The youngsters – from families that cannot afford to pay for their attendance at the local holiday club – were able to attend North Edinburgh Childcare’s popular facility in the Pilton area.

NEC has been providing nursery, out-of-school and breakfast club services and support for local kids for 26 years. The organisation was delighted to be nominated by West Granton Housing Co-operative as a worthy recipient of a community donation from Procast, which was contracted to refurbish numerous properties for the co-op.

Procast operations director Frank McManus popped in to meet the staff at North Edinburgh Childcare, together with Colin Fraser, chair of West Granton Housing Co-operative. Frank handed over the cheque to Jaime Watson, early years and childcare manager, and Jillian Owen, out-of-school team leader.

Colin stated: “WGHC are delighted and immensely proud to be in the position to support the North Edinburgh Childcare facility. I was very impressed by the staff’s professionalism and they have a real passion for the wellbeing and welfare of children within our local area.”

Jaime said: “Your generous contribution has been instrumental in making a difference in the lives of many within the local community, and we cannot thank you enough.

“Your support has had a profound and positive impact on our holiday clubs, allowing us to provide essential care and support to children and families who otherwise wouldn’t have had access to these services.

“We cherish the partnership we’ve established and hope to continue working together in the future, continuing to uplift and empower the families we serve.”

Jillian added: “This donation has given loads of opportunities to children who otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance.”

The funding saw 15 places provided for primary school children every day over two holiday periods for local children from Forthview, St David’s and Pirniehall Primary Schools. The children benefit from being able to attend a fun and stimulating club in a safe, warm and dry environment in which they are also well fed during periods that otherwise might not be such a good time for them and/or their families.

Niall Cockburn, co-ordinator, added: “It was great to support children who otherwise would not have been able to access the service.”