We have an exciting Storytelling event TODAY – Tuesday 14th October at 2pm!
Come along and help celebrate Edinburgh’s 900th anniversary with stories from Edinburgh’s History!
Learn about Queen Margaret’s love story, the soap opera of Mary Queen of Scots and a tale of a powder Monkey.
Entertaining tales for all, free event, no tickets required.
(Recommended age 5+)
*All children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult
Dobbies Garden Centres is offering great value entertainment for families during the October holidays at its Edinburgh store.
Keep costs down by spending a day at Dobbies, where parents can take advantage of Dobbies’ Kids Eat for £1 restaurant offer, kids can take part in the free-to-attend Little Seedlings October Holiday Club and the little ones can be amused at soft play. Wizards and Witches of all ages are also invited to take part in a spellbinding Halloween tea party at Dobbies’ magical Little Scare-lings event.
Kids Eat for £1 restaurant offer
Dobbies offers Kids Eat for £1, allowing children under the age of 16 to enjoy their food for £1 with every traditional adult breakfast and main course meal at lunch. Children can pick from the kids’ breakfasts, lunch menu or pick ‘n’ mix meal, including a drink.
Restaurants are open Monday-Sunday from 9am, location times may vary and customers are advised to visit the website to check the restaurant opening hours.
Soft play
Families are invited to come and join in the fun at Dobbies’ Little Seedlings soft play at the Edinburgh store, where children of all ages, from babies and toddlers to young kids, can let off some steam and play in a safe environment.
The soft play area is in Dobbies’ restaurant, where families can enjoy tasty meals and snacks, plus kids eat free with every adult main meal. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment, but there may be walk-in spaces available on the day, prices and age ranges vary for each store, starting at £3.50.
Little Seedlings October Holiday Club
Children are invited to step into the enchanting world of gardens after dark at the free Little Seedlings Holiday Club workshop, running on selected dates throughout October at the Edinburgh store.
As twilight falls, young adventurers will uncover how the garden transforms at night – from the curious creatures that come alive, to the magical sights, sounds, and scents. The fun doesn’t stop there, attendees will get the chance to be creative with hands-on activities.
Little Scare-lings
This Halloween, children and families can get ready to take part in some scarily fun activities and afternoon tea at the Little Scare-lings event at the Edinburgh store. There will be three tiers of savoury sandwiches and sweet treats for the children and spook-tacular tea and cake offers or afternoon tea add ons for adults.
Little ones will get to take part in slime and magic potion making to embrace their inner witches and wizards, alongside other magical activities and games. Dobbies is encouraging attendees to dress up in their spookiest costume as a prize will be awarded during a costume contest.
The Little Scare-lings – Witches, Wizards and Wicked Treats is taking place on Saturday 18, Sunday 19, Saturday 25, Sunday 26, Friday 31 October, and Saturday 1 November, tickets are £15 per children and from £7.50 for adults. Dates vary for each store so please check the website when booking. To find out more about the great value activities at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store, visit www.dobbies.com/events.
ST JAMES QUARTER UNVEILS A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS 2025 PROGRAMME
From dazzling parades to hands-on festive fun, the Capital’s most stylish Christmas celebration returns bigger and brighter than ever.
St James Quarter, Edinburgh, is set to sparkle once again this festive season with a showstopping Christmas Programme for 2025 – from a spectacular light switch-on with starry performances, family-friendly experiences, and festive magic on every level.
The St James Quarter Christmas Parade returns again this year – bigger, brighter, and more spectacular than ever.
On Saturday, 8th November, from 4pm, the Galleria will come alive with a joyous celebration of colour, music, dance, and performance, featuring wandering musicians, graceful ballerinas, energetic street-style dancers and, of course, a very stylish Santa making his entrance in true St James Quarter STYLE.
Adding an extra touch of sparkle, Santa will be touring the City in a St James Quarter taxi, inviting Edinburgh locals to join him on his journey to the Quarter before leading the crowds to Register Square for a spectacular finale – a magical light switch-on and Christmas sing-along led by Community favourites, Tinderbox Orchestra, who will be joined by some surprise guests.
From traditional carols to contemporary hip-hop beats, the evening promises an unforgettable fusion of sound and celebration, creating a free, family-friendly night for residents and visitors alike.
The Tinderbox Orchestra, renowned for redefining what an orchestra can be, will fill the Quarter with the sound of Christmas. Combining rappers, singers, strings, brass, and drums, their performances bring together some of Scotland’s most dynamic musicians, delivering unexpected melodies and boundless festive energy.
Families can also look forward to the return of Elf Adventures on Sunday, 16th November and Sunday, 7th December, from 11am to 3pm at the Santa Express on Level 3. Little ones can learn how to be Santa’s little helpers through playful drop-in sessions, including Elf School (age 3+), where they’ll tackle an elf agility course, ; Reindeer Food Making (age 3+), where they can craft their own magical oats to sprinkle outside their homes on Christmas Eve; and Storytime sessions (age 0+), where little ones can settle in for cosy, interactive storytelling with Santa’s elves. All children must be accompanied by an adult, and there’s no need to book in advance.
For those feeling inspired by the sounds of the season, the Tinderbox Orchestra will host a day of interactive music workshops on Sunday, 30th November, from 10:30am to 6pm.
Ticketed via the St James Quarter App, these sessions offer the chance to try an instrument, play alongside the 20-piece orchestra, and even write and perform your own Christmas song.
Open to all ages and abilities, the workshops are a unique opportunity to join one of Scotland’s most exciting musical collectives for a day of festive creativity and collaboration.
Throughout the season, visitors can continue to enjoy the festive spirit across the Quarter. The Santa Express will offer a magical interactive photo opportunity on Level 3, while the Present Tree, in partnership with St James Quarter charity partner Children’s First, will encourage guests to donate gifts and spread goodwill to those in need.
Pop-up choir and dance performances will fill the Galleria with music and movement, and with bars and restaurants open until late and extended retail hours from 16th November, guests can shop, dine, and celebrate long into the evening.
Susan Hewlett, Brand Director at St James Quarter, said: “Christmas at St James Quarter is always something special, and this year we’re pulling out all the stops to make it our most magical celebration yet.
“From the dazzling parade and spectacular light switch-on to the creative energy of the Tinderbox Orchestra and the joyful return of Elf Adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
“We can’t wait to welcome Edinburgh’s residents and visitors to experience the wonder, warmth and togetherness that makes this time of year so special in the heart of the city.”
Whether singing under the lights, dancing to the beat of the Tinderbox Orchestra, or watching little ones graduate from Elf School, St James Quarter is set to be Edinburgh’s ultimate destination for Christmas magic in 2025.
For more information, please visit:
Anxiety has been revealed as the main mental health concern for children and young people when receiving help from Childline.
Last year, the NSPCC service delivered 546 counselling sessions to children in Scotland related to anxiety, representing almost a quarter (22%) of all support given for mental health issues.
Navigating problems at school, bullying and body image concerns were some of the reasons children and young people cited for experiencing anxiety. Childline also heard that ongoing social and political issues, such as the UK riots, climate change and world conflict, were also increasing feelings of worry and concern in young people.
One primary school aged girl in Scotland told Childline: “I’m so self-conscious of how I look, my personality, what people think about me. It makes me feel anxious. I know everyone is different, but I feel different in a bad way. Reading and drawing are my ways to escape.”
Another girl in Scotland, aged 15, told Childline: “I’ve been struggling with even basic tasks lately because of anxiety. I get filled with panic, can’t function and then I get angry with myself, so it gets even worse. It’s really frustrating. I want to tell someone but I’m not sure if my problems are important to anyone” Girl, 15
Childline is a free service available to any young person in the UK. Trained counsellors are available to support with any concerns, queries or questions and can be reached via phone or through their online chat.
Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said: “Thousands of children are reaching out to us because they’re struggling with their mental health, in particular with anxiety. We know how overwhelming these feelings can be, often leaving young people feeling trapped and unsure of where to turn.
“From the pressures of school and bullying to concerns about their appearance and worries about global issues, like climate change and world conflict, children are telling us they’re carrying an enormous emotional burden.
“This World Mental Health Day, we want every young person to know that it’s okay to not be okay, and that help is always available. Childline is here 24/7, providing a safe, confidential space where children can talk about their anxieties, no matter how big or small they may seem.”
To mark World Mental Health Day, the children’s charity has released a series of tips to support both children and parents or carers. The Childline website also has a host of advice for young people.
Advice for children who may be struggling with anxiety includes:
Top tips for parents to support children who may be experiencing anxiety includes:
Childline is available for young people via the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website.
The Centre, Livingston has unveiled plans for the arrival of its first-ever 8m Space Dome, from the 18-27th October, where visitors can enjoy a 360° planetarium film experience through the galaxy and take part in science-themed activities, including handling Campo Del Ceilo meteorites from Argentina that are 4.6 billion years old.
The Space Dome, complete with giant space props, including a 5ft inflatable rocket and moon, has been created by the astronomer, Zee Dinally, who has travelled the world with his pop-up planetariums to give people an insight into the solar system and night sky.
The full-dome film with surround sound, entitled ‘Journey to Infinity’, is narrated by the former Blue Peter producer and BBC presenter, Sue Beardsmore, and takes you on virtual journey through space to explore distant galaxies from infinity to beyond, and discover how we are connected to the cosmos.
The event, which will take place during the October school break, is designed to provide an immersive, educational and fun experience for shoppers, especially avid space, astronomy and geology enthusiasts, who can learn more about meteorites that reveal the ancient geometry of the solar system.
There will also be a Virtual Reality Zone with headsets and astronaut costumes for children to embark on their own virtual space trip and explore natural astronomical objects including stars, planets, the moon, asteroids, comets and galaxies.
The Space Dome event, which will be located next to Waterstones and run daily from 10 – 4pm, also provides the opportunity to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, CHAS, which is the winter charity partner at The Centre, Livingston, for the third consecutive year.
All activities are free with donations optional for CHAS, which provides the only hospice services in Scotland for children with life-shortening conditions and support for families, including respites and counselling.
Zhenya Dove, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We are so excited to be part of this amazing Space Dome adventure at The Centre, Livingston.
“It’s a great way for families to enjoy some time together and make precious memories, which is exactly what’s at the heart of everything we do at CHAS.
“Every donation, no matter the size, helps us bring moments of joy to children with life-shortening conditions and their families.”
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston said: “Our Space Dome event will give visitors the chance to enjoy a great day shopping, dining out and also have fun watching a captivating space-themed film in a planetarium, where you can soar through the solar system.
“We’ll also have astronaut costumes and VR headsets for children to experience their own personal voyages through the universe and other activities including the opportunity to handle real Campo Del Ceilo meteorites from Argentina, which are 4.6 billion years old.
“The event will also give us a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness and funds for CHAS, who we are delighted to be supporting again this year.”
For more details, check out The Centre, Livingston website, www.thecentrelivingston.com and social channels, @shopthecentre.
It’s the Edinburgh school half term break next week and we’ve got a full programme of events scheduled!
Booking is only required for the author visit from Emily McKenzie on Thursday which can be accessed from tomorrow morning at 10am with the following link:
Dear Editor,
During the October holidays, many families across Scotland will be weighing up childcare options and wondering whether their children are ready to be left home alone.
There’s no legal minimum age for a child to stay at home or go out alone, and it’s common for parents to contact the NSPCC Helpline for advice. Every child is different, and between work and other responsibilities, it’s understandable that parents may need to consider this decision.
It’s not always easy to know what’s best, but there are some important things to keep in mind. Very young children, especially those under three, should never be left alone – not even briefly while popping to the shops or leaving them in the car. For older children, we wouldn’t recommend leaving anyone under 12 at home alone, especially for long periods.
What matters most is how your child feels. If they’re anxious or unsure, they shouldn’t be left by themselves – even if they’re older.
Feeling safe and confident is key, and they need to know what to do in an emergency. Talking things through can help you understand their concerns and decide if they’re ready.
To support families, the NSPCC has created online checklists to help guide these decisions. And for children who need someone to talk to, Childline is available 24/7.
They can speak to a trained counsellor for free by calling 0800 1111 or using the 1-2-1 chat at www.childline.org.uk.
Yours sincerely,
Carla Malseed
NSPCC Scotland Local Campaigns Manager
MONDAY 13 OCTOBER from 10am – 12.30pm
Hallowe’en pumpkin walk and hunt this Monday! All accompanied children welcome.
Free lunch at the centre after.
To book, get in touch or email natalie@drylawnc.org.uk
All accompanied children welcome.
Come on a hunt for pumpkins around the neighbourhood using a simple map.
Lunch back at the Centre.
Adults and children welcome.
All regulars also welcome. Easy. Flat.
PLEASE BOOK! natalie@drylawnc.org.uk
Free, Children and adults
PS – Reminder that Little Explorers and the Yoga classes are on holiday on Monday 13th!
Working families are encouraged to sign up to Tax-Free Childcare ahead of the spooky school holidays to avoid tricky childcare bills as latest figures from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) show 34,255 families in Scotland got a savings treat in June.
Paying childcare bills through a Tax-Free Childcare account can save working families up to £2,000 per year for each of their children up to the age of 11 or £4,000 per year up to the age of 16 if the child is disabled.
HMRC is encouraging those yet to sign up for Tax-Free Childcare, to do it now to take advantage of savings on their half term childcare.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Hallowe’en doesn’t need to be a tricky time for childcare bills. Whether you’re working and have a child in a holiday club or taking time off and planning term-time care, paying your bills with Tax-Free Childcare can help. Go to GOV.UK to start saving today.”
Once a Tax-Free Childcare account is open, for every £8 parents deposit in their child’s account, the government tops it up by £2. Parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every 3 months towards their childcare costs.
In June, the government paid a total of £57.7 million in top-ups to Tax-Free Childcare accounts which means each family received, on average, more than £100 to be used towards their childcare bills.
Parents can use Tax-Free Childcare to help pay toward any approved childcare for their child – so that’s nursery for younger children or, for older children who are in school, wraparound childcare, after-school and holiday clubs.
Once families have opened a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it’s needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time.
Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they:
Visit GOV.UK to check eligibility and register for Tax-Free Childcare.
Tax-Free Childcare can be used alongside the free childcare hours, subject to eligibility.
Back in 2005, families who had lost a baby were often sent home from the hospital without anything to acknowledge or honour their baby’s life. Determined to change this, a group of caring midwives and bereaved parents began gifting a small amount of hand-packed Memory Boxes at Simpsons Maternity Hospital in Edinburgh.
What began as a small, heartfelt initiative has since grown into a national registered charity and vital support network, helping thousands of families across Scotland navigate the heartbreak of baby loss.
Honouring every baby, supporting every family
At the heart of Simba’s work is the Memory Box, a handcrafted collection of keepsakes carefully packed by volunteers and each designed for a specific gestational loss.
Each box is unique and includes items such as soft knitted blankets, matching teddies, inkless handprint kits and keepsake charms – many of which are lovingly made by Simba’s virtual craft group of nearly 8,000 volunteers.
The Memory Box is more than just a box; it is an essential tool to help parents to gather as many memories as they can of the precious time that they spend with their baby.
“Every family’s experience is different, and every box we send is unique,” says Vanessa Rhazali, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Simba Charity. “We pour so much care into each one, and take great pride in creating something truly personal. For many families, these boxes become treasured reminders of their baby’s existence and the brief but meaningful moments they shared.
“Helping parents make the most of that precious time – no matter how short – is at the core of everything we do.”
Simba have also supported families by refurbishing and maintaining bereavement rooms in hospitals so parents can spend private and peaceful time with their baby before they must say goodbye. The charity also offers families special places of remembrance at sites across Scotland. These services are complemented by online private support groups, helping families feel supported, connected and less alone in their grief, regardless of how much time has passed since their loss.
Making a real impact
Over the years, Simba’s Memory Boxes have reached thousands of families. But the charity’s impact goes far beyond numbers. At its core, Simba is about helping families honour their babies.
This is Jenny’s story. She received a Simba Memory Box at Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital:
“Our baby boy William passed away before he was born, when I was 23 weeks pregnant. Going into hospital to deliver our baby, knowing that he was already gone, was the most difficult thing we’ve ever had to do and I was so worried about what to expect.
“It was made bearable by the compassion of the staff and also by receiving our Simba Memory Box. The memory box gave us something to focus on during those first couple of days – everything in it is so well thought out.
“There is a heartfelt letter from another parent that I read often. The midwives were able to take photographs and add them to our box in the most beautiful little envelope. My most treasured item is the knitted teddy-after William was born we placed one in his cot overnight and I slept with one.
“We swapped them in the morning and one went with William so that we always have a part of each other. I hope the volunteers that knit these teddies know how cherished they are. William was real and he was loved, and our memory box helps me cope with his loss every day.”
A local delivery partner that understands
In 2025, Simba partnered with APC Edinburgh and The APC Network to improve how their Memory Boxes are delivered to bereaved parents across Scotland.
The partnership came about as the charity sought a trusted logistics provider that could offer a more local, reliable and personalised service – one that truly aligned with their mission and values.
Since then, Simba has seen significant improvements in its delivery process, with more streamlined operations and a flexible, hands-on approach that reflects the care and sensitivity each of these deliveries requires.
“The customer service we receive is amazing,” says Jo Dunlop, Office Manager at Simba Charity. “The team at APC Edinburgh is always responsive, thoughtful and willing to help, which gives us real confidence that we’re in safe hands.
“They take the time to understand our mission and get every detail right, because they know these aren’t ordinary parcels. They’re a lifeline for families, and that level of care truly makes all the difference.”
Looking ahead
Simba remains deeply committed to its founding mission: to ensure that every baby is recognised and every family feels supported, no matter when or how their loss occurred. With the continued support from APC Edinburgh and The APC Network, the charity is well-equipped to keep that promise and extend its care to more families for years to come.
Ailsa Hamilton, Sales Manager at APC Edinburgh, commented: “We’re proud to play a small but meaningful role in the incredible work Simba does.
“These aren’t just deliveries; they’re moments of connection, memory and healing for families going through unimaginable heartbreak.
“It’s an honour to support that, and we are committed to standing alongside Simba as they continue to reach more families and provide comfort when it’s needed most.”
Find out more about Simba here: https://www.Simbacharity.org.uk and APC Edinburgh here: https://www.apcedinburgh.com/
While nothing can take away the pain of losing a baby, being able to create memories, no matter how small, can help families hold onto love and begin to heal. It’s never too late to honour your baby, it’s never too late to ask for a Memory Box.
If you have experienced the loss of a baby, however long ago, you are welcome to request a Memory Box. Please reach out to us at memories@simbacharity.org.uk
