at wagamama and lots more. Daily updates can be found on The Centre, Livingston social media channels.
Children with life-shortening conditions in Scotland and their families were invited to Edinburgh Airport for a special sightseeing flight where they were accompanied by some of Disney’s most popular characters.
On Saturday, 15 children who receive care and support from the charity Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) were invited by Loganair to experience Scotland from the skies on a sightseeing flight from Edinburgh up the east coast of Scotland and back again.
In a bid to provide a truly magical experience, Loganair partnered with Wish Upon a Star Kingdom for the annual CHAS flight to bring Elsa and Anna on the journey with them for the ultimate Disney experience.
Additionally, Edinburgh Airport’s iconic mascot, EDI The Pilot was on hand to welcome the children to the airport, flanked by James Smith – a member of the security team – who volunteered his time to entertain the children and soar the skies with them as Batman.
Experiencing flying for the first time as a family were siblings Ruhee, Rayan and Khadijah Mahmood. Their dad Viqar said: “They’ve been looking forward to this for weeks and have been very excited today.
“The excitement reached new heights when Ruhee was able to soar the skies with Batman, and his sisters, who are big Frozen fans and regularly dress as Anna and Elsa at home, were able to join the princesses in the sky.”
In support of the day, British Airways provided access to its lounge in Edinburgh Airport, providing a VIP experience for the children and their families. There they experienced a meet and greet, storytelling and sing-a-longs with the Disney princesses and other characters before taking off to see Scotland from the skies – the first time some of them have experienced a flight.
Reflecting on the day, Viqar said: “The amount of organisation that went into today was worth it when you see their faces.
“They’ve had the best time, thank you.”
Loganair and CHAS have a long-standing relationship having embarked on a partnership three years ago. In June 2024, the regional airline announced it would be adding a voluntary £2 donation option to all its online ticket bookings in a bid to bolster its commitment to the charity even further.
In addition to supporting with monetary donations, Loganair provides flights to CHAS at Home nurses, who support families in remote island communities.
This flight marks the third occasion of the annual Loganair flights for CHAS children and their families across Scotland, with previous flights at Glasgow and Aberdeen Airports. Employees also volunteer at Robin House, one of the charity’s two ‘home from home’ hospices in Balloch, tending to the garden throughout the year and decorating the hospice at Christmas time.
Luke Farajallah, Chief Executive Officer, Loganair said: “It is our upmost pleasure to provide a unique and captivating experience for the children and young people of CHAS – it means a huge amount to the families that take part in the trip.
“The CHAS partnership is something that we value hugely, and we are thrilled to play a part in the lives of these incredibly special young people.
“Every year we are committed to bringing joy and happiness to young people and while the sightseeing flight around Scotland is the icing on the cake, we were pleased to be able to partner with Wish Upon a Star Kingdom this year to make the experience as magical as possible.”
CHAS is a children’s palliative care charity which strives to reach and support children and their families across Scotland who are living with life-shortening conditions, offering much-needed respite and continual care. It is CHAS’ ambition to make sure that no one in Scotland has to face the death of their child alone.
Through its partnership with CHAS, established in 2021, the airline has provided staff nurses and the family support team with flights for CHAS at Home services, offering specialist medical care, vital respite and practical support to families across the country within their own homes.
Nikki Corrigan, Service Manager for Outreach at CHAS said: “Our partnership with Loganair has been invaluable to CHAS in helping us be there for families where they need us most, which for many families is in the comfort of their own home.
“As well as the essential support Loganair provides in helping us reach families in more remote areas of the country, days like this give children and their families the opportunity to have an unforgettable experience together, making joyful memories that will last a lifetime. We can’t thank them enough!”
Loganair would like to extend its thanks to all its partners who have helped to make the special day happen, including Edinburgh Airport, Menzies Aviation and OCS.
The team at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline recently volunteered at a children’s hospice in Balloch that provides services for children and families across Scotland.
Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) offers a full family support service for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions. This includes palliative care, family respite and support through hospices, homecare services and hospital presence.
The Dunfermline Amazon team cemented its long-term support of CHAS by volunteering at the charity’s hospice, Robin House in Balloch. The hospice offers specialist end-of-life and respite care for families and bereavement support. The Amazon team spent the day cleaning up the garden area at the hospice.
The volunteering event is part of a long-standing support programme that Amazon provides for CHAS. Since 2018, Amazon has donated more than £130,000 to CHAS, while Amazon employees have also volunteered at multiple CHAS events.
Jamie Strain, General Manager at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline said: “Our friends at CHAS offer outstanding levels of care and a broad spectrum of services to terminally ill children and their families.
“We are so pleased to help them in any way we can, including our most recent time volunteering at Robin House to provide extra pairs of hands for the staff as they support families in impossibly difficult times.”
Natasha Blyth, an employee at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline added: “Thank you to CHAS for allowing us to come and volunteer at the wonderful Robin House.
“We were able to see first-hand the invaluable work the staff do to support terminally ill children and their families and build on our great relationship with the staff there.”
Lara MacDonald, Senior Corporate Partnerships Executive at CHAS said: “We were delighted to welcome volunteers from Amazon EDI4 to Robin House where they supported our gardener Maggie for the day.
“Our gardens play a huge part in creating an incredible care experience for children and families during their time spent at the hospice and we are so grateful to the team for giving up their time to lend a hand.
“Every year, around 150 children die in Scotland due to a life-shortening condition. Whenever a child is ill, it has a huge impact on the whole family. We offer specialist support to families to be there for them through their darkest days and provide a safe space for reflection, rest, shared memories and help create moments of joy.
“We are grateful for our long-term partnership with the Dunfermline Amazon team. They have already raised over £130,000 for us and their continuous support helps us to run our services. Thank you to Natasha and the team for spending their time with us and making a difference to our families.”
Amazon supports the communities where it operates and has delivered free computer science and STEM education programmes to more than 700,000 students across the UK through Amazon Future Engineer.
Amazon helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good, including more than seven million healthy breakfasts to children at risk of hunger in partnership with Magic Breakfast.
And through its Multibank initiative, co-founded with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Amazon has supported more than 200,000 families experiencing poverty, with the donation of more than 2 million surplus essential goods.
Amazon partners with Comic Relief to help people tackle poverty and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose.
Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and tackle issues such as homelessness, mental health problems, and food insecurity across the UK, and around the world.
An Edinburgh-based coffee and tea company has created a unique blend of coffee to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
The team at Marchmont’s Red Box Coffee will donate £1 from every kg sold of their new ECHO coffee line to CHAS.
The specially created coffee is made up of beans from Brazil, Guatemala and Ethiopia and has tasting notes of peanuts, caramel and chocolate. The ECHO design has been created in collaboration with CHAS using the charity’s alphabet letter branding and is available to buy in store at Red Box Marchmont (Edinburgh) or online here: https://www.redboxcoffee.com/.
The coffee has already brewed up some local support from Edinburgh law firm Turcan Connell which has signed up as the line’s first wholesale customer.
Chris Dunstan, Head of Wholesale at Red Box Coffee said: “At Red Box we believe in the power of a good cuppa to uplift and connect. That’s why we’re thrilled to be partnering with CHAS, a charity that brings care and joy to children with life-shortening conditions and their families.
“With every purchase from our ECHO line, we’ll donate £1 per kg directly to CHAS. This contribution will help the charity continue its incredible work, filling the lives of the children and families it supports with laughter, love and joy.
“I recently personally visited Rachel House, one of CHAS’s hospices in Kinross, which is near my own home, and was truly inspired. The staff create a haven of bright colours and joyful moments, even during challenging times. It’s a place where families can find comfort, connection, and extraordinary care.”
CHAS Senior Community Fundraiser, Sarah Dannfald said: “We are so grateful to Chris and the team at Red Box Coffee for choosing to support CHAS in such a unique way and we can’t wait to taste the ECHO coffee and continue this exciting partnership.
“Every penny donated via this coffee will go towards helping the many children with life-shortening conditions we support and their families right across Scotland.”
To find out more about the charity partnership and to buy the ECHO coffee please visit https://www.redboxcoffee.com/
Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS)’s 2024 Rocking Horse Ball, sponsored by Thorntons Solicitors, has raised £95,000 (after costs) to help support children with life-shortening conditions and their families.
The annual event, which had an Aladdin ’Whole New World’ theme this year, took place at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh on Friday 7 June.
Guests at the event, which is recognised as one of the capital’s most-loved charity dinners, enjoyed a night of wonder with Aladdin-themed games amongst a backdrop of flying carpets and magic lamps.
Comedian and singer Jess Robinson hosted the event, supported by compere Alex Fleming, who entertained guests throughout evening, including during the live auction, while music was provided by Edinburgh band duo BLEEKER.
Guest of honour at the event was CHAS parent speaker, Andy White from Fife who spoke about the care and support he received from Rachel House hospice in Kinross when his son Leo died in March 2022, aged just six years old.
Leading full-service law firm Thorntons offers a full range of legal services to businesses and private clients across the country, with partners regularly volunteering and raising money for CHAS. Lead partner at the firm’s Edinburgh office, Clare Macpherson, is also a member of the Rocking Horse Ball’s event committee.
Diane Alton, CHAS’s high-profile events manager, said: “We are proud and privileged to have the continued support from Thorntons for a third year for our seventh Rocking Horse Ball.
“With their very generous sponsorship, we were able to wow our guests from start to finish, creating an incredible and memorable event that raised an incredible £95,000 after costs for CHAS.”
Clare Macpherson said: “It’s remarkable and humbling to witness the difference CHAS makes to families across Scotland.
“We’ve long supported the CHAS Rocking Horse Ball and this year’s event was yet another success, entertaining all who attended and raising funds for a very important cause. We look forward to continuing our partnership with CHAS and supporting its life-changing work.”
Scottish law firm Thorntons is supporting Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) as the headline sponsor for a third year at the charity’s seventh Rocking Horse Ball this summer.
The annual event will take place at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh tonight and is recognised as one of the capital’s most-loved charity dinners.
The theme of this year’s Rocking Horse Ball, sponsored by Thorntons, is ‘A Whole New World’ with guests set to enjoy a night of wonder with Aladdin-themed games amongst a backdrop of flying carpets and magic lamps.
Comedian and singer Jess Robinson will return to host the event, supported by compere Alex Fleming, who will entertain guests throughout evening, including during the live auction, while music will be provided by Scottish duo BLEEKER.
Leading full-service law firm Thorntons offers a full range of legal services to businesses and private clients across the country, with partners regularly volunteering and raising money for CHAS.
Lead partner at the firm’s Edinburgh office, Clare Macpherson, is also a member of the Rocking Horse Ball’s event committee.
Diane Alton, CHAS’s high-profile events manager, said: “We are proud and privileged to have the continued support from Thorntons for a third year for our seventh Rocking Horse Ball.
“With their very generous sponsorship, we are able to wow our guests from start to finish, creating an incredible and memorable event that will raise vital funds for CHAS. We can’t wait to sprinkle our magic and take our guests to A Whole New World on the night.”
Clare Macpherson said: “It’s remarkable and humbling to witness the difference CHAS makes to families across Scotland. We’ve long supported the CHAS Rocking Horse Ball and we’re proud to once again be event sponsors and support their ongoing work.”
The charity provides nationwide hospice services for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions at Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch while its CHAS at Home service supports families in their own homes.
To purchase tickets to this year’s event please visit:
THREE Glasgow-based charities have received donations totalling £1,500 from the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline.
Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, CHAS and Scot Baby Box Appeal have received £500 each following nominations for support from the team at Amazon in Dunfermline.
Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity supports those who care for and nurture young lives at their most vulnerable. The charity also invests in equipment, research and the continued improvement of facilities and services for children and families in hospital.
Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) offers a full family support service for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions. Through their hospices, home care services and hospital presence, CHAS provides palliative care, family respite and support. The charity’s hub in Glasgow offers a range of fundraising events such as the Glasgow Lunch and Glasgow Kiltwalk.
Scot Baby Box Appeal, based in Glasgow and Lanarkshire, sends support in the form of pre-loved baby boxes, humanitarian aid and other essential items to those in need in Ukraine.
Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “I am glad to make donations to these great charities across Glasgow.
“We are passionate supporters of their work in the community and are so pleased to be able to help in any small way.”
Lara MacDonald, Senior Corporate Partnerships Executive from CHAS, said: “We are very grateful to the Amazon team in Dunfermline for their support.
“Their donation is so appreciated here at CHAS. Thank you so much Jamie and the team for your continued support.”
Megan Wright, an employee from Amazon in Dunfermline, added: “All three of these charities provide invaluable services across Scotland and I’m so grateful that we can support them through donations like this.”
Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates.
Amazon co-founded the Multibank initiative with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support families in poverty.
The first Multibank, ‘The Big Hoose’, opened in Fife providing surplus essentials like nappies, toilet rolls, toothpaste and school uniforms, donated by Amazon and others, directly to those in need.
The initiative has gone on to donate more than 2 million goods to over 200,000 families across Scotland and Greater Manchester.
Amazon also helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good, including more than seven million healthy breakfasts to children at risk of hunger in partnership with Magic Breakfast.
Amazon partners with Comic Relief to help people tackle poverty and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose.
Last year, together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon raised over £2.7 million to fund projects that support people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and tackle issues such as homelessness, mental health problems, and food insecurity across the UK, and around the world.
Pic Greg Macvean 19/11/2023
The Centre, Livingston – Elf Toddle Walk
300 people, many dressed head to toe as elves, took part in the annual one-mile ‘Elf Toddle Walk’ to raise money for the children’s charity, CHAS on Sunday (19th November), following the success of the inaugural event last year at The Centre, Livingston.
The family fun event, now a firm fixture in the Christmas calendar, was attended by hundreds of little toddlers who embarked on a one mile walk around the shopping centre, which was two laps, joined by acrobatic elves and Christmas characters including a Snowman and Reindeer.
Pic Greg Macvean 19/11/2023
The Centre, Livingston – Elf Toddle Walk
Livingston Women’s FC footballers joined in the fun and carried out a light warm up for the toddlers and to help get them on their way, Go Radio, who provided the festive tunes on the day, led a Jingle Bells sing-along before the countdown took place and starting whistle was blown.
They were also given extra encouragement and entertained half-way round by 50 singers from the Singergie Choir.
On completion of the walk, all children received a commemorative wooden keepsake medal and chocolate coins, presented by the management team at The Centre, Livingston who were joined by an Elf character.
Pic Greg Macvean 19/11/2023
The Centre, Livingston – Elf Toddle Walk
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “Thank you to everyone who came along to our annual Elf Toddle Walk at The Centre, Livingston, to help raise funds for the children’s charity, CHAS.
“It was great to welcome even more people this year!
“A big thank you also to all of our volunteers and everyone who helped make it a huge success, including the acrobats, elf helpers, Singergie Choir, Livingston Women’s FC – it was such a great way to spend a Sunday morning, having fun and raising funds at the same time for such a worthy cause.”
Pic Greg Macvean 19/11/2023
The Centre, Livingston – Elf Toddle Walk
Zhenya Dove, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We are so grateful to all the elf-tastic participants, who joined us for the annual Elf Toddle Walk!
“Every smile and every step came with an added bonus of making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families supported by CHAS.
“We can’t thank The Centre enough for their support and for organising such a fantastic event.”
The team from Amazon in Dunfermline made donations totalling £2,000 to Glasgow Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) and Edinburgh Children’s Hospital as part of the company’s global Amazon Goes Gold for Kids with Cancer campaign during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Since 2017, Amazon employees have helped raise awareness and joined in the fight against childhood cancer thanks to the Amazon Goes Gold for Kids with Cancer campaign.
A gold ribbon is the universal symbol for childhood cancer and Amazon employees from Dunfermline held a month-long series of gold-themed events in recognition of the international emblem.
The Dunfermline team also showed solidarity to children with cancer by donating a total of £2,000 to Glasgow Children’s Hospital, CHAS and Edinburgh Children’s Hospital.
One of the events this year at Amazon in Dunfermline was a Pyjama Day, which saw the team wear pyjamas to work in honour of children who spend every day in their pyjamas during treatment.
Other events taking place at Amazon in Dunfermline included packing kits including over 200 activity packs and 66 teddy bears for children undergoing treatments at Glasgow and Edinburgh Children’s Hospitals.
The team from Amazon in Dunfermline also visited Glasgow Children’s Hospital to help set up and decorate the hospital’s ‘Games for Weans’ game room.
The aim of Amazon’s Goes Gold campaign is to support kids impacted by cancer as part of the company’s commitment to have a meaningful impact in the communities it serves around the world.
Over 400,000 children across the globe will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and Amazon has an opportunity to make a difference for thousands of these children and their families by raising greater awareness and supporting the work being done in cancer research and front-line care.
Amazon Dunfermline General Manager, Jamie Strain said: “Amazon has proudly supported Childhood Cancer Awareness month since 2017 and this year, we’re pleased to continue playing a part at Amazon in Dunfermline with our pyjama party and gold-themed events.
“We’re pleased to support the efforts of Glasgow Children’s Hospital, CHAS and Edinburgh Children’s Hospital, organisations that have a profound impact on children and families in our community.”
Christina Watson is one of the Amazon employees who took part in Amazon Goes Gold for Kids with Cancer. She added: “Everyone at Amazon in Dunfermline loved taking part in our gold-themed events to raise awareness of childhood cancer.
“I think it’s brilliant that we’re also able to support Glasgow Children’s Hospital, CHAS and Edinburgh Children’s Hospitals whose staff and volunteers do incredible work for families in our area.”
Amazon employees in the UK also had the opportunity to support children and families affected by childhood cancer by packing activity kits for children facing cancer, which were distributed to nearby hospitals and hospices.
Employees also took part in volunteering with childhood cancer charities and organisations, and had the opportunity to write short stories for children spending time in hospital.
Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities in and around its operating locations across the UK. Amazon provides students, teachers and parents with free computer science and STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and has teamed up with charity partner Magic Breakfast to deliver more than seven million healthy breakfasts to children at risk of hunger in disadvantaged areas of the country.
Earlier this year, Amazon partnered with Comic Relief to become the official home of the Red Nose. Amazon employees across the UK hosted fundraising activities and together with their customers and partners, raised £2.7 million to support those going through the toughest time of their lives.
