Author: Elaine Blaikie
Events at Aberdeen City Libraries
Following on from Book Week Scotland, Aberdeen City Libraries’ celebration of Scottish literature continues this November with a talk on Walter Scott before rounding out the month with a celebration of Scottish songwriter Robert Tannahill on St. Andrews Day.
‘Fantastically set’: Fantasy and the supernatural in Walter Scott’s poems
Wednesday 27 November, 6pm at Central Library
How were the themes of fantasy and the supernatural presented in the works of one of Scotland most influential writers – Walter Scott ,and how they are still relevant in fantasy writing today? Join Aberdeen City Libraries for this special discussion with researchers from the University of Aberdeen’s Walter Scott Research Centre to find out more.
Dr Natalie Tal Harries will explore Walter Scott’s presentations of the supernatural in his poetry, focusing on ‘The lay of the Last Minstrel’ and ‘The Lady of the Lake’ and how Scott’s method of incorporating ‘the Marvellous in poetry’ establishes some key principles which correspond with the approach of later fantasy writers.
Dr Anna Fancett will look at how themes such as a mysterious prophecy, a missing heir, a magic book aren’t just elements of modern fantasy but were important parts of Walter Scott’s historical poems and novels and discuss the links between modern fantasy and early nineteenth century literature.
Celebrating Robert Tannahill of Paisley (1774-1810) by Fred Freeman
Saturday 30 November, 2.30pm at Central Library
Join Aberdeen City Libraries this St Andrews day with a special multimedia talk by Prof Fred Freeman with musical and fine art illustrations celebrating the life and work of Robert Tannahill.
Robert Tannahill of Paisley (1774-1810), near contemporary of Burns, was a weaver, a songwriter and poet who wrote over 100 songs of a quality comparable to Burns himself.
This 250th Anniversary Lecture marks the completion of Prof Freeman’s monumental 5 CD series of The Robert Tannahill Songs.
Bridge of Don Community Council – Winter/Christmas Newsletter
The Bridge of Don Community Winter newsletter is now available online via the home page on their website:
Facebook page
Free bus travel for everyone aged 5-21
Free bus travel
If your child is turning five, you can apply for their National Entitlement Card (NEC) with free bus travel up to two weeks before their 5th birthday. Open up a world of possibilities and save money on public transport, making regular journeys and new adventures more affordable for your family!
Find out more about how it works and how to apply at freebus.scot
Aberdeen City Music School Come and Play Days
Hello from the Aberdeen City Music School.
We are opening our doors to young musicians on several evenings throughout the 2024/25 academic year. The purpose of the sessions is to let pupils and parents visit ACMS and find out a bit more about us.
This year, we are delighted to be collaborating with the Aberdeen City Music Service, and the North East of Scotland Music School (NESMS) for some of the workshops.
We are hosting different ‘Come and Play’ sessions for strings, woodwind, brass, vocal, percussion, jazz improvisation, acoustic guitars and Scottish traditional instruments. The sessions will take place on weekday evenings at the Aberdeen City Music School, Dyce Academy and will run from 5.45 pm to 8 pm. Pupils of all abilities from the ages of 9 to 17 are encouraged to participate and will have the opportunity to play in ensembles, work with ACMS pupils in sectionals, and perform in a short informal concert to parents at the end of each session. There is no charge for any of the sessions.
Here are the different Come and Play session days for 2024/25. Please click on the link and fill out the e-form to register your interest.
| Event (Click on the link to fill out the form) |
Date | Time |
| Come and Play #1- Jazz Improvisation | Tuesday 29th October 2024 | 17:45 to 20:00 |
| Come and Play #2 – Traditional Instruments | Tuesday 12th November 2024 | 17:45 to 20:00 |
| Come and Play #3 – Bagpipes | Wednesday 13th November 2024 | 17:45 to 20:00 |
| Come and Play #4 – Strings | Tuesday 19th November 2024 | 17:45 to 20:00 |
| Come and Sing #5 – Voice | Wednesday 20th November 2024 | 17:45 to 20:00 |
| Come and Play #6 – Woodwind | Tuesday 7th January 2025 | 17:45 to 20:00 |
| Come and Play #7 – Brass | Wednesday 8th January 2025 | 17:45 to 20:00 |
| Come and Play #8 – Percussion | Thursday 27th February 2025 | 17:45 to 20:00 |
| Come and Play Day #9 – Acoustic Guitar
(Nylon & Steel Strung – not electric)
Electric players – please sign up for the Jazz Improvisation session (29/10/2024) |
Wednesday 5th March 2025 | 17:45 to 20:00 |
The details for each session are as follows:
| Venue | Aberdeen City Music School Dyce Academy, Riverview Drive, Dyce, Aberdeen AB21 7NF |
| Google Maps Location Link | Dyce Academy/ACMS Main Entrance (Google Maps Pin) |
| What 3 Words Location Link | https://w3w.co/homecare.lays.crisis |
| Start time | 17.45 pm |
| Finish time | 8.00 pm (with informal concert at 7.40 pm) |
| What to Wear | Comfortable and casual but please wear the requested coloured shirt/jumper/top if possible. (there are different colour themes for the different weeks) |
| Equipment required | Instrument, pencil, music stand, water bottle |
| Breaktime | There will be a short break and water and biscuits will be provided. |
| Informal concert | This will begin at 7.40 pm in the Multi Purpose Area (MPA). Audience members will be met at the Dyce Academy main entrance at 7.35 pm and escorted to the MPA Please could visitors arrive at the entrance no earlier than 7:30 pm. |
| Cost: | None |
| Medical, dietary, and other specific requirements | Please fill out this information in the online application form. |
| Photo and Video | We would like to take some photos and short video clips of the event to post on our social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube). Please indicate on the e-form if you are happy or not for your child to be photographed videoed for these purposes |
| Parking (Google Maps Link) | Dyce Academy/ACMS Car Park Location (Google Maps Pin) |
| Parking (What 3 Words Link) | https://w3w.co/intestine.clown.corrode |
| Contact telephone number (general enquiries) | 01224 793 789 |
| Contact telephone number (on the day) | 01224 774773 |
| Contact email | musicschool@aberdeencity.gov.uk |
If you know anyone who would be interested in coming along, playing some famous music, and seeing how some of the music organisations work in Aberdeen, please forward this email to them.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at musicschool@aberdeencity.gov.uk if you have any further questions.
With very best wishes,
Kevin Kyle
Director – Aberdeen City Music School
Please follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and our Website
Sensory Storytelling – Children & Young People with Additional Support Needs
Sensory Storytelling – Friday 20 September 2024
Aberdeen City Libraries is hosting 2 sensory storytelling sessions with the fantastic Ailie Finlay on Friday 20 September at Torry Library (based at new Greyhope Community Campus). This free event is aimed at children and young people with Additional Support Needs and their families.
Booking is required for both events.
Call Torry Library on 01224 764747 or us the links below to book your space. Please see further details below:
Under 8s: 1.30pm-2pm – Booking
8-15yrs: 2.45pm-3.15pm – Booking
Raring2go! Magazine
Please click on the link below to read the Spring 2024 edition of Raring2go! magazine:
Measles and Immunisation
Measles is on the increase, with a rapid rise in the number of cases seen in parts of England, and a confirmed case in Scotland. It is a serious illness, but the MMR vaccine is proven to safely offer high levels of protection. It is given in two doses; if you are not sure if your child has had both doses, you can contact your GP practice to confirm.
If your child has never had the MMR – or hasn’t had the complete course – you can contact our vaccination teams to arrange.
Aberdeen City – email: gram.immsservices@nhs.scot
Aberdeenshire & Moray – telephone: 01224 555333
Childhood vaccinations offer protection against many serious illnesses, and you are encouraged to ensure your child is up to date with all of them.
Further information on vaccinations can be found at: Vaccines – Immunisations in Scotland | NHS inform
Further information on measles can be found at: Measles | NHS inform and MMR vaccine – Immunisations in Scotland | NHS inform
Fiona Browning
Health Protection Nurse Specialist
NHS Grampian
Summerfield House
2 Eday Road
Aberdeen
AB15 6RE
School Holiday Pattern for 2025-2030
Aberdeen City Council would like your feedback on the proposed school holiday pattern for 2025-2030. The consultation is open now and will close on Friday 5 January 2024.
Please complete the survey at the following link:
School Holiday Public Consultation – Aberdeen City Council – Citizen Space
Aberdeen City Libraries
Please click on the link below for information about events being hosted by Aberdeen City Libraries during November. There are a range of free events for children, young people and adults.