Issuu

IN THIS ISSUE

Back to School Open Days and School News Clubs and Classes What's On

Linlithgow • Corstorphine Edinburgh South Bonnyrigg • Livingston Broxburn • Leith City Centre

Ages 5-18 Tel: 0131 667 0939 07701 333476 web www.helenogrady.co.uk email midscot@helenogrady.co.uk Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HelenOGradyMidScotland

Issue 128 September / October 2021

Fun Scottish dancing for all the family!

Preschool parent-and-child sessions Family celebrations, events and fundraisers Visits to your school, nursery or youth group 0131 667 8898 ceilidhkids@ceilidhkids.com www.facebook.com/CeilidhKids

Twitter @CeilidhKids

See you soon for a dance!

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news &views

Get in ﬁrst and book Caroline or Katy to lead your long-overdue family ceilidh! Ceilidh Kids are back and they can’t wait to dance with you again!

By the time you read this, we hope that the rules will allow family ceilidh dancing, indoors or outdoors, to celebrate your special event, raise funds for your group, visit your school or nursery, or just provide an excuse to get together again and party. We’re expecting a rush of bookings to make up for lost time, so take a look at our website www.ceilidhkids.com or contact us at ceilidhkids@ceilidhkids.com

ello, hope your summer has been going well and life is treating you kindly.

Modibody From reusable keep cups to shampoo bars, there are many ways to keep that sustainability commitment. Modibodi is encouraging everyone to consider changing their undies to reduce their reliance on disposable products.

As I write this (and REALLY) without wanting to tempt fate, the world feel like it is settling back into a more familiar pattern. It is amazing to have festivals, performances, classes and events back up and running. And we are SO happy to be back as a printed paper magazine! We hope your new school year gets off to a cracking start.

Sarah

Did you know that on average, a person could use 11,000 single use items in their lifetime to manage their period? Or that ONE disposable pad takes between 500 and 800 years to biodegrade (meaning the first pads ever made are still in landfill somewhere in the world!)? From periods to sweat, bladder or breast milk leakage and incontinence, Modibodi is there for every leak and dribble. Boasting an innovative range which includes underwear, active wear, maternity wear, sleepwear, adaptive wear, swimwear, and now reusable nappies for little ones, Modibodi is designed to boost the comfort and confidence of every body. modibodi.co.uk

New free GetOutside App 3-7

Clubs & Classes

8 – 12 School News and Open Days 13

Could you be the next owner of Families Edinburgh?

14– 15 Out and About

0131 622 0405

editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk @FamiliesEdinburghMagazine @Familiesedinbur

Keep your children happily occupied outside with the new FREE GetOutside app from Ordnance Survey. The free GetOutside app helps you instantly ﬁnd ideas and information on things to do outside wherever you are, from a short walk or child friendly cycle paths to a playground. For activities near you, simply search by activity type. Or if you're visiting somewhere new, search by location. You can also share your favourite ﬁnds with friends and family. The GetOuside app is available FREE on Android and iOS. getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/app/

2 Families Edinburgh

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clubs&classes New activities for the Under 5s at Edinburgh Leisure You probably already know we have an established swim programme for babies to 5 years. You may also know about Gym Nippers classes from 18 months + and pre-school tennis, ballet, and football. But did you know we’ve some exciting new combo classes to mix it up a little?

Whizzkids

Computer Learning Centre

Computer lessons for children Touch-typing Educational Games Scratch coding PowerPoint

Raspberry Pi Desktop Publishing Computer Art Project Creation

19 Morningside Drive, Edinburgh 0131 447 5893 www.whizzkids.uk.com gillian@whizzkids.uk.com

Your under 5 could be trying out our full size trampolines or our dry dive board in our Gym & Jump and Jump and Dive Skills classes. And coming soon - our new trampolining focused Jump Nippers. If your wee one enjoys, clambering, tumbling – or just running around, we can make learning basic skills fun with our amazing coaches. See our website for more information.

Whizzkids Whizzkids offers fun and educational computer classes for children of all ages during school term-time and the holidays. From touch-typing to coding and desktop publishing to word processing, the classes incorporate useful skills that will beneﬁt children with their school work and beyond. Using Windows computers with Microsoft Office, children can learn to use, or develop their skills with Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, Excel and Access. Children can also learn to code using Scratch and the Python programming language on the Raspberry Pi (a small credit card sized computer), creating basic games, animations and electronic projects. Adult lessons are also available. For further details on the classes, or to enquire about availability, please e-mail gillian@whizzkids.uk.com, check out the website at www.whizzkids.uk.com or call 0131 447 5893.

Doodles Doodles is delighted to be back open again and offering almost all of our original services and more at the time of going to print.

UNDER 5s

ACTIVITIES

Please check out our website www.doodlesscotland.co.uk and follow us on Instagram @Doodlesceramics for all the latest updates. We are also very excited to say we have expanded the Doodles experience into the shop next door! Now we have lots of room for more pottery painting, clay classes and even a wheel or two for those looking for a more hands-on experience. Please call us on 0131 229 1399 to book or discuss your options and Doodles as always is great for all ages

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• Gymnastics (from 18 months)

• Swimming (from newborn)

BOO ONLINK NOW! E SPACE SA LIMITE RE D

• Football • Tennis • Gym and Jump

Availability and booking online at

edinburghleisure.co.uk

Registered Scottish Charity No: SC027450

Email us - editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Families Edinburgh 3

clubs&classes DN Dance Babies

Helen O’Grady

The ability to deal with people conﬁdently, to answer in full sentences, and the ability to engage a room full of people are skills which are absolutely key to any child’s development.

Institut Français Our language centre draws upon 70 years of experience in Scotland with many programmes teaching French as a foreign language available for all ages and levels. Our immersive method is conversation-based, developing your ability to speak in real-life situations with experienced native French teachers who will guide you from bonjour to full ﬂuency. We provide our young people with a taste of France and a supportive environment to become ﬂuent. Alongside our Youth Courses taking place on Saturdays mornings, we also offer various fun activities and cultural experiences that consolidate French skills.

Code Ninjas Coding for children aged 5 - 14 At Code Ninjas children learn to code by building their very own video games! Coding teaches logic, creativity and problem solving. Kids will love working their way up the Ninjas belts while creating their own games and making new friends. Problem Solving. Computer Literacy. Fun. Friends. Get in touch to book your free game building session! Eric Liddell Centre, 15 Morningside Road, EH10 4DP www.codeninjas.com edinburghmlnuk@codeninjas.com 07951 293196

4 Families Edinburgh

At Helen O’ Grady we aim to instill these skills through our sessions full of fun, laughter and excitement, and it is not uncommon for our children to stay with us for many years. Children attending our classes, will develop the social skills that will help to enrich their lives in the future, regardless of their academic performance, and help them get ahead in life in this increasingly competitive world. Through our drama classes students will: • Learn performance skills and drama techniques • Speak and communicate more conﬁdently and clearly • Improve their self esteem • Meet new friends • Understand empathy and self-awareness • Channel their energy positively and creatively • Perform in on-stage productions Weekly classes for P1-S6 get in touch to book a FREE TRIAL LESSON midscot@helenogrady.co.uk 07701 333476 www.helenogrady.co.uk www.facebook.com/HelenOGradyMidScotland

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CLUBS & CLASSES

Performing arts can help your child prepare for the new school year The start of the school year is a great time to consider new activities for your child and the skills learnt in performing arts can be hugely beneficial to children. Empathy One challenge children face when they return to school in September is changes to friendship groups. Empathy is essential to help them react appropriately to their peers and develop their social skills and this is a skill learned when training in the performing arts. To portray a character in a play we need to be able to step into their shoes and understand their situation; if a child learns to understand a character in this way, they can apply this skill to everyday life. Listening An important skill, especially when a child is in a new setting, with new routines and expectations. Taking direction from teachers and peers during performing arts classes encourages children to be receptive to others’ ideas and work collaboratively. Problem solving Creative problem solving within the safety of a performing arts environment is a transferable life skill. Improvisation performances teach children to use their imaginations and think on their feet. Children who feel comfortable exploring and

dealing with problems in a non-linear way are more confident overall. Confidence building Performing arts boost confidence enormously. Standing on stage, participating in a dance routine or speaking in front of a group can make even the most confident children nervous. Learning new skills, rehearsing and performing in a safe space, with the support and encouragement of expert teachers and peers, prepares children to deal with anxiety-provoking situations in real life. Pauline Quirke Academy’s slogan is ‘Be Yourself, Be Amazing’ and reflects its ethos of offering a safe, creative space in which children and young people feel comfortable and part of a like-minded community. Regular face-to-face experiences that encourage self-expression are more important than ever as children navigate the complicated landscape of growing-up in a digital culture. Find out more at www.pqacademy.com

OUTSTANDING PERFORMING ARTS TUITION FOR 4 - 18 YEAR-OLDS

ACT, DANCE, SING AND MAKE FILMS! Find your local Academy at pqacademy.com BOOK YOUR

FR TASTEEE SESSI R NOWON !

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Families Edinburgh 5

clubs&classes Edinburgh Dance Academy

• Creative Music Classes (Preschool to P2) • Group Instrumental and Musicianship Classes (P3+) • Individual Lesson Programme (S1+) • ABRSM and Trinity Practical Exams • NEW Online Music Theory Courses (Grades 1-5)

AS SEEN ON

EDA, recently voted highest ranked dance school in the UK and Ireland offers classes and exams in RAD Ballet, the faculty being led by RAD Ballet examiner Julie Mitchell.

MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN!

DISCOVER RUGBYTOTS

Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment. For more details, just call or email:

We also offer classes in Commercial, Pre School Dance (for those little movers!), Parent and child Teenie Toes classes, Jazz, Modern, Tap, Acro, Turns and Limbering, Progressing Ballet Technique, Contemporary (led by i-D Company examiner Jenni Inglis), Boys only classes, Competition and much more! (Including performing each year at the King's Panto, look out for us in Sleeping Beauty this year!). We pride ourselves on our high standards and constantly apply ourselves to be the best but the most important thing is that all of our pupils are cared for, nurtured and have FUN!! We can't wait to see lots of happy faces old and new when we return in August. For more information please email hello@eda.scot

0345 313 3252 kirsty@rugbytots.co.uk

rugbytots.co.uk

The world’s favourite rugby play programme

Portobello Music School After a very successful year of online music learning for their 300+ music students, Portobello Music School is looking forward to welcoming students back to their in-person classes at Edinburgh College’s Milton Road Campus on the outskirts of Portobello. Although most of their beginner Group Instrumental Classes are fully subscribed, they still have a few instrumental spaces available and are still taking enrolments for their Preschool to Primary 2 Creative Music Classes. They also have a few places for students who have been studying an instrument for a year or more. For further information and/or to enrol, please visit www.portobellomusicschool.com or telephone 0131 623 2513

Rugby Tots Rugbytots is a highly energetic play programme for boys and girls aged 2-7 years that has run in Scotland since 2008 with classes in most regions. One mum recently commented 'Many thanks, Rugbytots has been by far the best activity that we have taken part in and worth every penny for the range of skills and the discipline.’ Come along and join in the fun! We have classes running throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians. Trial classes may be available subject to availability. Check our website at www.rugbytots.co.uk to ﬁnd your nearest venue or e-mail sandra@rugbytots.co.uk or call 0345 313 3252.

6 Families Edinburgh

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Families Edinburgh 7

SCHOOL NEWS AND OPEN DAYS

A Family Education with ESMS ESMS is a vibrant, happy family of independent schools for boys and girls, aged 3-18, set in beautiful grounds, in the heart of Edinburgh. It is a diamond school, with a co-educational Nursery, Junior School and Sixth Form and single-sex senior schools, offering children the best of both worlds.

The Best Start in Life

Happy Community

We are passionate about giving our children the very best opportunities from the moment they join our Nursery. Our rounded education is sectorleading with a high standard of academic education, strong pastoral care and an extensive programme of extra-curricular activities and outdoor learning, all underpinned by our nine values. Our specialist teachers enhance learning through regular PE, Music, Forest Kindergarten, Digital Learning and Library sessions.

We are motivated by the belief that a happy childhood will help children thrive socially, emotionally and academically. We give them extraordinary opportunities to excel and our experienced and highly qualiﬁed staff take time to really get to know each child. This helps them to grow into well-rounded, conﬁdent young people with good hearts. Our nine values are taught from Nursery creating a happy school community that is determined to make a positive mark on the world around them.

The vast majority of children in our Nursery move on into Primary 1 without the need for assessment.

You can ﬁnd out more at our Open Day, in September. To book your place go to our website: www.esms.org.uk 0131 311 1111 admissions@esms.org.uk

The Mary Erskine School Stewart’s Melville College The Junior School

OPEN DAY

September 2021

Feel

INSPIRED Independent education for girls and boys from age 3 in Edinburgh.

Find out more at www.esms.org.uk Edinburgh Merchant Company Education Board Registered Charity No SC009747

ESMS FAMILIES ADVERT JULY 2021_AW.indd 1 ESMS

8 Families Edinburgh

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27/07/2021 16:32 27/07/2021

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SCHOOL NEWS AND OPEN DAYS

George Heriot’s welcomes children from 4 to 18 in a co-educational setting. Our emphasis is on developing each child’s potential through an ethos of working hard, being kind and being happy. Heriot’s is a family community – Junior and Senior schools together on one historic campus. We have high expectations of our young people – we want them to work hard, enjoy their learning and care about one other. Heriot’s has a reputation for excellence both in terms of academic success and extra-curricular provision. Our pupils are great individuals, brimming with conﬁdence and pride in their school. Heriot’s pupils continue to do extremely well in their examinations – due to the outstanding professionalism and skill of our talented staff and the natural ﬂair, hard work and dedication of our pupils.

Our Open Morning will be held on Saturday 25 September 2021. We are planning this as an on-site event, however, we ask that you refer to our website (www.george-heriots.com) for the latest information, given the current situation. For us, the highlight of our Open Morning, will once again be the turnout of pupils, Junior and Senior, volunteering to give up their Saturday to show prospective pupils and their parents their School. We hope you will join us for a happy and enjoyable morning and discover the warm community that is George Heriot’s School. Should we be required to cancel an on-site event please go to our website to watch our promotional ﬁlm.

Open Morning

However, exam grades are only a small part of the picture. At all stages throughout the School, Heriot’s cultivates an ethos of care reinforced by outstanding guidance and our commitment to charitable fundraising and voluntary service. Our pupils also beneﬁt from an extraordinary number of extra curricular activities, ranging from the 31 sports on offer to a huge variety of musical, dramatic and other possibilities; the emphasis is on taking part – in everything we do we want to encourage our young people to

participate, to try hard and to be happy. This has resulted in Heriot’s achieving the Gold Rights-Respecting School accreditation, awarded by UNICEF, and the Sunday Times School of the Decade award.

GHS Open Day Ad_Families magazine.indd 1 GHS

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Visits during term-time on a ‘normal’ school day are welcomed. You will be given the opportunity to have a look around the school and meet with a senior member of staff and our Admissions team. Time will be taken to answer your queries and allow you to get to know Heriot’s and our ethos. Please contact the Admissions Office on 0131 221 6709 in order to arrange a visit or to ﬁnd out more about the admissions process. Choosing a school for your child is a very important decision. Our most important publicity comes from our current and former pupils and parents so do please feel free to speak to them! We look forward to meeting you and helping you discover what is behind the stones. George Heriot’s School is governed by George Heriot’s Trust Scottish Charity number SC011463

Satu Saturday 25 Se September 2021 9:45 - 12:45 You are warmly invited to come and see what makes Heriot’s special. Meet staff and pupils, see activities and displays, and find out how Heriot’s can enrich your child’s education. More information at www.george-heriots.com

Due to gove government guidelines, final arrangements will be confirmed conf nearer the time; please check website before coming com to the event.

05/07/2021 17:20 05/07/2021

Families Edinburgh 9

SCHOOL NEWS AND OPEN DAYS

The world is changing. And now more than ever before education needs to change too. At Edinburgh Montessori Arts School we have a clear vision of the skills our young people need in order to embrace the pace of 21st century life. Following in the footsteps of Maria Montessori, we design learning environments in which our children ﬂourish. Our teachers and artists channel their deep understanding of human development into a complete reimagining of what education can be. Education that respects the rhythms and phases of everyday life whilst opening myriad opportunities for our children to blaze trails. Montessori Arts education puts young people in touch with the planet; nurturing an appreciation of its natural beauty whilst harnessing the bountiful opportunities for study which it presents. We understand that by facing challenges, surmounting difficulty and constructing their

own futures, our young people develop an inner strength that holds the keys to a sustainable future. A future in which resilience, character and innovation are the natural result of an education designed to ignite human potential. From one-year-old right through to senior phase our community of learners are encouraged to imagine, explore and inspire together. Choose Edinburgh Montessori Arts School and ﬁnd out what your child is truly capable of!

“Within the child lies the fate of the future.” Maria Montessori Contact: admissions@emaschool.co.uk to book a tour.

Educating change-makers Complete Montessori education for 1–18 year olds For more information call 0131 +%% %&'( office@emaschool.co.uk • emaschool.co.uk

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SCHOOL NEWS AND OPEN DAYS Love Learning at Fettes Prep Life in maroon means being challenged by brilliant teachers, embracing opportunities, and ﬁnding out what you really love. George Watson’s College is an independent school in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. It is a place where our pupils have the freedom to thrive, succeed, explore, perform, and grow. We provide a world-class education from Preschool through to Senior 6 underpinned by the four values we live: aim high, be kind, join in and respect all. Preschool, Junior and Senior pupils all learn and play on the same campus where our sports facilities, music school, art department, technology building and drama studios are within walking distance. We offer our pupils one of the widest extra-curricular programmes you will ﬁnd anywhere, the opportunity to travel internationally during their time with us, and a broad range of learning experiences outside the classroom. Digital tech supports and enhances learning, with every pupil encouraged to use their device where it adds real value to developing skills and critical thinking. Our pupils’ examination results are also outstanding, even more so when you consider that, unlike many other schools, we operate an open presentation policy. We take this approach because we don’t fear failure, we embrace and learn from it. Most importantly, the wellbeing of our pupils matters to us more than anything else. When the sun shines we’ll celebrate the happy moments, and when it doesn’t we’re there to protect and support, just as our motto says, ex corde caritas. Love from the heart. Learn more about life in maroon at gwc.org.uk/maroon.

At Fettes Prep we believe that fun and excitement should be central to life at school. In the classroom, on stage, on the sports field and in a host of other activities, Fettes Prep pupils love coming into school each morning. Our small class sizes mean we can provide individual attention, maximising the effectiveness of each lesson. Added to this, from the moment pupils join at the age of 7, they benefit from specialist teaching in Art, Drama, French, Music and PE. We understand how busy life can be for families so we provide wraparound care included in the fees with staggered pick up times to suit you. Whether parents need to work late, pupils are staying for an evening activity, completing homework with us, or simply enjoying tea at school with friends, the provision is available. To find out more please join us on the 18th of September at our Virtual Open Day. To register your interest and for further information, our admissions team can be contacted on 0131 311 6744 or admissions@fettes.com.

VIR TU A 18th L OP Sep EN D te m ber AY

Warm and friendly atmosphere • Boys and girls from 7 years Small class sizes (maximum 18) • After-school care available until 7pm ‘Sector-leading’ pastoral care Vibrant co-curricular programme with 30+ options 12 core sports taught • Award-winning catering

Love life in maroon Life in Maroon means support from brilliant teachers, extraordinary new challenges – ) ‫ )ݦ‬$)" 2# / 4*0 - ''4 '*1 ю Visit gwc.org.uk/maroon

“A happy, safe environment – completely child-focused” To arrange a visit, please call a member of our Admissions Team on 0131 331 6744 admissions@fettes.com www.fettes.com

An Edinburgh Merchant Company School, Registered Charity SC009747

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SCHOOL NEWS AND OPEN DAYS

Genuine one-to-one, individual attention is a hallmark of our education. Founded by the pioneers of women’s education in Scotland, St George’s is an all-through school in Edinburgh. We have girls and boys as young as three and girls as old as eighteen. Boys will be able to extend their stay with us until the end of Primary 3 by 2024. From Primary 4 onwards, our distinctive girls-only ethos encourages each girl to be herself in an environment totally focused on our girls’ needs. Taught in an environment free from gender stereotypes, girls are encouraged to develop their inner voice and a self-assurance that their opinions matter. Our 'YES SHE CAN' approach, embodied in the abundance of strong female role-models and the range of opportunity on offer helps inspire every girl to ﬁnd the path that is right for her. We promote educational excellence both inside and outside the classroom. Our staff have time to get to know each pupil on a personal level, allowing them to monitor their social, emotional and academic progress closely. Teachers can focus on the speciﬁc needs of an individual and tailor the curriculum to support their unique strengths, and different learning styles, adding more challenge or support, when necessary.

12 Families Edinburgh

With a junior and middle school size of around 340 girls (up to the end of S1) and a whole school of around 720, St George’s is relatively small. Our unique middle school specialises in the transition from primary to secondary education. The school is set on an attractive eleven-acre parkland campus in the quite residential area of Murrayfield, with all facilities and sports fields on site. Examination results in both Scottish and English qualifications are consistently outstanding. Girls combine GCSEs at 16 years, with the Scottish examination system of Highers and Advanced Highers in the Sixth Forms.

Virtual Open Evenings and on-site guided tours at the school during September/October. Visit our website to register and for details www.stge.org.uk or please get in touch with our Admissions Department T: 0131 311 8008, E: admissions@stge.org.uk

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Could you be the next owner of Families Edinburgh? I have been the Editor and owner of Families Edinburgh for nearly 15 years and it has been an amazing thing to be! I have had the privilege of being in contact with so many local businesses and wonderful people over these years. I’ve been my own boss and made my own decisions. I’ve been able to go to every assembly and school play, I’ve taken my kids to school and picked them up again. In short, being the owner of Families Edinburgh has given me that elusive thing - a work life balance. Families Edinburgh gives you the freedom to run your own business while also having the support of a respected and well established franchise. Being a Families magazine owner and editor offers fantastic flexibility and rewards. There are around 40 editors around the country who all have children of their own. The network supports editors to run their own magazines with training provided on everything from setting up an accounting system to writing editorial and running a social media campaign.

Would you like to work from home and have a successful career whilst bringing up your children?

Families Edinburgh is a particularly high performing title in the network, with an established base of advertisers, suppliers and distributors. It is a locally known and loved brand and you are up and running as soon as you take over. The scheduling of the six printed issues a year even means you get to work less during school holidays. My gorgeous kids were little when I took on the magazine, 15 years later I reluctantly think it is time to hand over this magazine to a new owner who can enjoy taking the magazine to even greater success and get to spend more time with their kids too. If you are interested in exploring this opportunity and would like to chat further please drop me an email: editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Sarah

Edinburgh

Families Edinburgh Magazine is for sale. Part of a successful national franchise of more than 40 magazines, Families Edinburgh is the region’s best-loved parenting magazine. You could have the chance to be at the helm of your own print business, and be a part of a highly successful and supportive network of fellow editors who are all working mums. If you are interested in exploring this opportunity and would like to chat further please drop me an email: editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

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Families Edinburgh 13

Out&About

While every care has been taken to compile the OUT AND ABOUT section please remember that this magazine is printed weeks ahead of some of the events. PLEASE call and check events with the venue to avoid any disappointment before setting out. If you have any events you would like listed free in this section please email them to editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk Until 30 August EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL. Online and in person shows. Find out what’s on at www.edfringe.com Until 30 August SOMETHING IN THE WATER – FOR KIDS! Assembly Showcatcher (video-on-demand) 8 yrs + Grumms doesn't see themselves in the Barbies or G.I Joes they play with. Instead, they find solace in their superhero comic books. But when Grumms transforms into a horrible squid monster they must hide their secret identity and disguise as a 'normal, human woman'.

AUGUST Until August 22 COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS Roxy Central. 14:30. 5 yrs+ Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit to dazzle children (aged 5+) and their families... but without the rude bits! With different line-ups every day, we’re just like a normal comedy club, albeit one that’s on in the afternoon, where kids are allowed in. Until August 22 YOU CHOOSE Palais du Variété 10:30. 2 yrs+ Based on the brilliant book by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt Nonsense Room Productions (Shark in the Park and Hairy Maclary Shows) bring you a brand new interactive musical show for all the family. But in this show – YOU CHOOSE what happens!

Until 30th September DISCOVERING THE DEEP OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION Dynamic Earth Outdoor Terrace. FREE. Explore the mysteries of the deep ocean in this outdoor photography exhibition that tells the story of marine science from its earliest beginnings to the present day. It is for all ages and during Dynamic Earth opening hours it will be accompanied by ocean-themed drop-in children’s activities including augmented reality colouring-in and a coral reef survey game. More information can be found at www.dynamicearth.co.uk 21& 22, 27 & 28 August IS THIS A DAGGER? Scottish Storytelling Centre By the pricking of my thumb, something wicked this way comes. Andy Cannon tells Shakespeare’s classic. 'A tale of sound and fury, signifying first-class theatre for everyone over eight' (Herald). 1pm-2pm £12/£10/£40 www.scottishstorytellingcentre.com 0131 556 9579

Until August 22 THE BIG BIRTHDAY MAGIC SHOW. Pleasance Cabaret Bar, 12.30pm Ages: 5+ Magic Gareth is here to celebrate your ‘big days’ with a this family magic show full of tricks, balloons, games and nonsense! Let’s feel like a 5 year old again.

Until 31 August EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL The Book Festival returns with events for children and families online with some activities in their new home at Edinburgh College of Art. Expect familiar faces, new names and a fun packed mix of picture books, poetry, illustrators and authors every day www.edbookfest.co.uk for details.

Until 30 August THE ADVENTURES OF SLEEPYHEAD. Assembly Showcatcher (video on demand) 0 yrs+ She’s the dreamer of dreams. The walkingtalking nap. A snoozer and a muser. Children and adults alike will delight in this adventure to the heart of dreamland as Sleepyhead fends off the Zzz...

22, 25 & 29 August MEET ASTRID LINDGREN'S PIPPI LONGSTOCKING Wizard Presents. Rear Courtyard Pleasance Courtyard. 11:15am Nine-year-old Pippi Longstocking is strong, brave and fearless. Olivier Awardnominated Wizard Presents has created a playful and quirky solo show performed by storyteller Sofie Miller. Expect mischief, laughter and audience interaction! Suitable for ages 4+

25 - 29 August A RUBBISH MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Rear Courtyard Pleasance Courtyard. 2:15pm Fairies. Goblins. Donkeys... Super Soakers!? Four idiots wearing bed sheets for togas, attempt to stage Shakespeare's mischievous comedy, using only a box of pound-shop props, a camel onesie, some lightsabers and a ladder they found by the bins. Ages 4-104! 25 - 29 August COMMUNITY CLAY TIME Cabaret Bar - Pleasance Courtyard. 10:50am, 12:30pm Join Jim Parkyn - professional plasticine player, expert Aardman Animator and the mysterious man behind The Amazing Scene Machine. Create characters in clay, from simple sticks to fully formed friends in under an hour. For children 5 to 95. 27 - 29 August CAPTAIN BREADBEARD Roxy Central. 12:45. 8 yrs+ An absurd two-hander comedy sketch show about a sailor with a beard made of bread and his sidekick, Davy Scones. Fastpaced bready-brilliant fun for adults and children of all ages! 27-29 August ELLIOT BIBBY: LEFTOVER LUNCH. Palais du Variété. 5 yrs+ Being an International, multi-awardwinning Magician means performing at all times of the day – on stage or online. This often means that Elliot must fit his lunch in wherever he can - including during this captivating, family magic show.

NEXT ISSUE November/ December

2021

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14 Families Edinburgh

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Out&About SEPTEMBER 11 September RSPB AT LAURISTON CASTLE. We are once again delighted to have our friends the RSPB back at Lauriston Castle. Join us through the day for a chance to hear about your local feathered friends and to get a chance to do a quick art activity. Double up with a picnic and family day in our gardens. Free, drop-in, no need to book 11- 12 September MINI LABYRINTH Dalkeith Country Park Designed specifically for children under 1.2m tall, there’s an amazing 200ft-long Mini Labyrinth. With four themed sections – Arctic, Jungle, Jurassic and Egyptian – to climb, slide, scramble and duck under – it’s sure to be a hit with your little people. 13 September CELEBRATE ROALD DAHL STORY DAY

Join fans from all over the world to celebrate favourite Roald Dahl characters, stories and moments. Get dressed up as your favourite Roald Dahl character at a Dahlicious Dress Up Day event being held at school, community groups and libraries, or host your own by downloading the Roald Dahl Story Day Party. Visit the Roald Dahl Story Day hub for resources to decorate your home or classroom. www.roalddahl.com/roald-dahl-story-day

15 & 16 September BALLETLORENT: THE LOST HAPPY ENDINGS Festival Theatre A dance theatre show full of energy, emotion and visual magic - this family show is the one to watch. www.capitaltheatres.com/whatson/ballet-lorent

OCTOBER 24-25 September IN THE NIGHT GARDEN Fesitval Theatre Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends are back in their fun-filled live show Igglepiggle’s Busy Day! Join Igglepiggle as he looks for his friends in the Night Garden by following their funny sounds until he finds them all! www.capitaltheatres.com/whatson/in-the-night-garden

3 October GRANDPARENTS DAY Grandparents Day acknowledges and celebrates the important contribution made by grandparents to the well-being and education of children within their family. It’s a great opportunity for other family members to recognise this and thank their older relatives. For tips on how to celebrate, visit www.gransnet.com

9 October RSPB AT LAURISTON CASTLE. We are once again delighted to have our friends the RSPB back at Lauriston Castle. Join us through the day for a chance to hear about your local feathered friends and to get a chance to do a quick art activity. Double up with a picnic and family day in our gardens. Free, drop-in, no need to book

16 - 30 October FAMILY LEARNING FESTIVAL Organisations across the UK, including schools, libraries, museums, children centres and galleries will be staging a range of FREE and low cost creative family learning activities. Organisers of the festival, the lifelong learning charity, Campaign for Learning, believes learning that takes place in the family and home should be valued as much as learning that takes place in school classrooms and formal education. To find a local event, visit www.familylearningfestival.com

21 October - 14 November WONDROUS WOODS PRESENTS WOODYFEST Scotland’s spectacular sell-out lighting trail Wondrous Woods is set to take flight again with a festival-themed extravaganza led by the event’s magical mascot Woody the Owl. Hopetoun House. For more info and to book go to www.wondrouswoods.com

WHAT WILL YOU CREATE?

birthday parties for all ages unique gifts for all occasions clay classes baby prints clay imprints take home kits vouchers commissions 100s of colours to choose from

NEW EXPANDED PREMISES www.doodlescotland.co.uk 27-29 Marchmont Cres EH9 1HQ 0131 229 1399

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Families Edinburgh 15

If you’re navigating kids through a separation, it’s better if you know your way.

Any parents who are separating want to make sure they handle this difficult time just right for their children. But to be able to help them through it, you need to have a clear idea of your options. At Gibson Kerr, our family law solicitors have helped hundreds of families in this situation. Get in touch and see how we can help you navigate the best outcome for all. For a no-obligation confidential conversation to understand your options, call our Family Law Partner, Fiona Rasmusen, on 0131 226 9161 or email fiona.rasmusen@gibsonkerr.co.uk. www.gibsonkerr.co.uk

Families Edinburgh is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Edinburgh are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Edinburgh. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.