Scottish Building Society, the world’s oldest remaining building society, celebrated its new Edinburgh Relationship Centre with a special event for members and a few surprise guests.
Although the Society’s Head Office remains at 193 Dalry Road, its Edinburgh Relationship Centre moved to its new location on 20 Frederick Street earlier this summer.
The site, which was previously occupied by opticians, Black & Lizars, is in a prime location for workers, residents and visitors in Edinburgh to use the facilities and chat to Scottish Building Society’s friendly and experienced team about their financial plans.
Members and colleagues were joined by Edinburgh Rugby and Scotland international rugby players Glen Young and Scott Steele who talked about their times in the Scotland camp and the chances of the team at the World Cup, along with their aspirations for the upcoming 2023/24 BKT United Rugby Championship season.
New Senior Coach of Edinburgh Rugby Sean Everitt also joined members to discuss his coaching career and aims for the team.
The day was topped off with whisky aficionado David Iain Grant from The Jar, who led members through a whisky tasting experience and catering from social enterprise Social Bite.
Scottish Building Society relocated from its original Edinburgh Relationship Centre with a view to creating a venue which would better serve new and existing members, providing financial assistance, in a friendly and supportive way.
Helping local communities is a key focus for Scottish Building Society moving forward as it launched the Scottish Building Society Foundation in partnership with Foundation Scotland, to invest in good causes and help build stronger communities.
Launched in May 2023 to align with the organisation’s 175th anniversary, an incredible £175,000 will be granted to local charities, causes and organisations across Scotland.
From the first round of award funding, Edinburgh Tool Library recently received £4,985 to further develop its Cycle Kitchen, an initiative designed to promote bicycle tool proficiency, and fostering self-reliance across the city.
Relationship Centre Manager, Lisa McKay said: “At Scottish Building Society, a core value is putting people and communities at the heart of what we do, and our Frederick Street Relationship Centre is another example of our commitment to Scotland’s High Streets.
“Having only recently started with the Society, it has been so inspiring to meet colleagues, and we’re looking forward to helping our members throughout 2023 and beyond.”
Sean Everitt, the new Edinburgh Rugby Senior Coach said: “Scottish Building Society is our Main Club Partner, and their support has been fantastic since I joined the club.
“Meeting members and Edinburgh Rugby fans in the new Relationship Centre was a great way to introduce myself and listen to fans old and new.”