Partnership will offer a variety of activities
Award-winning charity The Yard has officially partnered with Foxlake and Wild Shore Dundee to deliver a year-round programme of inclusive activities, training, and support for children, families, and carers across three regions of Scotland.
With The Yard now operating sites in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and, as of this month, Dundee, the partnership represents a significant expansion in opportunities for families with additional support needs to access tailored, safe, and engaging outdoor adventure.
The official launch on 28 September featured family days at Foxlake, East Lothian, and Wild Shore, Dundee, welcoming nearly 300 children, parents, and carers for fully supervised, inclusive sessions.
From Aqua Parks and ropes courses to paddleboarding, every activity was designed with accessibility and inclusion at the heart. Families were able to enjoy adventure in a safe and supportive environment, with specially adapted equipment, buoyancy aids, and facilities to ensure all abilities could participate.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, Foxlake and Wild Shore will work closely with The Yard to create lasting impact across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, and surrounding communities. All staff at participating venues have received specialist training from The Yard to adapt activities and customer interactions for children and families with diverse needs, and a full training calendar is in place for 2026 to maintain momentum.
Families will also benefit from dedicated sessions throughout the year, including family days, after-school activities, and special sessions for parents and carers, with opportunities for respite, discounts, and access to Foxlake’s state-of-the-art sauna and natural cold-plunge.
Fundraising is also a key part of the partnership, with Foxlake and Wild Shore pledging continued support for The Yard’s programmes through community events, prize donations, and customer giving initiatives. Tap-to-donate units across all venues will provide guests with the opportunity to contribute directly to The Yard’s work, helping fund inclusive play spaces, family sessions, and respite services across Scotland.
Rachel Keenan, Head of Service at The Yard, said: “We are delighted to partner with Wild Shore, who are offering our families bespoke sessions at their fantastic sites in East Lothian and Dundee. For families of children with disabilities and additional support needs, it can often be challenging to find community resources that are truly inclusive and accessible.
"Wild Shore took the time to understand how they could adapt their services so that Yard families felt safe, valued, and above all, welcomed. Partnerships like this make a real difference in creating opportunities where our families can thrive."
James Barbour, director of Wild Shore and Foxlake, said: "This partnership marks a significant step in making outdoor activities genuinely accessible for all families, with safety and understanding at the heart of every experience. We’ve worked closely with The Yard to ensure our facilities and programmes are inclusive and welcoming, and we’re excited for the year ahead as we expand this work."
