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
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.
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.
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.
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.
We are protecting access to abortion services.
From Tuesday 24th September, The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act 2024 comes into force. It will create protected zones of 200 metres around all premises providing abortion services.
Top tips for helping children set off on two wheels
Teaching a child to ride a bike can be daunting and frustrating for all concerned, but Balanceability is helping parents and carers get their little ones moving on two wheels, in support of Cycle to School Week, 23 – 27 September.
By downloading Balanceability’s Parent Guide and following its top tips for learning to ride two-wheels, stress can be replaced with fun and children can set off to school or nursery with confidence.
A recent survey of bike-riders* by Balanceability revealed that most people learnt to cycle with help from their dad (55%), while 13% were self-taught, 11% taught by their mum and just 2% of cyclists learnt to ride at school. One in five cyclists surveyed said they learnt to ride a bike before school age, with the majority (61%) confirming they learnt to ride when they were primary school age.
Balanceability offers a sustainable programme for schools to promote the physical benefits of cycling for children as young as 2½ years old, as well as providing a fun and engaging activity, but it believes that parents and carers can also play an important role in getting children cycling.
Samantha Wright, Commercial Manager for Balanceability, part of the TTC Group a pioneer on road safety education advises: “We recommend taking the first step to cycling on a balance bike, as it helps children learn and gain confidence on a bike more quickly.
“Whilst using stabilisers does work, children can become reliant preventing them from developing balance skills. Once stabilisers are taken off the child needs to learn how to balance and steer all over again which can also affect their confidence on a bike.
“On a balance bike, children learn to balance naturally, more quickly than when reliant on stabilisers, setting them up for a smooth and easy transition to pedal bikes when they’re older.
“Cycling is fun, it’s good exercise and when children cycle to school and nursery instead of being driven it reduces air pollution and brings environmental benefit.
“By following our tips, it will help children transition from a balance bike to a pedal bike successfully.”
The Department of Transport’s Bikeability Level 1 is for children 6+ years, with other Government cycle programmes aimed at children 10-11-years-old, so Balanceability fits as the precursor.
The UK’s only afPE-approved learn-to-cycle programme, Balanceability offers packages for schools, local authorities and leisure sites for children aged 2½ years and upwards.
The programme teaches children how to ride without stabilisers, giving them important gross motor skills, core stability and plenty of fun through physical activity.
Balanceability Top Tips for helping children set off on two wheels
Get to know the bike – Simply sitting on the stationary bike is an important first step for young children, getting them comfortable with the bike and giving them the all-importance confidence to get started on their cycling adventure.
Pick your path – A smooth, relatively flat traffic free space is perfect for practicing on a balance bike – Avoid steep slopes when they are starting out.
Utilise all opportunities – If you are going for a short walk, you could let your child bring their bike along with you on the path. Most balance bikes are small and light enough to carry if they run out of cycling steam before you get back home.
Boost balance – Learning to balance doesn’t all have to involve the balance bike. When you’re out and about in a safe environment such as a playground, encourage your child to jump, hop, climb, balance safely on low objects and walk along narrow lines like a tightrope.
Take it slow – Trying to rush or push a child learning to balance on their new bike will only end in tears – not necessarily the child’s. Pressure will cause frustration and slow their progress.
Be child-led – Let your child set the pace. They may need to walk while standing over the bike for a while before they are able to sit and walk, this is an important stage of learning to ride so don’t rush them to sit.
Praise progress – Help to boost their confidence by praising their efforts and any progress – however small, and even if you’re finding it a frustratingly slow process!
Know when to move on – Once your child is confidently zooming around obstacles and lifting their feet off the ground while they go, it may be time to try learning to pedal. You will need to ensure the new bike is the right size and the seat is set to the correct height, or it will be too difficult and knock the new cyclist’s confidence.
Ask the pros – Many schools and Early Years settings run Balanceability balance bike training courses for children as young as 2 ½, even providing the bikes on which they learn. Children enjoy learning with their teacher and their friends and pick up the skills quickly.
Schools can purchase a Balanceability Pack which includes all the equipment, resources and training required to deliver the sessions as a sustainable programme. Balanceability can be run by teachers indoors or outdoors as part of the weekly regular PE activity and has been developed to fit into school lesson planning.
The programme offers children the ability to become competent cyclists at an early age through the development of balance and control, with 94% of children aged 4 to years 6 years old able to safely ride a pedal bike at the end of the programme.
The recent Scottish Government report highlighting the work done to date on improving the lives of care-experienced children and young people is to be welcomed. There is however much to be done.
‘The Promise’ is a commitment that by 2030 all care-experienced children in Scotland will grow up loved, safe and respected, with the ability to reach their full potential.
Those in this category represent some of the most vulnerable members of our society, experiencing considerably fewer life chances than their peers, with poorer health and educational outcomes.
Recent data reinforce this, noting that the figures for exclusion of pupils who have been looked after in the past year are still between five and six times as high as the levels found across the total pupil population. This is despite a commitment that all formal and informal exclusions of care-experienced pupils would end. Scotland is still very far away from achieving that.
As a society, if we want to build a care system which has love and respect at its very heart, we must provide the resources necessary to ensure that that this group of individuals get the vital care and support they so desperately need.
Only through this can we ensure that ‘The Promise’ is kept.
Progress made towards ‘Keeping the Promise’ by 2030 has been set out in a new report.
The Promise is the outcome of the Independent Care Review and is a commitment to bring about the necessary changes to ensure all care-experienced children in Scotland grow up loved, safe and respected, with the ability to reach their full potential.
The update report, ‘Keeping the Promise to our children, young people and families’, highlights the scale of work undertaken by the Scottish Government since 2022 to deliver the commitment by 2030.
It follows the recent passing of the Children (Care and Justice) Act by the Scottish Parliament and associated measures, which include ensuring that no child will be placed in a Young Offenders Institution again.
The new report directly informs the work of The Promise Scotland’s Plan 2024-30.
The report includes updates on:
the launch of six Pathfinder and four Affiliate partnerships which aim to ensure that holistic, child-centred support is offered to children and young people in the justice system
the introduction of the Scottish Recommended Allowance for kinship and foster carers, to date benefitting more than 9,000 families across Scotland
changes introduced to transform the Children’s Hearing System
work to introduce a £2,000 Care Leaver Payment
Minister for The Promise Natalie Don-Innes unveiled the report during a visit to the Young Scot head offices in Edinburgh to meet recipients of a share of the Promise Partnership Fund.
Ms Don-Innes said: “Our commitment to The Promise is as strong today as it was in 2020 when we accepted in full all the recommendations of the Independent Care Review.
“Since then, we have taken strides in our work to keep The Promise and this report sets out clearly the scale of work and transformational change already undertaken to ensure all children in Scotland grow up loved, safe and respected.
“We know there is still much to do and such significant change takes time, but the Scottish Government will leave no stone unturned as we work with partners and stakeholders to ensure that the necessary transformation is in place by 2030.”
Scotland’s Largest Fireworks Event Will Welcome 15,000 Visitors And Offer a Safer Way to Experience the Fun
New professionally managed festival set to welcome over 15,000 visitors, creating a safer Fawkes alternative to individual family shows
One night extravaganza will take place on Sunday 3rd November
The Royal Highland Centre and Showground located at Ingliston on the western outskirts of Edinburgh, is set to host Scotland’s largest fireworks event this year. The new professionally managed festival – Fawkes Festival – is set to welcome over 15,000 visitors, creating a safer Guy Fawkes alternative to individual family shows and will take place on Sunday 3rd November.
Designed and produced by the team at GC Live and delivered by technical partners, 21CC Group, Fawkes Festival promises a feel-good evening for the whole family to enjoy. The spectacular fireworks event will be a unique and immersive safer way to experience the fun of Guy Fawkes Night.
With breathtaking fireworks accompanied by entertainment including the world-famous Scottish bagpipe band, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and the sensational street theatre and LED drummers’ troupe, Spark! who magically transform the landscape with mysterious characters, there’s something for everyone.
Sponsored by Taylor Wimpey, Fawkes Festival’s feel-good programme of entertainment will boast everything from fairground rides to food and drink, a roaring bonfire, sky trackers, lasers and more.
Geoff Crow, Director of GC Live said:“We are thrilled to bring Scotland’s Red Hot Fawkes Festival to the Royal Highland Centre this year and look forward to welcoming over 15,000 visitors for an evening filled with delicious food and drinks, breathtaking performances and a spectacular fireworks display.
“At GC Live we are committed to creating events which are both enjoyable and safe for all attendees. An organised and large-scale fireworks events such as Fawkes Festival, held under strict safety regulations, offers a very secure and enjoyable experience for all visitors at the fireworks event.
“With professional oversight, designated viewing areas, clear signs throughout the site, crowd management strategies and compliance with established guidelines, Fawkes Festival will ensure that the excitement of fireworks can be enjoyed responsibly and safely.”
Bori Sallaiova, Event Manager at the Royal Highland Centre said: “It has been a privilege to plan and bring this exciting fireworks event to life in collaboration with the team at GC Live. We are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Royal Highland Centre this November for Fawkes Festival.
“At the Royal Highland Centre we are committed to the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, we are excited to host Fawkes Festival which will be conducted under strict safety protocols and expert supervision, reducing the risks associated with private fireworks use.
“GC Live will ensure that guests can experience the excitement of a fireworks display in a secure setting.”
For more information on the Fawkes Festival and to book tickets, go to:
SCHOOLS CAN BE IN WITH THE CHANCE TO WIN A VISIT FROM BBC GLADIATOR STAR, STEEL
BBC Children in Need has announced this year’s schools fundraising campaign encouraging schools across the country to challenge themselves and fundraise for the charity, whilst launching a competition to win a school visit from Gladiator star, Steel plus another surprise Gladiator guest.
To be in with a chance of winning Primary schools across the nation simply have to order a free fundraising pack to be automatically entered into the competition.
Schools can order fundraising packs at bbc.co.uk/pudsey now, with those who order before 18th October being entered into the ballot for the Gladiators School Visit.
Primary schools fundraising this year will also be able to join a live-streamed event on BBC Children in Need Appeal Day where they can challenge themselves, get involved and interact directly with the Gladiators, to raise money which will help to make life lighter for children.
Last year schools across the UK, raised nearly £4m which helped to support 30,000 children and young people who are facing challenges in their lives.This year, schools across the UK are being asked to throw their support behind the appeal, and encourage parents, pupils and families to challenge themselves to help make life lighter for children and young people.
AcrossScotland, BBC Children in Need currently fund 152 projects to the amount of £8.4m, to provide a positive environment for where children and young people can build self-esteem and support their overall mental and physical wellbeing.
BBC Gladiator star, Steel, said:“School fundraisers ready! I am thrilled to have teamed up with BBC Children in Need this year to get schools across the UK ready to take on fundraising challenges.
“This is an amazing opportunity to inspire the next generation to get active, improve their wellbeing while raising money for Pudsey. Everything that we raise together will help BBC Children in Need be there for children and young people when they need it most.”
Commenting on the schools fundraising launch, BBC Children in Need’s Chief Executive, Simon Antrobus said:“It’s wonderful to see children supporting children with schools across the nation coming together, and getting behind BBC Children in Need’s 2024 Appeal.
“These are tough times for the children and young people we support with many facing many challenges including poverty and menta health.
“At BBC Children in Need we want children to thrive and be the best they can be, to learn new skills and have access to opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise experience but, currently, we are only able to help 1 in 8 of the organisations who ask us for funding.
“The much needed support from pupils, schools and teachers is crucial in providing projects and local charities with the funding they need to benefit children in local communities. I want to say a massive thank you to schools, pupils and teachers who continue to fundraise to help change young lives.”
There are lots of ways that nurseries, preschools and schools can take part and raise funds:
For the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), fundraising kits will be available order for free from the BBC Children in Need website. This year we’re asking nurseries and pre-schools across the UK to join Pudsey and his newest friend, Peppa Pig, by hosting their very own fundraising party for BBC Children in Need. The BBC Children in Need website has everything nurseries need to get involved from party hats, to bunting, to Peppa and Pudsey crafts, and a special new dance they can learn – the Piggle Wiggle. Nurseries and pre-schools that sign up for a fundraising kit also have the chance to win a Peppa and Pudsey visit.
BBC Children in Need is also announcing its brand-new partnership with Busy Bees to help raise vital funds this year and give all children the best start in life. More than 350 Busy Bees centres will be getting involved in fundraising efforts to help support other young children, causes and community projects throughout the country.
Chris McCandless, Busy Bees Europe CEO, said:“A partnership with BBC Children in Need makes perfect sense for us as we both share the ambition to give children the best start in life – improving opportunities and supporting mental wellbeing to lay the foundations for future success. We’ve committed to fundraise for the charity this year with the support of our colleagues, parents and children to kick off the partnership. We’re proud to get behind the charity and support the important work it’s doing for vulnerable young people across the UK.”
This year we’re asking Primary Schools to get involved with Challenge Yourself – pupils can come to school dressed up as their favourite superhero or favourite fancy dress outfit, take part in a baking challenge, a running challenge, or even think of a special challenge themselves. Primary Schools can join the special Gladiator themed live-streamed challenge on the morning of BBC Children in Need’s Appeal Day. Primary schools that sign up for a fundraising kit can win a Gladiators visit.
Secondary schools across the UK are being asked to join in with Challenge Yourself. Schools, classes, forms and teachers can take part by taking on a sponsored challenge like running, dancing, class football matches, and non-uniform days. The BBC Children in Need website has everything they need know including a special student zone with selected content for students who want to get involved in fundraising. Secondary Schools that sign up for a fundraising kit will have the chance to win £1,000 amazon voucher.
BBC Children in Need funding brings the right people and places into children’s lives when they need help or support. And right now, across the UK, children are facing greater challenges than ever, with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression rising, high levels of poverty leading to inequality & lack of opportunity and many simply carrying a load that’s too heavy to manage alone.
Money raised during the 2024 appeal will help BBC Children in Need to continue working in communities across the four nations, funding amazing people in family centres, community spaces, youth clubs and refuges; homeless shelters, hospices and helplines.
This year, BBC Children in Need is asking the public to make life lighter for children all across the UK. Head to bbc.co.uk/Pudsey to find out more and donate.
Challenge Yourself to make life lighter for children and to sign up for a free supporter kit, full of fun-filled fundraising ideas, inspiration, tools, advice and educational resources, please visit: www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/schools.
