COUNTY residents and members of the community are invited to a fun community open day at Queen Margaret University (QMU) on Saturday.

The event is an opportunity for families, children, voluntary groups and individuals to explore the campus and its facilities, take part in fun activities, enjoy barbecue snacks in University Square, and explore the grounds.

People will see the Musselburgh-based university’s indoor spaces as well as experiencing the newly launched Outdoor Learning Hub and Discovery Trail. Visitors can view the sports centre facilities and take part in activities including a rowing challenge and ‘beat the goalie’, as well as burning off some energy on the bouncy castle.

Cycling enthusiasts can get some good advice from Mr Bike and younger children can enjoy face painting, glitter tattoos, and outdoor games. Music will also be a central feature, with live performances from the QMU band, as well as opportunities for everyone to have a go at drumming.

Gillian Fairweather, conferences, events and marketing co-ordinator at QMU, said: “This is a fun, sociable event which hopefully has something for everyone, but with a great range of activities to suit families with children.

“Queen Margaret University is keen to be viewed as a real asset to the local community, so it’s important that residents of East Lothian, Midlothian and Edinburgh have a chance to see and experience our fantastic facilities.

“We have a full range of interesting spaces for hire which are perfect for people or groups wishing to organise seminars, conferences, corporate dinners or community gatherings. We can accommodate small groups in our classrooms or piano bar, or cater for large-scale events in our lecture theatres, conference spaces, seminar rooms and food hall.

“This year, we are pleased to be putting on a range of outdoor learning activities, and we are keen to showcase our Outdoor Learning Hub and Discovery Trail, which is a facility available all year round to the local community. But we think one of the favourite things to do this year will be to get up close and personal with the gorgeous therapets, run by our special guest Canine Concern.”

The community open day is free and takes place from noon to 3pm.