Garden Centre to host children’s pumpkin themed event
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is inviting children in Edinburgh to its great value Little Scare-lings event this Halloween, guaranteed to get them feeling pumpkin-tastic with a treasure trove of family-friendly activities.
Available in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store between 26-29 October, Little Scare-lings is guaranteed to get everyone in the spine-chilling spirit. Great for kids aged 3-10, this event is action-packed and has something special in store for those hunting for the perfect pumpkin to take home and carve.
Kids can also strut their spooky style and take part in the garden centre’s annual scare-a-thon to be in the chance of winning a prize for the best dressed.
Little Scare-ling attendees will sink their fangs into Halloween treats, pumpkin-themed activities and games.
With plenty options for even the fussiest trick-or-treaters, children will have the choice of fish fingers, chicken nuggets or plant based goujons, served with chips and garden peas, or a cheese and tomato pizza with vegetable sticks.
Adults can enjoy a selection of soup and sandwich pairings or a slice of cake. Sticky chocolate orange, blueberry Victoria sponge or a nutty coffee and walnut cake ensure the parents are spoilt for choice.
Families will be invited to visit Dobbies’ very own miniature pumpkin patch. Here children can take a pumpkin home, carve it up using Dobbies’ guide and create their own personalised pumpkin for welcoming trick-or-treaters.
Sarah Murray, who created this year’s event, loves Halloween and can’t wait to welcome Little Scare-lings along for the event. She said: “We’re really excited about this year’s Halloween event in Edinburgh and warmly welcome kids of all ages to get involved with our pumpkin extravaganza.
“These events are always extremely popular with our regular Little Seedling Club attendees, so please book in advance to save any disappointment. It’s a fang-tastic way for families to get together this Halloween.”
Tickets for Little Scare-lings are now available for Dobbies’ Club Members, priced at £9.99 per child and from £3.95 for adult tickets, which officially go on sale to all customers from 5 September.
For more information about how to take part in Dobbies’ Little Scare-lings afternoon event, visit Events | Dobbies Garden Centres.
Craigies Farm, the much-loved family friendly destination in South Queensferry, has launched new Halloween events for this October, alongside their popular pick-your-own pumpkins.
Halloween at Craigies will feature the return of their pumpkin patch, with views over the picturesque South Queensferry countryside. New for this year, the fields will also feature ‘Tunnels of Terror’, providing frights and spooky fun for the whole family! Costumed characters will provide fun scares throughout the themed tunnels to provide a truly immersive experience.
During the day, in addition to the pumpkin patch, the Spooky Tunnels will offer little frights designed especially with younger visitors and those with additional support needs in mind. Meet a cast of colourful characters, hear tales from our spooky storyteller, take part in ghoulish games, snap some photos with creepy props and enjoy a spectacular sensory light experience.
As the sun goes down the fear factor creeps up, and at night the Spooky Tunnels become the Tunnels of Terror. Designed for older children and adults, these fun scares will keep the entire family on their toes and crying with laughter!
In the evening, we are also adding a brand new after-dark illuminated experience. From spiders and scarecrows to skeletons and ghosts, there’s plenty to get you into the Halloween spirit. Join us for a pumpkin picking adventure in our eerie patch, brave the Tunnels of Terror filled with fun scares for all ages, meet a range of scary characters waiting in the shadows, and take boo-tiful family photos at our illuminated photo opps.
Created in partnership with NL Productions, the team behind the Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Zoo’s Spooktacular and Christmas Nights, visitors can be assured of a high-quality immersive event experience.
The daytime Spooky Tunnels and evening Tunnels of Terror events will run on selected dates starting from 13th October.
The pumpkin fields will be open for the month of October, with tickets being released weekly depending on availability.
Tickets for the events and pumpkin picking can be booked online at: craigies.co.uk
Craigies Farm Owner John Sinclair commented:“Our pumpkin patch has always been popular, but we are taking it to the next level with our exciting new Halloween events this year. With both day and night time events taking place, there truly is something for every family, no matter hold old the kids are.
“The illuminations will be a spectacular sight and we can’t wait to see our fields transformed – we are expecting tickets to fly out the door, so I would recommend booking early to secure your visit.”
Phil O’Halloran, Managing Director at NL Productions added:“NL Productions are hugely excited to be working with Craigies to deliver what will be an amazing Halloween experience for all the family. Craigies is a wonderful visitor attraction, offering a great family day out.
“We admire their high level of customer service and provenance. Being able to bring our events expertise to the table and work together to take the existing Halloween offering to the next level will be thrilling and we can’t wait for families to come and experience it!”
Carving pumpkins can be a fun activity if done safely. Below are some tips detailing how to safely carve a pumpkin, what to do if you injure yourself whilst carving, as well as safer alternatives for younger children:
The scariest day of the year can become all the more menacing if injuries and allergic reactions strike. With this in mind, education experts at Skillstg.co.uk have outlined preventative measures and solutions to five potential Halloween dangers.
Carve your pumpkin carefully
Make sure your pumpkin and your tools are dry: Using sharp tools when your hands are wet could result in slipping and injuring your hands.
Always supervise children: Even if you trust your child to be careful with pumpkin carving tools, it is worth always keeping an eye on them as a safe option to avoid injury.
Use a pumpkin carving kit: Whilst you may think that a sharp knife or a scalpel will do a better job cutting through the thick pumpkin skin, it only takes one slip of the hand to cut yourself. Pumpkin carving kits usually have a blunt tip with a serrated edge that is not capable of causing a deep, penetrating cut.
If you accidentally cut yourself, apply direct pressure on the wound to stop the bleeding. Rinse the wound under running tap water for 5 minutes. Soak a gauze pad or cloth in water, or use an alcohol-free wipe to dab the wound. It is best to avoid using antiseptic cream at this point as it may damage the skin. Gently pat the area dry with a cloth; don’t use cotton wool, as the material can become trapped in the wound. Apply a sterile dressing, such as a plaster or bandage, and continue to apply pressure if the injury is still bleeding.
A safer alternative for younger children may be to glue googly eyes and various foam shapes to the pumpkin’s surface. This allows your children to get creative without the fear of injury.
Remove coloured contact lenses safely
Sometimes, a colourful pair of spooky contact lenses can make your costume really stand out. However, there are some serious risks associated with wearing them. Below are some health and safety tips for those who might want to wear lenses this year:
Wash your hands thoroughly before inserting contact lenses: This will reduce the risk of harmful bacteria reaching your lens and eyes.
Put your contact lenses in before applying your makeup: Eye irritations and infections can be caused by applying lenses covered in makeup.
If you notice that your contact lenses appear damaged, do not wear them: A damaged contact lens can scratch and damage the surface of your cornea.
Check the packet for the recommended wearing time: Make sure you only wear your coloured contact lenses for the recommended time and do not sleep in them. If you accidentally fall asleep with the contact lenses still on your eyes, the contact lenses can cut off the supply of oxygen to the eye and lead to an eye condition called Corneal Neovascularization; this can threaten your vision.
If you are struggling to remove your lenses, with your non-dominant hand, hold open the lower and upper eyelid of your eye and use your index finger and thumb to pinch the contact lens gently. Pinch either side of the contact lens and pull it away from your eye, being careful not to pinch your eye directly.
Remove makeup and face paint
It can be tempting to purchase cheap makeup or face paint to create bright and colourful looks for Halloween. However, these cheaper products can lead to itching, rashes, breakouts, and irritation. Below are ways to avoid adverse makeup issues:
Purchase high-quality makeup and face paint: Some cheaper brands of makeup and face paint contain artificial colours, fragrances, waxes, and oils that can block pores and cause severe allergic reactions. Consider using your regular makeup with the addition of colourful eye shadows instead of opting for thick and heavy face paint.
Prepare your skin correctly: It is essential to apply a moisturiser before applying makeup to keep the skin hydrated. Using a moisturiser will also protect your skin from becoming clogged up with makeup, making it easier to remove later.
Remove makeup before you go to bed: Whether you opt for high or low-quality makeup, it is essential to remove it before going to sleep. Makeup left on for more than 12 hours can clog your pores and cause spots and breakouts. Use an oil-based cleanser or coconut oil to rub away the makeup gently. Follow this with a gentle foaming cleanser that will remove any excess product.
Remove all makeup immediately if you have an allergic reaction or irritation to your Halloween makeup. If there is slight itching or irritation, you should feel better once the makeup has been washed off. If irritant contact dermatitis is present, patches of itchy and scaly skin or blistering rashes, this can be treated with over-the-counter creams containing steroids.
Check sweets for allergens
Sweets and chocolate are a big part of Halloween. For known food allergy sufferers, it is imperative to be vigilant when consuming sweets you haven’t purchased or made yourself. Below is a list of safety tips:
Check the labels: It may seem an obvious tip, but for parents with children with food allergies, the best way to avoid an allergic reaction is to check the label for allergens before the child has a chance to eat it. This is especially the case if a child is out trick-or-treating and is presented with lots of tempting treats by neighbours and strangers. Be aware that even sweets that don’t have a particular allergen listed in the ingredients can have trace amounts of common allergy triggers.
Avoid cross-contamination: If a child with a food allergy is attending a Halloween party, it is best for the parent to make this known to the host and advise how to reduce cross-contamination of any foods containing allergens.
Turn down home-baked treats: Whether you suffer from a food allergy or have a child who does, it is always safest to omit homemade food. Despite what the food maker may tell you about the ingredients, it is always safest not to take the risk of eating something with unknown ingredients.
Plan alternatives to trick-or-treating: Pumpkin decorating contests, costume competitions and Halloween-themed games are great alternatives to knocking door-to-door for treats.
If you see that someone has an allergic reaction, it may be the case to provide the person with an antihistamine if a mild reaction is evident. However, if the person appears to be having trouble breathing, their airway is swelling, and they need immediate medical attention. If the person has an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) on their person and cannot administer it themselves, follow these steps:
Have someone call an ambulance
Take the EpiPen out of its package
Remove the blue safety cap
Hold the EpiPen in your fist, careful not to hold the orange end containing the needle.
Push the end with the needle firmly against the person’s thigh (clothed or bare), roughly halfway between the hip and knee. Inject the medicine into the fleshy part of the thigh- avoid injecting directly into a vein or the buttocks.
Hold the EpiPen in place for at least three seconds so that all of the medicine can be injected
Pull the pen straight up to remove the needle. A protective shield will cover the needle as soon as it is removed.
Place the injector back into its package and present it to the paramedic when they arrive.
Make costumes visible to motorists
A 2018 study by Churchill Insurance revealed that the risk of children being involved in a traffic collision on the 31st of October increased by 75%. As the evenings become dark and spooky, so do costumes and clothes this Halloween. It is essential to make sure that you, and your children, can be seen clearly when trick-or-treating to prevent car accidents. Drivers should also ensure they are vigilant on the 31st of October in case visibility is reduced by dark-clothed people crossing the roads. Below are some tips on how to make a costume more visible to motorists:
Use a torch when walking around at night: This will not only help you or a child see where they are going, but a torch will help to illuminate themselves as motorists drive by.
Apply reflective tape: Placing reflective tape on the front and back of a Halloween costume will help make you more visible to drivers.
Use glowsticks: Wearing glowsticks or incorporating them into your costume is a colourful way to become visible when crossing roads in the dark.
If you see someone get hit by a car, immediately call 999 and ask for an ambulance. If the affected person is conscious and appears not to be in great pain, advise them to keep still.
Keep them warm until the paramedics arrive. If a more severe collision has occurred and the casualty has become unconscious but still breathing, roll them carefully into the recovery position with assistance from others, and wait for paramedics to arrive.
A spokesperson from Skillstg.co.uk commented: “Halloween hazards have become a reality for many over the years, but they can be prevented by taking the proper precautions.
“Health and safety risks associated with decorations, costumes and treats are all preventable by being extra careful and vigilant, especially when protecting children.
“With the excitement of dressing up and collecting free sweets, children often forget to watch out for dangers when out trick-or-treating. Parents of young children should accompany them and dress them in costumes that will appear bright and visible to motorists.”
Skills Training Group are the UK’s leading first aid training, electrical and heating courses for adults, contractors & companies alike.
It’s Halloween tomorrow and car buyer Goodbye Car has researched and created an EV-friendly horror movie road trip, for those looking to be spooked!
EV-friendly horror movie road trip
Location and film:
Culzean Castle, Ayrshire, Scotland –The Wicker Man
Tantallon Castle, Lothian, Scotland – Under The Skin
South Bay Beach, Scarborough, England – St Maud
Westminster Bridge, London, England – 28 Days Later
All Saints Church, Fulham, England – The Omen
Crickadarn Village, Wales – American Werewolf in London
Total length: 743 miles Estimated time taken: 14 hours 52 minutes EV Charge Stops: 6
Recommended EV charging stops
Miles Between
Charge Remaining
Address
Stop 1
142 miles
29%
Grantshouse Village Mansefield, TD11 3RN
Stop 2
118 miles
22%
Lidl, North Ormesby, TS3 8AL
Stop 3
112 miles
24%
Hatfields Pub & Restaurant, DN7 6JH
Stop 4
115 miles
23%
Harvester Grange Park, NN4 5EZ
Stop 5
112 miles
25%
M4 Services Reading (West), RG30 3UQ
Stop 6
111 miles
25%
Morrisons Abergavenny, NP7 5TR
Destination
26 miles
67%
Builth Wells LD2 3PJ
GoodBye Car’s comprehensive guide covers film locations for the likes of Harry Potter, James Bond and many more. They also cover the scenes that were filmed there, how many miles your trip will be, and where you can charge your EV along the way.
Halloween can be a scary time of year not just for those participating in trick or treating, but for dogs, who may find unexpected knocks at the door and people dressed in costumes unsettling.
Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, is sharing its top tips for dog owners to help their pets have a safe and happy Halloween.
Susan Tonner, Manager at Dogs Trust West Calder said:“Halloween can be fun for all the human members of the family, but for dogs it can be a frightening time of the year.
“Your dog may be exposed to many unfamiliar sights and sounds, and they could easily become overwhelmed by the number of knocks at the door from people they don’t recognise, combined with being unnerved by the sound of any fireworks.”
There are lots of simple steps you can take to help keep your dog safe and happy this Halloween with Dogs Trust’s top tips:
· Adapt your routine in order to miss the costumes and fireworks
It’s a good idea to head out before any festivities may begin and take extra tasty treats with you. If you spot any trick or treaters whilst you’re out, head away from them and reward your dog with a treat whilst you turn around to avoid any ghoulish encounters that might scare your dog.
In the weeks leading up to Halloween, gradually change your dog’s routine by walking them earlier in the day to allow them time to exercise and toilet before dark. With more people out at night than normal, it’s best to keep your dog at home and in sight for safe keeping, whilst ensuring microchip details are kept up to date with the database in case they vanish out of the door during a trick or treat visit. Your dog also needs to wear an ID tag on their collar.
· Ensure your dog is comfortable
Some dogs will benefit from having a safe place to retreat to should they feel worried. This should be a quiet and cosy familiar place in the house that will give them the chance to relax undisturbed.
Some dogs may cope better by seeking reassurance, so give them attention and comfort if they seek this out and try to stay with them in the room they are most comfortable, so they know they aren’t alone.
For other dogs who may not appear worried, it’s good to keep them occupied with their favourite items or activities. Experiment before the firework and spooky evenings begin, and slowly introduce them, to find out what your dog will enjoy the most.
· Keep human treats and sweets safely out of your dog’s reach
Many human treats, especially chocolate, are toxic to dogs. It’s safest to keep these treats well out of your dog’s reach, and in case they accidently sneak a human treat, you can teach your dog to leave it before the trick or treaters start knocking.
· Be careful when opening doors so your dog doesn’t accidentally escape
Before Halloween arrives, think about your dog’s access to the door. Popping your dog on a lead before you open the door or ensuring they don’t have access to the door when trick or treaters pop by will help to keep them safe. If you can’t close off access to your door, you can teach your dog to wait at doorways, decreasing the chance of your dog running out the door or jumping up at trick or treaters.
· Keep the costumes and dressing up for humans only
Adding a new and unfamiliar item for your dog to wear can cause them to be uncomfortable. You should also be aware of anything that could cause abrasions or irritations, resulting in your dog overheating, or stopping them from expressing normal behaviour.
· Feed your dog their main meals before the trick or treating begins so they can eat at a relaxed time
You could save a small portion of their food to prepare some food-based enrichment activities for later in the evening, to help keep them calm and relaxed.
· Think twice about taking your dog out trick or treating
Even dogs who aren’t fazed by people dressed up and all the excitement involved with Halloween may not enjoy it for as long as you do. They might prefer to be at home in their safe and comfy space with their favourite enrichment activity and toys.
Halloween is the start of a disruptive and noisy week for dogs with fireworks also happening in the lead up to Bonfire Night.
Susan adds:“Dogs have approximately four times more sensitive hearing than humans, so the loud cracks and bangs of fireworks can often be a terrifying experience for them.
“Following the recent news that firework displays that are run by local councils have been cancelled in some parts of the UK, there may be a rise in people hosting private firework displays at home.
“We urge dog owners to be extra prepared for a rise in neighbourhood displays, and to look at our full guidance on how to help their dogs stay safe and settled during fireworks. Private firework displays may not be limited to one night, so it is very important for all dog owners to seek out advice early, in order to have a comfortable fireworks season with their dog.”
For guidance on how to help your dog cope during fireworks, visit the Dogs Trust website
If you are planning to host a firework display at home:
· Let your neighbours know well in advance, so they can prepare their dogs.
· Limit your display to 30 minutes or less.
· Opt for quieter, lower decibel fireworks.
For some fun, dog friendly ideas for a ‘cosy night in’, try our pumpkin treats.
For further information on keeping your dog safe and happy at Halloween, please head to our website: Halloween advice | Dogs Trust
Cash strapped fans of the spooky season are being given advice on the haunted hotspots to visit this Halloween on a budget.
The frugal team at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have looked at the places ghost hunters can visit for free this spooky season.
Among the creepy gems are Pendle Hill in Lancashire, the village of Pluckley in Kent and Bodmin Moor in Cornwall.
Other spooky destinations to explore include Wistman’s Wood in Dartmoor, Cannock Chase in Birmingham and Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh.
Frugal expert Rebecca Bebbington said: “ We love Halloween but if you’re on a budget finding a haunted destination to explore without spending a fortune can be tricky.
“We’ve come up with ten haunted hotspots to explore without spending a fortune and ones with some great creepy tales to tell.
“Just remember not to scare yourself too – and sleep with the light on!”
Here are NetVoucherCodes.co.uk’s ten haunted hotspots on a budget:
Pendle Hill, Lancashire Pendle Hill is home to the Pendle Witches. They were tried and executed for witchcraft in 1612. Ghost hunters often climb the hill around Halloween to catch any spooking comings and goings.
Pluckley, Kent Pluckley is one of the most haunted villages in the UK. Between 12 – 14 ghosts are thought to haunt the village including the screaming man, the highwayman, the elderly woman and the school master. Look out for the highway man who appears as a shadowy figure and the schoolmaster who can be seen in his favourite old coat and stripy trousers.
Blickling Hall, Norfolk The spooky hall is thought to be haunted by the headless ghost of Anne Boleyn who returns on the anniversary of her execution every May. Roam the grounds and nearby villages and you may spot the ghost of her father, Sir Thomas.
Manningtree, Essex Witchfinder General Matthew Hopkins lived in Manningtree in the 1600s. His witch hunting led to the deaths of hundreds of women in East Anglia’s witch trials. There have been sightings in the neighbouring village of Mistley next to the pond where he drowned innocent people.
Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh Mary King’s Close is thought to be one of the most haunted places in Scotland. During the plague in 1645, it’s believed half of Edinburgh’s residents died. The disease was bad in the close due to the poor sanitation and cramped tenements. The most famous ghost to haunt the area is a ten year old called Annie who died during the epidemic.
Wistman’s Wood, Dartmoor According to legend, Wistman’s Wood was a sacred grove of the Druid’s where they held pagan rituals. It’s also said to be where the Wisht Hounds are kept. These are fearful hounds who hunt the moor at night in search of lost souls and unwary travellers.
The Ten Bells, London This is Jack the Ripper’s local pub and two of his victims are linked to it. Annie Chapman spent her last evening there before her murder in 1888 and Mary Kelly was outside the pub. It’s claimed the place is haunted by Annie Chapman.
Glencoe National Reserve, Scotland Glencoe is home to the Glencoe Massacre of 1692. The story goes that a troop of soldiers, following government orders, were invited to the home of the Clan of Macdonald posing as visitors. During the night they slit the throats of their hosts. Legend says some members of the clan fled to the wood where they still remain.
Cannock Chase, Birmingham This spooky woodland is said to be haunted by a girl with coal black holes for eye sockets. Sightings describe a young girl crying but when those who see her approach the eerie figure, she turns to show her eyes then runs away.
Bodmin Moor, Cornwall Bodmin Moor is packed with creepy myths and legends. The Beast of Bodmin Moor, a big panther-like cat, has been seen numerous times and is said to scavenge livestock during the night.
Although ghosts and ghouls might give us a scare, nothing frightens us more than our pets being in danger. From poisonous food to dangerous decorations, there are many things that could give our pets a fright this Halloween.
Luckily, PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, has put together its top tips to help prevent any cat-astrophes this spooky season.
PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing, said: “Between spooky costumes and an increase in visitors to the house, Halloween can bring lots of dangers and stressful situations for our four-legged friends.
However, by taking a few small steps, we can keep Halloween fun for everyone:
Keep Halloween treats out of paws’ reach
While chocolate may be a nice treat for us, it is a nasty trick for pets. Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine which is toxic to pets, even in small amounts. The same goes for sweets, if they contain a sweetener called xylitol (sometimes called birch sugar). So, while you prepare for trick or treaters, be sure to store these goodies somewhere your pet won’t be able to reach them.
If your favourite tradition is carving out pumpkins, be sure to keep pets away from them to prevent them from eating the fruit, as it will go off or become mouldy.
Leave trick-or-treaters outside
A constant stream of unfamiliar people knocking on your door can make some pets feel anxious, especially if they’re not used to lots of visitors. So, why not place a ‘help yourself’ bucket outside your home so little heroes or villains can pick out their own sweets without upsetting your furry family members?
Hang decorations out of reach
Many pets love playing with toys, and dangly decorations are a strong temptation for our furry friends to explore. However, if they get hold of them, they could end up chewing and swallowing something harmful. So, make sure you hang any decorations safely out of reach! Additionally, be sure to keep lit candles away from your furry friends to help prevent them from burning themselves.
Return home before dark
Trick-or-treaters in creepy costumes, coupled with loud music from parties, can cause many pets to feel scared or overwhelmed, so it’s a good idea to take your pooch for a walk earlier in the day, before any spook-tastic celebrations begin.
You can also encourage your puss to come home by offering their dinner slightly earlier, before it gets dark outside. However, if you’re closing their cat flap for the evening, make sure you have a litter tray set up and a snuggly bed ready for them to settle down in.
Don’t dress pets up
While we may love to dress up as goblins and ghouls for Halloween, pets don’t share our enthusiasm. Costumes can make pets feel stressed and uncomfortable. Our four-legged friends are adorable just as they are, and there are other ways to get them involved this Halloween, such as a cuddling up for a spooky movie night together.
For more information on how to keep pets happy this Halloween you can visit:
A mum whose daughter fell into a scalding bath when she was just three-years-old has urged other parents to be aware of the dangers of burns.
Little Courtney, now seven, spent years battling back to full health after she suffered devastating burns to more than a quarter of her body.
The schoolgirl, from Kirkcaldy, had to undergo numerous painful procedures and physiotherapy at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) in Edinburgh following the accident.
Now on “Burns Awareness Day” (12th October), her mum, Chloe Abrahams, is warning other parents to be aware of potential burns hazards around the home.
Chloe said: “I would never have thought that tap water could burn so badly.
“The pain Courtney went through just from lifting her into a different position on the hospital bed still breaks my heart when I think about it. Seeing my daughter in that state was the worst thing I’ve ever been through.”
Courtney’s accident happened in 2018. She was reaching for a toy when she tumbled into a bath that was filling with scalding water.
Chloe said: “We heard horrendous screams and found that Courtney had fallen into a scalding hot bath. I quickly scooped her out of the bath, stripped her clothes off and wrapped her in a wet towel.She was covered in massive bulging blisters and we rushed her to hospital. But at this point, I didn’t realise how much damage had already been done.”
Courtney was immediately transferred to the high dependency unit in the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) where she was sent to theatre every few days to get her burns scrubbed and redressed to prevent any infections.
Her little thighs and feet received the worst damage as her socks and pants had held the scalding water close to her skin.
After being released from hospital, Courtney’s feet had to stay bandaged for over a month, meaning that she was struggling to walk for up to two months.
She received regular physiotherapy alongside numerous other appointments for over a year to aid her recovery and to help with the inevitable scarring.
Chloe added: “I honestly can’t thank all the amazing doctors and nurses at the RHCYP enough. Courtney is now seven and is doing great. She has lots of scars but she doesn’t let them define her.
“I would like other families to know that you can turn the water temperature down on your boiler. If we had known that – things might have been different for us.”
According to the Burns and Plastics Clinic at the RHCYP, burns are the most common household injury with over 7,000 children suffering serious burns or scalds in the UK in 2021.
As Halloween and bonfire night approaches Rosie Bainsfair, Burns & Plastics Nurse Specialist at the RHCYP, said: “Many of the children we see at the RHCYP in Edinburgh are injured in accidents around the house, involving very common things like hot drinks, irons or hair straighteners.
“If your child has a burn or scald, follow this simple ‘STOP’ first aid advice:
“Strip clothes, jewellery or nappies off (unless they are stuck to the skin).
“Turn on a cold tap or shower and run the burn under cool water for 20 minutes whilst keeping the child warm. Do not use ice.
“Organise medical assistance – attend A and E or dial 999.
“Protect the burn with cling film, provide painkillers and keep the child warm.”
To find out more about how you can prevent burns from happening at home, please visit the Royal Society For The Prevention Of Accidents website here.
It’s the creepiest time of the year at Conifox Adventure Park where ghouls, ghosts, monsters and much more are gathering next month (October) for a haunt-tastic Halloween festival.
From Pumpkin Days and Nights to show-stopping Pumpkin Fireworks there is a whole lot of spine-tingling Halloween fun for all the family at Kirkliston just outside Edinburgh.
Pick the perfect pumpkin from the festive field and carve a masterpiece to take home. Show your dance moves in the monster mash disco. Get spooked by creepy characters in the haunted maze before playing some ghoulish games or firing a pumpkin slingshot.
Learn how to make fake blood and slippery slime with the Mad Scientist. For older kids, why not try and shoot some zombies in our Airsoft target range? Scare everyone silly with a face painting and enjoy the thrill of Taylor’s of Edinburgh Funfair rides. And that’s just the fun of Pumpkin Days!
Pumpkin Nights will feature all of the above plus the additional attraction of axe-throwing challenges, scare zones, stilt walker and an amazing fire performer lighting up the night. With a spectacular light display and Pumpkin Fireworks on 28th and 29th October by events specialists 21CC Group who promise a stunning extravaganza of light and sound.
James Gammell, Managing Director of Conifox Adventure Park, says: “Children and adults alike love the drama and fun of Halloween and this year it’s sure to be a scream at Conifox. Our ever-popular pumpkin patch is back with so much more added this year – and two nights of frightening firework fun.”
Pumpkin Day sessions run mornings and afternoons, every weekend next month from 8th to 30th October. Pumpkin Nights are held on Friday and Saturday evenings from 14th to 22nd October.
The Pumpkin Fireworks event is being staged on the evenings of Friday and Saturday, 28th to 29th October. For more information and to book tickets please visit www.conifox.co.uk/whats-on
Additional costs apply to some activities and access to the Adventure Park or Activity Centre is not included in Halloween Festival ticket
