Serene Santa’s Grotto for children with autism

Santa’s farmyard cottage will become a serene haven for children with autism and their families on 1 December. Almond Valley have teamed up with Lothian Autistic Society to offer exclusive visits to Santa for children who may get distressed with loud music, flashing lights and long queues. Instead of a bright, noisy environment, Santa will…

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Aberdeen bid to be Scotland’s first Unicef Child Friendly City

Aberdeen today underlined its aim to become the first city in Scotland to be recognised as a Unicef Child Friendly City as pupils from primary and secondary schools took over the council chamber to learn about the process. Young people were invited to take the place of councillors for a special session on the best…

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There’s no business like snow business at Braehead

Wherever you head in Scotland now, it won’t take you long before you see Santa, tinsels, presents and lots of fake snow. But children are being given the chance to play in real snow after visiting Santa when the magical Santa and the Snow experience opened to the public at Braehead shopping centre, near Glasgow,…

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The realities of dementia at the heart of Still Alice

The power of theatre is immense – provoking strong reactions from the audience, as powerful performances elicit emotions that we never expected to feel. Still Alice, currently being performed at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow, takes the audience on a journey, as they feel the effects of early-onset Alzheimer’s on the play’s titular character. Based…

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Changing the garden as the children mature

Having lived in their family home in Edinburgh since 2003, Derek McGowan and his partner Lesley Marshall felt it was time to give their garden an update. As the children got older it became clear their garden needed a modern overhaul in order to keep up with the families changing lifestyle. ‘Previously the kids used…

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Scots are fully booked for reading with family

A new survey has named Scots as the UK’s most avid readers. Book Week Scotland runs from 19-25 November, a celebration of the world of literature and the perfect time for Scotland to share and enjoy reading their favourites together. New research by popular tuition provider Explore Learning, which has five centres in Edinburgh, Glasgow,…

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What the kids want when they go guising tonight

New research has today announced how Scots will be celebrating Halloween. Leading savings site VoucherCodes has revealed that the average parent in Scotland will spend at least £49.75 celebrating Halloween with their family this year – spending slightly more on their own costume than their children’s! Adults will spend an average of £15.40 on a…

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£15,000 boost for charity after annual golf event

A Scottish charity has been handed a major boost after raising £15,000 at its annual golf day. Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland) supports hundreds of children, young people and their families affected by spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus. The tournament, sponsored by fatBuzz, was played round the prestigious Queens Course at Gleneagles, and raised much-needed…

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New exhibition charting lives of Scottish children

An exhibition following the lives of Scottish children through their first 18 years is now open. Child of the New Century is based at Duff House in Aberdeenshire, and Karen Curran’s exhibition, created for the Year of Young People, follows the lives of a group of children from the start of the Millennium through their…

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Enjoy a combined spooky and learning time

Halloween’s coming – and families are invited to don their most frightful Halloween costumes this weekend. They are being urged to head to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh on Saturday, 27 October, to experience a special Spooky Saturday at the Chambers Street attraction. The free event, which is supported by players of People’s…

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