This Saturday (22 March), The Causey will be brought to life by Folk Tales for New Scots, a one-off exhibition, live storytelling and on-street projection event courtesy of Beetroots Collective CIC and Causey Development Trust.
The exhibition will kick off at 7pm at The Causey (outside Buccleuch and Greyfriars Free Church) and is the result of a series of arts workshops for both locals and the immigrant and asylum seeker communities in Edinburgh, carried out in collaboration with storyteller Claire McNicol and aimed at fostering community ties through Scottish folklore.
Then from 7.30pm a bold and bright animation of this work will light up the historic buildings surrounding The Causey, bringing both the space and Scotland’s myths and legends to life.
Free to attend this is just one in a series of events created by Beetroots Collective CIC, in collaboration with Causey Development Trust, that bring together Edinburgh’s Southside community with locals and visitors from across the city.
The third of its kind in two years the event will also highlight the work of CDT volunteers who have been campaigning for 17 years to transform The Causey into a fine public space that prioritises people and can host community events.
CDT has shovel ready plans to turn The Causey into a safer, greener space that puts the wellbeing of people first with reduced motorised traffic, stylish seating, planters, trees and even a rejuvenated Police Box.
Perhaps most importantly these plans, designed by the award-winning landscape architects Ironside Farrar, will facilitate a much wider range of arts, culture and community events in the future. Members of CDT will be on hand at the event to discuss these plans with visitors.
Sarah Drummond, Chair of Causey Development Trust, said: “We can’t wait to host our first on-street projection event of the year at The Causey thanks to the incredibly talented Beetroots Collective CIC.
“These events exemplify why this space is so important for the well-being of Edinburgh residents, to help foster community spirit and breathe new life into underused parts of our city.
“We are very lucky to enjoy the support of locals and supporters hailing from all kinds of backgrounds and countries, and we are excited to see their work brought to life this Saturday 22 March, at The Causey.”
North Edinburgh Arts presents the first screening for more than 40 years of Heroin, a series of three films by Peter Carr made in North Edinburgh in 1983.
Originally shown over successive nights on prime time national UK television, Heroin is an unflinching fly on the wall glimpse at an often forgotten part of Edinburgh’s social history.
As poverty, crime and drug use in Scotland’s capital was ripping forgotten communities apart, Peter Carr was introduced to Edinburgh’s hidden underbelly by co-founder of the Gateway Exchange, Jimmy Boyle.
Boyle also introduced Carr to SHADA – Support Help and Advice for Drug Addiction – the grassroots organisation set up by what Carr calls “two remarkable women” – Heather Black and Morag McLean – as a lifeline and support network for drug users.
This became the basis of Heroin, which over its three episodes reveals a powerful and moving portrait of a community surviving in the face of institutional neglect and contempt from local authorities who would rather keep it out of view.
After four decades, Peter Carr revisits North Edinburgh for the screenings of his films to take part in a unique event by, for and about North Edinburgh.
Each screening will be followed by a conversation between key figures around the making of Heroin and those around North Edinburgh then and now.
Heroin ‘Uncut’ – The Films of Peter Carr and the Edinburgh Community Stories Behind Them
North Edinburgh Arts
MacMillan Hub
12c MacMillan Square
Edinburgh EH4 4AB
Heroin 1 followed by Irvine Welsh in conversation with ZoëBlack – April 23 – 6.30-8.30pm.
Heroin 2 followed by Dr Roy Robertson in conversation with Victoria Burns – April 24 – 6.30-8.30pm.
Heroin 3 followed by Peter Carr in conversation with Sarah Drummond – April 25 – 6.30-8.30pm.
Running time of each film is 50 minutes, followed by a short break and discussion.
An exhibition of production images from Heroin by Granada TV stills photographer Stewart Darby runs at North Edinburgh Arts alongside Heroin ‘Uncut’, from April 23 to May 17 2025.
A programme for Heroin ‘Uncut’ features a new essay by Peter Carr reflecting on the making of his films alongside Stewart Darby’s images from Heroin.
Heroin ‘Uncut’ is coordinated and produced by Zoë Black, Victoria Burns, Neil Cooper, Sarah Drummond, Graham Fitzpatrick and Kate Wimpress in collaboration with North Edinburgh Arts and Screen Education Edinburgh.
With thanks to Laura Alderman, Alice Betts and Genevieve Kay-Gourlay at North Edinburgh Film Festival, Willie Black, Jimmy Boyle, Morvern Cunningham, Freda Darby and the Darby family, Malcolm Dickson at Street Level Photoworks, Laura Hoffman, Judith Jones and Stephen Kelly at granadaland.org, Jordan at ITV plc, Alan McCredie, Dr. Roy Robertson, Emma Welsh, Irvine Welsh, Bob Winton.
Special thanks to all staff, volunteers and board members of North Edinburgh Arts and Screen Education Edinburgh who made this event happen.
Extra special thanks to Peter Carr.
Heroin was originally produced by Granada Television and screened on the ITV network on November 7th, 8thand 9th1983. All films and photographs are sole copyright of ITV plc, and are shown under licence.
Heroin ‘Uncut’ is dedicated to the memory of Heather Black, Morag McLean and all those friends, neighbours and loved ones who took part in the Heroin films. Though they may no longer be with us, their stories live on.
SATURDAY 5th APRIL 11am – 1.30pm at GASHOLDER 1 PARK
Join us for the official launch of Granton’s newest public park at Granton Gasholder 1!
Enjoy a day for all the family and celebrate with the community. Activities will include:
A one-off community singalong with Pianodrome at 11am A ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11.15am Family arts and craft activities Penalty shoot-outs with Craigroyston Community Youth Football Club Free ice cream from Lucas Free facepainting Exhibition stalls
Bring your family, friends and a picnic blanket for a fun day out. All are welcome! We can’t wait to see you there!
New cast, musicians, and creatives announced for KELI, the debut play from Ivor Novello Award-winning composer Martin Green (Lau).
Based on personal stories from the critically acclaimed BBC Radio 4 series ‘Love, Spit and Valve Oil’
WORLD PREMIERE
National Theatre of Scotland and Lepus Productions present
KELI
A play by Martin Green
Written and music composed by Martin Green
Directed by BryonyShanahan
Cast: Liberty Black (Keli), Karen Fishwick (Jayne), Olivia Hemmati (Amy/Saskia), Billy Mack (Willie Knox)and Phil McKee (Brian).
Performing Musical Director – Louis Abbott and small brass ensemble –
Stacey Ghent, Flugelhorn; Hanna Mbuya, Tuba and Karen Fishwick, Euphonium
Set and Costume Designer – Alisa Kalyanova, Sound Designer – George Dennis, Lighting Designer – Robbie Butler, Casting Director –Anna Dawson
Touring Scotland from Saturday 10 May to Saturday 14 June 2025.
Previews at Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling before opening at the Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh and touring to Dundee Rep Theatre; Perth Theatre and Tramway, Glasgow from May to June 2025.
Opening performance at the Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh on Thursday 15 May 2025.
Best known as the virtuoso accordionist in the visionary folk trio Lau, Martin Green has spent the past two years on an odyssey deep into the world of brass bands, culminating in this staging of KELI, marking its world premiere as a stage play. Making his professional debut as a playwright, Green was inspired by conversations he had for the BBC Radio 4 series ‘Love, Spit and Valve Oil’.
KELI will feature brass band music from Green’s acclaimed album SPLIT THE AIR. Each performance will feature a live brass band performance from a leading Scottish brass band or ensemble of leading brass band players.
National Theatre of Scotland and Lepus Productions are delighted that Whitburn band and Kingdom Brass will be part of this Scottish tour, sustaining ongoing relationships with Scottish brass bands and the communities they represent.
Whitburn Band, one of Scotland’s leading brass bands, was formed in the heart of the coal mining area of West Lothian in 1870 originally serving as an outlet for members of the mining community to perform at local parades and gala days. The Band has been Scottish Champion 22 times, competes throughout the UK and Europe, and performs regularly at major Scottish events. Recent performances include Celtic Connections and the Edinburgh International Festival.
Kingdom Brass was formed in 1999, after the amalgamation of the Cowdenbeath and the Kelty & Blairadam Bands. In the same year, the band competed for the first time at the Fife Championships and swept the boards. Since then, the band has competed locally and nationally winning numerous trophies and is established as one of Scotland’s top bands. The band performs at concerts, bandstand events, and local Gala days.
Liberty Black will play the titular role of Keli in her professional theatre debut and Karen Fishwick plays her mother Jayne. They are joined by Phil McKee as band leader Brian, Billy Mack who plays 135-year-old ex-miner and town hero Willie Knox and Olivia Hemmati playing multiple roles.
LibertyBlack is in her final year at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She performs and writes music and toured the UK with a band. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland credits include: The Cosmonauts Last Message…, Uncle Vanya and Romeo and Juliet.
Karen Fishwick previously appeared in Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, National Theatre of Scotland and Live Theatre’s smash hit musical production which toured internationally and had a run in London’s West End. Theatre credits include Romeo and Juliet and The Merry Wives of Windsor (Royal Shakespeare Company) and 101 Dalmations (Regents Park Open Air Theatre). Karen’s screen appearances include Outlander (Sony/Starz) and Call the Midwife (BBC).
Billy Mack is an award-winning actor, previously appearing in The Cheviot, The Stag and The Black, Black Oil and The Enemy (National Theatre of Scotland). Recent theatre and TV/film credits include Men Don’t Talk (Genesis Theatre Company), Only Child (Happy Tramp/BBC) and On Falling (Sixteen Films).
Phil McKee has worked extensively across theatre, film and TV. Previous work with National Theatre on Scotland includes Mary Stuart and Dunsinane (National Theatre of Scotland/RSC/Royal Lyceum Theatre). Screen credits include Clash of the Titans (Gorgon Films), The Rig (Amazon) and Deadwater Fell (Channel 4).
Olivia Hemmati trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School where she was a finalist for the Carleton and Hobbs Award 2024. Olivia is making her professional stage debut in KELI.
The production features a brass ensemble of musicians led by Stacey Ghent on flugelhorn with Hanna Mbuya on tuba alongside Karen Fishwick on the euphonium.
Stacey Ghent is a hard of hearing actress and musician raised in South Shields. Stacey’s TV/screen and theatre credits include a role as a teacher of the deaf in Coronation Street (ITV); A Thousand Blows (Disney+); Brassed Off and Blonde Bombshells of 1943 (Octagon Bolton/Theatre by the Lake, Keswick/Stephen Joseph, Scarborough).
Tuba player Hanna Mbuya is a member of Mercury-nominated 10-piece seed, Chineke! Orchestra and Nu Civilisation. Other collaborations have included those with artists
Anna Meredith, Jon Batiste and Soweto Kinch, in addition to appearances with horn sections alongside artists including Solange, Joy Anonymous and Arlo Parks. Recent work in theatre includes Richard III (2024) & Hansel and Gretel (2024) at Shakespeare’s Globe.
Performing Musical Director for KELI,Louis Abbott, is a multi-instrumentalist and singer and the songwriter for the chamber-pop band Admiral Fallow. Recent theatre work includes his role as co-musical director on the award-winning A Giant on the Bridge (Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024). As a musician, drummer, engineer and producer Louis has collaborated with some of Scotland’s finest musicians including King Creosote, Camera Obscura and Eddi Reader.
“The skill, the craft, is in controlling the pressure.”
KELItells the story of a fiery, sharp-witted teenager in a former mining town. Coal means little to Keli, but the mines left music in the blood of this place.
As the best player her brass band has ever had, music is easy. Everything else is a fight. Feeling trapped in small-town life, pressure mounts.
When the chance to change everything arises, can Keli keep a lid on it all?
Marking 40 years since the miners’ strikes and featuring a sharp, hilarious script and live brass score by Ivor Novello winner Martin Green, KELI is a gripping show about community, creativity, and the power of music.
Touring Scotland in 2025, the show will reach audiences across the country who belong to communities that were hugely affected by the miners’ strike of 1984-85.
Green’s journey began by chance near his home in Midlothian. Following a poster advertising ‘BRASS IN THE PARK’, he discovered a self-sustaining world of music-making that – like the folk tradition – had retained its social function and was part of the warp and weft of the communities that performed it.
The fictional play has evolved from the critically acclaimed BBC Radio 4 series Love, Spit and Valve Oil which explored the phenomenon of modern brass banding and featured interviews with members of brass bands. These interviews have inspired aspects of the characters in the play. In 2022 KELI was commissioned by The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh as a three-part audio drama.
“KELI is a hard story about the limitations placed on working-class lives, capturing teenage desperation, depression and fulfilment through music…forces of dialogue, music and folklore harmonise to a riveting final episode.” The Guardian (on the audio drama, KELI)
Martin Green is a multi-award-winning musician and Ivor Novello winning composer. As a member of Lau, he has won four BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for Best Group an unprecedented four times. In 2014 he received a Paul Hamlyn Foundation Award for Artists in recognition of his talent as a composer. In 2019 he won the Ivor Novello award for his large-scale installation Aeons that was part of The Great Exhibition of the North.
Most recently Martin has gone on to create critically acclaimed work for BBC Radio 4 exploring different communities all over the UK and their relationship with music. These have reached millions of listeners and been highly commended by Association of International Broadcasters.
Martin shared the stage with Whitburn Band as part of Celtic Connections at Tramway in early 2024 – “a profoundly moving affair” ***** The Scotsman.
Martin is the Artistic Director of Lepus Productions, who are co-producing KELI with National Theatre of Scotland, marking the first time the companies have collaborated.
Bryony Shanahan directs, marking her NTS debut. Previously Bryony was Joint Artistic Director of the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, and most recently directed the acclaimed, Same Team – A Street Soccer Story for the Traverse Theatre. Other notable productions include Bloody Elle (Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Soho Theatre and West End) and also for the Royal Exchange Theatre, No Pay? No Way! Beginning, Let The Right One In, Nora: A Doll’s House, Wuthering Heights, Queens of the Coal Age, Weald, and Nothing.
Martin Green, writer and composer, said: “To be making KELI with National Theatre of Scotland and Bryony Shanahan forty years on from the Miners’ Strike, feels absolutely right; an incredible team of visionary people. Perfect.”
Bryony Shanahan, director, said: “My introduction to this project was that it was about a 17-year-old called Keli – foul-mouthed, hilarious and a virtuoso flugelhorn player – who finds herself in a disused coal mine with a 150-year-old Marxist miner after the strangest night of her life.
“Oh, and that it features a live brass band. I was in! I am so thrilled to be working with National Theatre of Scotland, Lepus and Martin Green to bring KELI to life.
“It’s a story about community, legacy and above all, music and I can’t wait to invite audiences into Keli’s remarkable world and heart.”
KELI was developed with National Theatre of Scotland and The National Theatre, London’s Generate programme and was originally commissioned as an audio drama by The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh. BothKELI andSPLIT THE AIRwere developed with the support of Creative Scotland and The Space.Development of KELI was also supported by Freedom Festival, Hull. The music forKELI, Split the Air, was originally commissioned by PRS Foundation for the New Music Biennial at The Southbank Centre, and UK City of Culture.
Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling (preview Sat 10 May); Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh (previews Tues 13 to Wed 14 May) Thurs 15 to Sat 17 May; Dundee Rep Thurs 22 to Sat 24 May; Perth Theatre Wed 4 to Sat 7 June; Tramway, Glasgow Wed 11 to Sat 14 June 2025.
On social: #KELI
Access info: There will be audio described, captioned performances and touch tours in Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth and Glasgow. There will also be integrated BSL interpreted and chilled performances on offer. All performances will be autism-friendly.
Theatre for a Fiver tickets are also available for 14-to-26 years and those on low-income benefits at the venues above.
Unleash your passion for football and make a real difference in North Edinburgh! We are on the hunt for dynamic and inspiring sessional coaches to join our thriving Football Development Department where, you’ll do more than coach, you’ll contributing to changing lives and supporting the community of North Edinburgh.
Be part of a team delivering top-tier commercial football programmes and driving social impact in local schools. We’re looking for enthusiastic, high-energy and engaging coaches who can ignite the love of the game in grassroots players aged 3-15 years.
If you’re ready to inspire the next generation of footballers and create a lasting impact in your community, this is your chance!
I AM VERY SAD TO PASS ON THE NEWS THAT CELEBRATED NORTH EDINBURGH COMMUNITY CAMPAIGNER BETTY McVAY PASSED AWAY YESTERDAY (10.1.25)
Betty’s family broke the news in a Facebook post last night:
It’s with a heavy heart that the McVay family share that our much loved Mum, Grandma, and Great Grandma, Betty, passed away peacefully this morning after a short illness. We will all miss her very much.
‘LEGEND’ is an over-used word, but I can’t think of a better one to sum up the remarkable wee wifey from West Pilton.
I will add further comment later, but for the moment I pass on my heartfelt condolences to Betty’s family and friends.
The North Edinburgh Community Festival is thrilled to announce that it has won the Creative Edinburgh Festival Award. This is a new category for 2024, which celebrates a festival’s outstanding contribution to Edinburgh’s vibrant cultural scene and its innovative approach to community engagement.
Festival Chair, Willie Black, and Festival Director, Adele Conn were joined on stage to accept the award by Jed Milroy from the Tinderbox Collective and Ryan McGlone from Granton Youth along with 6 young people who have volunteered at the festival since it started in 2022.
Jed and Ryan, play an integral part in the festival by encouraging participation through music, running both music stages and encouraging over 600 young people to participate in the festival.
Lennon Hutchison, youth volunteer, said “As someone who has volunteered at the festival for the last 3 years, I feel incredibly proud to be part of something so special.
“It was amazing to win this award and myself and my friends can’t wait for next years festival.”
“We are absolutely delighted to receive this award,” said Festival Director Adele Conn. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, and we are grateful to the community for their unwavering support.
“This recognition motivates us to continue creating a meaningful and inclusive festival that bring people together and acts as a year round catalyst for collaboration and change in North Edinburgh.”
The North Edinburgh Community Festival, held annually in May in West Pilton Park and the West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre, aims to benefit North Edinburgh communities by promoting pathways into employment, training, and recreation opportunities, addressing endemic challenges in the areas such as worklessness, low education attainment, and social isolation by providing a fun, free, family day out for new and existing residents to enjoy – promoting opportunities, creativity, enhancing community cohesion, reducing social isolation and celebrating the diversity of the area.
This year the festival had over 10,000 local people attend, 150 charities, organisations and groups; over 600 young people participating in music activities, and we provided over 3000 free hot meals on the day.
The award was presented at the Creative Edinburgh Awards ceremony last week, which honours the best in Edinburgh’s creative community, highlighting the projects, people and places that flourish across Edinburgh and continually ensuring its place on the cultural map, nationally and internationally.
Winning this award highlights the festival’s role in its commitment to North Edinburgh and helping this community to thrive. The festival has imbedded itself within the community and has a vital role to play.
The strength of the Festival lies in its collaborative working model – with involvement from residents, artists, the local third sector and public sector bodies.
The diverse population of North Edinburgh includes families, individuals, young people, and children, all of whom stand to benefit from the festival’s offerings. By hosting a range of recreational, cultural, educational, leisure, and social activities, the festival aims to create opportunities for community engagement and personal development.
The festival also proudly celebrates cultural diversity and serves as a vibrant tapestry of the many ethnic minorities residing in North Edinburgh. Recognising the unique challenges faced by these communities, it is even more important to provide resources and support services tailored to the needs of these communities.
Willie Black, says: “As the Chair of the North Edinburgh Community Festival, I am thrilled and honoured that we have won the award for Best Festival in Edinburgh.
“This recognition is a testament to the vibrant spirit and hard work of our community. It highlights the incredible talent and dedication within North Edinburgh and showcases our ability to bring people together through cultural celebration.
“Winning this award means a great deal to our city and particularly to the community of North Edinburgh. It underscores the importance of cultural festivals in fostering community pride, cultural exchange, and economic development.
“However, it also reminds us of the crucial need for financial support to sustain these valuable events. Continued funding is essential to ensure that festivals like ours can thrive, grow, and continue to enrich the lives of everyone involved.”
Regarding the Festival’s future, our vision for the next five years is both ambitious and transformative. We aim to expand the reach and impact of the North Edinburgh Community Festival, making it an annual highlight that continues to bring joy, education, and support to our community.
We plan to increase our engagement with local schools and youth groups, offering more workshops and programmes tailored to the needs and interests of young people.
In addition, we aspire to create more year-round initiatives that address socio-economic challenges, such as community art projects, and job training sessions. We’re committed to fostering inclusivity and cultural exchange, ensuring that all residents, feel valued and supported.
We also aim to strengthen our partnerships with local organisations, businesses, and volunteers, to drive home positive change. Our goal is to make North Edinburgh a thriving, vibrant community where everyone has the opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed.
As a community festival, we rely heavily on funding. However, we remain optimistic that this award will help to raise awareness of the festival’s importance and the community’s desire for it.
We are hopeful that it will attract the financial support needed to sustain and grow the event.
Next year’s festival will be held on Saturday 17th May from 12 noon – 530pm.
Invitation to Participate in Community Planning Transformation and Improvement Stakeholder Engagement Sessions
The Edinburgh Partnership agreed to look afresh at the role of Community Planning in Edinburgh to maximise the relationships between public sector agencies and the voluntary and community sectors to address poverty and inequality and the climate and nature emergency. We need your views to help shape the future of community planning in Edinburgh.
These sessions aim to bring together key partners to discuss, plan, and drive forward positive changes for communities. Your insights and contributions are highly valued, and we would be pleased if you could join us.
Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to book your place as soon as possible to secure your spot at your preferred session.
To register, please email communityplanning@edinburgh.gov.uk with your name, contact details, and the date of the session you would like to attend.
Thursday, 10th October | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Craigentinny Community Centre
or
Friday, 11th October | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre
or
Wednesday, 23rd October | 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM | St. Bride’s Community Centre
or
Thursday, 24th October | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | West Pilton N/hd Centre
or online
Monday, 28th October | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Microsoft Teams
Background Information on the Edinburgh Partnership Transformation and Improvement Programme –
New National Charter sets out what children want from school-age childcare services
Kindness, community, fun and fairness are the priorities children in Scotland have identified for a future funded school-age childcare offer, according to the new Children’s Charter launched this week.
As part of the Children’s Charter – which will be used to co-design a system of school-age childcare – young people also shared their views on why childcare is needed, how it is funded, the people who should run it and the sorts of activities it should include.
Around 125 children from primary schools across Scotland created five local Charters for the best out of school care for their community. The groups of children later went on to collaborate on a National Charter, which will guide a future nationwide system of school-age childcare.
Children’s Minister Natalie Don met with some of the participants to the Charter during its formal launch at St Mungo’s School in Alloa.
Ms Don said: “Developing a system of school-age childcare is a key priority for the Scottish Government. Giving children the opportunity to get involved at the heart of policy making ensures that we design services that better meet their needs in the future.
“As we publish the Charter during Challenge Poverty Week, all of the children that took part share our ambition to put fairness at the forefront in a future childcare system. Not only will it reduce barriers for children to access a wide range of activities and support, it will also allow parents and carers to enter or sustain employment or increase their hours at work.
“I am grateful to all of the children who participated so meaningfully in this important exercise. Their input is a vital part of our Delivery Framework, which I am also pleased to be publishing today.
“The Framework sets out our key action areas for building a new system of school-age childcare and how we will continue to involve children, parents, providers and communities in delivering this.”
Irene Audain MBE, Chief Executive at Scottish Out of School Care Network said: “I welcome the launch today of the Children’s Charter for School-Age Childcare and the School-Age Childcare Delivery Framework.
“I firmly agree with the children’s priorities of Kindness, Fairness, Choice, Happiness, and Fun, in their ideal services, rooted in local communities where everyone is respected and looks out for each other, as this too is our ideal good quality service.”
Councillor Graham Lindsay, Education spokesperson at Clackmannanshire Council, said: “Our approach as a Scottish Government School Age Childcare Early Adopter Community has reflected the ambition of Clackmannanshire Family Wellbeing Partnership to tackle poverty and inequalities.
“Our Child Wellbeing Project has encouraged community groups and childcare providers in Alloa to work together to provide school-age childcare which is funded for priority families and this is already making a huge impact.
“St Mungo’s children thoroughly enjoyed participating in creating the National Children’s Charter for School Age Childcare and it is wonderful to see their hard work reflected at the launch today.”
Currently, all three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds are able to take up 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare in Scotland. Work is underway with local authorities and other partners to phase in an expanded national offer for families with two-year-olds, as well as targeted early delivery of all age childcare for low income families.
A one-off community singalong with Pianodrome at 11am
A ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11.15am
Family arts and craft activities
Penalty shoot-outs with Craigroyston Community Youth Football Club
Free ice cream from Lucas
Free facepainting
Exhibition stalls
Bring your family, friends and a picnic blanket for a fun day out. All are welcome! We can’t wait to see you there! 
