Edinburgh’s small businesses shine as part of small business roadshow 

Independent businesses in Edinburgh celebrated as part of Small Business Saturday’s Tour highlighting the nation’s favourite businesses 

Local businesses in Edinburgh were in the spotlight this week when Small Business Saturday’s UK-wide roadshow visited the city, celebrating the nation’s favourite small businesses and their vital role in local communities. 

‘The Tour’, designed to champion small businesses across the UK in the run up to Small Business Saturday on 6 December, featured ‘behind the scenes’ visits to a selection of Edinburgh’s businesses, highlighting their stories, successes, and ambitions for the future. 

Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign that celebrates small businesses and encourages consumers to support and spend with small firms. 

During the visit, the roadshow met Jen Byrne, owner of By Jen Byrne, who creates beautiful, sustainable pieces from vintage and repurposed fabrics.

Jen said: “It means so much to have been visited by the Small Business Saturday roadshow team, and recognised as an independent fashion designer creating sustainable garments.”

Once again supported by BT, the Small Business Saturday roadshow is visiting over 20 towns and cities across the UK throughout November, showcasing local businesses on social media alongside offering a range of free online support for small business owners. 

Local businesses featured during the Edinburgh stop included PekoeTea, run by Jon (above) and Esther Cooper, a specialist tea company that handcrafts all of its blends just minutes from their shop, and Transfer Magic, run by Pete Harper, who digitises everything from videotapes and cine film to camcorder footage, helping preserve cherished memories for future generations.

“As a small business owner, it’s incredibly valuable to have Small Business Saturday championing our cause and shining a spotlight on how we make a living here at Transfer Magic”, Pete said.

“Participating in the tour will hopefully be really fruitful as we enter into the Christmas season. The webinars that run alongside the tour have given me great insight into how to better run my small business, and I’ll be using those lessons in the new year and beyond.”

Also featured was JustBe Botanicals, founded by Gail Bryden, which produces natural skincare and aromatherapy gifts. She said: “Being part of the Small Business Saturday roadshow is incredible because it puts the spotlight on businesses that otherwise wouldn’t get that sort of reach.

“Running up to Christmas is such an important time for small businesses and that’s why campaigns like Small Business Saturday are so important. When you shop local, that spend stays within your community, so go and support your small businesses.”

Following its stop in Edinburgh, Small Business Saturday’s roadshow will continue to Preston, Carlisle, and Manchester, ahead of the campaign on 6 December. 

“It’s incredible to have the opportunity to visit Edinburgh and hear directly from local entrepreneurs about their passion, innovation, and plans for growth,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK. 

“This year we’re highlighting the nation’s favourite businesses, which are the lifeblood of local communities, and it’s fantastic to see the support and enthusiasm they receive during the campaign.” 

Alongside the roadshow, Small Business Saturday is offering small businesses in Edinburgh and all over the UK a month of dedicated, free online business support, including webinars on a wide range of small business topics, as well as mentoring from business experts.

“Small businesses are vital to the UK economy, and giving entrepreneurs the right support and guidance is crucial to their success,” said Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, UK Business, at BT.

“The Tour provides a valuable opportunity to connect directly with small businesses across the country, offering tailored guidance and practical resources to help them grow and adapt. It’s a powerful initiative that brings businesses together to drive innovation, strengthen local communities, and build a more resilient economy.”

Backed by principal supporter American Express, Small Business Saturday has been running for over a decade since 2013. Over this time it has engaged millions of people and seen billions of pounds spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday, with an impact that lasts all year round. 

On Small Business Saturday, customers across the country are encouraged to support local businesses, whether online, in stores, or at events, many of which are offering special promotions to mark the day. 

The Small Business Saturday Tour team will travel across the UK in branded electric vehicles, reflecting the sustainable practices many small business owners are adopting in the race to net zero. 

To follow The Tour’s journey visit @SmallBizSatUK on Instagram.

Small businesses can head to the Small Business Saturday website to access free business support and get involved in the campaign – 

https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour#VirtualRoadshow  

Aldi opens applications for Christmas food donations programme

Aldi is calling on charities, community groups and food banks in Edinburgh to sign up for surplus food donations from its stores this Christmas.

The supermarket’s Edinburgh stores work with the community giving platform Neighbourly to donate surplus food throughout the year. But with all Aldi stores set to close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, there’s an opportunity for even more groups to benefit from the partnership over the festive season.

Participating charities will be matched with local Aldi stores and can collect fresh and chilled food nearing its expiration date, with Aldi expecting to donate an estimated one million meals to those in need over the festive period.

Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “The services our amazing charity partners provide are more in demand than ever during the festive period.

“That’s why we’re committed to offering as much support as we can to the communities we serve this Christmas.”

Steve Butterworth, Chief Executive Officer at Neighbourly, added: “Christmas can be a tough time for many families, and local charities are often a vital lifeline. We know there are still groups out there who could really use the extra help from businesses like Aldi, so we’d love them to get in touch.”

Any charity or community group not already working with Neighbourly can register their interest at neighbourly.com.

Customers can also donate food or household items year-round through community donation points in every Aldi store.

In addition to its long-term partnership with Neighbourly, Aldi has worked with Company Shop since 2022 to manage surplus stock from its Regional Distribution Centres. It sees surplus items sold at discounted prices to members throughout the year, making essentials more accessible and reducing waste.

Tinderbox Orchestra scale new heights with launch of spoken word EP at Push the Boat Out Festival

Tinderbox Orchestra have announced their new spoken word EP which is set to be released in January 2026. The first single Echoes of Creation will be released on Wednesday 19th November, with a launch celebration at Push the Boat Out Festival.  
 
Echoes of Creation was written in collaboration with Poet and former Craigmillar Library Manager Hannah McCooke in support of the ‘We Make Music’ Instrument Libraries – an initiative to get musical instruments into public libraries across Scotland. 

We Make Music Instrument Libraries Initiative, the partnership between Tinderbox Collective, Music Partnership Education Group, and Edinburgh Libraries now operates in ten local authorities and 30 community libraries across the country – resulting in thousands of people having borrowed instruments.

The project collects donated instruments, restores them, and makes them available to anyone – free of charge – so you can borrow them just like a book. 

Hannah McCooke said: “Echoes of Creation was written to celebrate the legacy of local working-class activist Helen Crummy.

“I worked as a community librarian when we were first piloting the instrument lending scheme, and I thought often of Helen and the campaigning she did for the children of my branch, at a time when a bare minimum education was deemed as more than enough for these kids. She campaigned tirelessly for equality of access to the arts and her impact is still felt.” 
 
Performing at Push the Boat Out, the orchestra will also be joined by some of Scotland’s most exciting spoken word artists; including award-winning writer, theatre-maker and performance poet RJ Hunter, and spoken word poet, actor and rapper Ace V!s!on.  
 
Bringing together rappers and singers with soaring strings, heavy brass, woodwind and thundering bass and drums, Tinderbox transforms preconceptions of what an orchestra can be.

Over the last few years they have performed at major festivals, events and venues including; Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall (Celtic Connections), Latitude Festival (BBC Introducing Stage), Fuse Festival (London), Hidden Door Festival, Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe by the Sea.

They have also produced multiple sell-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival and have toured across the UK and Ireland. 

Claire Docherty, Orchestra Manager, said: “This EP is the culmination of the Orchestra’s work over the last few years, touring libraries across the UK and Ireland, championing the ‘We Make Music’ Instrument Libraries initiative, and highlights our distinctive collaborations with some of Scotland’s leading spoken word artists.

“Launching it at Push the Boat Out — Edinburgh’s international Poetry Festival — where Tinderbox Collective helped bring the project to life — feels like the perfect way to celebrate this work.” 
 
Tickets for Tinderbox Orchestra at Push the Boat Out are on sale now at:

 https://pushtheboatout.org/events/light-it-up-tinderbox-orchestra/  

Brand-new Post Office opens at Roseburn Terrace

  • Opens at Premier, 47 Roseburn Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5NQ
  • Post Office open daily 
  • Modern open-plan retail environment
  • Open 108 hours a week 
  • Customers of main UK banks can access accounts at new branch
  • Services include bill payment, cash withdrawals, postage, home shopping collections and returns 

At the Post Office we are continually looking to refresh our network and ensure we meet our customer needs.  A brand-new Post Office has opened this week (6/11) at Premier, 47 Roseburn Terrace.

This new Roseburn Terrace branch will offer customers Post Office services from posting letters and parcels to collecting and returning online shopping items and everyday banking, and bill payments.

The service will be one of our local style branches with a low-screened, open-plan Post Office service point carefully integrated into the retail counter. 

Post Office services will be available: Monday – Sunday: 8am – 10pm. 

This will offer customers 108 hours of Post Office service a week, making it very convenient for customers.

 The new branch aims to offer even more convenience to Post Office customers by extending the availability of Post Offices services in the area at Gorgie Road, Dalry Road, Dundee Street, West Maitland Street and Balgreen Road.

Scott Hamilton, Post Office Area Change Manager, said: “We want to make it as easy as possible for customers to pay their bills, withdraw cash from their bank accounts, and send and collect their mail at a time and place that suits them best.

“We know how important our services are to customers, and we are confident that this brand-new Post Office will ensure that people in this area of Edinburgh have easy access to our services.”

New Scottish pie dinner at John’s Coffee House & Tavern

The historic Old Town venue has launched ‘John’s Pies’, a brand-new dinner menu dedicated entirely to one of the nation’s favourite comfort foods.

In partnership with Jarvis Pickle, based in the Scottish Borders and winners of 46 British Pie Awards and 21 Great Taste Awards, John’s Coffee House & Tavern now serves a menu of eight handcrafted pies, seven regulars and one rotating seasonal flavour, all made in Scotland using the finest ingredients.

Each pie is served with creamy mash, peas, and a rich gravy for £14.50, available daily from 5pm to 9pm. Diners can choose from a comforting and flavour-packed line-up, from rich venison to hearty beef, plus vegan and seasonal specials.

“Pies have always been part of Scottish heritage – simple, hearty and full of flavour,” says Corrina Croy, General Manager at John’s Coffee House & Tavern.

“Collaborating with Jarvis Pickle felt like the perfect fit for us. They share our values of quality, craftsmanship and celebrating the best of Scotland’s produce. John’s Pies brings a true taste of comfort to our dinner menu, just in time for the cold season.”

True to its ethos of supporting Scottish producers, John’s Coffee House & Tavern continues to champion local suppliers across its menu and bar. The bar serves only Bellfield Brewery beers and Edinburgh Cider Company ciders, both proudly brewed in Edinburgh, alongside a wide range of Scotch whiskies, offering the perfect pairing for a hearty pie supper.

Nestled behind St Giles’ Cathedral, John’s Coffee House & Tavern sits within CODE The Court, a boutique hotel and urban hostel housed in Edinburgh’s former police chambers and courthouse; a space steeped in character, stories, and tradition.

‘John’s Pies’ is now being served daily from 5pm to 9pm – walk-ins only.

Edinburgh school tackles gender gap in computing science with event open to girls across the city

With girls and women remaining underrepresented in computing at school and in the industry, Toni Scullion, teacher, campaigner and founder of non-profit charity dressCode, is working with St George’s School in Edinburgh to inspire more girls to see a future for themselves in the tech industry.  

The all-girls school is hosting its third annual Fearless Women in Computing event on Tuesday 11 November, an event which is open to all schoolgirls across Edinburgh. The event, which last year attracted 600 girls from 13 schools from four council areas, aims to encourage more girls to pursue computing science in school and in their professional lives.  

The day-long event will feature immersive experiences, workshops and stalls in collaboration with more than 20 companies, including The National Robotarium, IBM and The Quantum Software Lab at the University of Edinburgh.

There will be several guest talks on topics, including AI and women in tech, careers in finance and tech and seeing yourself in computing.  Skyscanner will sponsor transport for girls from state schools to attend, with priority given to providing the opportunity to pupils from areas of high deprivation.  

Scotland needs 13,000 new digital professionals yearly but produces only 5,000, with women making up just 23% of the digital technologies workforce in Scotland, revealing the clear need for more gender diversity within the industry.  

The gap begins at school – girls studying Computing Science in Scotland has dropped from almost 10,000 in 2001 to under 2,500 today, giving Computing Science the largest gender gap of any traditional STEM subject.  

Toni said: “I founded dressCode after noticing the inequality in Computing Science when I first became a teacher, and while we have made positive progress, there is still a need for urgent action.

“Girls almost always outperform boys in Computing Science through school and university, but as it stands only 23% take the subject at National 5, a percentage that only drops at each level to Advanced Higher.  

“The Fearless Women in Computing event is a fantastic initiative. It’s amazing to hear the sounds of high fives and exclamations from the girls when they solve a problem or make something happen.

“Positive experiences are what people remember and this event is incredible for the pupils; you know that these are moments that will stick with them and form their future choices. 

“Unfortunately there is no equity of access to Computing Science in Scotland, so not every pupil is fortunate enough to experience Computing Science and decide if it is something they enjoy; the door isn’t just closed, there is no door.

“If we don’t act now, we won’t see equality in our lifetimes – this event isn’t just a step in the right direction, it’s a critical action to ensure girls are the architects of a future designed for all.” 

dressCode was founded in 2017 to bridge the gender gap in Computing Science by engaging, inspiring, and raising awareness about the diverse opportunities available in the tech industry. 

Carol Chandler-Thompson, Head at St George’s, said: “Women make up only 22% of the AI workforce, meaning they are being left out of the most influential, high-paying jobs of the future.

“We know how important it is to show girls from early in their schooling that there is space for them in AI and technology industries, which is why we made Computing Science a core subject from P5 to S2.

“This summer 80% of our Higher Computing students achieved an A grade– it’s clear that when girls are encouraged to take Computing Science, they thrive.  

“Our Fearless Women in Computing event brings together schools, companies and innovators from across Scotland to create a hands-on, inspiring experience for girls across Edinburgh.

“We have seen first-hand the impact these events can have – hearing the stories of women in the industry, seeing the recent advances in robotics and AI, even “hacking Google” – the day is an eye-opener to the world of computing, and we would encourage as many schools as possible to come along.” 

100% of girls study Computing Science from P5 to S2 at St George’s, with a focus on building confidence and encouraging participation among pupils.

The school offers community lessons on Friday afternoons, so any girl from an Edinburgh state school can attend and benefit from the facilities and expertise available.  

The Fearless Women in Computing event is on 11 November from 9:30am – 3pm at St George’s School, Edinburgh.

It is open to any Edinburgh school girl from P6 to S6.  

Scottish Poppy Appeal 2025 ends on a high during final fundraising weekend

Thousands of volunteers took to streets, shopping centres and supermarkets for the final weekend of fundraising for the 2025 Scottish Poppy Appeal.  

Affectionately known across the country as Poppy Saturday, the day saw an army of volunteer collectors – including veterans, young cadets and members of the public – from Glasgow to Galashiels, Edinburgh to East Kilbride and beyond, all make another outstanding effort to raise vital funds to support the Armed Forces community in Scotland. 

Today, at 11am, the nation will pause for two minutes of silent reflection on Remembrance Sunday, knowing that Poppy Saturday has once again been a great success, with strong support and generous donations.

Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal Manager – Scotland, was delighted with the response to this year’s appeal, and said: “The support we have had, not just on Poppy Saturday but throughout the past three weeks, across the length and breadth of our country has once again been outstanding.

“Every donation makes a difference and helps provide vital, often life-changing support for current or former members of the Armed Forces and their families whether that is overcoming challenges related to financial difficulties, employment, housing, mental health, or any other number of areas.

“Quite literally, when a veteran’s life starts to unravel, Poppyscotland helps them piece it back together.

“So, on behalf of Poppyscotland and the Armed Forces community that we support, I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated so generously, or gave up their time to volunteer, allowing us to continue to offer help every step of the way.” 

The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with millions of poppies being distributed around the country during October and in the run up to Remembrance Sunday.

People can find out more at www.poppyscotland.org.uk.

The King leads nation in silence on Remembrance Sunday

His Majesty The King will lead the nation in a two-minute silence to remember those who died in conflict

  • Members of The Royal Family and senior politicians will lay wreaths at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London
  • 10,000 veterans will pay tribute as part of The Royal British Legion’s March Past the Cenotaph

His Majesty The King will lead the UK in the annual two-minute silence to remember those who have fallen and suffered in conflict at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph. 

The King will be joined by members of The Royal Family, the Prime Minister, senior politicians and faith representatives to mark the Armistice of the First World War and all other conflicts involving British and Commonwealth forces. 

Approximately 10,000 veterans will take part in the Royal British Legion’s March Past, with over 300 different Armed Forces and civilian organisations represented. People of all ages will be among those marching – from bereaved children and military cadets, through to some  of the last surviving veterans of the Second World War. Approximately 10,000 members of the public are expected to line Whitehall in London to watch the March Past and take part in the annual two-minute silence.

This follows commemorations earlier in the year to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) and Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), which paid tribute to the millions across the UK and Commonwealth who served in Europe and the Far East, telling the stories of those who fought, the children who were evacuated, and those who stepped into the essential roles on the Home Front. 

In Edinburgh, First Minister John Swinney MSP will join Robert Aldridge, the Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, along with Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander and veterans and serving personnel, to remember the fallen in a short service of remembrance this morning.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This Remembrance Sunday, we pause as a nation to honour all those who have served our country. We reflect on the extraordinary courage of our armed forces in the World Wars and subsequent conflicts, whose service secured the freedoms we cherish today.

“Eighty years since the end of the Second World War, we remember a generation who stood against tyranny and shaped our future. Their legacy is peace, and our duty is to protect it.

“Such sacrifice deserves more than silence, which is why this government remains committed to supporting veterans, their families, and those who serve. Today, we remember, and we renew our promise to uphold the values they fought for.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “This year, as we marked eighty years since the end of the Second World War, we have been reminded of the immense courage and sacrifices made by all those who have served our country. 

“On this Remembrance Sunday, we come together again to reflect and honour the sacrifices of our Armed Forces, past and present, and to ensure that their service is never forgotten.

“Today, we remember them, in grief and in gratitude, mindful that their legacy lives on in the freedom we enjoy today.”

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “On Remembrance Sunday we come together to honour those who fought and died so we could live in freedom.

“We pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our country, and we recognise the dedication of those who serve in our Armed Forces today to safeguard the peace we all inherited.

“As a nation, we pay our respects and thank our entire Armed Forces community. We will never take their service for granted.”

Chief of the Defence Staff  Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton KCB said: “Remembrance Sunday stands as both an important moment of national reflection and an opportunity for personal acts of remembrance.

“It is a time to honour all those who laid down their lives so that we might live in freedom as well as recognising those serving today, who continue to protect us.

“From the Cenotaph in London to memorials in towns and villages across the United Kingdom, and wherever our Armed Forces serve around the world, we pause to remember their courage, their sacrifice, and their enduring legacy. We shall remember them.”

Philippa Rawlinson, Director of Remembrance at the Royal British Legion said: “In a year that marks 80 years since Victory in Europe and Victory over Japan, we reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of the Second World War generation, aware that this is one of the nation’s last opportunities to recognise, thank and honour the small number of veterans still with us today.

“As we come together on Remembrance Sunday, we not only pay tribute to them but to all those who have bravely defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.

“From risking their lives in warzones to spending time away from their families, and providing vital support during emergencies and humanitarian disasters, the dedication of our Armed Forces community is extraordinary. We encourage the nation to pause, reflect and remember their service and sacrifice.”

101-year-old Donald Poole, a veteran of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, who will be marching with the Burma Star Memorial Fund said: “It is a great honour to be able to pay tribute to the poor souls who have died in all conflicts, and I know how lucky I am to still be here thanks to all those who have fought and served, past and present.

“I also want to pay tribute to the civilian services who suffered during the Second World War, particularly the Fire Service, who saved so many lives during the Blitz – many of whom lost their own.”

The UK Armed Forces continue to honour the legacy of their predecessors by working year-round to safeguard UK security and global stability.

As the nation remembers its fallen, British forces around the world will be protecting NATO’s eastern flank from threats, disrupting threats to international shipping in the world’s busiest shipping lanes, supporting with de-escalating tensions in the Middle East and training hundreds more Ukrainian personnel in the battlefield skills needed to defend their country.

In all, close to 9,000 personnel will be deployed on operations and overseas bases around the world on Remembrance Sunday.

For those unable to travel to London for the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph or to their local Remembrance Sunday service, the national event will be broadcast live on the BBC, and Sky News. 

On BBC television, coverage will be live on BBC One and iPlayer from 10:15.

Next stage of Granton Waterfront transformation announced

Work on more affordable homes and a new waterfront primary school to begin next year

New investment will enable hundreds of affordable homes to be provided in the first phase of Scotland’s largest brownfield regeneration project.

Funding of up to £42 million from the Scottish Government will support the construction of the country’s biggest low carbon housing development on former industrial land at Granton in Edinburgh.

Work is expected to start early next year on the site which will feature 847 net zero homes, including 387 affordable homes, and a new primary school and space for 14 businesses.

It is part of a wider £1.3 billion programme to regenerate Granton Waterfront which will ultimately deliver 3,500 new homes, space for leisure facilities and Scotland’s largest coastal park.

The new funding package is being provided to City of Edinburgh Council over a 20-year period. Payment is conditional on the Council meeting targets including creating job and apprenticeship opportunities and investing in non-profit organisations to tackle disadvantage in the north of Edinburgh.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “This investment demonstrates our commitment to tackling Scotland’s housing and climate emergencies while supporting communities that need it most.

“By working in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council, we’re unlocking £220 million in private sector investment to transform Granton Waterfront into a thriving coastal community with hundreds of net zero homes, a new school and business space.

“Communities in Granton are at the centre of this project and will directly benefit from improved transport links, green spaces and job opportunities as we regenerate this important brownfield site.”

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “I welcome this funding to help us deliver the first phase of this hugely significant £1.3 billion regeneration project at Granton Waterfront in the north of the capital.

“The regeneration of Granton Waterfront is about helping make Edinburgh more inclusive by improving educational attainment, health and well-being, local employment opportunities and eradicating child poverty. I’m really pleased we’ve received this new funding as we’re committed to delivering these important outcomes to create better opportunities for the people living in this area.”

The Scottish Government will provide the City of Edinburgh Council with up to £2.1 million per year over a 20-year period to support the first phase of Granton Waterfront’s regeneration.

Payment is conditional on the council meeting targets related to the delivery of walking and cycling routes, green spaces, construction skills training for local secondary pupils, investment in non-profit organisations and establishing a fund to reinvest developer contributions in jobs and businesses in Granton.  

The Scottish Government is providing an additional £16 million towards the first phase of the project through its contribution to the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.

Public sector investment is estimated to leverage a further £220 million of private sector investment in houses and business space.