Tag: Children and Families

New pavilion for Craigroyston CYFC

COUNCIL LEADER OPENS LOCAL CLUB’s NEW FACILITY

Craigyroyston Community Youth Football Club has been gifted a brand-new pavilion by the City of Edinburgh Council.

At an official ceremony to handover the modern new facility yesterday (Friday, 15 August) Council Leader Jane Meagher presented youth team members and club representatives with the keys to the Pavilion.

Relocating the club to their new modern premises at Marine Drive is part of the Council’s wider £1.3bn generation of Granton Waterfront. 

The former club base was previously on adjacent land where the Council is building 143 new environmentally friendly affordable homes known as the Silverlea development.

The half a million-pound project, funded by the Council, has delivered modern changing rooms with showers and a café for club members, their families and other visitors to enjoy.

Designed by architects Smith Scott Mullan, Cruden delivered the project on behalf of the Council and has also gifted the signage and branding in the new facility.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “As we continue to deliver our £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront, this is a perfect example of our commitment to creating healthy and vibrant communities in the area.

“Investing in our young people is an important part of this work. The former club base was on land that we needed to build affordable homes.

“Providing these modern facilities right next to our Silverlea site works well for the young footballers and the wider community, allowing the club to thrive and attract new members in the future. “

Colin Dudgeon Club Secretary said: “This is a historic day for us. For the first couple of years setting up Craigroyston Community Youth Football Club we didn’t have a home until we moved into Craigroyston Park in 2009.

“The club base we’ve been using wasn’t in good condition and so we’d like to thank the City of Edinburgh Council for our magnificent new club base for our players and parents to call our home. Thanks as well to Cruden for their part in this project and the signage and branding they kindly gifted for the building.

“We can offer safe, hygienic, and modern facilities to our players with changing rooms and showers suitable for all ages and parents can relax in our new Craigie Café, which will be opening on match days soon.”

Michael Palethrope, Community Benefit Manager for Cruden, said: “Community-run clubs like Craigroyston CYFC are at the heart of great neighbourhoods, and we’re proud to support them.

“Alongside building quality, energy-efficient homes and green spaces, we always look for ways to give back to the communities we work in.

“This club is a fantastic example of that, and we can’t wait to see them thrive in their new home.”

PICTURES: CYFC

350,000 Baby Boxes delivered

EIGHT YEARS OFUNIVERSAL SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES

Over 350,000 Baby Boxes packed with essential items for newborns have been delivered across Scotland, saving expectant parents around £400 and giving children the best start in life.

The Scottish Government’s universal Baby Box programme, the only one of its kind in the UK, is offered to all parents of newborn babies. Backed by almost £8 million funding in 2025-26, the Baby Box helps to ensure that every family has access to items needed in the first six months of a child’s life, as well as a safe space to sleep.

Marking the eight-year anniversary of the programme, First Minister John Swinney will meet expectant mother Mairi Morrison and her partner George Waddington at Western Isles Hospital in Lewis to deliver their Baby Box.

The First Minister said: “Scotland’s Baby Box strongly signals our determination that every child, regardless of their circumstances, should get the best start in life. The programme is supporting families right across the length and bread of Scotland, including here in the Western Isles where 1,281 boxes have been delivered to date.

“It is clear that this universal offer, a UK first, has been hugely successful with 89% of all parents with newborn babies registering for a box – benefiting around 41,000 families annually.

“My number one priority as First Minister is to end child poverty in Scotland – and I am very proud of the impact that the baby box is making to support families across the country.”

The Scottish Government’s universal Baby Box programme opened for registration on 15 June 2017 with Boxes being delivered in August 2017.   

The Baby Box includes items which support breastfeeding, such as breast pads and a leaflet with top tips on breastfeeding and how to access support.  Among other items the Baby Box contains 2 baby books, a carrier sling, underarm thermometer, bath & room thermometer, play mat, around 15 items of clothes for age 0 – 6 months, a changing mat, a redeemable voucher for a reusable nappy and liners and many other useful items for mother and baby.

The 2025-26 Programme for Government includes a commitment to enhance the contents of the Baby Box by March 2026, building on feedback from parents and frontline practitioners working with families, which will strengthen support for early child development and to mitigate the impact of poverty on babies. 

Teen Triple P

POSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAMME

Teen Triple P is a positive parenting programme suitable for parents and carers of pre-teen and teenagers 11-16 years.

Teen Triple P can help parents and carers to:

· cope positively with some of the common issues associated with raising a teenager

· build stronger relationships with their teenager

· resolve conflict in the family

· manage problem behaviour

· keep their teen stay safe

We welcome applications directly from parents and carers or someone can apply on their behalf.

Applications can be made by completing our online application form found here https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/teentriplepform

NE

Venue: Northfield and Willowbrae Community Centre, 10 Northfield Road, EH8 7PP

Day: Tuesday

Dates: 2/09, 9/09, 16/09, 23/09, 30/09, 7/10 (telephone session no group) 21/10 (telephone session no group) and 28/10

Time: 10.00-12.00 midday

SW

Venue: St Augustines High School, 208 Broomhouse Road, EH12 9AD

Day: Thursday

Dates: 2/10, 9/10, 23/10, 30/10, 6/11, 13/11 (telephone contact no group) , 20/11 (telephone contact no group) and 27/11

Time: 6.00-8.00pm

NW

Venue: Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, Pilton Drive North

Day: Thursday

Dates: 2/10, 9/10, 23/10, 30/10, 6/11, 13/11 (telephone contact no group) , 20/11 (telephone contact no group) and 27/11

Time: 12.30-2.30pm

Virtual Group

This group will be delivered on TEAMS, participants will require access to a laptop, tablet or pc to complete the course.

Day: Wednesday

Dates: 8/10, 22/10, 29/10, 5/11, 12/11, 19/11(telephone contact no group), 26/11(telephone contact no group) and 3/12

Time: 6.00-8.00pm

If you require more information or you wish to discuss particular support needs please contact jill.coleman@edinburgh.gov.uk

Granton Goes Summer this Saturday!

GRANTON GOES SUMMER – Saturday 16th August 10am to 2pm

Granton Goes SUMMER

Saturday 16th August 10am to 2pm

Granton Goes Summer in the grounds of Granton Parish Church.

Join the team at Granton Goes Greener for a family-friendly community event featuring a variety of workshops, stalls, and of course our famous Share ‘n’ Wear rails!

Find out more about Granton Goes Greener, while enjoying food and treats, including candy floss and a BBQ.

More details at https://grantongoesgreener.org.uk/summer-event/

This Saturday – weather looks like it might be kind to us!

Edinburgh mum launches specialised clothing brand for children with disabilities with support from Business Gateway

An Edinburgh mum has launched a children’s clothing brand designed specifically for children with disabilities after receiving specialised start-up support from Business Gateway.

Blue Bee Mike, founded by Kasia McGavigan, offers sensory-considerate clothing that supports the needs of children with additional support requirements. It is the only Scottish brand that creates this type of clothing.

The business is named in honour of her son Michael, who lives with autism, and inspired Kasia to create adaptive designs that combine comfort, dignity and practical use. She tests out any designs on Michael.

Through her experience as a mum to Michael, Kasia has seen first-hand how difficult it can be to find clothing for children with additional needs. She spotted this gap in the market and decided to start creating the clothes herself in 2024.

The idea began with the development of a specially designed onesie, created to ease everyday challenges for both children and carers. The onesie is zipped at the back to prevent the child from taking it off if they become distressed and also allows access for a feeding tube if needed.

Every product is designed with comfort, functionality and joy in mind, with the children’s needs at the heart. The clothes allow children to move freely and not be inhibited by their clothing. Kasia’s parents were tailors, so she grew up watching them create clothing and began helping as she got older.

Kasia hopes her brand not only supports children, but also raises awareness about the importance of inclusive clothing design.

As a full-time carer, Kasia had a vision for her business but needed help bringing it to life. She remembered a friend who had worked with Business Gateway in the past and decided to approach them.

Since June 2024, she has worked closely with Business Gateway to develop her idea into a viable business – receiving one-to-one support from Business Gateway adviser Lee Briggs to break down key tasks, prioritise actions and build confidence as she launched her brand.

Kasia has engaged with various Business Gateway workshops, including sessions on marketing, finance and starting a business. With expert guidance, she launched her website and recently accessed Expert Help support to refine her marketing strategy and explore opportunities in international markets.

Kasia McGavigan, founder of Blue Bee Mike said: “Starting Blue Bee Mike has been a deeply personal journey.

“As a full-time carer for my son Michael, I understand how challenging it can be to find clothing that’s both comfortable and practical for children with additional needs. I wanted to create something that genuinely helps families like ours -something designed with love and real-life experience at its heart.

“Business Gateway has given me the support, structure and encouragement I needed to turn my idea into a reality. From helping me work out what steps to take and when, to giving me the confidence to launch my website and start sharing my products, their advice has been invaluable.

“I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved so far and excited about growing the business to support even more families.”

Lee Briggs, Business Gateway adviser said: “Kasia is truly inspiring. She’s humble, focused and incredibly determined, balancing her caring responsibilities with launching a meaningful business from the ground up.

“Her ability to take on advice, stay organised and put everything into practice has been exceptional. Blue Bee Mike is already making a difference, and we’re proud to have supported her on this journey.”

To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit: 

https://bgateway.com.

The Royal Scots Museum: Family history research at Central Library 

Friday 15 August 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, and commemorates the ending of the Second World War.

The Royal Scots Museum Outreach Team will hold a VJ Day 80 event in the George Washington Browne Room at Central Library.

The Family Research Area will be staffed by Museum research volunteers, National Records Scotland, Scottish Genealogical Society, and Commonwealth War Graves Commission who will have access to
• Regimental War Diaries
• Regimental Journal, “The Thistle”
• Royal Scots World War Two Attestation Books
• documents and photographs from the Royal Scots Museum Archive
• and much more…

There will also be a small display of Royal Scots-related items and memorabilia and display boards telling the stories of
• 2nd Battalion The Royal Scots who at the outbreak of World War Two were serving on Garrison Duty in Hong Kong
• the sinking of the Lisbon Maru
• 1st Battalion The Royal Scots, who after the evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940, were reconstituted at Bradford and were responsible for a stretch of the Yorkshire coastal defences. The Battalion was then sent to India in 1942.
• officers and soldiers from the Royal Scots who served with specialist units in the Far East.

You will also be able to view the Museum’s new 12 minute VJ 80th film, which includes interviews with those Royal Scots who served in the Far East and their families.

The Family Research Area will run from 12 to 15 August, from 10am to 4.30pm each day, and is free to attend.

Scottish children’s Wonders of the World revealed for the first time – from Sunflowers and Seashells to Caterpillars and Diggers

  • Sunflowers, seashells and caterpillars are ranked the top ‘wonders of the world’ according to Scottish children.
  • But around 1 in 5 children under the age of 10 in Scotland have sight conditions that can get in the way of all that wonder.
  • Specsavers launch museum-style exhibit in Edinburgh showcasing these everyday wonders to highlight the importance of childhood eye checks.

FOR ADULTS, there are seven wonders of the world, but in children’s eyes, there are seven million. Sunflowers (60%), seashells (54%) and rocks (40%) top the list of Scottish children’s ‘wonders of the world’ according to a new study.

Other everyday wonders which stop Scots children in their tracks include caterpillars (37%), puddles (29%), and diggers (9%).

To highlight just how crucial good eyesight is for children to experience all this wonder, Specsavers has created a Wonders film and launched museum-style exhibits across the UK.

Each installation in Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Belfast and Cardiff features a ‘wonder’ chosen by a local child.

These include a life-sized digger, a perfectly imperfect rock, a carefully collected seashell, a curly caterpillar and a colourful sunflower.

The first Children’s ‘Wonders of the World’ exhibitions celebrate children’s natural curiosity and remind parents how important good eyesight is for kids to keep exploring the everyday wonders around them.

“Children see the world in a way adults often forget – full of magic, mystery and wonder,” says Professor Sam Wass, a child psychologist and neuroscientist.

“Good vision is essential to this journey of discovery. It helps children explore, ask questions and learn through play, all of which are essential to children’s development.”

Research among over 380 six and seven-year-olds reveals the places where children are most likely to spot their top wonders – with the beach (71%), the garden (44%), the park (29%) and even the journey to school (41%) ranking highest.

More than a quarter(26%) of the 600 parents surveyed said this happens on average five times a day, totalling 1,825 moments of wonder per year. Nearly a quarter (24%) report often being late because their child is busy inspecting an object. That’s 156 million times annually that parents are delayed because of their children discovering wonders.

Nonetheless, over two thirds (70%) of parents said they would be concerned if their child stopped pointing out these everyday wonders.

As a result, a quarter (25%) said this would be among the reasons they would book an eye test for their child, as well as if they were struggling to read or write (43%) or rubbing their eyes frequently (38%).

Sarah Joyce, Director of Optometry at Specsavers, says: “Being able to see clearly is vital to children as they learn about the world – around 80% of learning in school is visual.

“But around one in five children under the age of 10 have sight conditions that can get in the way of all that wonder[1].

“Conditions such as long- or short-sightedness, astigmatism or a squint can often be treated more effectively if they are picked up early, so regular eye tests from the age of around four are essential or sooner if you think they are having any problems.

“The great news is, for children under 16, the NHS will cover the full cost of the eye test.”

To find out more or to book an eye check for your child visit: 

www.specsavers.co.uk/eye-test/childrens-eye-test

Six-year-old reveals ultimate back to school shopping list

Back-to-school season is here, and Fort Kinnaird has teamed up with its very own Chief Fun Officer, six-year-old Ruari, to reveal what children really want in their school bags this August and help make back-to-school shopping trips that much easier. 

Tasked with testing trends and giving his official stamp of approval, Ruari has rounded up the coolest must-haves for the new term.

From school shoes with football charms to fun pencil cases, his edit of back-to-school buys is packed with personality – and available now at Fort Kinnaird from stores including The Works, M&S, Clarks, Next and Primark.  

Here are Ruari’s favourite picks:

  • Pencil cases featuring Nintendo favourites and bold designs – fun, functional and guaranteed to stand out on the school table.
  • Cool stationery sets – from gaming-themed rulers to funky pens.
  • School shoes with a football theme – built for comfort and perfect for playtime goals.
  • Fresh uniform staples and comfy shoes – perfect for all-day comfort and classroom confidence.
  • Personalised keyrings and backpack tags – the little extras that make school bags harder to loose.

Ruari said: “I had so much fun getting ready for back to school at Fort Kinnaird. There were loads of new school shoes with footballs on them – they were my favourite!

“There was also lots of cool stationery to choose from, like colourful pens and fun pencil cases. I loved choosing it all, and we had such a great day – now I can’t wait for the new term to start so I can use it all!”

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We know back-to-school shopping can feel like a big task, so we’ve made it easy, enjoyable and all in one place. With Ruari’s help, we’ve captured the trends kids are genuinely excited about – turning the trip into something families can enjoy together.” 

Families can make a full day of back-to-school shopping this weekend, with a whole host of entertainment, dining and exclusive discounts on offer at Fort Kinnaird.

Kids eat for less at family-friendly favourites including Pizza Express and Frankie & Bennys. And when it’s time to wind down, head to Odeon for a bit of movie magic to finish the day in style.

To find out more about Ruari’s back-to-school essentials, visit here.

For more details and to plan your day at Fort Kinnaird, please visit:

 https://www.fortkinnaird.com/event/lights-camera-summer