Edinburgh parents more anxious than ever about the cost of school uniforms

The Leith Collective launches free school uniform exchange to help worried parents this summer  

School’s out for summer but far from signalling the start of a care-free holiday, many Edinburgh parents are already worrying about how they will afford new school uniforms when the holiday is over and the new academic year begins. 

That’s according to one local Community Interest Company, The Leith Collective, who are reporting a higher level of anxiety than ever amongst Edinburgh parents, many of whom have said they will be cutting back on summer holiday treats this year to meet the rising cost of essentials such as school uniforms.

And so, The Leith Collective is acting now to help alleviate some of that anxiety with the launch of their free school uniform exchange.

Taking place at The Leith Collective stores in Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal and Fort Kinnaird as well as the Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre, this initiative will see locals donate good quality uniforms, schoolbags, pencil cases and school essentials to those in need. Items will be available for anyone to collect completely free of charge, no questions asked. 

Speaking ahead of the launch, The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson said; “Demand for our free school uniform exchange last year was high. Sadly, due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, there is an increasing number of families from all walks of life who are genuinely anxious about how they will kit out their kids again this year.

“So, we felt it was essential that we launch our free school uniform exchange as soon as possible – so that parents have at least one less thing to worry about throughout the school holidays.”

This summer’s free school uniform exchange follows The Leith Collective’s winter coat exchange which received an overwhelming response, with over 7,000 coats donated and collected by locals.  

People can donate and collect items at The Leith Collective in Ocean Terminal, Fort Kinnaird, and the St Enoch Centre during opening hours. No tights or socks can be accepted but all other good quality school items are welcome.

• The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal
  Ocean Drive, Edinburgh
  EH6 6JJ
  Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 11am – 6pm, and Sunday 11am – 5pm.

• The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird
• Newcraighall, Edinburgh
• EH15 3RD
• Opening hours: 10am – 8pm seven days a week

• The Leith Collective at St Enoch Centre,
• Glasgow G1 4BW
• Opening hours: 10am – 5pm, seven days a week