Our spook-tacular Halloween Trail is in full swing!
Caley, the good garden witch, has turned her cat, Miàgh, into a toad!
Join the trail from 17th – 20th & 24 – 27th October to find the plant potion ingredients to turn her back into a cat!
Don’t worry if you are struggling to come up with ideas on how to keep your kids entertained this October break.
We have lots of fun tips to help – for wee ones, older kids & even teenagers!
Check out our autumn activities hub:
http://parentclub.scot/articles/things-do-autumn…
A mixture of old and new faces are heading to Vue venues in Edinburgh this October Scottish half term – offering plenty of opportunities for audiences of all ages to enjoy a trip to the big screen.
Families and film fans are invited to Cybertron in Transformers One, which rolls out at Vue sites just in time for the Scottish school holidays on 11 October. Learn the untold origin story of the iconic Autobot hero Optimus Prime and the villainous Megatron – and discover how these two sworn enemies were once close friends.
The first-ever fully CG-animated Transformers movie to appear on the big screen, Transformers One will be an action-packed adventure with everyone’s favourite Robots in Disguise.
Also for the Scottish half term, film fans eager to catch Dreamwork’s The Wild Robot will be able to enjoy Scotland only exclusive screenings at Vue on the 16th & 17th October, promising a beautiful, wild ride for all the family.
Following the charming tale of Roz, a futuristic robot who finds themselves on a deserted island filled with adorable animals, The Wild Robot is set to be a hugely emotional journey packed with discovery when it hits the big screen this month.
One of 2024’s most popular family favourite is also returning to the big screen this October, screening everyday of the school holidays as part of Vue’s Mighty Mornings with our favourite emotions in Pixar’s Inside Out 2 – available from just £2.49 when booked online.
Providing a short and sweet set of screenings for younger audience members, Vue’s Big Shorts will invite audiences to spend time with some of their favourite TV characters, with Bing & Friends: Birthday Celebration showing each day from 11 October.
From just £3.99 when booked online, these screenings offer a relaxed big screen environment with dimmed lights and reduced sound, tailor-made for younger film fans aged one to four.
Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “We’ve got a great selection of new films and family favourites heading to the big screen this October half term, offering an ideal way to enjoy quality family time together this school holiday.
“Parents and children can come along, switch off and immerse themselves in great stories.”
Tickets are available at www.myvue.com
Family Fun this October Half Term at Vue line-up
Transformers One – from 11 October
Vue’s Big Shorts – Bing & Friends: Birthday Celebration – w/c 11 October
Mighty Mornings: Inside Out 2 – from 11 October & 18 October
The Wild Robot – from 16 October
Staff from NSPCC Scotland’s local campaigns team will be out in force during the school holidays teaching people from various organisations how they can play their part in keeping children safe.
With autumn holidays approaching, the team felt it was a good time to make sure everyone knows what to do if they are concerned about a child so they can play their part in helping to keep children safe from abuse and neglect.
Listen Up, Speak Up (LUSU) offers free online or face-to-face training to help adults recognise when a child may be at risk, and what they can do to help.
NSPCC Helpline made 1,103 referrals to local authorities and agencies in Scotland over the last three years over concerns of the neglect of a child, highlighting the importance of LUSU.
The NSPCC Helpline takes calls from adults concerned about children, and practitioners will make referrals to agencies if they feel that further investigation of support is needed.
The NSPCC aims to inspire a million people across the UK to take actions that keep children safe through the Listen Up, Speak Up campaign to create a nation of safeguarders who can support families before they reach crisis point.
After a pilot last year, LUSU was rolled out across the UK in February this year. Sanctuary Housing, SSE, House of Bruar and Montrose Playhouse are among the organisations that have signed up so far in Scotland.
And the local campaigns team have organised a week of activity from October 4 to 11, conducting LUSU workshops across Scotland with organisations such as Glasgow Clyde College, Dads Rock in Edinburgh and Aberdeenshire Rangers.
Carla Malseed, NSPCC Scotland local campaigns manager, said: “It’s been great getting out into communities across Scotland to deliver the important messages of LUSU.
“Everyone wants to play their part in keeping children safe, but it can be difficult to know when and how to act. You will come away from a LUSU session with the knowledge of what to do when you are worried about a child’s safety and wellbeing.
“A lot of people think ‘what if I am wrong?’ but it is more important to think ‘what if I am right?’. That could make a massive difference to child’s life.
“NSPCC Helpline has had to make more than 1,100 referrals for neglect to agencies in Scotland over three years – that’s almost one a day. That lays bare the scale of the problem. We need people across the country to play their part in helping keep children safe.
“If you are part of an organisation which could benefit from a LUSU session, please get in touch.”
To find out more about LUSU in Scotland, visit the NSPCC website or contact scotlandcampaigns@nspcc.org.uk.
Craigroyston YFC 2013 year group are trying to raise funds to attend a big football tournament in Craig Tara.
It’s a big cost for parents who may struggle to go but don’t want to let their kid to miss out. We have 4 mile sponsored walk, race night, bake sale, raffles and loads of other things happening but one of the mum’s has also set up a crowdfunding page.
You’ can find out more and make a donation here:
Children with life-shortening conditions in Scotland and their families were invited to Edinburgh Airport for a special sightseeing flight where they were accompanied by some of Disney’s most popular characters.
On Saturday, 15 children who receive care and support from the charity Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) were invited by Loganair to experience Scotland from the skies on a sightseeing flight from Edinburgh up the east coast of Scotland and back again.
In a bid to provide a truly magical experience, Loganair partnered with Wish Upon a Star Kingdom for the annual CHAS flight to bring Elsa and Anna on the journey with them for the ultimate Disney experience.
Additionally, Edinburgh Airport’s iconic mascot, EDI The Pilot was on hand to welcome the children to the airport, flanked by James Smith – a member of the security team – who volunteered his time to entertain the children and soar the skies with them as Batman.
Experiencing flying for the first time as a family were siblings Ruhee, Rayan and Khadijah Mahmood. Their dad Viqar said: “They’ve been looking forward to this for weeks and have been very excited today.
“The excitement reached new heights when Ruhee was able to soar the skies with Batman, and his sisters, who are big Frozen fans and regularly dress as Anna and Elsa at home, were able to join the princesses in the sky.”
In support of the day, British Airways provided access to its lounge in Edinburgh Airport, providing a VIP experience for the children and their families. There they experienced a meet and greet, storytelling and sing-a-longs with the Disney princesses and other characters before taking off to see Scotland from the skies – the first time some of them have experienced a flight.
Reflecting on the day, Viqar said: “The amount of organisation that went into today was worth it when you see their faces.
“They’ve had the best time, thank you.”
Loganair and CHAS have a long-standing relationship having embarked on a partnership three years ago. In June 2024, the regional airline announced it would be adding a voluntary £2 donation option to all its online ticket bookings in a bid to bolster its commitment to the charity even further.
In addition to supporting with monetary donations, Loganair provides flights to CHAS at Home nurses, who support families in remote island communities.
This flight marks the third occasion of the annual Loganair flights for CHAS children and their families across Scotland, with previous flights at Glasgow and Aberdeen Airports. Employees also volunteer at Robin House, one of the charity’s two ‘home from home’ hospices in Balloch, tending to the garden throughout the year and decorating the hospice at Christmas time.
Luke Farajallah, Chief Executive Officer, Loganair said: “It is our upmost pleasure to provide a unique and captivating experience for the children and young people of CHAS – it means a huge amount to the families that take part in the trip.
“The CHAS partnership is something that we value hugely, and we are thrilled to play a part in the lives of these incredibly special young people.
“Every year we are committed to bringing joy and happiness to young people and while the sightseeing flight around Scotland is the icing on the cake, we were pleased to be able to partner with Wish Upon a Star Kingdom this year to make the experience as magical as possible.”
CHAS is a children’s palliative care charity which strives to reach and support children and their families across Scotland who are living with life-shortening conditions, offering much-needed respite and continual care. It is CHAS’ ambition to make sure that no one in Scotland has to face the death of their child alone.
Through its partnership with CHAS, established in 2021, the airline has provided staff nurses and the family support team with flights for CHAS at Home services, offering specialist medical care, vital respite and practical support to families across the country within their own homes.
Nikki Corrigan, Service Manager for Outreach at CHAS said: “Our partnership with Loganair has been invaluable to CHAS in helping us be there for families where they need us most, which for many families is in the comfort of their own home.
“As well as the essential support Loganair provides in helping us reach families in more remote areas of the country, days like this give children and their families the opportunity to have an unforgettable experience together, making joyful memories that will last a lifetime. We can’t thank them enough!”
Loganair would like to extend its thanks to all its partners who have helped to make the special day happen, including Edinburgh Airport, Menzies Aviation and OCS.
It’s that time of year again! Time to get your Halloween hats on and create some wonderfully spooky and surprising drawings to go on display in the library in time for the 31st October!
You have from Monday 7th until Thursday 31st (Halloween night) to get your creations in to the desk 
Prizes will be given to two winners !!
Last Wednesday (27th September), North Edinburgh Parents Action Group met with senior members of the Council’s housing management team and the Chair of the Housing Committee to discuss the issues raised in their report ‘SOS North Edinburgh’s Housing Emergency’ .
The group used the meeting to highlight many of the housing problems which sadly are common in most areas of North Edinburgh including mould and dampness, overcrowding, anti-social behaviour and an unacceptable repairs service.
Shocking
Group members shared their own personal stories about how these issues were impacting on their familiies’ physical and mental health. The housing staff and the chair of the Housing Committee were visibly shocked at some of the stories shared by members.
Edinburgh Council’s Senior Housing Staff’s Commitment
The senior housing staff gave a commitment to work with the parents group to address these issues as a matter of urgency. They also agreed to work closely with local families who have been involved in the project to try to resolve their ongoing housing problems and will use this process to identify what needs to change.
Susan Rowand, Chairperson of the Parents Group, said: “People have been waiting so long to get their housing issues fixed, many of them can’t wait any longer. We really hope that things begin to happen soon.
“A follow up meeting has been planned for the end of November to update the group on progress made.”
A group member added: ” I feel pain and anger at what my family have been through, maybe something will happen now – I don’t know.”
Next Steps
After the October break, group members will meet with Dr Olivia Swann, Clinical Lecturer in Paediatric Infectious Diseases at Edinburgh University.
Dr Swann worked with the parents group earlier this year on their publication and told group members that “strong scientific evidence has shown that poor housing can affect someone’s physical and mental health throughout their life.”
This is a very worrying concern for group members and highlights the need to address the area’s housing emergency now.
THE REPORT:
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Tickets on sale from noon Friday 4 October here
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!’
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:
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.
