Tag: Children and Families

Magic of Christmas set to make Edinburgh sparkle this Winter

15 November 2024 – 4 January 2025 

Winter Festivals

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Tickets on sale from noon Friday 4 October here

  • First event details and tickets released for Edinburgh’s Christmas 2024 festivities
  • Family favourites return including Big Wheel, Santa Stories, George Street Ice Skating, Around the World Starflyer and the Family Festive Funfair
  • Traditional Christmas Markets return to East Princes Street Gardens
  • All-New Christmas Tree Maze set to transform St Andrew Square Gardens into a festive wonderland
  • Free family and community entertainment at Ross Bandstand throughout November & December, including Light Night Concert and 20th anniversary Santa Run
  • Local charities to benefit from Edinburgh Winter Festivals – Social Bite, When You Wish Upon A Star, One City Trust and Simon Community Scotland
  • Local resident discount returns to spread Christmas cheer across the city

Organisers of Edinburgh’s Christmas today unwrapped the first attractions from a bumper programme of events in the capital, bringing the gift of joy and sparkle to the city’s many residents and visitors this winter.

Running from Friday 15 November 2024 to Saturday 4 January 2025, Edinburgh’s city centre will be aglow with festive wonder, as this year’s hugely varied programme of festive favourites and fresh winter wonderlands really does have something for everyone.

From the opening weekend (Fri 15 Nov), East Princes Street Gardens launches proceedings, as the Traditional Christmas Market returns, where a multitude of market stall holders offer locally made crafts from twinkly wooden cabins. Whether visitors fancy strawberries and marshmallows dipped in chocolate, mulled wine or big bratwurst sausages, the food and drink stalls placed throughout the market cater for all tastes.

For those with a head for heights, a trip on the Edinburgh’s Christmas Big Wheel or the 80M Around the World Star Flyer offer incredible views of the city. Of course, for those who prefer to be a ground level, other rides are available and a trip on the Helter-Skelter is always a favourite.

Edinburgh’s Christmas welcomes families to West Princes Street Gardens from Saturday 16 November with the Festive Family Funfair returning with favourite rides for children young and old.

The Winter Warmer Zone with its festive food and drink stalls bringing the temperature up with some delicious hot chocolate and treats. Winter Windows Walk presents beautiful artwork from school children from across the city, part of an illumined walk beneath the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

A programme of festive fun at the Ross Bandstand throughout winter offers families even more, bringing colour and joy through the Light Night Concert (Sun 17 Nov), St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh (Sat 30 Nov), Nativity Carol Concert (Sun 1 Dec), and this year When You Wish Upon A Star celebrates 20 years of the Santa Run (Sun 8 Dec), with another spectacular fundraising event,  giving kids of all ages a chance to join in the festive fun. Full programme to be announced in the coming weeks.

The following weekend sees the New Town transformed into a winter wonderland, in partnership with Essential Edinburgh. At the West End of George Street, the spectacular outdoor Ice-Rink returns, welcoming skaters to glide around the 120m rink, with spectators enjoying the action from a viewing gallery.

Moving up the street, visitors will discover a feast of festive treats, delicious food and drink, and an all-new warming area presenting live entertainment throughout winter, along with Festive Workshops, where audiences can learn new skills from Christmas Decorations & Wreath Making to Ice Carving & Mixology.

New for St Andrew Square, Edinburgh’s Christmas presents Scotland’s largest Christmas Tree Maze, inviting participants to lose themselves amongst 450 illuminated Christmas Trees, discovering festive surprises along the way.

Santa returns to the beautiful Piccolo Spiegeltent, where once again children can book a slot to hear some Christmas tales, meet the man himself and his elves in Santa’s Stories. Children can also write that all important letter to the big man and drop it straight into the Santa Post-box.

Each year Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals set out to makes lives better across the city. In 2024 the residents discount will return, offering locals over 100,000 tickets at a 20% discount for the ice-rink, Santa Stories and fairground rides, helping locals to enjoy that little bit more this Christmas.

Edinburgh’s Christmas is working with local community groups to give away thousands of tickets for fairground rides, ice-skating and Santa Stories. Donations and money raised across Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay festivals will this year be split across local charities Social Bite, When You Wish Upon A Star, One City Trust and Simon Community Scotland.

Charity donations can be made on-line when purchasing tickets and also at fundraising points around Edinburgh’s Christmas.

Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions are open daily except Christmas Day, with varying opening dates and times available at the official website. For further information and to buy tickets (from noon Friday 4 October), please go to www.edinburghwinterfestivals.com

Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker, said: “Edinburgh at Christmas is a magical experience, and it’s exciting to be announcing such a varied programme of events and attractions for 2024. We will see the return of many favourites like the Traditional Christmas Market, Santa Stories and Big Wheel, as well as a brand-new Christmas Tree Maze in St Andrew Square!

“We want Edinburgh’s Christmas to be a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone, and this packed programme has something for families and Christmas enthusiasts of all ages.

“We are especially proud of the opportunities it affords to raise funds for local charities. The free tickets donated to charities and community groups will help spread Christmas joy across the capital. We’re also looking forward to supporting other events in communities across the city”

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive and Director of Essential Edinburgh said: “Christmas is a special time of year for everyone, it is also a really important trading period for our city centre retailers and hospitality businesses.

“We are delighted to partner with Unique Assembly to support this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas activities encouraging our residents and visitors to come into the city centre to enjoy themselves. 

“With the now well-established Ice Rink on the West End of George Street joined by the new Christmas Tree Maze in St Andrew Square Garden, we have festive fun for all ages all the way from the West End to the St James Quarter.”

Unique Assembly, producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas said: “We are thrilled to unwrap the first exciting attractions for this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas, with a seven-week programme packed full of family favourites, plus new events and attractions to be announced.

“This year’s event promises to be one of the biggest and best ever, and we look forward to welcoming everyone when we open doors in only six short weeks!’

Helping people experiencing poverty to live active healthy lives

As the UK gets ready for Challenge Poverty Week (Monday 7th October to Sunday 13 October), Edinburgh Leisure, the largest provider of sports and leisure facilities across the city, is working in local communities to support more people living in poverty and affected by inequalities to be active and well.

Poverty and poor health are inextricably linked. Despite Edinburgh being one of the wealthiest cities in the UK, Edinburgh faces some of the greatest levels of inequality. 

The Edinburgh Poverty Commission estimates that almost 82,000 people are living in poverty. And in terms of life expectancy, a person born in an affluent part of Edinburgh can expect to live 14 years longer, than somebody living in a poorer area.

Forty-three percent of adults living in the most deprived communities in Scotland do not meet the recommended amount of physical activity compared with twenty-seven percent of adults living in the least deprived areas.

Helen Macfarlane, Director of Wellbeing at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Being active is one of the best things we can do for our health, wellbeing, and quality of life. Yet many people living in poverty can face barriers to being active, such as cost, lack of confidence and knowledge of what support is available. 

“As part of Challenge Poverty Week, we’re aware there are many people experiencing poverty or health inequalities that don’t know about the help and support Edinburgh Leisure can give them.

“We’d like to raise awareness of our £10 Get Active card so that more adults experiencing poverty enjoy the life-changing benefits of being active with us.  If you know someone who is receiving benefits, they may be eligible for a £10 Get Active Card, which offers off-peak access to Edinburgh Leisure facilities.”

Edinburgh Leisure’s target is to attract 250 new Get Active Card holders across their venues in October. They currently sell around 600 passes each month.

People in receipt of the following benefits are eligible for a Get Active Card:

  • Universal Credit
  • Income support
  • Job seekers allowance
  • Guaranteed pension credit
  • Employment Support Allowance (ESA)

A Get Active Card offers off-peak access to all Edinburgh Leisure gyms and gym classes; swimming, saunas and steam rooms; and group fitness classes. No joining fees are payable, there is no monthly subscription, and people can pay when they can.

If eligible visit a local Edinburgh Leisure venue and speak to one of Edinburgh Leisure’s Welcome Hosts to sign up or top up your card whenever you want to be active.

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/get-active-card

Water safety charity issues warning after shocking report shows one child drowns EACH MONTH at home

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has published a Child Drowning Update for 2024 which highlights that in the last four years, on average, at least one child a month drowned at home in England.

This shocking statistic follows earlier findings from the charity, which used data from the National Child Morality Database (NCMD), underlining that child drowning deaths in England have doubled since 2019-20.

Matt Croxall, Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “We find it heartbreaking to learn that one child a month is drowning at home.

“In a bid to reduce the number of young lives lost, our latest report seeks to help shed light on the factors contributing to child drownings, so that we can help more families be aware of the risks and stay safe.”

The report highlights that 2 out of 3 drownings that occurred at home did so in the bath, and that most of the children affected were aged under five.

Matt added: “In 86% of child drownings, the child was unsupervised by an adult at the time of the incident. In some cases of bath drownings, the parent had only left the bathroom for a moment, and this emphasises just how quickly and silently a child can drown – in a matter of minutes.”

RLSS UK is keen to change the misconception held by 55% of parents, according to a new survey from the charity*, who believe that they would hear thrashing and a lot of noise if their child was struggling in the bath – which is not the case.

RLSS UK’s survey also revealed that 59% of parents of children under five said they had left the bathroom at least once in the last month whilst their child was in the bath – and for most, this was down to them forgetting something, such as a towel.

Matt continued: “We always advise parents and carers to keep young children within arm’s reach in water. And if you do need to leave the bathroom at all, take the child with you.”

In response to these findings and to dispel harmful myths around bathtime, RLSS UK is launching a brand-new campaign, Splash Safety at your Pad, which will run from 1-31 October 2024.

The campaign seeks to raise awareness among parents and carers of young children about the importance of water safety when at home, with a particular focus on bathtime. As leading experts in water safety education, RLSS UK will share hints and tips to help families enjoy water safely.

Matt said: “We are pleased to introduce our Splash Safety at your Pad campaign, which aims to share important water safety messages with families across the UK and Ireland in a fun and engaging way. We hope this campaign has a positive impact on families with young ones and can help promote fun and safe bathtimes for all children.

“Splash Safety at your Pad launched on Tuesday 1 October so keep your eyes peeled on our social channels for more!”

*Consumer survey (September 2024), geographically representative sample of n=1,003 parents of children under five years from across the UK.

For more information around RLSS UK’s 2024 Child Drowning Update, please visit our website: www.rlss.org.uk/splash-safety

For more information or media enquiries, please contact Simrit Mann by emailing simritmann@rlss.org.uk or calling 07890 900 508. 

Edinburgh Leisure Membership Offer – Enjoy one month free of soft play

Unlock your key to unlimited soft play


Keep the kids entertained while developing their sense of balance, stimulating their mind and encouraging an active lifestyle with the latest Edinburgh Leisure Young Explorer soft play membership.

For new customers signing up to become a member in October 2024, December is completely free. And for existing members referring a friend, if their friends join, the existing member will also receive a free month in December.

From only £18.99* per month, the Young Explorer Soft Play Membership offers incredible value, fantastic flexibility and of course, will keep little ones entertained and burning off energy as they explore the soft plays.

Little adventurers can visit as many times as they wish, enjoying unlimited fun at any of Edinburgh Leisure’s three soft play venues across the city at Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Tumbles at Portobello, and Scrambles at EICA: Ratho.

Edinburgh Leisure’s play frames are suitable for children up to ten years old and there are frames for babies, toddlers, and juniors up to 10 years.  Each venue has a Café Refresh offering healthy snacks and tasty treats.

With great member benefits, the Edinburgh Leisure soft play is only available to buy online.

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/softplaycampaign

New Lanark has Christmas all wrapped up

Step into the magic of the festive season at New Lanark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transformed into a winter wonderland for Christmas.

From Saturday, 30th November until Christmas Eve, the festive village is bursting with holiday cheer and delightful experiences for the whole family. This Christmas season, New Lanark has an enchanting lineup to make your festive celebrations truly unforgettable.

Running from Saturday 30th November to Tuesday 24th December, ‘Christmas at New Lanark’ promises a magical family day out filled with festive joy and excitement. The festivities will run from Friday to Sunday, with additional special openings on Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th December.

New Lanark’s magical location, resembling a giant toy factory silently nestled at the foot of the Clyde valley, creates the perfect backdrop for a magical family day out and Christmas festivities this season, offering something for all ages.

Visitors will feel as though they’ve been transported to a bygone era, with a variety of festive activities included in the experience. Get ready to laugh and cheer with Arkeen Theatre Company’s production of Pinocchio, a 45-minute pantomime performance full of festive fun.

Your ticket includes the ‘Spirit of Christmas Ride’ embarking on a captivating journey through the magical history of Christmas on this enchanting ride. There will be Christmas Films in the Theatre; enjoy three beloved Christmas classics, screening every 45 minutes throughout the day. There will also be a Soft Play & Inflatable Assault Course, perfect for little adventurers, offering lots of festive fun and challenges.

No Christmas celebration is complete without a visit to Santa and his helpful Elves, watch the little ones eyes light up as they receive their special gift. Newly designed by NL Productions this year, Santa’s Grotto offers fun-filled family challenges and holiday cheer.

For those with sensory needs, New Lanark will host a Quiet Session on Saturday 30th November from 11am. During this time, visitor numbers will be limited to provide a calmer environment. The pantomime will take place at 11:00 am, and guests can explore the rest of the site at their leisure until 1:00 pm.

Meanwhile, the Café & Mill Shop will both be open throughout the event, offering refreshments and Christmas shopping for all your holiday needs, before exploring the historic buildings and the beautiful rooftop garden, adding to the charm of this unique Christmas experience.

Why not make a trip of it and wake up in this beautiful World Heritage Site, staying overnight at The Mill Hotel, which has all your catering needs wrapped up with festivelunches and dinners served throughout December. Book your Christmas party nights throughout December, with fabulous food and great entertainment or come along to Carols by Candlelight, an enchanting evening with Strathaven Choral Society.

Book your Party Lunch with Santa, offering a great day out for the family with lots of entertainment. The team will be serving Festive Afternoon Tea with entertainment throughout the festive season as well as a traditional Christmas Day lunch, including a visit from Santa followed by Boxing Day celebrations.

You can also bring in the bells at New Year at New Lanark’s amazing Hogmanay Gala Dinner.

Christmas Tickets & Opening Times:

  • Opening Times: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Ticket Prices:
    • Children: £19.00
    • Under 1’s: £5.00
    • Adults: £15.00

Buy Christmas at New Lanark Tickets online – New Lanark (digitickets.co.uk) or via www.newlanark.org. For more information about Christmas Events at New Lanark World Heritage and other holiday events, visit www.newlanark.org

SQA Insight highlights success for Edinburgh pupils

Edinburgh’s pupils continue to be among the best performing in Scotland

Results from the SQA Insight report shows Edinburgh’s learners are performing better than their virtual comparators in 14 out of 15 key measures,  with 7% more pupils gaining at least one Advanced Higher than in other areas in Scotland.

Edinburgh learners are also out-performing their virtual comparators in Literacy and Numeracy for all stages and levels.

A virtual comparator is a sample of students from other areas of Scotland who have similar characteristics to a school’s students.

The news builds on the SQA exam results in August showing levels of attainment for pupils across Edinburgh remaining above those achieved before the Covid pandemic.

Insight provides teachers and lecturers with a summary of how learners have performed in their exams and coursework for each subject at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher level over the past year.

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This has been another positive year for our pupils. I want to congratulate them, as well as all our teaching and support staff. Their hard work has certainly paid off and praise should go to them as well as all the parents and carers who have supported the children.

“I welcome the results from the SQA Insights report. We have invested heavily in improving the skills of our workforce and I am confident that our staff will continue to improve the quality of teaching and learning to meet the needs of the city’s young people.

“Let’s not forget there is no wrong pathway for our young people as everyone’s learner journey is different. School is about ensuring all our young people are able to fulfil their potential by attaining the highest level of achievements possible and by receiving the best possible experience.

“We want all our learners to find their pathways into the world of higher and further education, employment or training and to narrow the gap between those living in different areas of affluence.”

Course reports – written by principal assessors and principal verifiers – are published to give an insight into how learners performed, detailing which areas of the course assessment where learners performed well, and which areas proved to be more demanding.

Principal assessors and other senior appointees are experienced teachers and lecturers who work with SQA to produce the course reports and highlight examples where candidates have performed well in their external assessments.

The reports also contain advice for teachers, lecturers, and training practitioners on preparing learners for the coming year’s assessments, as well as statistical data relating to grade boundaries.

Scottish parents say record rainfall doesn’t dampen spirits

Explore Scotland’s year-round outdoor adventures with National Trust for Scotland

  • Despite record-breaking rainfall, with parts of the West Highlands experiencing their wettest season ever, the desire for outdoor exploration in Scotland remains strong.

According to recent research by the National Trust for Scotland, 85% of adults agree that exploring outdoors is the best way to keep young children entertained. This enthusiasm is especially high in the Lothians (88%).  

These numbers reflect the widespread appreciation Scottish families have for outdoor adventures and with more than 100 diverse locations under its care, including castles, coastlines, woodlands and more, the National Trust for Scotland offers countless opportunities to get outdoors.

From visiting Craigievar Castle—said to have inspired Disney’s iconic castle—to Land Rover safaris at Glencoe, or spotting ospreys and puffins, there’s no shortage of unique activities that can spark the imaginations of both children and adults. 

Membership with the National Trust for Scotland provides unlimited free entry to all its places across the country, making it an affordable way for families to embark on their next adventure. Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, the Trust has a range of rainy-day ideas for this autumn, ensuring that families are prepared for all conditions—a practical necessity given Scotland’s unpredictable climate. 

Claire Grant, Edinburgh Operations Manager at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “This summer may not have brought us the weather we had hoped for, but it hasn’t stopped the need to get outside, and entertain restless kids.

“As they finish their first few weeks back to school, it’s a great time to remember that the National Trust for Scotland has many places in our care across the country, that are full of adventures that allow families to spend quality time together, regardless of the season, the weather or the budget.” 

Find the National Trust for Scotland’s activity map at participating locations, and find additional information about how to support the Trust’s work or plan your own adventures at https://www.nts.org.uk/campaigns/scottish-summer  

Edinburgh sport facility set to benefit from £200,000 Sportscotland investment

Community sport across Scotland is to receive a boost thanks to almost £1.2million of investment from sportscotland’s Sport Facilities Fund to local partners, including £200k for Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled (Ravelrig RDA).

The organisation is one of 10 projects across Scotland to receive investment from sportscotland to develop their facilities or create a new home for sport and physical activity.

It sees much-needed funding for rural communities, areas of deprivation, and for projects designed to make sport more accessible and inclusive. The investment has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players, who raise £30 million each week for good causes across the UK. 

Ravelrig RDA have been awarded £200,000 towards a new indoor riding arena in Balerno which will increase participation throughout winter when the use of the current outdoor venue is at the mercy of the weather. The organisation support people with a range of disabilities and provide therapeutic and recreational riding opportunities.

The work will also ensure improved accessibility between the new arena and the existing stables, office, clubroom, grazing field and toilets. The new arena is predicted to increase participation by 28%, with bad weather and poor light currently causing 15 weeks of cancellations throughout the year.

Ravelrig RDA work with a wide range of children, young people and adults with physical, learning disabilities, emotional and behaviour difficulties and mental health challenges supported by over 100 volunteers. With an ever-growing waiting list and demand high from ASN schools and the community, a year-round facility will help satisfy that demand.

Work is already underway and its hoped will be completed in February 2025.

Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “It is inspiring to see the number of projects looking to improve opportunities for sport and physical activity in the latest round of Sport Facilities Funding.

“We know that sport and physical activity have an important role to play in bringing communities together and building resilience. Thanks to the continued commitment of our local partners more people will have an opportunity to become physically active and feel part of their local community.

“Ravelrig RDA has demonstrated a real commitment to ensuring that more people in Edinburgh will have an opportunity to become physically active and connected to their local community.”

Welcoming the investment, Elaine Jefferies, Chair of Ravelrig RDA, said: “The new arena has long been a long-term goal of Ravelrig RDA volunteers, participants and supporters. to enable lessons to continue all year round. At our previous outdoor arena many are rescheduled or cancelled due to the challenges we have with the weather. 

“The vision, drive, commitment and support of everyone involved past and present is wholly appreciated and we’d like to thank sportscotland and our other funding partners for helping make the new arena a reality.”

The Sports Facilities Fund prioritises projects that widen access to participation or allow people to progress further within their chosen sport locally by removing barriers, particularly in rural areas or areas of deprivation, and for under-represented groups.

In addition to the investment, projects can benefit from the expertise within sportscotland’s facilities team to maximise the impact that their plans will have, ensuring they meet the needs of their local communities now and in the future.

HMRC: 671,000 young people urged to cash in their government savings pot

  • Young people urged to claim their Child Trust Fund
  • £2,200 on average waiting in unclaimed accounts

More than 670,000 18-22 year olds yet to claim their Child Trust Fund are reminded to cash in their stash as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reveals the average savings pot is worth £2,212.

Child Trust Funds are long term, tax-free savings accounts which were set up, with the government depositing £250, for every child born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011. Young people can take control of their Child Trust Fund at 16 and withdraw funds when they turn 18 and the account matures.

The savings are not held by government but are held in banks, building societies or other saving providers. The money stays in the account until it’s withdrawn or re-invested.

If teenagers or their parents and guardians already know who their Child Trust Fund provider is, they can contact them directly. If they do not know where their account is, they can use the online tool on GOV.UK to find out their Child Trust Fund provider. Young people will need their National Insurance number – which can be found easily using the HMRC App –  and their date of birth to access the information.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Second Permanent Secretary and Deputy Chief Executive, said: “Thousands of Child Trust Fund accounts are sitting unclaimed – we want to reunite young people with their money and we’re making the process as simple as possible. 

“You don’t need to pay anyone to find your Child Trust Fund for you, locate yours today by searching ‘find your Child Trust Fund’ on GOV.UK.”

Third-party agents are advertising their services offering to search for Child Trust Funds and agents will always charge – with one charging up to £350 or 25% of the value of the savings account.

Using an agent can significantly reduce the amount received; is likely to take longer and customers still need to supply them with the same information they need to do the search themselves.

Gavin Oldham from The Share Foundation said: “If you are 18-21 years old, the government would have put money aside for you shortly after birth.

“This investment would have grown quite a bit and it’s in your name. The Share Foundation has linked over 65,000 young people to their Child Trust Fund accounts. It’s easy and free to find out where your money is.

“Go to findCTF.sharefound.org or GOV.UK to locate it today”.

In the last year more than 450,000 customers, with just their National Insurance number and date of birth, used the free GOV.UK tool to locate their Child Trust Fund.

More information on Child Trust Funds and how to access your savings can be found on GOV.UK.  

Safe Access Zones now in place around Scotland’s abortion facilities

Protected zones of 200 meters around all abortion services in Scotland are now in place.

Within these zones, it is now a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly behave in ways that could influence the decisions of women and staff to access services; impede their access; or otherwise cause alarm, harassment or distress.

Police Scotland are responsible for enforcing the legislation. People who break the law can be fined up to £10,000, or be given an unlimited fine, depending on the court procedure.

Determining whether an offence has been committed will be a matter for Police Scotland, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Courts.

Depending on the facts and circumstances of each case, some examples of criminal behaviour may include: approaching someone to try and persuade them not to access abortion services, surrounding people as they try to go in or out of the clinic or hospital, handing out leaflets, religious preaching and silent vigils.

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto said: “The introduction of Safe Access Zones is a crucial milestone in protecting women’s abortion rights – no one has the right to interfere in women’s personal medical decisions and the law now makes that abundantly clear.

“I thank Gillian Mackay (pictured below) and all those involved for their work to progress this legislation.

“I would like to especially recognise the women who showed incredible courage in speaking up and sharing their experiences during the Bill process.

“The new zones of 200 meters around all abortion services will help ensure women have safe access to healthcare – free from intimidation. This law is about protection for women at a time when many will feel incredibly vulnerable around taking a deeply personal and difficult decision.”

Full details of the penalties that apply for committing an offence.

Full list of the locations of zones:

University Hospital Crosshouse – Kilmarnock

Borders General Hospital – Melrose

Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary

Galashiels Health Centre

Oak Tree Family Health Centre – Stranraer

Queen Margaret Hospital – Dunfermline

Victoria Hospital – Kirkcaldy

Forth Valley Royal Hospital – Larbert

Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

Aberdeen Community Hospital

Aberdeen Maternity Hospital

Dr Gray’s Hospital – Elgin

Inverclyde Hospital – Greenock

Royal Alexandra Hospital – Paisley

Sandyford Sexual Health Clinic – Glasgow

Princess Royal Maternity Hospital – Glasgow

Ross Hall – Glasgow

New Victoria Hospital – Glasgow

Queen Elizabeth University Hospital – Glasgow

Stobhill Hospital – Glasgow

Vale of Leven Hospital – West Dunbartonshire

Raigmore Hospital – Inverness

University Hospital Wishaw

Royal Infirmary Edinburgh

Chalmers Sexual Health Centre – Edinburgh

St John’s Hospital – Livingston

The Balfour – Livingston

Gilbert Bain Hospital – Lerwick

Ninewells Hospital – Dundee

Western Isles Hospital – Stornoway