Day: November 26, 2021

Hospitality & tourism talent programme to return following success of inaugural course

The Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland has announced that following a successful inaugural programme developed in response to Covid-19 challenges, the Tourism and Hospitality Talent Development Programme (THTDP) has been funded for a second year.  

The news was announced today (25th November) by David Cochrane MBE, HIT Scotland’s Chief Executive, at Scotland’s National Tourism Industry Conference at the EICC, where 200 participants of the inaugural programme were awarded their certificates. 

The Scottish Government funded programme was first launched in January 2021 to combat the impact of the pandemic on the hospitality & tourism industries. THTDP saw enthusiastic feedback from industry representatives and participants, with 78% of those who took part agreeing the programme has improved their career prospects. 

80 cohorts of 25 people from 700 tourism and hospitality businesses took part, making the programme the largest virtual training course ever to take place in Scotland.  

The programme, run jointly by Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland and the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA), was designed to support and develop talent at leadership, management, and supervisory levels.

The first round of the programme received over 2000 applications from employees on furloughed leave or experiencing redundancy. 

Full details of the programme and how to enter will be released in early December, check back on the HIT Scotland website for updates: hitscotland.co.uk 

David Cochrane MBE, Chief Executive, HIT Scotland, commented: “We are absolutely delighted that the Talent Development Programme has been renewed for phase two.

“The huge success of the first showed the desire for those in the hospitality and tourism industries to continue their professional development and help get the sectors back up and running after a difficult two years.

“We are dedicated to supporting our industry through this inspirational programme and thank our partner organisations for their continuing support in doing so.” 

Jane Rennie, Founder & CEO, The Extraordinary Training Company, who designed the programme, added: “I am delighted that the second THTDP is scheduled to run again in early 2022. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that investment in people is key.

“There are strong links between an upbeat working environment, happy staff, loyal customers and increased footfall. Put simply, the capability and upskilling of all employees has never mattered more.” 

Angela Dineen, Operations Director, The Scotch Whisky Experience, who had several employees on the programme,said: “The HIT Programme came at the perfect time for our team, after a lengthy period on furlough they all agreed that the course got them back in the frame of mind for returning to work and they felt motivated and engaged with our business again.

“The unanimous feedback from all participants was how useful it was to meet with their peers from other businesses and discuss common issues. Our team returned to work full of great ideas and suggestions for how we could do things differently, which was much needed as we adapted to the post COVID environment.” 

Stand out statistics  

  • 78% of 1540 respondents agreed or strongly agreed the programme has improved their career prospects 
  • 95% of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the programme 
  • 84% of respondents were very likely to recommend the programme to a friend or colleague 

Edinburgh Rape Crisis charity supported by Amazon

Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre, a vital source of support and advocacy for those who have experienced sexual violence, has received a £2,000 donation from Amazon Development Centre Scotland.

The Centre, which was set up in 1978, provides a range of services to support women,  members of the trans community, non-binary people, and young people (aged 12 – 18) who have experienced any kind of sexual violence in their lives. Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre also offers emotional and counselling support, advocacy service and group support. 

This donation will go towards making the centre’s support and information services more accessible for survivors who face barriers accessing support. 

Commenting on the donation, Graeme Smith, Managing Director at Amazon Development Centre Scotland, said: “The Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre is an incredibly important charity in our community and we’re pleased to support its team with this donation.” 

Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre, added: “We work to empower survivors and advocate for change, but we need support and donations from the community to continue our services.

“We appreciate this donation from Amazon – it will help us to continue supporting survivors of sexual violence.”

Amazon Development Centre Scotland has been based in Edinburgh since 2004 and is responsible for devising and growing innovations that bring new levels of choice and convenience to hundreds of millions of customers around the world. 

It houses teams of leading engineers, scientists, designers and product managers who work on everything from interactive user interface design to large-scale distributed systems and machine learning. 

Community donations are one of a number of ways in which Amazon is supporting communities across the UK during COVID-19. 

Throughout the pandemic Amazon has provided disadvantaged students with online STEM courses and supported virtual classrooms with no-cost resources from AWS and Amazon Future Engineer.

The company has also teamed up with charity partner Magic Breakfast to deliver more than five million healthy breakfasts to children at risk of hunger in disadvantaged areas around the UK and helped to tackle holiday hunger by providing free breakfasts to children over the summer holidays.

For more information on how Amazon is supporting the UK during COVID-19, click: 

https://blog.aboutamazon.co.uk/amazons-actions-to-help-employees-communities-and-customers-affected-by-covid-19

Johnnie Walker Princes Street unveils festive food & drink and Hogmanay plans

Edinburgh’s ultimate whisky destination has something for everyone this season

Johnnie Walker Princes Street, the eight-floor visitor attraction in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, has today unveiled its festive plans including a mouth-watering selection of food and drinks, and an unrivalled collection of whiskies and whisky experiences for those looking to purchase gifts and celebrate with loved ones.

Food & Drink

The menus across both stunning rooftop bars have been given a festive makeover, with dishes including Glenkinchie infused hot smoked salmon with crab and seaweed aioli, or Lowlands baby beets and Lanark blue cheese salad, candied walnuts, plum & chicory lettuce with hay smoked roe deer loin, sure to delight 1820 Bar Diners.

A festive set menu featuring Christmas pudding and Johnnie Walker crème caramel is also available in the 1820 Bar, and a set menu for special occasions can be booked in the exclusive Blue Label dining area which includes fillet of highlands beef with haggis cannelloni and honey & thyme roasted root veg. 

From a drinks perspective, the 1820 Bar adds “orange and caraway” and “cranberry and chestnut” to its offering which explores the world of flavour.

Those wiling away the festive hours in the Explorers’ Bothy can enjoy the likes of Vietnamese dressed oyster and crispy shallots, salt baked beetroot and orange tartare cones, beef cheek and truffle doughnuts or a vegetarian charcutier selection with handmade oatcakes, artisan biscuits & sourdough bread.

Hogmanay

Hogmanay revellers on the lookout for great music, incredible food and an unbeatable view of both Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline need look no further than Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s rooftop 1820 Bar’s Hogmanay event.

Everyone ringing in the new year at this exclusive evening will be treated to live entertainment from incredible jazz vocalist, Georgia Cécile, welcome drinks, an aperitif, selection of canapes, festive nibbles and a glass of champagne or a dram for when the clock strikes midnight. Booking information will be released soon, follow Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s social channels for updates.

Festive Experiences

Johnnie Walker Princes Street offers a range of immersive experiences perfect for celebrating this festive season. The flagship Journey of Flavour tour can accommodate up to 22 guests, making it ideal for celebrating with friends, family, or work colleagues.

The full sensory tour is a 90-minute exploration of taste which includes three personalised whisky drinks. Guests set off from the welcome lobby which will be decorated with a magnificent Christmas tree, and explore festive touches around the building, including spectacular wreaths and garlands.

For the whisky connoisseur, look no further than Casks of Discovery in the venue’s underground Whisky Makers’ Cellar. Here, guests explore the art of blending and taste whiskies live blended to Johnnie Walker Master Makers’ recipes. They’ll also have the chance to savour exclusive single malt, single grain and experimental whiskies drawn straight from the cask.

Festive Shopping

For those looking to take home a gift for someone special, the ground floor retail space boasts an unparalleled collection of both blended and single malt whiskies to suit all tastes and budgets.

Moreover, the store has a number of exclusive items which cannot be purchased anywhere else, including the fill your own Johnnie Walker Princes Street blend, now in its winter edition, which is an experience in itself.

The whisky is sure to please with notes of butterscotch, tablet and creamy toffee, and there is a bespoke laser engraving and gift-wrapping service available to add that extra special touch. The Johnnie Walker Black Label Princes Street edition is another exclusive, with customisable gift tags available for all bottles.

The store also carries a wide selection of Johnnie Walker merchandise including re-usable water bottles, clothing, glassware and more. Stocking fillers like crackers, socks, hats, notebooks and whisky stones are all on offer, as are advent calendars.

Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: “We’re delighted to reveal our festive menu and plans for the season. The team has done a wonderful job developing the food, drink and experiences we’ve got planned, making Johnnie Walker Princes Street a must visit destination in December. 

“We’ve enjoyed an incredible first couple of months since we opened our doors. The city of Edinburgh has welcomed us with open arms, and we’ve enjoyed every minute we’ve spent hosting our local, national and international guests. We look forward to celebrating with you all this festive season.”

To book and for more information visit www.johnniewalkerprincesstreet.com.

For more information on Johnnie Walker please visit: www.johnniewalker.com

Johnnie Walker Princes Street Festive Price List:

Food & Beverage:

1820 Bar festive set menu: £37.50pp

Blue Label Room private dining menu: £130pp

Experiences:

Hogmanay: £165pp

Journey of Flavour Tour: from £25pp

Casks of Discovery:  from £95pp

Retail:

Johnnie Walker Princes Street Bottle Your Own Winter Edition: £80

Johnnie Walker Black Label Princes Street Edition: £35

Johnnie Walker Black Label Icons 2.0 Edition: £31

Johnnie Walker Crackers: £15

Advent Calendars: £50

Training for Home Energy Scotland staff to help combat climate change

Keep Scotland Beautiful supports Home Energy Scotland to become certified as Carbon Literate

Working with Home Energy Scotland, environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful has developed and delivered bespoke Climate Emergency Training to staff, embedding carbon literacy into the expert practical advice they provide to help people reduce their carbon emissions and keep warm at home.

Since 2019, over 100 people from the Home Energy Scotland network have participated in Climate Emergency Training, including frontline advisors from all areas of the service. 

Home Energy Scotland’s expert advisors offer free, impartial advice on installing energy efficiency measures such as low and zero emissions heating systems, active travel and sustainable transport options, energy saving behaviour change, cutting water waste and more, with the aim of tackling climate change and addressing fuel poverty.

The training sessions explored the science and impacts of climate change and highlighted practical steps to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Home Energy Scotland staff began by reviewing their own carbon footprint. 

They also learnt new constructive approaches for discussing the climate emergency with householders and helping them make the connections between saving energy, money on their energy bills and reducing the carbon emissions that cause climate change.

Participants were asked to select both an individual and a group action to reduce carbon emissions, demonstrating their learning and understanding of carbon emission sources and solutions. Those who pass will receive a Carbon Literate accreditation.

Harry Mayers, Head of Home Energy Scotland said: “Our advisors, specialists and support teams already do an incredible job helping people across Scotland to reduce their energy use and keep warm at home.

“This training consolidates their knowledge in the context of carbon saving and gives them assurance to relate this advice to tackling climate change.

“We recognise the vital importance of this training and are excited to continue our partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful to develop our future capacity to deliver accredited Climate Emergency Training in-house.”

Catherine Gee, Deputy Chief Executive for Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We are delighted to have developed bespoke Climate Emergency Training for Home Energy Scotland.

“The climate crisis and Scotland’s journey to net zero is going to require all of us to develop new skills and knowledge, so we are extremely pleased that so many Home Energy Scotland staff have participated in this training and can apply it to their roles.

“We look forward to working with Home Energy Scotland further and helping them embed Climate Emergency Training in their operations.”

Keep Scotland Beautiful is the only Scottish-based organisation to have attained Gold Carbon Literate Organisation status and is the official partner in Scotland for the award-winning Carbon Literacy Project, who provide independent accreditation for the Climate Emergency Training.

In May 2019, the Scottish Government declared a climate emergency and has pledged to drastically reduce emissions from Scotland in the next 10 years. This will mean new legislation and technology that will bring significant changes to the way that we do life and business in Scotland.

With the United Nations COP26 climate conference having just taken place in Glasgow the eyes of the world are on climate action in Scotland like never before. Now is the time to take action.

Climate Emergency Training is available for all businesses, with additional options for bespoke training.

Please contact Keep Scotland Beautiful to find out more, or visit: 

www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/climate-emergency-training

Man who caused Maybury Road death sentenced to six years

Ednilson Ceita (pictured above), now 29, was convicted by a jury on Friday 29 October of two offences under the Road Traffic Act following the crash which happened shortly after midnight on Friday, 25 May, 2018 on Maybury Road.

He has also been disqualified from driving for nine years.

Ceita was driving a BMW X5, without a valid license or insurance, which collided with a Peugeot 206 being driven by 29-year-old Jonathan Smith.

As a result of the crash, Jonathan, known as Jonny, sadly died at the scene.

A criminal investigation was launched which saw detectives from Edinburgh’s Criminal Investigations Department working alongside Road Policing Officers to understand what happened.

As a result, Ceita was arrested and charged in connection with the crash in August 2019.

Detective Chief Inspector Graham Grant said: “There were a number of complexities to this investigation but officers remained determined and committed to establish what caused this crash and cost Jonny his life.

“Ednilson Ceita failed to admit that his actions resulted in this catastrophic event. We found that he was driving at excessive speed, ultimately swerving into oncoming traffic, which led to his BMW colliding with the Peugeot being driven by Mr Smith and another vehicle.

“Jonny’s family have had to wait over three years for justice. They have been dignified and resolute throughout and I hope that today’s verdict offers them some form of comfort.

“I’d like to thank my investigation team, our colleagues in the Road Policing Unit and other elements of the organisation who contributed to the outcome, but most importantly to Jonny’s family, friends, and the wider community which he was an integral part of, for their support during our investigation.”

Jonny’s family reacted to the sentence through the The Justice for Jonny campaign page on Facebook: “So we had our day in court today for the sentencing, was an apprehensive morning we all weren’t sure how to feel but we went, sat and watched the sentencing, he was given 6 years and a 9 year driving ban.

“In all honesty we were thinking less so I suppose it’s something, realistically it makes no difference nothing changes although if anything takes a dangerous driver off the road and might just save a life.

“He also decided to tell the court what an ordeal this had been for him and his family … remorse at its finest.

“It’s been a long 3 and a half years, so many twists and turns, so many ups and down’s but throughout it all the support we have received is just unbelievable looking back it has really helped us knowing we have had people behind us.

“As a family as a whole we would just like to thank every single person for all their nice words and support whether it was comments, messages or calls … we even had cards through the door at the start it really has been outstanding.

“So from the bottom of all our hearts, we appreciate it and thank you and we will always remember how nice and supportive everyone has been it means so much!”

Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon welcomed to Dogs Trust’s West Calder Rehoming Centre

Dogs Trust staff welcomed Mairi Gougeon MSP to West Calder Rehoming Centre last week where she met handsome hounds patiently awaiting new homes.  

As well as a behind the scenes tour of the West Lothian centre, The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands and MSP for Angus North and Mearns, met with Dogs Trust staff including Veterinary Director Paula Boyden to discuss the charity’s work in Scotland. 

Paula said: “It was lovely to meet Mairi at one of our rehoming centres in Scotland where she was greeted by lots of waggy tails! 

“It was a great opportunity to discuss current progress around dog welfare in Scotland, including proposals to tackle puppy smuggling, and how, as the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, we will continue to work with the Scottish Government on a range of issues to improve the lives of our four-legged friends.”

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “The work undertaken by the Dogs Trust contributes significantly to safeguarding the welfare of dogs in Scotland. I want to thank the staff at the West Calder facility for taking time out of their day to introduce me to some of their resident dogs and for updating me on the vital hard work they do every day.

“Canine welfare is an issue that the Scottish Government and Dogs Trust take extremely seriously and we are fully committed to tackling the scourge of low-welfare breeding and dealing of dogs. We will continue to work together to ensure the wellbeing of dogs across Scotland.”

Susan Tonner, West Calder Rehoming Centre Manager said: “We were delighted to welcome Mairi to our rehoming centre to showcase the work we do with the dogs in our care. 

“It was a pleasure to show Mairi the hard work and dedication that goes on behind the scenes to prepare our canine friends for their forever homes.”

Dogs Trust has two rehoming centres in Scotland, West Calder and Glasgow in Uddingston. On average we rehome 700 dogs a year in Scotland and have over 430,000 supporters across the country.

For more information about Dogs Trust West Calder, please call 0300 303 0292 or visit https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/our-centres/west-calder/

CityFibre joins the herd as partner for Edinburgh Zoo’s Giraffe About Town trail

CityFibre, the UK’s largest independent full fibre platform, has partnered with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo as community outreach partner for the charity’s Giraffe About Town trail.

The public art event will see more than 40 eight-foot-tall giraffe sculptures go on display across Edinburgh in summer 2022, with each model being designed and decorated by local artists and community groups. After the trail, the sculptures will be auctioned off to raise funds to support RZSS wildlife conservation projects in Scotland and across the world.

CityFibre’s support of the trail comes as it is investing £100m to roll out a full fibre network within reach of almost every home and business across the city. As community outreach partner, CityFibre will have its very own giraffe sculpture as part of the herd, and its vital support will allow RZSS to work with seven community groups across the city to decorate their own small giraffe sculptures as part of the schools and communities trail.

Activities with the community groups will include an inclusive creativity workshop with the zoo’s outreach team. The groups will also receive free access to the Giraffe About Town activity portal, an inclusive digital resource supporting the trail. Meanwhile, CityFibre and Edinburgh Zoo will work together in spring 2022 to identify the potential community groups.

Paul Wakefield, CityFibre’s City Manager for Edinburgh, said: “We are working across the city to deliver our Full Fibre network to homes and businesses, ensuring that communities across Edinburgh can access the fastest, most reliable broadband available.

“As part of this, we are getting the chance to meet so many of Edinburgh’s fantastic community groups – a number of which we will be able to support through this fantastic partnership.

“Improving social inclusion is something we are passionate about, and this theme is at the heart of the Giraffe About Town trail. Technology is a key enabler here, so we are really excited to be working with an artist on our own giraffe and being a key part of this trail, which I’m sure will capture the hearts and minds of both locals and visitors to our capital.

“You could even say that, through this project, our Full Fibre rollout programme will reach new heights!”

David Field, chief executive at RZSS, added: “We are thrilled to have CityFibre on board as community outreach partner for Giraffe About Town, giving us an opportunity to support vital community work across the capital.

“It is particularly exciting to partner with an organisation working to connect communities. Fast, reliable full fibre broadband will open up a whole new world for many of Edinburgh’s residents.

“The past 18 months have been incredibly challenging but they have shown us what can be achieved when we pull together. Our tall trail is set to transform our city and encourage our communities to get out and about and fall in love with Edinburgh all over again.”

Edinburgh residents can find out more about CityFibre’s build, check whether services are live in their area and register their interest by visiting www.cityfibre.com/PR-Register

City climbers to scale new heights

A new climbing slab wall, suitable for novices and intermediate climbers has been unveiled at Europe’s largest indoor climbing wall, the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena at Ratho.

Fifteen new lines, suitable for novices and intermediate climbers, will increase the offering to these groups by 50%. These new lines will allow up to 45 more colour coded, graded climbs to be set within the arena. A third of the lines, five in total, have the addition of auto belays, meaning a climber doesn’t require a partner to ‘belay’.

Nic Crawshaw, Climbing Operations Manager at EICA: Ratho explained: “Designed as a venue for national and international competitions and as a national centre for climbing, our fantastic facility at the EICA: Ratho caters particularly well for advanced and elite climbers. 

“The installation of these new lines will enhance and make the climbing experience more accessible for new and the less experienced climber, and especially children and young people, disability climbing groups, and people involved in our Active Communities programme. 

“With increased wall space suitable for these groups, we hope that it’ll increase the number of people getting involved in climbing for the first time. However, given the design of the new wall, it will also provide a few technical challenges for the more advanced climber too. It’s all about bringing climbing to more people.”

The project was funded by Edinburgh Leisure, who manage the facility at EICA: Ratho, and match funded by sportscotland, with an endorsement from Mountaineering Scotland. King Kong Climbing Walls from Cumbria built the walls after being successful in a tendering process.

Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said: “We work closely with partners across the country including Edinburgh Leisure to create the right facilities that will provide more opportunities for people to get active in their local communities.

“So, it’s great to see this new climbing wall at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, which will further enhance the already fantastic facilities that are available at Ratho and specifically create opportunities to help less experienced climbers develop their skills.

“Our investment in facilities such as this is made possible thanks to the National Lottery players who raise £30million each week for good causes. Without that level of support, developing community facilities like the new climbing wall would not be possible.”

Stuart Younie, CEO, Mountaineering Scotland said: “Following the debut of climbing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, Ratho provides a unique and important facility for the sport both at a national and international level.  

“It provides both a gateway for new participants and also an important training venue for those who are working towards competing at the highest levels in the sport. The new slab wall will open opportunities for more people to enjoy the benefits of participating in climbing as part of a clear participation pathway giving them the opportunity to progress and develop their skills.

“By supporting this project Mountaineering Scotland and the ClimbScotland programme also hope it will underpin further investment and support for the development of climbing at all levels to ensure the EICA: Ratho is a truly world class facility.”

Edinburgh Leisure is a charity on a mission to help keep people active and well always. They run over 50 sport, leisure and school venues and are committed to creating opportunities for everyone to get active and stay active.

Their Active Communities Programme harnesses the power of physical activity and sport to tackle inequalities and combat the effects of inactivity. Each year they support around 10,000 people affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequalities, and poverty to get active – empowering them to improve and protect their health, wellbeing, and quality of life.

For more information:
https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/edinburgh-international-climbing-arena

Social Bite launches Festival of Kindness

  • Social Bite lights up major cities encouraging kindness this Christmas
  • Charity aims to provide 300,000 gifts, meals and essential items to people experiencing homelessness this Christmas
  • Christmas trees with donation points installed in five cities, Edinburgh London, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee, to emphasise that ‘in a world where you can be anything, be kind.’

Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness has launched in five cities across the UK today, expanding on last year’s campaign, in a bid to spread some much-needed festive goodwill and kindness.

The charity is asking people in Edinburgh, London, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee to donate meals, gifts, essential items and accommodation to those who need it most this Christmas.

Through the campaign, Social Bite has set a target of providing 300,000 meals and essential items of the winter months to those experiencing homelessness this festive period.

Working alongside local partners, Social Bite has installed five 28ft tall Christmas trees across the country and is asking people to buy one extra gift, drop it under the tree and contribute to a movement of kindness.

Festival of Kindness locations include:

·       St Andrew’s Square, Edinburgh

·       Charing Cross Station, London

·       Vinicombe Street, Glasgow

·       Outside M&S at the Bon Accord centre, Aberdeen

·       City Square, Dundee

The charity has created a gift wish list of the things homeless and vulnerable people need the most – from a warm pair of gloves, a hot water bottle and a torch, to good quality socks and toys for children  living in temporary accommodation to open on Christmas morning.

Passers-by can drop their gifts at the trees and take in the Christmas lights, meet Santa in Edinburgh and hear more about Social Bite’s ambitions from volunteers. All gifts will then be distributed by Social Bite’s dedicated team to those who need it most, just in time for Christmas.

Social Bite co-founder and Executive Director, Josh Littlejohn MBE, said: “This Christmas, many of us will be able to reunite with family and friends to celebrate after so many restrictions.

“But for homeless people and families, the pandemic has made their situation particularly desperate. Thousands of people all over the UK will spend Christmas on the streets – cold, hungry and lonely, without a family to go to. Thousands of children will find themselves in temporary emergency accommodation or without food on the table over the festive period. 

 “That’s why we are building on the success of last year’s campaign to expand our reach even further, going from two to five locations and taking Festival of Kindness to London for the very first time.

 “Our Festival of Kindness campaign aims to spread some festive cheer. In a world, where you can be anything, we’re urging people to be kind and buy or donate a little extra to help those who need it most – even the smallest of gifts will make a huge difference.”

Monetary donations can also be made online via the Social Bite website which will then go towards the provision of food, gifts and essential items.

Donations will also help fund accommodation and support for those sleeping rough in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen and London.

Social Bite has a track record of successful fundraising campaigns, having previously hosted ‘Sleep Out’ events in all major Scottish cities, then helped to launch The World’s Big Sleep Out for a global campaign attended by Hollywood A-listers including Dame Helen Mirren and Will Smith in 2019.

Last year’s Festival of Kindness held in Edinburgh and Glasgow raised over £1.5m.

All gifts should be new and unwrapped, with a helpful ‘how-to’ guide on their website.

To find out more or donate, please visit https://festive.social-bite.co.uk/