school summer holidays – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Next Week at Stockbridge Library

Here is another week of our holiday activities!

Summer holidays sorted: East Lothian’s ultimate summer escape

For nearly 14 years, East Lothian’s Foxlake Adventures has been a must-visit summer holiday destination, and this summer is hotting up to be the site’s best yet.

From Wakeboarding and Ringo rides to the obstacles of the Foxfall and Aqua Park, the site is the perfect place for an adventure with the whole family during the school holidays.

With a range of water-based activities guaranteed to get blood pumping, Foxlake’s updated schedule offers something for everyone this summer.

It’s not all adrenaline-fuelled adventure. The site has also established itself as a wellness hotspot, where visitors can recharge in the popular HotFox sauna, brave a cold plunge or enjoy a wild swim in the lake.

Competitive spirits can put their skills to the test on Foxlake’s Foxfall and Aqua Park obstacle courses, racing friends and family across land and water before the inevitable splash into the lake. For those craving even more speed, Ringo rides deliver an adrenaline-fuelled blast as riders cling on while being towed at high speed across the water.

Foxlake continues to be a local hub for Wakeboarding, and is home to expert instructors and some of the nation’s best riders. As the sport continues to grow, Foxlake champions inclusive participation, creating specialised sessions for beginners, experts, and groups.

In particular, Foxlake is championing the participation of women and children in the sport, creating unique events in partnership with Wakeboarding and Waterski Scotland. This July, Foxlake will play host to a female-only event, ‘She Shreds’, as well as a Wakeboarding day focused on youth involvement called ‘Little Ripples’.

These sessions follow on from June’s Ladies Night, an annual event in the Foxlake calendar, and are an important part in Foxlake’s mission to create opportunities for everyone to enjoy the range of water-based activities on offer.

Foxlake will also be introducing the Wakeboarding RiDE Competition Series for 2026, with riders competing to showcase their skills on the water on Saturday, 15th August.

The series of competitions will take place at Foxlake as well as Wild Shore Dundee, Wild Shore Delamere, and Wild Shore Blackpool.

James Barbour, Director of Foxlake Adventures, said: “Summer is here and we are very excited for our busiest period of the season.

“At Foxlake, we continue to grow the sport of Wakeboarding with some key partnerships that help open the sport to newer audiences, which remains a key goal of ours.”

Megan Hay, Site Manager at Foxlake Adventures, added: “With the school holidays underway and summer in full swing, we are gearing up for one of our busiest seasons yet at Foxlake.

“Our mission has always been to make adventure accessible to all, and our diverse lineup of activities ensures there is truly something for everyone to experience this year.”

To learn more about Foxlake’s array of offerings or to book your session, you can visit https://www.foxlake.co.uk/.

Week ahead at Corstorphine Library

It’s the fourth week of the summer holidays and we have yet more events on for you. All of them are free and there is no need to book ahead.

If Saturday doesn’t suit you for board games, come along on Tuesday from 2-4pm with your family or friends to play new games and classics with a member of staff available to teach the rules.

We have a special extra Zoo Tails session on at the usual time on Wednesday at 3:30pm. This is a great one for younger children, but everyone can enjoy the stories and activity with a community zookeeper!

If the weather is still good on Thursday afternoon, we have another toddler-friendly event: some parachute songs and games with Emily!

Friday Crafternoon is back for one week during the summer holidays, so come along and get colourful and creative from 2:30pm.

We’ve got Bookbug on this Saturday at 11am, as well as our usual sessions on Tuesday at 11am and Wednesday at 2pm.

Remember to register for the #SummerReadingChallenge and earn your first sticker by coming to a library event!

2026 is the National Year of Reading – #GoAllIn

Lovell helps South Queensferry pupils ride into the summer holidays

Housing specialist, Lovell, currently building a mixed-tenure development in partnership with Sanctuary Scotland and Sigma Capital at The Crossings in South Queensferry, upgraded the cycle path at Echline Primary School to give pupils a safer space to build confidence on two wheels for the summer holidays.

The work was completed in time for the end of term, giving children a dedicated space to learn to ride and forms part of the ongoing commitment by Lovell to deliver social value in communities where it builds.

Over the course of six days Lovell staff members, along with partnering supply chain, cleared overgrown areas, resurfaced and repainted the cycling track so pupils could practise safer riding in a realistic layout. The team also refurbished the school’s sensory garden and pond area with new plants and small trees.

Together, Lovell and their partners provided around £2,000 of materials for the cycle path and garden.

Tony Rankin, Regional Managing Director at Lovell in Scotland, said: “At Lovell we’re proud to be delivering much-needed housing in South Queensferry and committed to helping to create a thriving, sustainable community.

“Our team were glad to give their time and skills to upgrade the cycle path at Echline Primary School and we hope pupils feel more confident getting out on their bikes safely this summer.”

Sarah Macauley, Senior Project Manager, Sanctuary Scotland, said: “Great housing is about far more than the homes themselves. It’s about strengthening communities and making sure people feel the benefit for years to come.

“That is exactly why Sanctuary Scotland is proud to partner with Lovell, who share our commitment to building communities. The work to improve the cycle path and garden at Echline Primary School is a perfect example, giving local children a better and safer place to learn.”

Laura Marshall, Sustainability Lead and Eco-Schools Co-ordinator at Echline Primary School, said: “At Echline we want every child to feel safe and secure so they can grow in confidence.

“We are very grateful to Lovell for donating their time and skills to upgrade our cycle path to give our pupils a brilliant space to practise and become more independent on their bikes.”

The Crossings will deliver 398 homes, including 100 for social rent in partnership with Sanctuary Scotland, 185 homes for private rent through Sigma Simple Life, 113 private homes for sale by Lovell Homes and 14 commercial units. The development will also support more than 300 local jobs.

For more information, visit www.lovell.co.uk

Stockbridge Library: Next Week’s Holiday Activities

Holiday activities for W/B 13th July!

Kids eat free this summer at Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard

As families across Edinburgh search for ways to keep children entertained during the school summer holidays, Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard is launching a “Kids Eat Free” offer from 6 July to 6 August, creating the perfect family friendly day out at the Edinburgh Meadows.

Perched on the edge of one of the city’s most loved green spaces, within the historic Old Royal Infirmary, now The Edinburgh Futures Institute, Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard is perfectly placed for a family day out. Enjoy an afternoon in the park, a visit to the nearby playground, or simply some time outdoors before sitting down for a relaxed meal together.

More than just a restaurant, Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard has become a creative community hub, where guests are greeted by a bright family friendly atmosphere, and fresh menu of locally sourced classics. While the menu changes to make the most of fresh seasonal ingredients, children can expect familiar favourites such as cream of tomato soup, fluffy pancakes served with fresh strawberries or grilled pork sausages with mashed potatoes, peas and gravy.

Open to both locals and visitors, the month-long offer is designed to make family dining a little more affordable during the school holidays, while giving families another reason to enjoy time together outdoors this summer.

Available 6 July – 6 August. One complimentary children’s meal available with every adult main course purchased. Offer valid for children aged 12 and under. Subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

To find out more or book a table, please visit: https://www.canopyedi.com/

National Museums Scotland Listings

Exhibitions & displays

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Giants
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3
Until 14 Sep
Tickets from £13

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. The Giants exhibition is designed and produced by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.

Book your ticket now nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/giants

Scotland’s First Warriors
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3
Opening 27 June
Entrance into the museum and exhibition is free

Explore archaeological evidence for the origins of organised conflict, from the Neolithic (late Stone Age) to the Romans, through over 250 objects.

Scotland’s First Warriors explores how and why people fought, the impact of war, and the legacy of prehistoric conflict. Internationally significant discoveries from Scotland will be on display for the first time, including the Carnoustie Hoard.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/scotlands-first-warriors

Events

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Summer Family Fun
Every Monday and Friday in July
10:00-16:00
Free, drop in

On Mondays and Fridays over the summer there will be a range of exciting, drop-in activities for the whole family at the National Museum of Scotland.

Each week, we’ll explore a new theme – from Scottish stories to around-the-world-adventures, there will be something new to discover.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/summer-family-fun

Dolly at 30: The Life and Legacy of a Cloned Sheep
16 Jul
18:30-20:30
Free, booking required

To coincide with her 30th birthday in July, join us for an evening exploring the history and legacy of Dolly the sheep, the first cloned mammal ever to be created from an adult cell.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/dolly-at-30

Creative Workshops for Kids: In the Footsteps of Giants
22 & 29 Jul, 09:30 – 12:00 or 13:30 – 16:30
Tickets from £25, Members and concessions available

Led by theatre-maker and arts educator Marion Geoffray, children will have the chance to uncover fossils and learn some of the key skills palaeontologists use. They will then embark on a guided exploration of our Giants exhibition.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/creative-workshops-for-kids-in-the-footsteps-of-giants

Creative Workshops for Kids: Storytelling Through Collage Animation
22 & 29 Jul, 09:30 – 12:00 or 13:30 – 16:30
Tickets from £25, Member and concessions prices available

Join animator and visual artist Dominika Jackowska for a creative workshop just for kids, inspired by our Giants exhibition. After a guided visit to the exhibition, children will get an introduction into stop-motion animation in our Learning Centre. They will have a chance to explore their own ideas and create their own short animation.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/creative-workshops-for-kids-storytelling-through-collage-animation

Museum Late: Festival Ceilidh
7 & 14 Aug
Tickets from £26

Museum Late: Festival Ceilidh makes a stomping return this August. Grab your pals for a night of reels and revelry and join the party in Scottish style. The fantastic Jacobites Ceilidh Band will get you twirling and birling through Strip the Willow, Dashing White Sergeant and other traditional dances in one of Scotland’s biggest ceilidhs.

Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/museum-late-festival-ceilidh

BSL Tour: Giants
13 Aug
14:00
Tickets from £13, concessions available

Meet the colossal creatures that lived after the dinosaurs on a Deaf-led tour of ‘Giants’.

Through life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, fossils and hands-on experiences, discover ten enormous prehistoric giants with tour guide, Babs Brown.

Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/bsl-tour-giants

Creative Workshop: Egyptian Ceramics
22 Aug
Tickets from £30, Members and concessions available

Explore Egyptian pottery with writer and ceramicist Mohamed Tonsy. Create your own decorative piece, inspired by historical objects from the National Collection. Mohamed will be joined by one of our Curators of the Ancient Mediterranean, who will share their knowledge about Egyptian objects in the collection.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/creative-workshop-egyptian-ceramics

Morning Curator Tour: Scotland’s First Warriors
26 Aug & 18 Sept
Tickets from £10

Join exhibition curator Dr Matthew Knight for an exclusive early morning tour of ‘Scotland’s First Warriors’.

Featuring the incredible Carnoustie Hoard, ‘Scotland’s First Warriors’ is a unique exhibition which will take you on a 4000-year journey to explore the origins and impact of conflict in prehistoric Scotland.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/morning-curator-tour-scotlands-first-warriors

Museum Socials
Third Friday of the month
10:30–12:00
Free, booking required

Museum Socials events are designed for people living with dementia, their relatives, friends, carers, and supporters. Relaxed and informal, each session explores a different museum theme through various interactive activities, including curator talks, object handling, and creative crafts. Tea, cake and a warm welcome are always provided.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/museum-socials

National Museums Collection Centre
242 W Granton Rd, Edinburgh EH5 1JA

Collection Centre Tours
25 Aug, 10:30 – 12:00 or 13:00 – 14:30
Tickets from £10, advance booking required

Discover the secrets of how we store and research our collections. Find out how our collections are used in international research and see objects rarely on public display.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/collection-centre-tours

National Museum of Rural Life
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
Open 10:00–17:00 daily 

Tractor Tots
3, 6 & 8 Jul
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 younger visitors, introducing them to rural life through interactive creative play. Each session will feature handling objects from learning boxes, singing, storytelling, rhymes, actions, and sensory play to learn all about life in the countryside

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/tractor-tots

Archaeology Weekend
25 & 26 Jul
10:30-15:30
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Take part in a family-friendly Archaeology Weekend at the National Museum of Rural Life. On Sat 25 Jul, meet the team from Treasure Trove Scotland and find out about their work investigating and assessing new archaeological discoveries.

Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/archaeology-weekend

Adult Workshop: Willow Basket Making
22 & 23 Aug
Prices from £95

Choose from two full-day basket making workshops at the National Museum of Rural Life.

Each workshop led by willow artist and forager Max Johnson features a different style of basket to make and take home. In the Saturday workshop make a traditional berry picking basket. In the Sunday workshop, make a beautiful Zarzo flower gathering basket.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/adult-workshop-willow-basket-making

Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life
Last Tuesday of every month
14:30-17:00
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Relaxed Afternoon is 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.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-afternoon-national-museum-of-rural-life

National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00 

Expert Talks
Concorde Theatre
10 Jul & 7 Aug
11:00-11:20
Free with museum admission

From April to October, learn more about the collections and history of East Fortune Airfield with a series of free expert talks at the museum. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of each talk. In July, join Ian Brow for ‘East Fortune Attacked’ and in August, Eilidh MacKenzie will discuss ‘The Work of Poppy Scotland.’

Find out nms.ac.uk/events/expert-talks

Escape From France Puzzle Room
13 Jul –7 Aug (weekdays only)
11:30-16:00
Free with museum admission, drop-in

Work together as a family in the puzzle room and see if you’ve got what it takes to escape from France. Can you disguise yourself, speak French well enough to fool a German and find the right money to pay your rail fare to the coast?

Book your visit, nms.ac.uk/events/escape-from-france-puzzle-room

Moth Hunters
18 Jul
9:00 -12:00
Free with museum admission

Discover the variety of local moths in the National Museum of Flight grounds with an early walk with entomologist Katty Baird and enjoy moth-themed family friendly activities.

Book your visit, nms.ac.uk/events/moth-hunters

360 Fest
29 Aug
10:00-17:00
Tickets from £17

From stunt shows and pedal-powered activities to interactive sessions and STEM science, there’s something to set everyone’s head spinning. See amazing 360° stunts and bike parkour from cycling experts, The Extreme Mountain Bike Show, get involved with hands-on activities in the aircraft hangars and have a go at some cycling fun.

Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/360-fest

Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Flight
Every second Sunday of the month, 10:00-12:00
Free with museum admission

Relaxed Morning at the National Museum of Flight is 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 create a more relaxed environment.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning-national-museum-of-flight