School holidays start on Friday and we have a full program of events for the summer break!
Here is a list of next week’s events.
Everything is free with no need to book
*children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult
Lots of us enjoy the heat, but it can make us unwell.
This summer, find out how to take care of yourself and others during hot weather.
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.
For more information: info@cbtrust.org.uk, https://cbtrust.org.uk/
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:
Glasgow City Chambers hosted a special event on Thursday, 18 June to celebrate a project shining a light on the ‘voice’ of babies. Teams working on The Art of Listening to Babies Project came together to acknowledge and reflect on the work done so far.
Designed with babies as the focus, the initiative explores how arts-based practice can put their voices at the heart of their nursery environment and help them to have meaningful and responsive experiences.
The project recognises the importance of a baby’s brain development, particularly in their first 1001 days of life, and therefore the significance of every social interaction and relationship they form at that stage, as well as other ways they communicate without speaking.
Esteemed guests including nursery practitioners were welcomed and invited to share their experiences of working on the project, including carrying out research in 26 nursery baby rooms across the city.
Cllr Christina Cannon, convener for Education and Early Years, said: “Glasgow is delighted to be one of the early trailblazers of this project and learn more about what matters to the families of our youngest citizens.
“I would like to thank the dedicated nursery practitioners for the fantastic work they have done so far.
“Babies may not use words, but there is power in the way they express their feelings through movement, facial expression, gesture and sound.
“The smallest interaction can help secure attachments and support emotional wellbeing, making it vital for us to provide high-quality early years provision to support a baby’s development. It is not just about improving services, but making life changes.
“Capturing their ‘voice’ means recognising that every baby has a perspective, a right to be heard, and a right to be understood.”
Jennifer Phillips, Starcatchers’ co-CEO, said: “This project reminds us that listening starts long before words.
“Thanks to the creativity of Starcatchers’ artists, the expertise of researchers at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Queen Margaret University, inspirational Early Years practitioners, and the support of Glasgow City Council, we have gained remarkable insights into babies’ experiences of early learning and childcare.
“Most importantly, we have shown that even our youngest children can help shape policy when we take the time to understand how they communicate. The illustrated book, A Voice As Big As Any Other, being presented to participating babies is a wonderful way of recognising their contribution and demonstrating that their experiences have helped influence the future of early years services in Glasgow.”
Siobhian Brown, Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, said: “It was wonderful to join the celebration and hear directly from those who have brought this project to life across Glasgow’s nurseries.
“The Art of Listening to Babies project reminds us that every baby has a voice — expressed through movement, gesture and expression — that should be truly heard and understood and that responding to that voice with care and attentiveness is one of the most important things we can do.
“I am proud that the Scottish Government is funding this innovative work through our Early Adopter Community Project, and I look forward to seeing how the insights will deepen our understanding and help shape both local and national policy across Scotland.”
The project is delivered alongside Starcatchers and funded by the Scottish Government through the All Aged Childcare, Early Adopter Project.
Rising numbers of referrals made by NSPCC to agencies in Scotland about children being left home alone
The NSPCC made 18% more referrals to Scottish agencies, including the police and children’s services, following contacts to its Helpline about children being left home alone or unsupervised last year, the charity reports as it offers parents advice with the summer holidays approaching.
In 2025/26 the Helpline, which provides help and advice for adults with concerns about the wellbeing of a child, made 197 referrals in Scotland, compared to 167 in 2024/25.
The service will refer a concern to external agencies if practitioners believe additional support or intervention is deemed necessary.
Contacts to the NSPCC Helpline from adults across the UK who were concerned about a child being left at home alone or unsupervised increased by 11% last year.
The service handled 7,452 contacts about this issue between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, compared to6,719 contacts the previous year (2024/25).
More than two fifths of these contacts (44%) were deemed serious enough for the NSPCC Helpline to make a referral to external agencies. Over a third (35%) of those referrals were made for children aged five and below.
The months with the greatest number of contacts across the UK were July and August, with 793 and 871 contacts respectively. These months can be particularly difficult for parents as they are forced to balance the competing pressures of work and childcare.
With schools across the UK breaking up in the coming weeks for the summer holidays, many adults might feel unsure about whether their child is ready to be left unsupervised or have concerns about another child being left alone.
A mother from Scotland, who contacted the NSPCC Helpline, said: “I am concerned about my children spending time alone at my ex’s house.
“We agreed they would stay with their dad during part of the school holidays, but he frequently leaves them alone even though they’re only 12 and 14 years old. He gives them money for the local shops and leaves for the day, which really worries me.
£I know the state of the house is inappropriate and dangerous. I’ve raised my concerns with him, but he either dismisses them or say he’ll clear the place and find other work that is more flexible.
“I don’t know to do – I don’t want the children to think I’m trying to stop them from seeing their father.”
There is no legal age limit for leaving children, but the NSPCC recommends not leaving a child aged under 12 years old at home alone.
Also, if a child has expressed worries about being left without a parent or carer, those should be taken seriously and respected.
Kam Thandi, Head of the NSPCC’s Helpline, said: “For many parents and carers, the long summer break can be a logistical nightmare, as they try to balance keeping their children safe and cared for with the demands of work.
“Managing these pressures may lead some to consider whether leaving their child at home alone is a practical solution.
“Even for children aged 12 and over, it’s important to make sure they feel confident about being left by themselves, and to agree in advance what they will be doing while the parent or carer is away and what they should do if anything goes wrong.
“Parents and carers can also turn to the NSPCC Helpline and website for a wide range of expert advice, information and support.”
For parents and carers of young people who are ready to remain at home unsupervised, the NSPCC has prepared advice.
Tips for parents and carers considering leaving their child alone
Further advice on leaving children home alone can be found on the NSPCC website, as well as a quiz to assess if a child is ready to be left unsupervised.
Adults with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk.
Childline is available for young people via phone on 0800 1111 and online, offering a 1-2-1 chat on the website.
SUMMER ACTIVITIES at ROYSTON WARDIEBURN
As we take in the fearful effects of the worsening climate crisis and the uncertainty that takes hold of the many challenges we are facing around our planet today, looking ahead to a hopeful future can be a very daunting task.
For this, we find great importance & delight in announcing the return of this year’s Edinburgh Climate Festival, a free festival that aims to celebrate & inspirate climate action in our local communities.
A day that brings together numerous climate related organisations, projects and individuals, all looking to help positively raise awareness & work towards creating a brighter future!
The festival will be taking place at the Edinburgh Meadows, Melville Dr EH9 1ND, on Saturday 27th June 2026, from 12 to 7pm.
During the day, attendees can find a variety of free lively performances, fun workshops, art installations & themed talks, as well as wellbeing activities, facepainting and activities aimed towards younger audiences as we welcome everyone of all ages.
The festival will also be welcoming stallholders that cover topics related to circular economy, mitigation, adaptation, climate education, transport, activism, conservation and more.
As a special feature to this year’s edition is our theme: Intertwined. Following last year’s theme of Root & Rise, the question remains: what makes a forest truly strong, resilient, and nourished?
The answer lies beneath our feet, in mycelium. Mycelium is an underground root-like network of entangled threads of fungi. It creates vast connections between plants and trees serving as a shared resource for nutrients, supporting growth as well as being a magnificent communication highway, sending signals and protecting one another.
The 2026 theme embodies this ethos – supporting connection between ourselves, those around us and nature, expanding from local action to global solidarity.
A reminder that fundamentally, we are all nature.
Facing climate challenges alone can feel overwhelming. But when we recognise how deeply intertwined we are, we also recognise our shared strength.
Through collective action we can exchange ideas, re-energise, and cultivate meaningful change. Whether you’re beginning your sustainability journey or deeply rooted in climate work, you can join the festival to build a hopeful and connected community – forming a vibrant, intertwined network.
With the aim to become more sustainable as an event itself, this year the festival is also promoting different initiatives in hopes to achieve better waste reduction & improve its practices overall.
A few to highlight, is their additional single use packaging fee that will be implemented by all food vendors as well as a free raffle that aims to encourage attendees to bring their own containers, rewarding their commitment by offering a chance to win one of three prizes (which are valued at 60, 50 and 40 pounds).
Franciele Sobierai, the ECF Event Coordinator said: “The climate crisis can be daunting, leaving us feeling powerless. However, when we intertwine, work together, and support one another, we can accomplish far more.
“This is the message the Edinburgh Climate Festival aims to spread — encouraging community-driven climate action and solidarity to tackle the climate emergency.”
Scott Davidson, Deputy Director for Social Responsibility and Sustainability and Head of Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh, said: “It’s a privilege to be the Climate Champion Partner for this year’s festival.
“As climate projections become more severe, society is increasingly in a race between opportunity and dire outcomes. The University of Edinburgh is committed to playing its part in this race.
“Our sector-leading regenerative sustainability strategy ensures all students have access to meaningful education on climate and nature, and our research drives action in the circular economy, ecological regeneration and in the transition to renewables, to name just a few.
“Supporting the Festival recognises the importance we place on supporting our local community too, and our role in creating a more sustainable future for Edinburgh and beyond.”
The attractions and activities will include various artwork, free workshops, such as yoga, musical performances from Àirdan Band, SNR, Fava Beats, a circular economy fashion show, an energetic Ceilidh & much more! Don’t miss this opportunity to engage, learn, and celebrate our collective efforts towards a sustainable future!
You can find the full programme here
Confirm your presence on the event here, with the option to give a donation here.
The Edinburgh Climate Festival is brought to you by Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) & Networking Key Services (NKS), through the Communities’ Reduce Reuse & Recycle (C3R) Project.
The festival is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund and is supported by the University of Edinburgh and in partnership with Caledonian Horticulture.
Third sector organisations across Scotland are being invited to apply for a grant as part of a new £15 million Childcare Support Fund to help low-income families manage the cost of childcare.
The fund will provide short-term, flexible childcare through registered childcare providers, supporting families living in, or at risk of, poverty. This will ease the financial pressures of childcare costs which can act as a barrier to employment, training or learning.
The new fund is one of a range of measures set out in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, Bringing Hope, Building Futures, which will help drive further progress in eradicating child poverty.
This one-year fund is designed to top up existing support – rather than replace current entitlements such as free childcare hours and Universal Credit childcare payments.
Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise Siobhian Brown said: “Every family deserves the security of knowing their child is well cared for, but for too many low-income families the cost of childcare creates real pressure at already difficult times.
“The Childcare Support Fund will help families who are struggling with childcare costs at difficult times – such as a change in job or family circumstances, to support access to training, or during a major life event like bereavement or illness.
“Organisations which are successful in applying for grants will support families to find the right childcare and help cover the cost. The fund is open to help families with children aged from nine months to the end of primary school.
“I would urge relevant third sector organisations to apply, and I look forward to seeing this funding reach the families who need it most over the coming months.
“By the end of this Parliament we will be delivering a brand new offer of childcare for families 52 weeks a year. This will reduce the cost burden and ensure our childcare system is flexible to suit family life.”
