Do you want to win a fun day out in Edinburgh with your family?
If so, please pick up a map made by students from @impactarts Cashback to the Future programme (more details below), which shows off some of our fantastic Doors Open Days venues.
Next, grab a packet of our Cockburn coloured pencils and have your child colour in the map, decorating it with lots of bright colours, showing off their enthusiasm for the beautiful buildings of Edinburgh!
All our family-friendly venues that will hand out maps and pencils are on the Doors Open Days website, indicated by a balloon symbol.
When done, submit your child’s colourful creation using the QR code on the back of the map, and we will choose three winners, whose maps we feel really represent Edinburgh, to win the following prizes:
Prize 1: Tickets to @cameraobscuraedinburgh for the whole family
Prize 2: Gift card to @filmhouse_edinburgh, where you and your family can attend a Wee Filmhouse screening on Sundays
Prize 3: Gift card to the Scottish Cafe and Restaurant at @nationalgalleriesscot – National for afternoon tea
Additionally, all winners are invited to visit the National Galleries of Scotland’s Granton Art Centre with family or friends!
Note about the Impact Arts Cashback to the Future Programme:
Students between the ages of 14-19 visited eight Doors Open Days Venues over five weeks, and as a result, created a selection of artworks that will be exhibited at St Michael’s Parish Church, as well as a booklet to accompany this exhibition.
These talented students also created our Doors Open Days maps, which feature illustrations of several Doors Open Days venues across the city.
Aldi stores across Edinburgh donated 24,039 meals to charities, foodbanks and community organisations across the UK throughout the recent school summer holidays.
The donations took the number of meals redistributed by Aldi in 2026 from more than 8.8 million before the school holidays to 10.9 million – an increase of 24%.
Aldi has worked with Neighbourly since 2019 to redistribute surplus food from its stores to charities and community organisations across the UK.
Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said:“There’s no reason for good food to go to waste when it can be put to use by organisations supporting their local communities.
“Our stores redistribute surplus food throughout the year, giving local charities a regular source of food they can use to support the people who rely on them.”
Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added:“For many of the organisations we work with, summer doesn’t mean demand eases off. The school holidays can bring an additional pressure, as families face higher food costs and children who usually receive free school meals may not have the same access to support during the holidays.
“Regular surplus food donations give charities something practical they can use straight away, helping them keep shelves stocked and respond to what people in their communities need.”
Shoppers in Edinburgh can also donate food and everyday essentials to local charities, foodbanks and community groups through community donation points in Aldi stores nationwide.
Aldi also works with Company Shop to redistribute surplus food from its Regional Distribution Centres.
“Pupils voluntarily handed weapons in” – Council funds performances for local high schools
Leith-based charity Strange Town is taking its powerful knife-crime play BALISONG back into Edinburgh schools this autumn, as part of the Knife Angel project, with performances planned for pupils across 13 high schools.
The production, written by award-winning Scottish playwright Jennifer Adam and directed by Strange Town Artistic Director Steve Small, explores the consequences of carrying a knife through the story of a 15-year-old boy who brings a butterfly knife home after a school trip.
The tour comes at a time of growing concern about knife crime and youth violence in Edinburgh. Police Scotland figures show that crimes committed in a public place involving a knife rose by 29% between 2022/23 and 2024/25, from 178 offences to 250.
Strange Town has seen first-hand the impact theatre can have in opening up difficult conversations with young people. When BALISONG previously toured schools, pupils voluntarily handed in weapons after seeing the production.
The play was originally commissioned by No Knives Better Lives and, between 2017 and 2019, toured schools in every local authority in Scotland. It has since been brought back to Edinburgh as part of Strange Town’s wider programme of high-quality theatre for young audiences.
The charity’s Touring Company has now delivered 62 free performances to more than 7,000 pupils across 25 Edinburgh schools, tackling issues including knife crime, consent, online bullying and climate anxiety.
Each performance is followed by teacher-led discussion, giving pupils the opportunity to reflect and talk openly about the issues raised.
Steve Small, Artistic Director and Joint Executive Director of Strange Town, said:“We know BALISONG works because we have seen what happens when young people encounter it. On our previous tour, pupils voluntarily handed in weapons. Teachers told us that the play opened up conversations they simply could not have started in the same way themselves.
“That is why we are so pleased to be taking BALISONG back into Edinburgh schools as part of the Knife Angel project. Theatre doesn’t lecture young people or tell them what to think. It allows them to see themselves, their friends and the consequences of choices in a different way, and then gives them the space to talk.
“We will be working with 13 high schools during this tour. At a time when concerns about knife crime and youth violence are so high, it is vital that we give young people opportunities to have these conversations before a crisis happens.
“We are incredibly grateful to the City of Edinburgh Council for supporting this project and helping us bring this work to young people. We also want people to understand that organisations like Strange Town cannot deliver this work without ongoing support.
“If you believe young people deserve access to ambitious, high-quality theatre that can genuinely make a difference, please come and see BALISONG at the Traverse and consider supporting the future of Strange Town.”
That impact has also been recognised by teachers working directly with pupils. Head of Drama at Drummond Community High School said: “As a drama teacher, I see firsthand the transformative power of live professional theatre in shaping young minds.
“It allows for meaningful discussion and reflection on themes that are current to the society they live in.”
Martin Hutchison – The City of Edinburgh Council said:“Tackling knife crime and youth violence requires a partnership approach, with prevention and early intervention at its heart. We are pleased to support the return of BALISONG to Edinburgh schools as part of the wider Knife Angel project.
“Creative approaches can provide young people with a safe and engaging way to explore difficult issues, challenge perceptions and have conversations that might otherwise be difficult to start.
“Reaching pupils across 13 high schools gives this project an important opportunity to engage young people directly and encourage positive choices.
“We are grateful to Strange Town for the important work they continue to do with young people across Edinburgh and look forward to seeing the impact of this project.”
The Edinburgh tour forms part of the wider Knife Angel project, which aims to bring communities together to raise awareness of the devastating impact of knife crime and encourage prevention and positive action.
Strange Town believes that high-quality theatre has a unique role to play in this work. By putting young people at the centre of a compelling story, BALISONG creates space for empathy, debate and reflection rather than simply presenting statistics or warnings.
The charity is also inviting members of the public to support the project by attending a special performance of BALISONG at the Traverse Theatre at 7pm on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th September.
The public can also help Strange Town continue its work with young people by making a donation to support future productions, school tours and accessible creative opportunities.
Strange Town is a Leith-based charity that has spent more than 18 years creating accessible, high-quality theatre and creative opportunities for young people.
Its Touring Company works with professional emerging artists to create original productions specifically for young audiences, bringing theatre directly into schools and creating opportunities for pupils to engage with challenging issues in a safe and accessible environment.
The Balisong Theatre production is funded by the City of Edinburgh Council and Forth Ports, and is part of a wider programme of events whilst the Knife Angel Sculpture is in Edinburgh – supported by Places for People Scotland and Police Scotland.
A new drive is being launched to help schools achieve better results for their pupils through traditional music.
The Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust already teach over 2000 youngsters each week in school programmes across Scotland.
The new drive is to target musical help for youngsters at schools facing some of the toughest economic challenges in the country.
Charity Chief Executive Lindsay Mackenzie said their work so far shows how school pipe bands help players do better in the classroom and head on to positive destinations after school: She said: “Over the past ten years we have seen great evidence of how pipe bands in schools really make a difference.
“Being part of a band teaches young people so much in terms of commitment, discipline, teamwork and there is the cultural side of it too.”
The SSPDT is now targeting schools facing challenges of remoteness or deprivation to help give pupils a boost.
The charity has over 500 sets of pipes out on free loan as well, realising that many of the pupils they are trying to help would struggle to afford instruments costing up to £900.
Lindsay Mackenzie said they are open to approaches from schools or parent groups wanting to start a band and are able to offer funding and more importantly expertise to get the project up and running effectively.
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“We have had some great successes working with school groups the length of Scotland and many have gone on to form competiting school bands with more on the same pathway coming along behind.
“Our flagship project at Preston Lodge High School in East Lothian held on to their title as the best state school pipe band in the world at the World Championships in Glasgow last month.
“Entries will be opening soon for the competition we run, the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships, and many of the over 100 bands performing there come from projects started working with the SSPDT.”
Scotland’s national children’s charity is urging Edinburgh families worried about energy bills to get in touch with its support line to check if they can benefit from the Warm Home Discount.
The charity’s support line team provides practical advice to families struggling with the cost of gas and electricity, including support to access benefits, grants and other help with household bills to lower their bills and keep their homes warm.
The Warm Homes Discount scheme provides a £150 discount on electricity bills for eligible households. While some households in Scotland will receive the discount automatically, others may need to contact their electricity supplier to apply so it is important to act as soon as possible before the scheme opens on 1 October.
Children First can help families understand whether they may be eligible for the Warm Homes Discount, support them through the application process and provide other practical, financial or emotional support their family may need.
In 2025, the charity put £1.8 million in financial gains back in families’ pockets.
Linda Jardine, Director of Children and Family Services at Children First, said: “The Warm Home Discount could provide valuable help towards energy costs for eligible households, but knowing whether you qualify and understanding how to apply can sometimes feel confusing.
“With colder weather and longer nights putting increased pressure on household energy use, families don’t need to face financial worries on their own. If you’re concerned about keeping your home warm, struggling to afford your energy bills or simply unsure what support you may be entitled to, please get in touch with our Children First support line.
“You don’t need to wait until you’re in a crisis to get in touch for help.
“If you are not eligible for Warm Home Discount, our friendly team can provide free, expert advice and help you access other support.”
Parents and carers in Edinburgh can contact the Children First support line on 08000 28 22 33 or start a webchat at childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline.
FREE MOVIES AT ROYSTON WARDIEBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE
Book your seats today !!
Donations welcome.
Tea, Coffee, Soft Drinks & Snacks can be purchased from our cafe.
Doors Open Days Can Help Us Fall In Love With Edinburgh Again
Over 100 venues across Edinburgh and East Lothian to open their doors for Scotland’s largest free heritage festival
Fall in love with Edinburgh again – that is the challenge to residents as Doors Open Day returns with its most accessible ever programme of events.
The two-day festival on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September 2026 will give locals free access to buildings, unique experiences and a new perspective on the spaces and stories that shape Edinburgh and East Lothian.
Coordinated locally by The Cockburn Association, Edinburgh’s civic trust, this year’s event will bring together over 100 venues spanning the length and breadth of the city, and beyond, with a programme ranging from guided walking tours, events for children and young people, novel partnerships, and rare behind-the-scenes opportunities.
This year’s theme, Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine, invites participating venues and visitors to explore how Edinburgh’s built heritage is being protected, adapted for new uses, and reimagined for the future.
As the coordinators of Doors Open Days in a region shaped by the pressures of over-tourism, The Cockburn Association believes residents should also benefit from their own city’s cultural landscape, and that engaging with local heritage brings genuine benefits to health and wellbeing.
This year’s festival builds on our digital offerings, making it more accessible than ever and giving residents more ways to take part without leaving their homes.
Now in its 36th year locally, after beginning in France in 1984. Doors Open Days first arrived in the UK in Glasgow in 1990. It has since grown into Scotland’s largest free cultural festival, with more than 950 venues taking part nationally last year.
Unlike much of Edinburgh’s cultural offer, Doors Open Days is aimed squarely at residents, encouraging people to see their own city with fresh eyes, and it’s FREE.
Stephen Jardine, President of The Cockburn Association, said: “At a time when Edinburgh is under more pressure than ever, it’s easy to overlook what makes Scotland’s capital so special.
“Doors Open Days is a chance for us to encounter the amazing heritage we have all around us. I’d encourage everyone to use it as an opportunity to explore the city with fresh eyes….and to fall in love with Edinburgh again”
Rowan Brown, Director of The Cockburn Association, said: “I’m thrilled that the Cockburn is coordinating part of Scotland’s largest free heritage festival and delighted that it’s set to be our most accessible yet, with something for all ages, interests, and abilities.
“There is unequivocal evidence that engaging with heritage makes you happier, and healthier, so be kind to yourself, your friends and your family and join in one or, ideally, several, free Doors Open Days events.
“I’m extremely grateful to our Doors Open Days Venue Hosts and Volunteers, my colleagues and our sponsors, the City of Edinburgh Council and the Neilson Family Foundation, whose collective civic spirit is simply inspiring.”
INVITING EVERY PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILD IN EDINBURGH, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IMPACT ARTS
This year’s festival also includes a landmark initiative to send a Doors Open Days invitation to every primary school child in Edinburgh, extending the festival’s reach to the city’s youngest residents and helping build a lifelong relationship with the city’s heritage from an early age.
Delivered in partnership with Impact Arts, a Scottish charity established in 1994 that uses creativity to tackle inequalities and transform young people’s lives, engaging communities across almost all of Scotland’s local authorities, the first 10,000 primary school children to attend selected venues on the 26 and 27 of September will receive a free box of Cockburn-branded coloured pencils and a monochrome artwork created by Impact Arts.
Due to a shipment delay, free boxes of Cockburn-branded coloured pencils will be available at some, but not all, participating venues.
Children are then invited to colour in their artwork and submit it as part of a competition, with prizes generously donated by Camera Obscura, Filmhouse, the National Galleries of Scotland and Contini which will be awarded by our President. Competition entries must be submitted by Friday, 9th of October.
Winners will be notified on Monday, 26th of October, ahead of our prize-giving ceremony on Thursday, 12th of November (venue to be announced).
Impact Arts will also host an exhibition at St Michael’s Parish Church, accompanied by a booklet showcasing the artwork and participating venues, available in print and online.
PARTNERING WITH INVISIBLE CITIES
This year’s festival also includes a partnership with Invisible Cities, a social enterprise that trains people with experience of homelessness to become walking tour guides.
The Cockburn Association has funded four tours over the Doors Open Days weekend, giving residents a unique perspective on the city.
PARTNERING WITH THE TRINITY NETWORK
As part of the digital offerings, The Cockburn Association is also partnering with Jill Harrison, a research associate at the Open University and the lead of the Trinity Network to curate an online exhibition on Trinity Apse, one of Edinburgh’s finest medieval structures, and all that remains of a church built in the 1460s for Mary of Guelders, Queen of Scotland.
Built around this year’s Doors Open Days theme, Heritage at Risk, the exhibition revives the story of the apse and its founder, resists their slide into obscurity, and reimagines what the building’s future could hold.
All events are free to attend, but on some experiences, spaces are limited.
The full programme of venues and activities went live on the Doors Open Days website on 31 July 2026, at www.doorsopendays.org.uk.
Do you want to win a fun day out in Edinburgh with your family?
All our family-friendly venues that will hand out maps and pencils are on the Doors Open Days website, indicated by a balloon symbol.
Prize 1: Tickets to @cameraobscuraedinburgh for the whole family
Looking for the ultimate birthday party venue? 
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info@pycp.co.uk
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