Exhilarating horsemanship and medieval hijinks made a gallant return to Linlithgow Palace over the weekend as part of Historic Scotland’s annual Spectacular Jousting event.
The event featured a range of medieval-themed experiences for visitors, including falconry displays and a historical reenactment camp.
In the jousting arena, the thundering of hooves and clash of lances accompanied four knights who battled it out to become the tourney’s champion.
Families can enjoy free ocean-inspired fun at Fort Kinnaird this summer, as the centre launches its summer holiday activity programme.
Running from Saturday 27th June until Saturday 1st August, the Ocean Putt Trail will give visitors the chance to take on a free eight-hole mini golf experience while discovering facts about local sea life and marine conservation along the way.
Located outside ODEON Cinema, the trail has been created using recycled ocean-inspired materials, including driftwood, netting and bottle caps. Visitors of all ages can take on a series of putting challenges while learning more about the local ecosystem.
Throughout the summer, families can also get involved in the Sea-to-Shore Trail. Trail sheets are available from the Ocean Putt Shack outside ODEON Cinema and will guide families on an adventure around the centre to uncover facts about the natural world and Edinburgh’s oceans.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We know it’s not always easy keeping the kids entertained during the school holidays, so it was important to us to offer something free for all of the family to enjoy on a day out this summer.
“The trails are a fun way to spend time together, try something new and learn a little more about marine life and the importance of looking after our oceans. We’re also really proud that the Ocean Putt Trail has been created using recycled materials, and we hope it sparks some great conversations with visitors while they enjoy a day out with us.”
The Ocean Putt Trail is open daily from 11am to 4pm, with times subject to change.
For more information and to plan a visit to Fort Kinnaird, go to:
Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue in Edinburgh, offering families ample opportunity to spend quality time together now that the school year has ended.
Kickstart the summer with some playtime as Toy Story 5, the latest adventure of Woody and the gang, out now on the big screen – just in time for the start of the Scottish school holidays.
This time, it’s toy meets tech as Bonnie receives a new tablet to play with, making life for Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the other toys exponentially harder. There are plenty of heartfelt moments and joyful laughs as they go head-to-head with this all-new threat to playtime itself.
On Saturday 27 June at 2pm, Vue in Edinburgh will also host a special Toy Trip screening of the highly anticipated Disney and Pixar sequel, encouraging guests to bring their favourite toy along to watch the film with them.
As part of the experience, anyone who books a ticket for the special Toy Trip screening and arrives with a toy will receive a collectible souvenir ticket to take home.
Whether it is a much-loved childhood companion, a favourite teddy, an action figure or a toy passed down through generations, Vue is giving toys the big screen moment they deserve.
The special screenings aim to celebrate the magic of stories and the emotional connection younger audiences have with big screen experiences, inviting families to watch Toy Story 5 together and feel it forever.
There’s even more animated fun this summer as Minions & Monsters brings plenty of mischief to the big screen at Vue from 1 July. In the wonderful world of Despicable Me, Minions & Monsters sees everyone’s favourite henchmen conquer Hollywood, become movie stars and accidentally unleash monsters upon the world. Will they save the planet from their own monstrous mistakes?
Families can also catch other fantastic family hits such as Disney’s live-action Moana and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, both heading to the big screen during the summer holidays.
For the opportunity to catch recent family favourites on the big screen for a very small price, Vue’s Mighty Mornings screenings will take place every day across the break. Ideal for kids between four and 11, Charlie the Wonderdog will be showing among other titles, with prices from just £2.49 a ticket when booked online.
For younger audiences, Vue will also be bringing some of the most popular children’s characters back as part of its Big Shorts series. Aimed at younger children between one and four, the screenings are hosted in a relaxed environment with dimmed lighting. Younger viewers can look forward to a special screening of Zog & Zog and the Flying Doctors.
Vue is also inviting families to make the most of the summer holiday season with the launch of its new Summer Passport Book, a collectible adventure-style experience designed to encourage young film fans to enjoy more big-screen moments throughout the holidays.
Launching with Toy Story 5, families and children can gather stamps for their Summer Passport Book when visiting Vue for the latest families releases and are encouraged to share photos of their passport books and adventures onto a dedicated Vue Facebook post for the chance to win a £25 Vue gift card.
For the summer break, Vue is also introducing new discounted kids’ tickets in partnership with the Great British Summer Savings scheme.
From 25 June, children aged 14 and under can enjoy big screen escapes, providing a fantastic way to keep the family entertained over the summer.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh, said: “As we head into the school holidays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Vue.
“From live-action reimaginings to animated adventures, it’s the perfect destination for families to escape, unwind, and get lost in great stories on the big screen.”
We are thrilled to be teaming up with Muirhouse Library and our friends Art Buds Collective to bring the Macmillan Hub to life with a fun programme packed full of free activities for local children and families!
From 29 June right through to 8 August, we’ll be running creative drop-in activities for all summer long.
Whether it’s a free breakfast and a catch-up with friends, getting creative with arts and crafts, enjoying nature in the NEA Garden, singing along at Bookbug, or settling in for a film and some popcorn, there’s something on nearly every day of the week.
So grab the kids, pop down to MacMillan Hub, and join in the fun this summer!
51 people died from excessive natural heat in the UK between 2014 and 2023
252 children required hospital treatment for sunburn injuries in 2025, a 46.5% rise since 2024
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and Children’s Burns Trust (CBT) issue important advice about staying safe in the sun
With a red weather warning issued for many parts of England, and a red heat health alert in some regions warning of a threat to life for even healthy people, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and Children’s Burns Trust (CBT) are warning of the growing dangers of heatwaves.
Research showed 51 people died from excessive natural heat in the UK between 2014 and 2023, alongside more than 1,800 hospital admissions in England over the past decade. This includes 16 fatalities during 2022, the last year a red warning was in place.
The organisations said the risks are rising as the UK experiences more frequent and intense periods of hot weather, with children particularly vulnerable.
Data shared by Children’s Burns Trust shows severe child sunburn injuries increased sharply in 2025, when 252 sunburn cases in children were recorded (admission to a Specialist Burns Unit), a 46.5% rise from 172 cases in 2024.
Heatwaves place strain on the body and can quickly lead to serious harm, including heat exhaustion, dehydration and burns from prolonged sun exposure. Children are especially at risk because their skin burns more easily and they may not recognise early warning signs.
Meteorologists warn that extreme heat is becoming more common in the UK, increasing the likelihood of preventable injuries and deaths if basic safety advice is not followed. Both organisations say many incidents could be avoided through simple precautions, particularly during peak sunlight hours.
The two leading charities are urging families to act early during hot weather by protecting children from the sun, keeping them cool and well hydrated, and recognising the signs of heat‑related illness.
Steve Cole, Director of Policy and Impact at RoSPA, said: “Heatwaves are no longer rare events, and the consequences are becoming clearer year on year.
“These deaths and hospital admissions are not inevitable. By following straightforward advice on sun safety, hydration and cooling down, people can dramatically reduce the risk to themselves and their families.”
Ken Dunn BSc FRCS(Lond) FRCS(plast) FRCS(ed), Consultant Burns and Plastic Surgeon (retired) and Vice Chair at Children’s Burns Trust, said: “We are seeing a worrying rise in children experiencing sunburn, which is painful, distressing and entirely preventable.
“Simple steps like keeping children out of direct sun, covering up exposed skin and reapplying sunscreen regularly can make a real difference.”
The organisations are advising the public to take extra care during hot weather, particularly between late morning and mid‑afternoon when the sun is strongest.
FIRST AID
Children’s Burns Trust helps to promote the vital message of the importance of good first aid if a burn or scald does occur:
COOL for 20 minutes under cool running water,
CALL 999 OR 111 or your GP for advice,
COVER the burn loosely with cling film.
All statistics released by Children’s Burns Trust have been provided by the International Burn Injury Database (iBID), incorporating data collected from all NHS Burn Services in England and Wales, they do not include the minor burns and scalds that are treated by Accident and Emergency Departments.
Families across Scotland are being encouraged to check what financial and community support they may be entitled to as expenses rise over the summer break.
When schools close, many families face increased financial pressure on household budgets, including the cost of food, childcare, clothing and activities. Ongoing cost of living challenges can also make this time of year particularly difficult.
Social Security Scotland provides a range of payments to help families with everyday costs. These include Best Start Foods, a prepaid card worth up to £44.80 per child every four weeks to help buy healthy food, and Scottish Child Payment, worth over £112 every four weeks for each eligible child.
Families who receive free school meals may also receive support to access food during school holidays through their local authority. This is alongside a nationwide summer of sport, with free and low cost activities – including football, rugby, padel, swimming, cycling and athletics – to be hosted by schools, clubs, sporting bodies and local authorities.
Community organisations are also on hand to help. Home-Start, located across Scotland, provides practical and emotional support to parents, helping them build confidence, reduce isolation and create positive experiences for their children during the holidays and throughout the year.
Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Scottish Government is committed to eliminating child poverty and offers the best cost of living support package in the UK. Our social security support for families could be worth around £26,000 by the time a child turns 16.
“We’re also providing £21 million to local authorities to help support families on low incomes during the school holidays, so that children can continue to eat well, stay active and enjoy their summer.
“I encourage every family to check what they could be entitled to. There is support out there – not just over the summer, but all year round.”
Eliza Waye, Home-Start Strategic Lead for Scotland said: “We know that the holidays can be long for families, with additional childcare expenses, food costs and keeping the children entertained. For many families, opportunities for big holidays or even day trips can feel out of reach.
“At Home-Start we provide one to one and group support, providing a nurturing environment and opportunities for families to have fun and create happy memories that last a lifetime. Together with support like Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Foods, this can transform the summer months for families.”
Hiba, a parent of three children from Knightwood, Glasgow, added: “The support from the Scottish Child Payment and Home-Start helps us afford more summer activities for our children.
“It gives them opportunities to have fun, make friends, and feel more connected to their community. This support makes the summer holidays a much happier time for our family.”
Families can find out more about Social Security Scotland support alongside wider help available by visiting www.costofliving.campaign.gov.scot
Families and film fans in Edinburgh will be able to enjoy a trip to the cinema for less this summer as ODEON at Fort Kinnaird introduces new lower ticket prices.
Adult and child tickets are now priced at £7.99, meaning cinema-goers could save up to 38% compared with previous prices, with Saver Monday tickets also reduced to £6.00, down from £7.50.
The new prices arrive just in time for the school holidays with a strong line up of blockbusters due this summer, including Toy Story 5, Supergirl and Minions & Monsters, as well as Spider‑Man: Brand New Day for older film fans.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said:“It’s great to see ODEON introducing lower ticket prices.
“Whether you’re taking the kids to the latest family blockbuster or heading to the big screen with friends, there’s a brilliant line-up to look forward to and even more reason to make a day of it at the centre, alongside shopping or grabbing a bite to eat.”
Demi Rodriguez, Marketing Coordinator at ODEON, said: “With so much for film fans to enjoy this summer, we’re excited to welcome even more guests for less at ODEON Fort Kinnaird.”
For more information and to plan a visit to Fort Kinnaird, go to:
Craigroyston CYFC U15s – Sponsorship Opportunity 
