Val McDermid, Irvine Welsh and Joseph Coelho lead major free programme for North Edinburgh – including 100 free books for local children
Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh will return to the Muirhouse library he visited as a child this February, as the Edinburgh International Book Festival brings some of Scotland’s biggest literary names directly into the heart of North Edinburgh.
The programme – part of Paper Trails, a flagship initiative launched by Her Majesty Queen Camilla in 2025 – will see Val McDermid, Doug Johnstone, Claire Mitchell, Zoe Venditozzi, Maisie Chan and former Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho OBE appear at North Edinburgh Arts and Muirhouse Library. All events are completely free to attend.
Welsh’s appearance marks a significant homecoming for the globally renowned author, who will appear digitally to discuss his Edinburgh roots and literary career to young people sat in the same library that helped shape his love of reading decades ago.
Jenny Niven, Director of Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “Libraries are where so many of us first fell in love with books, and they remain at the heart of our communities.
“Having Irvine Welsh return to the library that shaped him as a reader shows exactly why Paper Trails matters – these aren’t just buildings, they’re launchpads for imagination and possibility.
“At a time when literacy rates are declining and more than a quarter of older adults experience weekly loneliness, we’re committed to ensuring that world-class literature and creative experiences reach every neighbourhood, not just festival venues.
“This programme is about co-creating with communities, listening to local voices, and supporting libraries as the vital cultural hubs they’ve always been.”
Irvine Welsh, novelist, short story writer, screenwriter and filmmaker, said: “I’m joining remotely, but it still feels like I’m back in the room that first lit the fuse for me.
“Muirhouse gave me a quiet seat, a friendly word and a shelf full of new worlds—that’s all it takes to set a life on a different course.
“It’s brilliant to see Paper Trails investing in these spaces so every young person here can feel that same jolt of inspiration.”
Tony Stewart, Librarian at Muirhouse Library, said:“We see every day the impact and benefit for our users and the community, in having access to a safe and welcoming space filled books, activities and a team dedicated to helping in any way we can, and of course, a good book recommendation.
“We are very excited to be able to work with EIBF and Paper Trails to bring top class authors right to our community’s doorstep and provide some inspiration for any budding authors in the Muirhouse area, maybe even the next Irvine Welsh…”
The February programme will distribute over 500 free books to children attending events with Maisie Chan and Joseph Coelho – part of the festival’s five-year commitment to supporting Edinburgh’s libraries as creative community hubs.
Programme Highlights – February 2025
Claire Mitchell & Zoe Venditozzi: How to Kill a Witch
Wed 4 Feb, 6pm — North Edinburgh Arts
A lively, provocative exploration of Scotland’s witch-trial history from the hosts of the popular Witches of Scotland podcast. Mitchell, one of Scotland’s leading lawyers, and Venditozzi uncover the brutal reality behind historical persecution.
Val McDermid: Winter Crime
Monday 9 Feb, 6pm — North Edinburgh Arts
Scotland’s ‘Queen of Crime’ discusses her latest Karen Pirie thriller Silent Bones and her new memoir Winter. With over 18 million books sold worldwide, McDermid rarely appears in intimate community settings.
Doug Johnstone: 20 Years in the Making
Wed 11 Feb, 6pm — North Edinburgh Arts
The bestselling crime writer reflects on two decades of literary success ahead of his landmark 20th novel. Johnstone’s Edinburgh-set thrillers have earned international acclaim and multiple award nominations.
Irvine Welsh: Writing Edinburgh
Thurs 26 Feb, 6pm — Muirhouse Library
A special remote appearance from the Trainspotting author, returning to the library he visited as a child. Welsh will discuss how Muirhouse and Edinburgh shaped his groundbreaking literary voice, followed by audience Q&A.
Maisie Chan: Family Fun
Wed 18 Feb, 2–3pm — Muirhouse Library
A half-term celebration of stories and creativity for families. Every child attending receives a free book to take home.
Schools Event: Joseph Coelho OBE — Poetry Alive!
Wed 11 Feb, 10.30–11.15am — Muirhouse Library An energising poetry workshop from the former Children’s Laureate (2022-24). Local primary school pupils will receive free books and participate in creative writing activities.
A group of Edinburgh College students had the right Royal honour of helping cater and host a ship-naming ceremony attended by The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, in the Port of Leith this week.
Princess Anne took part in the ceremony at Forth Ports Cruise Terminal, breaking a bottle of whisky against the ship’s hull and formally naming the vessel POLE STAR.
The students worked alongside professional caterers in a variety of roles, with some cooking up a storm in the kitchens, others taking on front of house duties to make sure all the VIP guests were as comfortable as possible, and some preparing delicious baked goods and cakes to be enjoyed by all.
The event was put on by East Coast Catering Ltd, which is ran by Edinburgh College graduate Kieran Wight, with our students providing vital support. Their hard work was recognised by The Princess Royal herself, who stopped for a chat and learned from the group all about the skills they are being taught on their course.
Adam Robertson, a Level 1 Hospitality student, set out from his home in the Borders at 5am to make sure he was in Edinburgh in time to do his part in the kitchen. He said it was all worth the effort: “When we found out there was an opportunity to cook for such a prestigious guest, I was desperate to do it.
“I think if you want to go out and work in a professional kitchen, it’s so important to have this sort of experience behind you.The College has given us so many amazing opportunities in the short time I’ve been here, and it’s really helped build up my confidence.”
Jodie Dixon is studying HNC Events and she said it was an honour to take part: “I don’t think you can turn down an opportunity like this, to get involved in a literal royal event.
“There’s so much you can learn just by being here, and it’s really nice knowing you’re part of a group that’s all supporting each other too. The lecturers have been great, and have provided us with a lot of support, but they’re also great at letting us go and do our jobs, it makes you feel like you’re trusted.”
Stephanie Tanner, the Head of School for Cookery, Hospitality, Events, Travel and Tourism, said the experience will prove invaluable for the students: “It’s a proud day for everyone at the College, seeing them putting all of their training to use in the real world, and doing so incredibly well.
“Getting the chance to take part in events like this gives them such an advantage when it comes to finding work after graduation. Employers will be able to look at their CVs, and say ‘Wow, they’ve catered an event for a member of the Royal Family!”
Aisha Elshani, a Professional Cookery lecturer, said the students represented the College well: “They’ve all worked so hard, leading up to the event and on the day itself, and it’s really nice to see how well they are all doing.
“They’re all getting on with their jobs, and just conducting themselves really professionally. I think they all have bright futures ahead in the industry”.
This month, The Lost Close invites you to experience Burns Night in a way few ever will – an intimate evening of Scottish heritage, exceptional whiskies, and captivating storytelling in two of Edinburgh’s most exclusive private spaces.
On 24th and 25th January 2026, only 20 guests per night will step inside a private luxury apartment overlooking St Giles’ Cathedral, Mercat Cross, and Parliament Square; a venue rarely open to the public with incredible views.
From the moment you arrive at 6pm to the sound of the pipes, the evening unfolds as a celebration of Scotland’s culture and history. Guests will be welcomed with a glass of fizz before the ceremonial “Address to a Haggis,” performed by a bagpiper as the haggis is led in.
Throughout the night, storytelling takes centre stage. Expert hosts will share tales of Robert Burns and the poet Robert Fergusson, whose work profoundly influenced him, alongside stories of Parliament Square, St Giles’ Cathedral, and the fascinating history of The Lost Close itself.
Between these moments, guests will enjoy a three-course Scottish dinner, with each dish paired with an exceptional whisky introduced by The Lost Close’s whisky expert.
The tasting features four remarkable Scotch whiskies, including Annandale Distillery’s Man O’Words, a single cask expression from the two-century old Scottish distillery, and An Edinburgh Dram, distilled in 1991 at North British and matured for over 33 years.
The evening concludes underground at The Lost Close, where guests will savour The Lost Close 2, a single cask release exclusive to the venue, bottled at 57.6% ABV with only 190 bottles ever produced.
After the final dram, guests are welcome to linger in the atmospheric underground setting until 11pm.
This is not just a Burns Night supper – it is an immersive journey through Scotland’s poetry, history, and craftsmanship in a setting few will ever experience.
Visitors captivated by moving immersive experiences on opening weekend at the Royal Highland Centre
Art lovers have flocked to the opening weekend of two atmospheric multimedia experiences which plunge viewers into the colourful worlds of a pair of iconic artists.
Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet are being staged at the Royal Highland Centre until Friday, 2 January 2026 – with Edinburgh hosting the Scottish premiere of Beyond Monet which celebrates the life and work of the ‘Father of Impressionism’.
The two experiences were officially opened on Friday evening during a special press and VIP launch event at the prestigious Edinburgh venue.
They will run on different days throughout the five-week residency, and tickets for both are being sold separately. The attraction is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Along with the stunning 360-degree visual and audio experience in the 10,000sq ft main space, each experience will include the chance to linger in captivating new reflection room which extends the magical world of both artists.
Produced by Annerin Productions and Paquin Entertainment Group, Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience celebrates the groundbreaking work of the French artist in mesmerising and colourful fashion.
In the immersive impressionist extravaganza, cutting-edge technology breathes new life into more than 400 of the legendary French painter’s canvases, taking visitors on a spectacular and unforgettable audio-visual journey through his captivating and colourful world.
Beyond Monet brings together some of the artist’s most famous paintings – including Poppies, Impression: Sunrise and his exquisite Water Lilies series – with lesser-known works which all swirl around the space, offering a fresh and exciting new look at much-loved masterpieces and a deeper connection with Monet, his subjects and his innovative technique.
Taking inspiration from Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris, the designated home of Monet’s works, visitors can freely roam the Infinity Room where they are transported inside the paintings themselves to the accompaniment of a moving original score.
Meanwhile, Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience brings together more than 300 of the Dutch post-Impressionist icon’s paintings blended with cutting-edge technology and a specially curated musical soundtrack to tell the story of one of history’s most influential artists, with people able to wander through iconic works – including The Starry Night, Sunflowers and Terrace of a Café at Night – as they came alive around them.
The visit is also enhanced by the addition of a new ‘reflection’ room. All art lovers will be able to enjoy walking through Waterlily Alley, an enchanting recreation of Monet’s gardens at Giverny, and a bloom-flanked Sunflower Alley paying tribute to Vincent Van Gogh.
Edinburgh visitors are only the second to experience the new space which received its world premiere in Liverpool this summer.
In addition, the residency at the Royal Highland Centre includes two bespoke Relaxed Sessions, designed with support from Scotland’s We Too! Inclusive events charity, to enable neurodivergent visitors to enjoy both experiences to the full.
The Beyond Monet Relaxed Session will be between 11am and 2pm on Tuesday, 16 December and the Beyond Van Gogh Relaxed Session on Wednesday, 17 December from 2.30-4.30pm.
And a special Lothian Service 98 shuttle will run to the venue on Saturdays and Sundays, departing from the Assembly Rooms in George Street, with stops at Shandwick Place and Haymarket and then following the same route as the number 31 bus.
The shuttle will operate every half an hour outbound from 9.15am to 4.45pm, and will make the return journey from 11.10am to 5.40pm. Full details of the exact route and fares are available from www.lothianbuses.com
This is Annerin Productions’ third visit to Scotland following Beyond Van Gogh at Glasgow’s SEC in2024 – where it won critical acclaim and was seen by 50,000 visitors, and at the P&J Live in Aberdeen this summer.
It is the first time the entertainment company has staged anything in Edinburgh.
The Royal Highland Centre is Scotland’s biggest indoor and outdoor venue. Located at Ingliston to the west of the city centre, with good transport links including the A8, motorway network and Edinburgh Airport, it welcomes more than one million visitors a year and delivers some of the biggest events in Scotland.
It makes it the perfect location for Beyond Monet and Beyond Van Gogh.
Anna Parry, UK Business Development at Annerin Productions, said: “What a wonderful opening weekend in Edinburgh – I’m absolutely thrilled with the response to Beyond Monet and Beyond Van Gogh that we’ve enjoyed here in the Scottish capital.
“Visitors have been enchanted and many have also been moved by being immersed in the wonderful worlds of these two visionaries with a paintbrush and palette.
“The way in which both experiences have been designed means they are completely accessible to people of all ages, making it the perfect family-friendly activity for the festive season. And I’m delighted we’re also able to offer special relaxed sessions at the Royal Highland Centre with the support of We Too!”
VENUE: Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Newbridge, EH28 8NB.
DATE: Saturday 29 November – Friday 2 January 2026 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
TIME: Starting from 10am
PRICE: From £23.94 for adults (Concessions are available). VIP entrance from £41.47
Family Ticket and VIP Experience tickets available
Three and under go Free
(Booking fees not included). | Flexible entry ticket types available
Entry is by timed ticket. No change of date or time is permitted unless you have purchased flexible ticket add on. Please arrive 15 minutes before your entrance time.
VIP Experience includes flexibility to arrive at any point until 4pm on your selected date, fast track entry and choice of selected merchandise package.
Over 16,000 people enjoyed free community and music events at Ross Bandstand over the St Andrew’s Day weekend celebrations, presented by Edinburgh’s Christmas.
Edinburgh Christmas, Red Hot Chilli Pipers
Among many others, audiences danced to the famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers (pictured) and whirled-away to The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience, renowned as one of the top ceilidh acts in the world!
Edinburgh’s Christmas events and activities continue until 4 January!
VISITORS to the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments decked with glistening Christmas trees, garlands, and a magnificent table display to celebrate the festive season.
This year marks 100 years since King George V first opened the grand State Apartmentsto the public, providing the opportunity for visitors to explore the suite of 17th-century rooms in the monarch’s official residence in Scotland.
This festive period, visitors will see two majestic 12-foot-high Christmas trees decorating the atmospheric wood-panelled Throne Room, their branches adorned with sparkling ornaments and twinkling lights, alongside dramatic mantle garlands above the fireplace.
In the Great Gallery, the longest room in the Palace where grand balls were once held, a 15-foot-high Nordmann fir tree features glass ornaments echoing the room’s glittering chandeliers. This Christmas, visitors can take photographs in front of the tree as a special memento of their visit – usually photography inside the Palace is not permitted.
In the Royal Dining Room, first used as a dining room by Queen Victoria, the table is laid with a silver service, sugared fruits and seasonal foliage.
Further highlights include garlands decorating the stone arches in the Quadrangle and adorning the Great Stair.
As part of Royal Collection Trust’s charitable aim to ensure that as many people as possible can access and enjoy the royal residences, £1 ticketsare available for visitors receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits. Further concessions, including discounted Young Person tickets for 18–24-year-olds, are also available.
The income from visitor admissions and purchases contributes to the care and conservation of the Royal Collection and helps Royal Collection Trust to share it with everyone, wherever they are.
Winter Exclusive Guided Tours
November and December
On select dates in November and December, exclusive guided tours of the State Apartments will reveal the magic of the Palace when it is closed to other visitors.
Festive Events
Carols at the Palace, 9 and 10 December
Over two evenings, visitors will experience the beautifully decorated State Apartments before a festive concert of carols in the Great Gallery. Each evening will conclude with a glass of wine and mince pies.
Christmas Activity Day, 13 December
The Palace will host a Christmas activity day with arts and crafts activities and a festive music performance for all the family to enjoy.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
LAST CHANCE Monkeys: Our Primate Family Until 30 Nov 10:00-17:00 Ticketed
See some of the rarest and most endangered primates on Earth in Monkeys: Our Primate Family at the National Museum of Scotland. This exhibition explores the remarkable lives of our primate relatives and demonstrates how they have adapted to survive in different habitats. The exhibition brings together more than 50 species of monkeys, apes, lemurs and lorises.
Cold War Scotland Until 4 Jan 2026 10:00 – 17:00 Free
Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union following the end of the Second World War.
Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling.
The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. The exhibition will explore both the visible and invisible legacies of the war in Scotland.
Giants showcases the colossal prehistoric creatures that lived after the extinction of the dinosaurs, 66 million years ago. Discover life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, and fossils in this immersive, family friendly exhibition.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Relaxed Morning: Monkeys: Our Primate Family 2 Nov 10:00 – 12:00 (Quiet space open until 12:30) Special Exhibition Gallery 1 Tickets from £13
Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the exhibition. During this time some ambient sounds will be turned down and visitor numbers will be reduced.
A sensory backpack will also be available from the front desk to support your visit.
Relaxed Morning 2 Nov & 7 Dec 10:00-12:00 (quiet space open until 12:30) Free admission, drop-in
Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.
This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with autistic children; autistic young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment.
Annual Open Evening 20 Nov 18:00-19:30 Auditorium, Level 1 Free, booking required
Join us for the Annual Open Evening to find out more about our collections and the work that we do across all our museums. The event will be hosted by Ian Russell, our Chair, and Dr Chris Breward, our Director. Dr Matthew Knight, Senior Curator of Prehistory will also present on Scotland’s First Warriors, a new exhibition opening at the National Museum of Scotland in 2026.
Monkeys After Dark: Adults 21 Nov 17:30-19:30 Special Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 & Auditorium, Level 1 £18 adult, £15 Members and conc.
This adults-only event features the opportunity to discover current research exploring the sex lives of our closest animal relatives and experience Monkeys: Our Primate Family exhibition afterhours.
See our primate handling collection with our museum experts including Principal Curator, Dr Andrew Kitchener. Explore 3D printed models and new digital software with our guest speakers to learn more about primate anatomy.
The Sunday Sketch 21-23 Nov 14:00-16:00 Ages 18+ Tickets from £13
Learn how to sketch, taking inspiration from the incredible collections on display in our museum galleries. Join artist Sheena Russell to take a new look at our collections and be guided through a range of drawing activities within the museum’s galleries.
Ash Rise Afternoon 7 Dec 14:00-16:30 Auditoirum, Level 1 £5, £4 Members & conc.
Join us for a special film screening and panel discussion to hear about the Ash Rise project. Learn more about Scotland’s native ash tree, the challenges of ash die-back and how the material is celebrated in contemporary furniture making.
Drawn Together at the Museum 27 – 30 Dec 10:30-16:00 Grand Gallery, Level 1 Free, drop-in
Join us in the National Museum of Scotland this festive period and be inspired to sketch some of the fascinating objects in our collection. Whether it’s an old favourite or something new to you, there will be plenty to catch your eye in our galleries.
Shimmy, sparkle, and sing your way into the New Year as Sprogmanay returns for 2026. Enjoy an afternoon of fun for all ages with live music and performances. The full programme will be announced in December.
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Adult Workshop: Festive Willow Weaving 29 & 30 Nov Learning Centre £40, £35 Members and conc.
Led by artist and forager Max Johnson, choose from one or more workshops to make a willow wreath, willow star or willow reindeer and tree to take home. All workshops are suitable for beginners, with all materials and equipment provided.
Festive Weekend 6 & & Dec 11:00-16:00 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Bring the family for a weekend of festive activities, and storytelling at the National Museum of Rural Life.
Get hands on with nature-inspired crafts in the Learning Centre, make some eco-friendly reindeer food to take home, then follow our festive trail around the museum galleries. Sign up on the day for panto-style storytelling in the theatre with the team from Macastory.
Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life Last Tuesday of every month 14:30-17:00 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Join us for our monthly Relaxed Afternoon for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.
This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
Tractor Tots Jan & Feb 2026 Learning Centre £25 per child for block of 3, £20 per Member child for block of 3
Running in blocks of three sessions, Tractor Tots offers a fun, focused experience for our younger visitors, introducing them to rural life through interactive creative play. Each session will feature handling objects from our learning boxes, singing, storytelling, rhymes, actions and sensory play to learn all about life in the countryside
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00
Science Sunday 2 Nov 11:00-15:00 Free with museum admission.
Celebrate maths at the National Museum of Flight. Use objects from the collection to practice ‘subitizing’ – the ability to see the number of objects without counting. Find out about the museum collection with our Cryptography Challenges and explore the museum with our new maths trail.
Conservation Hangar Talks Until 29 Mar 2026 14:00-15:00 Free and available as an add-on to your general admission ticket. Booking required.
Join a member of our Visitor Experience team for a behind-the-scenes look in our Conservation hangar on a free daily talk at 14:00. Find out about objects from the collection that aren’t normally on display and have the chance to see conservators at work.
Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Flight Every second Sunday of the month, 10:00-12:00 Free with museum admission
Join us for a Relaxed Morning at the National Museum of Flight, for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment.
Government reports the urgent need for more Work Experience opportunities
Reports also indicate that those from privileged backgrounds are 2.5 times more likely to build a career in creative occupations than their working-class peers.
Discover! Creative Careers (DCC) aims to reach 10,000 young people across Scotland in its new partnership with Into Film Scotland.
28 Years Later screening & Talk with Drone Operator, Robbie Jones (Edinburgh + Glasgow)
Grow screening & Q&A with Director John McPhail + Actor Sanjeev Kohli (Falkirk)
Game Design workshop with DYW Live & Skills Development Scotland
Discover Creative Careers Week Scotland runs from 10 to 14 November to coincide with Scottish Careers Week.
Into Film Scotland, part of Into Film the UK’s leading charity for film in education and the community, have announced a series of upcoming events as part of Discover! Creative Careers Week Scotland taking place from 10 to 14 November to coincide with Scottish Careers Week.
This announcement comes as recent reports from Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Career Development Institute indicate an urgent need for more Work Experience opportunities for young people and that those form privileged backgrounds are 2.5 times more likely to build a career in creative occupations than their working-class peers.
Upcoming events include Creative Catalyst at Perth Creative Exchange on Thursday 13th November. The session will be an opportunity to explore and experiment with expressive mark-making, materials and processes. This is for young people based in Perth and Kinross, developing their art portfolio to apply to further or higher education or with an interest in a creative career.
There will also be screenings in Edinburgh and Glasgow of recent hits 28 Years Later followed by a talk from the film’s Drone Operator Robbie Jones as well as a screening in Falkirk of new Scottish film Grow with Q&A fromDirector John McPhail & Actor Sanjeev Kohli. The programme of events across the week also includes a Game Design workshop from DYW Live & Skills Development Scotland which is one of DCC’s year-round activities.
Into Film will also run a special online webinar for parents and carers during Discover! Creative Careers Week in collaboration with Developing the Young Workforce and delivered during Skills Development Scotland’s Scottish Careers Week.
New opportunities are being added weekly, future offers to include games, museums and galleries, animation, fashion and textiles, heritage, film and tv, libraries and archives, visual art, and music.
Employers in the creative industries in Scotland can register their interest to participate in the programme here. Schools and educators can find out more and access the main Teacher and Careers Leaders hub here.
REPORTS FINDINGS
A paper on Work Based Learning the Career Development Institute highlighted the importance of events such as these providing practical, in-person experience.
For reference, this importance was also emphasised in the Gatsby Good Career Guidance (used in other UK nations but not Scotland), which includes in its framework that ‘by the age of 16, every pupil should have had meaningful experiences of workplaces’ and also points out that ‘these encounters could be in person or a combination of in-person and virtual, where appropriate.’
Therefore, although virtual opportunities are one way for pupils to gain experience, these should be part of a mix of methods that should include in-person experiences too.
Research from by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport after the Covid-19 pandemic (conducted in 2022 and updated in 2025) [2] alsofound that employers from the creative industries are more likely to cite ‘lack of work experience the company demands’ as a reason for their difficulties in filling hard-to-fill roles – 18.6% vs. 12.6% for overall employers.
They also found that employers cited that ‘applicants lack the required skills’ as their top reason – 44.5% vs. 31.1% for overall employers.
This paints a worrying picture of the skills and experience gaps for the creative industries. The paper also highlights that those from privileged backgrounds are 2.5 times more likely to end up in creative occupations than their working-class peers.
In a recent State of the Nations research report by Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre and produced by Work Advance, on the skills mismatch in the creative industries, findings included structural issues in the mismatch between the skills that people currently have and what the industry needs and how best to take them through education and training.
The report concludes that 65% of ‘hard-to-fill’ vacancies in the creative industries are attributable to skills shortages, compared with just 41% of ‘hard-to-fill’ vacancies across all sectors.
Skills shortages are most pronounced for higher-skilled roles, with 78% of creative industries employers experiencing such deficiencies (in the three highest occupations), compared with 31% across all industries.
Creative industries employers are more likely to report having to delay developing new products or services because of the skills shortages they face.
Skills gaps caused by the introduction of new technology (including but not limited to AI) and the development of new products and services are a particular challenge for creative businesses.
The report talks about the need to ensure that young people develop the skills they need to fill these roles and that these skills need to be agile and flexible to enable flourishing in multiple roles or parts of the sector (and outside of it). They are also informed by the reality of the nature of the sector and opportunity differences based on geography.
The report also discusses the need to increase diversity the sector and recognise the need to broaden out access and opportunities for young people, regardless of their background. The report highlights that if this is not addressed, the socio-economic diversity gap will only worsen and there will be even fewer stories made by people who we need to hear from.
In September after a competitive tender process, Into Film was awarded the contract to implement the Discover! Creative Careers programme in Scotland across 2025 – 2026. Working in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), Discover! Creative Careers in Scotland has an ambition to reach at least 10,000 young people across 2025-2026.
Into Film Scotland is part of Into Film, the UK’s leading charity for film in education and the community. They provide screen industry careers information and advice, support young filmmakers, and bring the power of moving image storytelling into classroom teaching and youth provision across Scotland.
Clare Gibson, Discover Creative Careers Lead, Scotland has said: “We are thrilled to be launching this year’s programme for Discover! Creative Careers Scotland, for the week of the 10-14 November and beyond.
“The creative industry in Scotland is an exciting and interesting sector to work in, and we are delighted that we can work with employers and partners to offer a range of activities and events that can support young people to consider a career in the creative industries.
“We have new opportunities being added weekly; and you can expect to see future offers to include games, museums and galleries, animation, fashion and textiles, heritage, film and tv, libraries and archives, visual art, and music.
“Discover! Creative Careers Week Scotland is just the beginning, – the programme is running until March 2026, and there is much more to come!”
To keep up to date with all things Discover! In Scotland, you can visit the website to register your interest and search the opportunity finder for activity in Scotland:
