Global pop superstar and singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran wowed children and young people in North Edinburgh today with a surprise visit to local music initiative, Tinderbox Collective.
The secret visit formed part of the launch of the Ed Sheeran Foundation, a new music education initiative setting out to support and develop young talent and make music accessible to all.
During his visit, EdSheeran stunned a local youth club at Muirhouse Library, where he joined a group of young people trying out different instruments, and chatted to them about his journey, offering tips to aspiring musicians.
Maxwell from Craigroyston High School said: ““We were absolutely shocked. I’ve always admired Ed Sheeran and the way he sings and his music. I want to do music and now I feel even more motivated.”
A member of the Tinderbox Collective, Anno said: “Unbelievable. I really like Ed and I listen to his music. Just to see him right now is amazing. Crazy. Inspiring.”
Muirhouse Library was the first of Scotland’s “We Make Music Instrument Libraries”– an initiative to get musical instruments into public libraries so people can borrow them for free, just like taking out a book.
The initiative was established by Tinderbox Collective in partnership with Scotland’s Music Education Partnership Group and has since spread to over 30 libraries in 12 local authorities across Scotland.
The ambition to spread this as widely as possible across the country continues, and other libraries or library services interested in joining this programme and offering instruments as part of their service should get in touch.
Ed then joined a 100-piece choir at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre made up of pupils from Forthview Primary School, Craigroyston Primary School, Pirniehall Primary School, St David’s RC Primary School and Craigroyston High School, and performed his hit single ‘Bad Habits’ with young rappers, singers and musicians from Tinderbox’s wider music programme.
Rhian from Craigroyston High School said: “Singing with him is something we’ll always remember.”
Lily from Pirniehall Primary Schooladded: “He came in and we all started screaming and there were happy tears.”
The visit to Edinburgh marked the official launch of the Ed Sheeran Foundation, an initiative designed to support youth music education across the UK through grant-making, raising awareness, and fostering collaborations.
Speaking about the foundation, Ed Sheeran said:“Music education has shaped who I am. I’ve always enjoyed playing music, and it’s led to some of the best moments of my life.”
As one of the first organisations across the UK to benefit, the foundation will support Tinderbox’s “Live in Libraries” tour to help kickstart Instrument Libraries around the UK, as well as elements of its signature programmes including its multi-genre orchestra, music technology lab and youth music hub.
Tinderbox Collective is a local charity offering a vibrant and inclusive space for young musicians who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities. From creative youth clubs filled with instruments, bands, song-writers and game design, to their flagship 20-piece Tinderbox Orchestra, their work builds a strong sense of community that has a profound impact on the lives of budding young artists.
Ed Sheeran’s visit underscores the importance of music education and the positive impact of making it accessible to all. In Scotland, a successful campaign to make instrumental tuition in schools free across the country was adopted by all parties in the last Scottish elections, and research from “What’s Going on Now” – a report on youth music in Scotland – has shown that over 100,000 more young people would take up opportunities to learn music if the service was expanded.
Ed Sheeran added: “It is so important to have brilliant music education both in and out of school. It’s great to hear that music tuition is now free in all schools in Scotland, but it is not reaching everyone and we need to do everything we can to make sure it is accessible and inspiring for all children and young people.”
Jack Nissan, Director of Tinderbox Collective, said: “Ed’s visit was so inspiring for all the young musicians in Tinderbox and it’s fantastic to have him advocate for music education and help build links with the wider music industry.
“We need to work together across schools, the community and the industry to fill music education with as much energy, diversity and creativity as possible, and to make sure that it is accessible, relevant and inspiring for everyone.”
Councillor Joan Griffiths, education, children and families convenor at the City of Edinburgh Council said: “We are committed to nurturing and encouraging local music talent in our city.
“In Edinburgh around 5,000 pupils currently receive free instrumental music tuition, with over 19,000 receiving free whole class music through the Youth Music Initiative. There is always more that can be done to make learning an instrument and access to music education more inclusive.
“Programmes run by Tinderbox Collective open up musical opportunities for youngsters who may not otherwise have had the chance, bringing young people and the wider community together.
“It’s fantastic to see Ed’s commitment to using his platform to champion accessibility to music and I have no doubt that he will have inspired all those he has met in Edinburgh.”
Mae Murray from Scotland’s Music Education Partnership Group said: “It is amazing to have Ed Sheeran visit young people in Scotland and help advocate for music education here.
“In 2021 we won a campaign to make music tuition free in all Scottish schools, but we still don’t reach all of Scotland’s young people, and we need more investment both in school and in the community to ensure that music is accessible to everyone.”
Last weekend, deliberate damage was done to our SFL garden area and a lot of mess made. This included broken fences and plant pots as well as damage to two scooters – so much so they are beyond repair
We don’t mind young people hanging around in our area at all as we want them to be safe, but we ask two things:
*Be respectful so things are not damaged
*Use the bins provided for any rubbish
We hope everyone in the Craigroyston community can help support us in this!
The BIG LIST of places to take the kids is updated for 2024 and bigger and better than ever!
With the school summer holidays upon us, we’ve been busy updating our list of must-visit places in Scotland! We’ve removed closed venues, added exciting new spots, and updated prices to keep you informed.
Before you head out, remember to double-check the venues’ or events’ social media pages for the latest updates, as things can change quickly.
If you’re planning to visit multiple places marked as National Trust or Historic Scotland (especially Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and Culzean Castle) then a yearly membership of these organisations may save you money.
If you’re eligible for a Young Scot card (free for 11-26 year olds) then applying for one (at “www.young.scot”) will also save you money on some entrance fees.
We hope this helps keep your little ones entertained over the holidays! Have a fantastic summer exploring all that Scotland has to offer!
Above Adventure, Kilmarnock. Indoor climbing & bouldering. From £6
Adventure Golf Island, Dunfermline £5-£9
Adventure Planet softplay centres, Cumbernauld and Paisley, £7.95 – £9.95
Aerial Adventures soft play, Livingston. £2 – £8
Agnew Park, Stranraer. Play park, mini railway, boats, putting, go karts. FREE entry. Mini railway £1.20 children £1.95 adults, Mini cars £1.20, Boats £4-£5.25, Go-karts £3.10.
Airthrill, East Kilbride. Trampoline & inflatable park. From £12.95
Almond Valley farm park, Livingston. Outdoor play, indoor play, animals, picnic, soft play, walks. £10 – £12
Almondell & Calderwood country park, Broxburn FREE
Amazonia @ M&Ds, Motherwell, £5.20 – £6.80
Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum (& gardens), Dunfermline. FREE
Codona’s, Aberdeen. Indoor and outdoor play, go karts, mini golf. From £4
Colourplay CIC, Kirkintilloch. Messy play and art activities £
Colzium Estate, Kilsyth – visitor centre, cafe, play area etc. FREE
Conifox Adventure Park, Kirkliston. Outdoor play £3.50 – £9.50 (under 1s free) Indoor soft play £2.75 – £13.95 (under 1s free). 30% discount on indoor+outdoor tickets
Cowan Park, Barrhead. Large play area, walks, trim trail with gym equipment, tennis courts (April-Sept, free to use, free coaching sessions in summer). FREE
Craft Daft on a Raft, Kirkintilloch. Studio fee £4.50, pottery to paint from £8. £15 minimum spend per table.
Crafty Workshops, Jedburgh. Age 3+. £
Craigend Nursery – indoor sandpit, Cumbernauld £4
Craigie’s Farm Shop, Edinburgh. Play area and pick your own fruit. From £5
Craigtoun Country Park, St. Andrews. Free entry, £10 wristband for attractions.
Falkirk Wheel £9.50 – £17.50 (other activities separate charge)
Farmer’s Den soft play, Dumfries & Annan. £5
Fife Zoo £4 – £6
Finlaystone Country Park, Port Glasgow. Woodland play areas and walks £4-£6 under 3 free
Firepit & Kiln Carvery & Pottery, Glasgow Quay. £
5 Sisters Zoo, West Calder, £13.95 – £18.95, under 3s FREE
Flanders Moss national nature reserve, nr Kippen, Stirlingshire FREE
Flip Out Trampoline Park, Rutherglen £9.45 – £14.45
Forgotten Worlds, Stewarton. Large retro game shop and arcade. One hour unlimited arcade gaming pass £5
Fossilfield Training Centre, Auchinleck, East Ayrshire. Pony/horse riding social enterprise for children, young people and adults who experience social and economic barriers.
Foxlake Adventures CIC outdoor water park, assault course, segways, Dunbar – various prices starting at £15
Frankie & Lola’s soft play, Inverness. From £1.99
Friockheim Park, Arbroath. Football Pitches, Woodland, Large Children’s Play Areas, BMX Bike Area. FREE
Fun Street, Silverburn, Glasgow. Soft play, mini town, interactive gaming. £1.99 – £15.99
Galleon Centre, Kilmarnock. 25m swimming pool with kids pool and flume, ice rink, squash, sports courts. £
Galloway Activity Centre, Parton (Loch Ken) Water sports, outdoor sports, board/boat/bike hire, laser tag, outdoor water park & water slide. From £20
Garage Bowling, go karting and adventure golf, Kilmarnock. From £5.50
Garrison Funfair, Millport, Cumbrae. Vintage rides, games, inflatables. Easter – September (open all week in school summer holidays, otherwise weekends only). Tokens £2.50
Garscube Playrooms, Glasgow £15 annual membership plus £4 per visit
Gem Rock Museum, Creetown. £6
Glasgow Climbing Centre from £26
Glasgow Green, adventure park, walks. FREE
Glasgow Museum Resource Centre, FREE pre booked tours.
Glasgow Science Centre, £11.50 – £14.75
Glasgow Ski & Snowboard Centre, Bellahouston 6 week ski/snowboard course £90 – £96. Tubing sessions from £12
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust – Bridgeton Bus Garage, Glasgow. Open on selected weekends Spring-Autumn for visits & FREE historic bus rides, guided tours by arrangement in winter.
Gooey Events Limited, Livingston events from £30
Gourock Outdoor Pool £3.70 – £4.50
Grampian Transport Museum, Alford. £5-£13 (under 3s free)
Gravity Trampoline Park, Glasgow Xsite Braehead and Edinburgh Fountain Park. From £4
Hamilton Water Palace. Indoor pool with pirate ship area for under 8s (check times as they vary). Child (4-17) : £2.30
Adult (18+) : £4.70. Under 4s free
Hannahston Alpacas, Drongan. £10-£15 Fri-Mon
Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen. Playground, golf, maze, mini zoo. FREE entry
Heads of Ayr farm park, Ayr – animals & play park indoor/ outdoor £15.50 (under 1 free)
Highland Folk Museum, Newtonmore. Open air museum. March-October. FREE (£2 for parking)
Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig. £16.85 – £22.50
HistoryLinks Museum, Dornoch. £
Hollywood Bowl, Springfield Quay & Bargeddie. Kids eat,drink and play from £7.50
Holmwood House, Cathcart £8.50 (National Trust)
Hopetoun House & grounds, South Queensferry. March – Sept. £4 – £13.50 (Young Scot card holders £1) Dogs – grounds only.
Howard Park, Kilmarnock. Large play area, sports courts. FREE
Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery @ Glasgow Uni FREE
Infinity Trampoline Park, Inverness. From £4.99
Inflata Nation, Kinning Park Glasgow. Inflatable park (indoor). £6.99 – £10.99
Innoflate inflatable parks. Glasgow, Livingston, Cumbernauld, Dundee, Aberdeen. From £5.95
Inveraray Jail, from £9.50 – £15.50
Inverness Kart Raceway. From £26.Age 8+
Inverness Museum & Art Gallery. FREE
Irvine Beach Park. Sandy beach, sand dunes, extensive grassy dune area with walking paths and stone dragon sculpture, pond, skate park, toilets, kiosk, free parking. FREE
Jungle Creek Soft Play & Adventure Golf, Glasgow (Soccerworld). Usually a deal available on Groupon. £5-£10
Juniors Play Cafe, Hamilton. £4 per child, include lunch for an extra £2.50. Babies aged 0-12 months go free. £6.00 deposit books your table (redeemable in the centre)
Loch Lomond shores – shops, cafes, sea life centre, water sports, outdoor play park. From FREE
Lochwinnoch RSPB FREE
Lollipop Land soft play, East Kilbride £5.95 – £8.95
Loopy Lou’s soft play, Boddam, nr Peterhead. Indoor soft play with outdoor play area & astro sports pitch. £6-£10 (under 1s free)
Low Park Museum, Hamilton FREE
Lunderston Bay, Gourock, FREE
Lynn Glen, Dalry, Ayrshire. River walk with fairy houses, waterfall. FREE
Mabie Farm Park, Dumfries (Mar-Oct) £10 under 2s FREE
Make Do & Grow, Govan. Free drop in arts and crafts and workshops
M&D’s, Motherwell – funfair All day wristband £21.95. Other packages available
Mariner Leisure Centre, Falkirk £3 – £5.20 (Under 3’s go free)
Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Centre, Jedburgh. FREE
McDiarmid Park, Barrhead. New play park including accessible equipment. FREE
McMoos ice cream parlour and cafe, Boness
Merkinch Nature Reserve, Inverness. FREE
Merlin Cinema, Thurso. £
Milk Barn, Falkirk – ice cream parlour on farm, £
Messy Nessy Playcentre & Ceramic Cafe, Thurso. From £3.50
Millport, Isle of Cumbrae. Catch ferry from Largs (£2 – £15.20) – hire a bike / play on beach £ / FREE
Monty’s Farm Park, Ardardan, Cardross. Outdoor play: adult (13+) £5, child £9.50, age 1-2 £8, under 1 free. Indoor play additional £3.50 for children age 1+ (adults free)
Movement Park, Whiteinch. Parkour, BMX, Skateboarding, urban sports. From £6.50
Mugdock Park, nr Milngavie – muddy walks/ ranger activities / garden centre FREE
Muiravonside Country Park, nr Falkirk, FREE (some events cost)
Muirshiel Country Park, Lochwinnoch, FREE (some events cost)
Museum of Childhood, Edinburgh FREE
Museum of Edinburgh. FREE
Museum of Lead Mining, Wanlockhead. Mine tours and gold panning available. From £6.50
Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage, Edinburgh. Tues-Sat. FREE entry (suggested donation £3)
Museums of the University of St Andrews. FREE
National Museum of Flight, North Berwick, from £8.50 – £13.50, under 5s FREE
National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride, £7 – £10, under 5s FREE (National Trust-affiliated)
Rangers football club museum & stadium tour, Glasgow. Museum £11.50 adult, £6.50 child, stadium £20 adult, £12 child. Combined tickets available. Under 3s free
Ravenscraig Activity Centre, Greenock. Learn to climb, soft play from £13.50
Renfrew Museum (within Renfrew town hall). Mon-Fri 10-4. FREE
Ride Right cycling lessons & club, Strathclyde Park & Bellshill, £20 per session
Riverside (transport) Museum & Tall Ship, Glasgow. Museum FREE, Tall ship £4.50 adults, £2.70 children, £12.70 for family of four, under 5s free.
Robert Burns Birthplace, Alloway. Museum, outdoor play area, cafe, sculpture trail.£7 – £12 (National Trust)
RollerStop, Kinning Park. Roller discos/lessons/skating rink from £8
Rothesay Castle, From £4.50 – £7.50, under 7s FREE
Rouken Glen Park, Giffnock FREE
Rouken Glen Pottery, Giffnock. Pieces from £5
Rozelle Park, Ayr. Museum & gallery, woodland walks, sculpture trail, tea room, park run. Outdoor areas FREE
Ruff and Tumble soft play, Glasgow (Pollokshaws) £2-£9.50
Stoneykirk Aviation Museum, nr Stranraer. Most Sundays April – October £3.50 – £6 (under 5s FREE)
Stranraer Museum FREE
Strathaven Park, play park FREE. Miniature train rides (summer weekends only), boating pond, putting, cafe. £
Strathclyde Country Park. Walks, play park. FREE. Water sports & bike hire £
Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, Coatbridge FREE (tram rides small charge)
Sunnyside Garden Centre, Kilmarnock. Cafe with outdoor kids play area. FREE
Surgeons Hall Museums, Edinburgh. Adults – £9.50, Child (5-17)- £5.00, Under 5s – Free
Tantallon Castle, North Berwick £4.50 – £7.50, under 7s FREE
Tentsmuir, Fife – Nature Reserve, Beach, Forest, FREE
The Alpaca Trekking Centre, Thornhill, Stirling from £22
The Ark on the Clyde CIC, Port Glasgow. Animal encounters from £9.95 (entrance charges for Finlaystone Park apply)
The Bubbles Factory soft play, Carluke. £7.99 – £8.99
The Children’s Wood, Glasgow West, from £1
The Craft Pottery, Glasgow City from £5
The Ecology Centre, Burntisland, Fife £
The Experience, Hillington Bookable FREE events
The Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow FREE (some exhibitions £)
The Highlanders Museum, Fort George, near Inverness. Museum FREE. Fort George £9 adult, £5.40 child, under 5s free (Historic Scotland)
The Japanese Garden at Cowden, Clackmannanshire. Walks, gardens, treehouse, activity boardwalk. £9.25 entry
The Kids Village, Saltcoats. Play cafe, gaming room, sensory room. From £5
The Lonely Broomstick, Falkirk. Harry Potter themed shop. Wand and potion experiences £15
The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum. FREE
The Playbarn at Auchrannie, Isle of Arran. £5 – £7.50 (free for hotel guests). Swimming pool also on site £
The Playbarn at Smithstone, Stonehouse South Lanarkshire. Indoor soft play with outdoor play area. 0-6 months: Free, 6 months – 2 years: £4.50, 2 years and above: £6. FREE entry for two adults per booking. £1 entry fee for additional adults.
The Play Barn at Whitekirk Hill, North Berwick. Indoor play area £3-£10 (max height 1.5m), outdoor play park FREE
£1 entry special offer for July 2024
The Secret Garden & Play Barn, Callendar Park, Falkirk. £5 first child, £2 each additional child
The Stewartry Museum, Kirkcudbright. FREE
The Tall Ship, Glasgow Riverside – museum / cafe / teeny under 5 soft play. £4.50 adults, £2.70 children, £12.70 for family of four, under 5 free.
The Wee Play Place & Cafe, Alexandria. £5-£7 (adults £1)
Time Capsule, Coatbridge – fun swim pool £3.55 – £6.85 (under 3 FREE)
Time Twisters, Edinburgh (Sighthill). Soft play, laser tag, build a bear. £
Tir Na Nog, Balfron – holistic centre & shop/cafe £
Tollcross Farm, Glasgow – small animals – FREE
Tots Spot play cafe, East Calder. Open Mon-Fri school hours, Sat morning. Age 0 – 11 months: FREE, 1-3 years old: £5.00, 4 years old+: £6.00, Adults: FREE
Treasure Land soft play, Hawick. £3.50-£3.75
Tree Top Tumble soft play, Mackinnon Mills, Coatbridge. £3 for 60 mins (max height 145cm)
Trimontium Trust & Museum, Melrose. Roman History Museum with VR Roman fort experience. from £6 (under 5s free)
Troon beach, South Ayrshire. Large beach, kiosk, mini golf, fairground, play park. FREE
West of Scotland Padel, Stevenston. Indoor court hire £15/30min (2-4 players)
Whin Park, Inverness. Playground, mini train, walks, mini golf. From FREE
Whitelee Wind Farm, nr Eaglesham. Walks & indoor interactive exhibit. Regular kids activities (science centre affiliated) FREE
Whithorn Story Visitor Centre, Galloway. Includes guided roundhouse tour. March-Oct, Sunday-Friday. £4.50-£7.50 (under 7s FREE) Discount for Historic Scotland members.
Wigtown Museum, Wigtown. FREE
Wild Adventure (soft play), Drumchapel, £2 – £9
Wild Goat Park, Galloway Forest. Free parking, own food required to feed goats.
Wild Shore outdoor water park, Dundee – tickets from £19
From Monday, our school day timings will change slightly and this is detailed below.
We will no longer have tutor and pupils will start lessons at 8.30am. Break time will be 10.10-10.30am and lunch time will be 1.00-1.40pm. School still finishes at 3.20pm.
Thank you to all our parents and carers for supporting this and helping to ensure pupils are on time for school
We’ve removed closed venues, added exciting new spots, and updated prices to keep you informed. 
= costs
= free (ie. no admittance fee)
= sunny days
= rainy days
= dog friendly
= accessible
