Category: city centre

Forever Edinburgh partners with One City Trust to deliver a new Give Back campaign for Edinburgh residents this winter

Forever Edinburgh has unveiled a new charity drive today, which will see it collaborate with local tourism businesses to provide hundreds of free experiences to those most in need this festive season and beyond.

‘Resident Rewards Edinburgh Gives Back’ is being delivered via Forever Edinburgh’s ‘Resident Rewards Edinburgh’ programme, local tourism businesses, and the One City Trust, an independent charity, which supports those living in poverty or facing social inequality in Edinburgh.  

Almost 500 leisure and cultural experiences will be available for One City Trust to distribute amongst its network of partners and community groups in areas such as homelessness, youth empowerment, mental health, older people, disability support, food poverty, refugees and migrants.  

The scale of the initiative has been made possible thanks to the generous donations of local businesses, who have match-funded experiences purchased by Forever Edinburgh’s Resident Rewards Edinburgh programme.  

This will include tickets to venues such as Edinburgh Castle, Gladstone’s Land, Go Ape Dalkeith and Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. Residents can also explore the rich stories of the capital with Mercat Tours or delve into the chilling tales at The Edinburgh Dungeon.  

Camera Obscura

Tastings and tours have been organised at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Port of Leith Distillery and Lind & Lime Gin, along with a visit to the renowned Scotch Whisky Experience. Dining highlights include The Brasserie at The Scholar, Ten Hill Place Hotel, Fazenda Rodizio Bar and Grill and The Roseate Edinburgh.   

Forever Edinburgh’s Resident Rewards Edinburgh programme was launched in 2021 to reconnect residents with their city via a range of discounts, offers and exclusive experiences at attractions and venues throughout Edinburgh.  

Working with local businesses, it has helped to drive the local economy, encouraging residents to get out and explore new experiences, especially at non-peak times of the year and beyond the city centre.  

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, said: “These fantastic donations are hugely welcome and will help nearly 500 people in the city to create lasting memories. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience being a tourist in their home city, and to enjoy the incredible events and attractions we have on offer.   

“Forever Edinburgh is on a drive to make sure the city’s tourism offering is truly inclusive and these contributions will be gifted to local people through our charity partners, adding to the 8,400 discounts and experiences exclusively for residents that have already been enjoyed. 

“It gives a chance to people who otherwise would not be able to experience these great attractions, and I’d like to extend my gratitude to all organisations who have stepped up to make the new initiative possible and who have exceeded our expectations. Their generosity is supporting the One City Trust in its efforts to tackle inequality across our communities.” 

Julie Trevisan-Hunter, Marketing Director at The Scotch Whisky Experience, added: “We have been working with Forever Edinburgh’s Resident Rewards Edinburgh since it launched in 2021.

“In that time, it has helped us to reach new audiences and attract people already living on our doorstep to come along to visit. We are delighted to support this campaign, knowing the impact it will have on those living in challenging circumstances and perhaps not able to enjoy some of Edinburgh’s iconic experiences as often as they would like.”    

Resident Rewards Edinburgh Gives Back launched on Wednesday with experiences open for use until spring 2025.  

Participating businesses and experiences include:  

  • Camera Obscura & World of Illusions 
  • Department of Magic  
  • Edinburgh Bus Tours 
  • Edinburgh Castle  
  • Edinburgh Marine Academy  
  • Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill  
  • Go Ape Dalkeith Country Park  
  • Gladstone’s Land  
  • Johnnie Walker Princes Street  
  • Lind & Lime Gin 
  • Mercat Tours  
  • Port of Leith Distillery  
  • The Scotch Whisky Experience  
  • Surgeons Quarter – Ten Hill Place Hotel 
  • The Roseate Edinburgh 
  • The Edinburgh Dungeon  
  • The Brasserie at The Scholar Hotel  

Registered Scottish charities or constituted community groups across Edinburgh can nominate individuals to receive a voucher. To speak to One City Trust about nominations, please contact: admin@onecitytrust.com.  

For further information about Resident Rewards Edinburgh, visit:

edinburgh.org/residentrewards.  

HEATTECH continues the pursuit of ultimate comfort in Scotland

UNIQLO partners with Social Bite and Unique Assembly to provide warmth to local Scottish communities

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO announces the latest innovations for HEATTECH, its thin and warm thermal clothing technology that converts water vapor from the body into heat.

Following the Edinburgh store opening in Spring 2024, UNIQLO are pleased to offer its HEATTECH lineup to the people of Scotland this winter.

The epitome of UNIQLO’s LifeWear philosophy, for more than two decades, available in three levels of warmth: HEATTECH (Regular), HEATTECH Extra Warm and HEATTECH Ultra Warm, HEATTECH has changed winter fashion around the world.

The 2024 HEATTECH offering has even greater comfort. The new HEATTECH EXTRA WARM Cashmere Blend from the UNIQLO: C collection has a 9% cashmere blend to provide a soft and fluffy feel. In addition to innerwear, the broad lineup of products incorporating HEATTECH technology also includes outer layers and accessories. HEATTECH continues to support winter lifestyles, making the cold season warmer, lighter, and more comfortable.

The Heart of LifeWear in partnership with Social Bite

In the Social Bite coffee shop November 2024, donations of new HEATTECH items were provided as the part of The Heart of LifeWear initiative by Alessandro Dudech, UNIQLO UK COO, and representatives from Social Bite’s Jobs First employment programme for people affected by homelessness.

This winter, UNIQLO will launch the ‘Heart of LifeWear’ initiative donating one million new items of HEATTECH, thermal clothing, worldwide to make life a little more comfortable for those who are in a severe situation. With the help of its NGO partners, UNIQLO is working to provide warmth and comfort to people all over the world.  

Since the opening of the UNIQLO Edinburgh store in April 2024, UNIQLO UK has partnered with local Scottish charity Social Bite, to support its mission to end homelessness.

UNIQLO is pleased to announce Social Bite as one of the UK recipients for the ‘Heart of LifeWear’ initiative, in the coming winter, with over 2,500 items of HEATTECH that will be distributed in Scotland via the Social Bite network.

Josh Littlejohn, Social Bite Founder,said: “We’re thrilled that our partnership with UNIQLO will bring thousands of thermal items to people affected by homelessness this winter.

“This essential support provides warmth and comfort through the coldest months, while also helping to raise awareness of challenges faced by people most in need.

“With homelessness rising across the UK, UNIQLO customers can also make a financial donation to Social Bite at UNIQLO tills this season, supporting vulnerable people during winter and beyond.”

Alongside Social Bite, UNIQLO UK will partner with Goods for Good, Crisis Liverpool, Crisis London and New Horizon to distribute a total of 10,000 HEATTECH items this winter.

UNIQLO Ice Rink

As part of the HEATTECH activity in Scotland, UNIQLO is delighted to partner with Unique Assembly as title sponsor of this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas Ice Rink on the West End of George Street.

Every attendee of the Ice Rink will receive a scratch card offering money off vouchers and lucky winners will receive one free item of HEATTECH, vouchers are redeemable at the  Edinburgh store until the end of January 2025.

Speaking about the partnership Sally Richens, Brand Manager UNIQLO U.K. said: “Following our successful Edinburgh store opening in April this year, we are delighted to support the Edinburgh Ice Rink this winter.

“We hope to bring warmth to the city via our HEATTECH thermal products, allowing people to enjoy outdoor pursuits this festive season.”

When: 22 November – 04 January

Where: West George Street between Castle Street and Charlotte Square

You can find more info on this link: https://edwinterfest.com/whats-on/ice-skating

City Art Centre honours Jean Fletcher Watson as statue goes on display

Visitors to the City Art Centre can now celebrate a key figure behind in the city’s art collection with the installation of a statue honouring Jean Fletcher Watson.

In the 1960s, Edinburgh resident Jean Fletcher Watson (1877-1974) established The Jean F. Watson Bequest, a significant financial contribution to the City of Edinburgh dedicated to building a collection of Scottish art. This bequest remains the city’s primary funding source for acquiring artworks.

Since then, the fund has been used not only to address historical gaps in the fine art collection but also supports the purchase of contemporary works.

To date over 1,000 artworks have been acquired through the Bequest, featuring notable pieces by renowned artists such as Allan Ramsay, John Lavery, J.D. Fergusson, Dorothy Johnstone, William Gillies, Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Eduardo Paolozzi, Joan Eardley, John Bellany, Victoria Crowe, and Maud Sulter.

In the 1960s, to honour Watson’s vital contribution to the development of the collection, the city commissioned sculptor Eric Schilsky to create a portrait bust of her. Schilsky, who served as Head of the School of Sculpture at Edinburgh College of Art from 1945 to 1969, crafted this bronze bust, which is now permanently displayed as part of the City Art Centre’s collection.

Val Walker, Convener for Culture and Communities, said: “I am thrilled that the council approved the request from the Committee of the Jean F. Watson Bequest to provide a permanent showcase for this influential figure in our culture. Her contributions to the visual arts and culture in Edinburgh are invaluable and she should be celebrated.

“It’s remarkable that over 1,000 works have been acquired through this fund, tracing the evolution of visual arts in Scotland from the 17th century to today.

“The collection offers a rich overview for both current audiences and future generations, encompassing a diverse array of styles and mediums, including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, and installation art.

“Now whilst enjoying the collection visitors can also learn about Jean F Watson’s legacy.”
 

Swamplesque is back in Scotland for Edinburgh’s Christmas! 

Assembly Hall from 5 December – 4 January

Swamplesque, everyone’s favourite ogre-inspired burlesque and drag parody, is back for Edinburgh’s Christmas!

See it at Assembly Hall from 5 Dec – 4 Jan.

https://edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas/whats-on/swamplesque

Johnnie Walker Princes Street all set for successful Festive Season

  • Gifting, tours and tastings, Johnnie Walker Princes Street has everything under one-roof this festive season
  • The Eight Floor venue on Edinburgh’s Princes Street has Once Again been Named World’s Leading Spirit Experience at the World Travel Awards

The countdown to the most festive time of the year is officially on, and as the lights begin to twinkle and thoughts turn towards celebrations, there is no better place to start the festivities than Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh.

This has been a milestone year for the venue which celebrated its third anniversary and one million visitors from over 141 countries since opening, and last week was once again crowned as the World’s Leading Spirit Experience in the World Travel Awards, known as the Oscars of tourism.

Bringing in the most festive time of the year, the venue is getting ready for party season with festive discounts on whisky and retail items, prize draws of a seasonal bottling and experiences*, canapes, alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails and non-alcoholic hot-toddies, plus performances from Wicked Pitch Choir, all available between 6-8 December.

The venue is a must-visit location throughout November and December for anyone looking for festive food and drinks, a whisky experience like no other, or a place to pick up the perfect gift for loved ones.

Don’t miss the venue’s annual wintery projection which will be lighting up Princes Street with eight-storey high nutcrackers, beautifully wrapped presents, and a stunning snowscape to mark its newly released Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet bottle in collaboration with Priyanka Chopra Jonas.

Go online to explore the experiences available or book your spot at the 1820 Rooftop Bar: JohnnieWalkerPrincesStreet.com.

Festive food and drink at the 1820 Rooftop Bar

‘Tis the season for enjoying the very best food and drink, and the 1820 Rooftop Bar has just that. If you’re looking to bring in the festive season with friends or work-mates over a festive meal, or need somewhere to relax after a long day of shopping, pick from a range of small to large plates of delicious, locally sourced food.

Cocktails and mocktails are available at the 1820 Rooftop Bar and are complimented by expansive views over the Edinburgh City skyline and the Edinburgh Castle. Crafted by the talented in-house team, you can select from classic cocktails to something a bit more creative such as the maple syrup + five spice lowball.

This mix of Johnnie Walker Green Label, Maple Syrup Port of Leith Oloroso Sherry and the house-made five spice liquid infusion packs flavour and comes and topped with that all important black sesame cracker.

Book your spot now.

One stop shop for gifting

An experience in itself, visitors can explore one-off rare gifts, to stocking fillers and much more. Discover a treasure trove of Johnnie Walker exclusives, single malt whiskies. From peaty to smoky to sweet flavours, there’s something for every palate, plus you can even get hands-on by filling, bottling, and engraving your own seasonal Johnnie Walker blend which is the perfect gift.

Gift boxes can be packed full of Johnnie Walker goodies galore. Select the perfect combo for the lucky person on your gift list – Christmas tree baubles, crackers, a Johnnie Walker hat made from sustainable materials or a miniature bottle of the iconic Johnnie Walker Blue Label, make your pick and be sure to stand out at this year’s Secret Santa.

Kind spirits looking to give the gift of whisky to a loved one are also in luck. Johnnie Walker Princes Street whisky gift cards in store to give the gift of choice, from exclusive bottlings, clothing and accessories; or arrange an e-gift card online for one of the brilliant experiences.

Experiences

Experiences continue to be on the rise when it comes to what people are looking for during gifting season – at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, you can hand-pick an experience for the favourite people in your life based on their preferences. From experiences for those new to whisky, to guided tastings from experts for those better acquainted with the liquid and its origins, choose from a host of options and make someone’s winter.

Journey of Flavour (£30)

Perfect for a gift, or just for marking the most magical time of year with loved ones, add the immersive 90-minute Journey of Flavour Tour to your plans, and set off on a whisky discovery experience where personal flavour preferences are mapped with drinks tailored to each individual palate.

Book Journey of Flavour here.

Whisky Maker’s Cellar (£95)

One for the whisky lovers, here guests can delve further into the plethora of whiskies made across Scotland including newly added exclusive casks, Mortlach and Roseisle. With tastings of rare and exceptional drams, plus the chance to watch as an expert guide draws from a cask and blends a truly unique iteration just for you – this is a must-do experience for anyone who loves their Scotch.

Book the Whisky Maker’s Cellar here.

Johnnie & The Chocolatier Experience (£65)

Treat your loved ones to two of life’s luxuries at this pairing experience. Tap into the senses and taste whisky like never have before – explore the depth of flavours and complexity of taste with four delicious Johnie Walker drams, alongside chocolates from the renowned Highland Chocolatier, Iain Burnett.

Book Johnnie & The Chocolatier Experience here.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label & Ice Chalet Tasting Experience (£30)

Perfectly on season, try out the newly released Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet by Master Blender Emma Walker in a 45-minute sensory tasting at Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s exclusive Cinema Room. A stunning blend of drams from some of Scotland’s highest distilleries distilled in the coldest of winters, you can sample this unique, velvety-smooth whisky which evokes fresh snow, warm fires and crisp mountain air.

Book The Ice Chalet Experience here.

Rob Maxwell, head of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: “It’s been a year of celebrations for us here at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, and as we approach our third festive season in Edinburgh, we are looking forward to celebrating with our guests.

“Our stunning projection is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to us marking party season in style – once guests step inside, they’re in for a treat, whether they’re in for an experience, a cocktail or a spot of shopping.

“If you’re looking for something wintery, we have it in the form of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet bottle which comes with its own carrier as designed by luxury ski-wear brand Perfect Moment, or if you’re staying out the cold head up to the 1820 Rooftop Bar and look down, cocktail in hand, as the lights sparkle across the city welcoming in the most wonderful time of the year.”

To book your Johnnie Walker experience, and for more information, visit:

 JohnnieWalkerPrincesStreet.com

Top UK attraction in Edinburgh with more reviews that Disneyland launches new Christmas tour

This December, Edinburgh’s top tourist attraction, The Real Mary King’s Close, invites visitors to enjoy a brand-new immersive experience and travel back in time to the 19th century, uncovering how fascinating Victorian traditions shaped the way we celebrate Christmas today.

Running four times daily each Sunday in December, the exclusive new experience invites small groups to journey back in time to meet the residents of The Close and learn about the history of Christmas, including the law that effectively banned Christmas celebrations in Scotland for nearly 400 years.

Amid a widespread crisis within the Catholic Church and the spread of the Protestant Reformation across Europe, the Kirk in Scotland grew increasingly wary of anything associated with Roman Catholic practices. This ultimately led the Scottish Parliament to enact a law in 1640 that outlawed the celebration of “Yule vacations.”

After embarking on the one-hour standard guided tour, guests will make their way to an atmospheric underground vaulted room for an exclusive 30-minute interactive experience where they’ll meet a special member of the Chesney family, one of the last residents of Mary King’s Close.

Visitors will enjoy listening to tales of the festive season, uncovering the rise of beloved customs that live on today, whilst enjoying a Victorian craft activity and indulging in warm tea and freshly baked scones.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “Christmas as we know it today was once forbidden in Scotland, with celebrations banned for nearly 400 years and harsh punishments in place due to religious laws.

“We’re delighted to bring this unique tour to life for our guests and highlight how Victorian traditions eventually revived Christmas here in Scotland, and within the city.

“After being named the UK’s best tourist attraction earlier in the year in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, we’re delighted to continue offering experiences that shine a light on Edinburgh’s remarkable history with locals and visitors alike.”

The Real Mary King’s Close stands as an important part of Edinburgh’s history. It teaches future generations about the incredible struggles people faced during the plague, the extreme living conditions, and the punishing impact of social hierarchy.

The exclusive 1.5hr Victorian Christmas experience will be running every Sunday in December, with four tours running each day at 12.00, 13.30, 15.00 and 16.30. Prices are £32.50 per adult and £25 per child (5-15 years old).

For more information and bookings please visit: 

https://bookings.realmarykingsclose.com/book/a-victorian-christmas-experience/263

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo celebrates 75 Years with an exhibition at St Andrew Square

Take a stroll through the proud and inspiring 75-year history of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo as it celebrates this special landmark with a free gallery installation at St Andrew Square, opposite the Edinburgh Tram stop.

From Monday 2 December to Monday 16 December, locals and visitors to the capital alike will be able to take a step back in time to immerse in the rich history and evolution of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, from its inception in 1950 to its current status as one of the world’s leading immersive events.

The timeline showcases the heritage and heroes of the Edinburgh Tattoo, bringing together the best of British Military with international performances from a global cast.

Tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s 75th anniversary Show are now on sale and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188. The Show will run from 1-23 August 2025.

Alan Cumming and Paula Hawkins join Val McDermid and Nicola Sturgeon for festive book event

  • Special guests award-winning actor Alan Cumming and bestselling author of The Girl on the Train Paula Hawkins will join book lovers Val McDermid and Nicola Sturgeon for a special festive in-conversation event as part of Edinburgh’s Christmas that explore the joys of reading 
  • Final tickets  on sale now
  • In The Company of Books joins stellar line-up of Christmas Shows at Assembly Hall this year including Jason Byrne, Swamplesque and The Bubble Show 

Edinburgh’s Christmas has announced multi-award winning actor Alan Cumming and author of  bestselling book The Girl on the Train Paula Hawkins will join book lovers Val McDermid and Nicola Sturgeon for a special festive edition of their in-conversation event, In The Company of Books.

This special edition of In The Company of Books reunites friends and book lovers Val and Nicola to discuss all things literary, following a number of sold-out, acclaimed in-conversation events across the UK in recent years. 

Special guests Alan Cumming and Paula Hawkins will join Val and Nicola to explore the joys of reading alongside a few glasses of mulled wine and a lot of festive cheer.

Alan Cumming is the BAFTA Award, Emmy Award, Tony Award, and Olivier Award winning star of stage and screen known for Cabaret on Broadway (1994), Macbeth (2013), GoldenEye (1995), Nightcrawler in X2 (2003), the CBS series The Good Wife (2010–2016) and as host of the Peacock reality game show The Traitors. Plus, the Scottish star was recently announced as Artistic Director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre. 

Paula Hawkins is the author of The Girl on the Train which became a global phenomenon, selling over 23 million copies. Published in over fifty languages, it was a No.1 bestseller around the world and a box-office-hit film starring Emily Blunt. Paula’s most recent thrillers, Into the Water and A Slow Fire Burning, were also instant No.1 bestsellers with her new thriller, The Blue Hour,  published to acclaim earlier in the year. 

Alan Cumming said: “Val and Nicola are both huge inspirations to me, and I can’t wait to share a stage to talk about our shared passion for books.”

Paula Hawkins said: “There are few things I like more than a trawl through someone’s bookshelves, so I’m looking forward to having a good chat with Val and Nicola about the books we’ve loved and been inspired by over the years.”

Val McDermid has sold over 19 million books to date across the globe and has been translated into more than 40 languages. She is perhaps best known for her Wire in the Blood series featuring clinical psychologist Dr Tony Hill and DCI Carol Jordan andis the recipient of six honorary doctorates and an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda’s College, Oxford.

Nicola Sturgeon is the MSP for Glasgow Southside constituency, and the former First Minister of Scotland – the longest-serving and first woman First Minister.

In The Company of Books joins a stellar line-up of performances taking place at Assembly Hall as part of Edinburgh’s Christmas this year.

These include the award-winning, critically acclaimed burlesque and drag parody show Swamplesque, brilliantly funny stand-up comedy from Jason Byrne in Jason Byrne: No Show; plus fun for all the family at the enchanting and inspiring children’s show The Bubble Show. 

For further information and to buy tickets, please go to edinburgh-christmas.com.

Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions are open daily except Christmas Day, with varying opening dates and times available at the official website. 

“Transformative” partnership aims to keep hostelling affordable and sustainable amid rising costs

Energy consumption has plummeted at one of Edinburgh’s biggest hostels as the result of a pilot programme designed to keep costs down for visitors while improving sustainability.

After the success of the innovative energy saving programme at Edinburgh Central Hostel, Hostelling Scotland is now exploring how to roll out the energy saving programme across their portfolio of larger hostels which are open all year round.

The ‘Eyes on the Energy’ trial came after Hostelling Scotland was introduced to energy monitoring solutions company, Energy Saving Bear through Royal Bank of Scotland.

The partnership saw the hostel install high-tech sensors to measure electricity usage throughout the premises, allowing the team to pinpoint exactly where and how much energy was being consumed or wasted and providing a clear foundation for developing effective energy-saving solutions.

The project, which is on track to achieve a return on investment in less than six months, has already resulted in a 19% drop in consumption in just four months.

Margo Paterson, CEO of Hostelling Scotland, said: “The results of this trial could be transformative for our Edinburgh Central Hostel – and hostels across Scotland.

“With energy prices affecting the sector, we are on a mission to make travelling in Scotland accessible and affordable to visitors. The beauty of hostelling is how it provides opportunities to a wider group of people to explore more of what our beautiful country has to offer. 

“As an organisation, we are always experimenting with ways to make sure we give people the chance to travel while reducing their impact on the environment. We’re very pleased to see this trial showed significant energy savings and reduced carbon emissions.”

Located at the top of Leith Walk, Edinburgh Central Hostel is in a prime city centre location and is visited by travellers from across the globe looking for a budget stay, as well as being a place for carers and Parent Network Scotland to use for respite breaks. It also enables youth programmes to give disadvantaged young people the opportunity to see part of the country they might not have been able to.

Kevin Havelock, Head of Commercial Mid Markets at Royal Bank of Scotland, added: “By introducing Hostelling Scotland, our long-standing customer, to Jamie and the team at Energy Saving Bear, we empowered them to harness smart technology and innovative solutions.

“This collaborative effort led to a deeper understanding of energy consumption patterns and inspired a cultural shift towards sustainable practices.

“The early success of this partnership is a testament to the strength of collaboration.  By uniting efforts and sharing a common purpose, we have achieved significant results.”

To find out more about the support Royal Bank of Scotland provides to businesses to grow and scale, click here.

Social Bite Festival of Kindness seeks Edinburgh locals to help to raise donations and joy in the city

  • The Edinburgh Festival of Kindness campaign kicks off on Castle Street
  • The charity is calling for locals to rally to help hit target of providing 300,000 gifts, meals and essential items to homeless and vulnerable people this Christmas

Leading homelessness charity, Social Bite, is calling on kind-hearted Edinburgh locals of all ages to help raise 300,000 gifts, meals and essential items to donate to people experiencing homelessness this Christmas season as part of its Festival of Kindness (from Monday 25th November).

The charity’s annual campaign is returning to the city for its fifth year, as it continues its mission to help end homelessness and spread some much-needed festive joy throughout November and December. This year donations can be made to the city’s Tree of Kindness on Castle Street.

Since 2019, Edinburgh locals have contributed generously towards Social Bite’s yearly target of 300,000 gifts, essentials and Christmas meals, which went towards providing vulnerable people and people experiencing homelessness with a loving Christmas.

Homelessness has been declared as a national emergency, and food poverty is on the rise, so more people are facing a desperate winter than ever before, including families with children. This is why each year Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness aims to bring joy and comfort to those who are facing a difficult Christmas, and this year that may be needed more than ever.

As well as gifts hand delivered to the Social Bite Tree of Kindness, those looking to take part can also donate virtually. Donations of just £28 could provide someone with a hot Christmas meal, a gift, a bundle of essential items and a bed for the night.

Supporters can also choose to donate items including a pack of warm gloves for £10, or even 10 winter essential items and backpack for £250: there are so many ways to get involved and help support people who need it most at this time of year.

Founder of Social Bite, Josh Littlejohn MBE, said: “Across the UK, homelessness is increasing. Earlier this year, the Scottish government homelessness report revealed a 5% increase in homelessness applications in Edinburgh, and just recently, the city’s vulnerable took a further hit with the announcement that 1,200 affordable homes will be cut from plans due to lack of funding. That means this year, our Festival of Kindness is more important than ever. 

“The people of Edinburgh have generously supported Festival of Kindness for the past four years. This year, we’re asking them to once again demonstrate that warm-heartedness they’re famous for and donate at our Tree of Kindness or online.” 

Over and above the tree located on Edinburgh’s Castle Street, four other Trees of Kindness have been installed across the UK. Donors can bring physical gifts to the trees which will be distributed to homeless and vulnerable people in time for Christmas, including:

  • Glasgow – Vinicombe Street
  • Dundee – Union Street
  • London – the Strand, outside Charing Cross station
  • Aberdeen – outside the Bon Accord Centre

For anyone who can’t make it along to the Festival of Kindness donation points, contributions can also be made online at social-bite.co.uk/festival-of-kindness/.

The charity, in collaboration with people they support, has created a wish list of items and gifts that vulnerable people and people experiencing homelessness want most at this time of year.

These include a warm pair of gloves, a hot water bottle and a torch, good quality socks, and toys and warm clothing for children living in temporary accommodation to open on Christmas morning.

Donors can also buy a Christmas dinner, a gift, a pack of essential items and overnight emergency accommodation for £28.