‘SHINE’ programme offers free activities over the holidays

Published 25 June 2026

West Dunbartonshire Council has launched a fun packed programme of free and engaging activities over the school holidays.  

The Council’s “School Holidays Involve Nurture & Engage” (SHINE) is a six week action packed programme that will help keep children fit, entertained and having fun over the school holidays. 

This year the Council is also offering a programme of free activities which are tailored to families of children with an additional support need. 

In partnership with 30 local organisations, families can access a wide range of SHINE activities with attendees having access to a free snack and lunch over July and August. In addition, West Dunbartonshire Foodshare will provide holiday brunch bags to support families.  

Activities will be held in various locations across West Dunbartonshire and are focused on fun social experiences, learning and wellbeing activities, the environment and health.

Families are being encouraged to register their children in activities which include football and multisports camps; gaming and virtual reality workshops; nature walks and crafts; fun trips, arts and crafts activities, soft play, therapeutic and wellbeing activities and STEM workshops.

Councillor Michelle McGinty, Convener of Educational Services, said: “I am pleased to see such a wide-ranging programme of activities which will be a great benefit to all our pupils keeping them busy over the holidays.  This year’s programme will support thousands of children and young people with many organisations providing lunch and snacks. I’m sure these will prove to be really popular with young people, parents and carers and I would like to thank all the organisations who are working in partnership with us to provide these fun activities.” 

Councillor John Millar, Vice Convener of Educational Services, said: “We have seen over the years of running the SHINE programme just how popular the activities are and how much this is appreciated by our families. This year’s programme really has something for everyone and with all activities being free this will be a huge support to families. I look forward to visiting some of the groups over the summer and hearing first-hand how much fun the children and young people are having during the holidays.”

For more information and to book places please visit https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/extra-curricular-activities/shine/shine-26