Edinburgh charities have announced a joint fundraising ceilidh to support young people and families across the city.
Pregnancy Counselling and Care Scotland (PCCS) and Scran Academy will host the event at the Greyfriars Charteris Centre on Friday, 20 November.
The evening will feature a two-course meal prepared by young people involved with Scran Academy, alongside live music. Funds raised from the event will go towards maintaining the services provided by both organisations across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
The collaboration brings together two groups that support individuals at different stages of their development. PCCS focuses on the earliest stages of life, offering support during pregnancy, early parenthood, and times of loss.
The charity, which has operated for nearly 50 years, runs a Baby Bank providing clothing and equipment for children up to two years old. It also provides a dedicated counselling service for people experiencing difficulties related to fertility, birth, and early parenthood. This service is designed to offer a space for individuals facing financial hardship or emotional challenges.
In contrast, Scran Academy provides support for older children and young adults aged between 11 and 25. The organisation works with young people who face barriers to success in mainstream education or employment. It operates as a youth-led catering enterprise, using food and cooking as a tool for personal and professional development. Participants gain hands-on experience by running catering operations, which helps them secure qualifications and transition into further education or the workplace.
The upcoming ceilidh will serve as a practical demonstration of the skills developed by the young people at Scran Academy. They will be responsible for preparing and serving the Scottish-themed dinner to guests at the Greyfriars Charteris Centre.
The venue, located on the Pleasance, will host the event from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. Entertainment will be provided by live band The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience. The event will operate on a bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) basis, and a charity raffle will be drawn on the night.
The partnership between PCCS and Scran Academy is intended to highlight the importance of continuous support throughout a young person’s life.
By linking their services, the charities aim to demonstrate the value of community investment from infancy through to early adulthood. The event aims to raise funds while celebrating food, music, and the work of both charities in the local area.
Lucy Aitchison, CEO of PCCS, and Will Bain, CEO of Scran Academy, highlighted the connection between their organisations.
They said: “Together, PCCS and Scran Academy represent support at two crucial ends of a young person’s journey, from giving babies the best possible start and helping families through the early years, to supporting young people as they develop the confidence, skills and opportunities they need for adult life.”
The ceilidh offers residents of Edinburgh a chance to contribute to the ongoing operations of both charities while participating in a traditional community event.
