THURSDAY 29th JANUARY at 8pm
ST MARY’S EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL, PALMERSTON PLACE
On Thursday 29th January, St Mary’s Cathedral is hosting a very special concert: Daughters of Donbas — Songs of Stolen Children.
This is a fundraising concert for SaveUkraine, which helps rescue children kidnapped from the Donbas region of Ukraine.
With famous Ukrainian singer Marichka, accompanied by string quartet and bandura.
Tickets are £20/10, via our website.
East Lothian business, Archerfield Walled Garden, raises over £80,000 for Reverse Rett, a charity dedicated to funding research to treat and cure the neurological condition, Rett Syndrome.
Since 2013, funds have been raised at the retail and leisure destination in various ways, including hosting the ‘Reverse Rett Run’. For the last decade, 50p from every burger sold from the main menu has been donated, raising £12k towards the total amount.
At Christmas, 750 turkey sandwiches were also sold with 50p from each one donated to the charity.
Visitors have been able to donate at the Wishing Tree, located on the Willow Walk, leading to the Fairy Trail, where they can choose a piece of twine, tie it to a branch on the tree and make a wish. Customers have also donated in collection boxes located at till points.
Catherine McKinney, mother of Eliza, who has Rett syndrome, and a trustee of Reverse Rett, said: “As a family, we have always been incredibly grateful to Elly and everyone at Archerfield Walled Garden for choosing to support Reverse Rett in so many ways.
“Eliza, our second child, was born seemingly healthy and developed typically as a baby. Around the age of two, she began to miss developmental milestones and then gradually lost skills she had already gained. She was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome just days after her third birthday — a birthday we had celebrated at Archerfield Walled Garden.
“We all love Eliza so much and are devastated by the impact this condition has had on her life. Ultimately, we want a better life for her — one where she has choices, can stand up for herself, laugh, argue and play, and tell us when she is in pain, as well as share her dreams and fears. Reverse Rett is the only UK charity funding medical research to help make this a reality.
“I began fundraising for Reverse Rett shortly after Eliza was diagnosed and joined the board in 2018. Every penny raised through the support of Archerfield Walled Garden is potentially life-changing, and we are so thankful for the support.”
Elly Douglas-Hamilton, Chief Executive of Archerfield Estates Limited, said: “Reverse Rett is a charity very close to our hearts, which is why we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has visited us and donated money and to those who have taken part in our fundraising events to help raise this fantastic amount over the years.”
Various other charities and local community groups have also received ongoing support from Archerfield Walled Garden over the years, including Dirleton Playgroup, who have received donations for raffles, a location for their Dirleton Run and use of the gardens. Dirleton Primary School has also received support with various donations, including a Christmas tree every year and hampers.
As part of its ongoing community support initiatives, local groups like Dirleton Village Association, have received hands-on help at their Market on the Green.
Archerfield Walled Garden has also hosted many charity events, including ‘Hops in the Garden’ for Leuchie House and the annual ‘Edinburgh Taxi Outing’ which culminates with a funfair on the Estate.
In addition, everything from compost and seeds to flowers, logs and willow are donated to local environmental charities and gardening projects, like Gullane Art Club and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People who received willow for their Lantern Festival.
Elly continued: “As a local visitor landmark in the area, it is important for us to be part of the community and provide help and support whenever we can.
“There are so many highlights over the years which we love being involved in, with the Edinburgh Taxi Outing definitely being one of them.”
Aldi helped deliver 13,823 meals to people in Edinburgh over the Christmas and New Year period by donating surplus food from its stores.
The UK’s fourth largest supermarket teamed up with local good causes across Edinburgh – including Porty Community Fridge, Food Rescue Group and Tummies Not Trash – to donate a range of fresh and chilled foods from its stores after closing early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Neighbourly, the community giving platform that partners with Aldi, found that charitable organisations faced increasing pressure over the winter period, with four in five charities saying demand for their services had risen over the past six months and demand for foodbanks and other food provision expected to increase by nearly 30% over the colder months.
Aldi has worked with Neighbourly since 2019 and provides surplus food from all of its UK stores to thousands of charities across the country.
Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “This Christmas we were proud to support so many incredible charities across the UK who provide essential support to those in need.
“The services provided by food banks are more important than ever in the current climate, especially over the festive period and we’re committed to ensuring those that rely on them have access to a wide range of high-quality foods.”
Steve Butterworth, CEO at Neighbourly, added: “We’re so grateful to have had Aldi’s support for another year.
“Christmas is one of the busiest periods for our charities and the donations from Aldi mean we can help even more people across the country who need that bit of extra support over the festive period.”
Shoppers can donate food to local charities, food banks and community groups via the community donation points in Aldi stores nationwide.
Aldi also works with Company Shop Group, the UK’s leading redistributor of surplus food and household products, to redistribute surplus food from its Regional Distribution Centres. This year, it provided more than 2,500 free Christmas lunches to Company Shop’s award-winning social enterprise, Community Shop.
The UK’s fourth largest supermarket also made it easier for shoppers to give back through a warm clothing and post-Christmas clear-out appeal with The Salvation Army and InPost Lockers, allowing customers to donate coats, hats, scarves and gloves – as well as unwanted Christmas gifts in good condition – at InPost Locker donation points in Aldi stores across the UK.
Five-star homebuilder Cruden has donated £2,500 to St John Scotland through its charitable arm, the Cruden Foundation, supporting the charity’s vital work in providing Public Access Defibrillators, CPR awareness, and patient transport services across the country.
The charity’s work helps ensure people throughout Scotland have access to life-saving equipment and support when it matters most.
Cruden’s donation will help the organisation continue expanding access to defibrillators and CPR within local communities, equipping more people with the skills and confidence needed to act in an emergency.
Fraser Lynes, CEO of Cruden, said: “This is a cause close to all of our hearts. Earlier this year, one of our assistant site managers was very thankfully saved by the use of an on-site defibrillator when suffering from cardiac arrest.
“It highlighted the importance of having lifesaving defibrillators and trained CPR providers on sites, making all the difference in an emergency.
“Supporting St John Scotland allows us to give back to the communities we build in and help ensure others have the same chance of receiving timely, life-saving support.”
Barri Millar, Chief Operating Officer of St John Scotland, said: “We are very grateful for Cruden’s generous donation. The services we provide to install and support community defibrillators across the country offer vital equipment that, in an emergency, can truly mean the difference between life and death.
“Cruden’s contribution will help us expand this essential work even further, ensuring more people have access to life-saving equipment and the confidence to use it. We are truly thankful for their support.”
The Cruden Foundation is a private charitable funder established in 1957 and is part of Cruden’s wider commitment to supporting the communities where it lives and works. To date, the Cruden Foundation has donated more than £8 million and supports over 150 charities each year, helping organisations make a meaningful difference to people’s lives throughout the country.
Scotland’s most distinctive celebration of beards, community and creativity returns to Drygate Brewery, Glasgow, on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st February 2026 for the Braw Beard Weekender – the only event of its kind in the UK.
Now in its eighth year, the beard competition is expected to welcome a full house once again, continuing a streak that has seen thousands of competitors and spectators attend since 2017 from across the UK, USA, Germany, Belgium and Norway.
On Friday 20th February, The Braw Cast Live podcast will be hosted by comedian Billy Kirkwood and Braw Beard founder John Jackson, with special guests including Jesse Leach, frontman of Grammy-nominated metal band Killswitch Engage.
Leach, who has been open about his own experiences with mental health, will discuss the importance of community, self-care and creativity.
He recently collaborated with Braw Beard on The Resilient beard oil, a limited-edition blend created by Jesse. He’ll be joined on stage by professional wrestler and actor Jack Jester, artist and author Tragic O’Hara and multi-award-winning barber Angela Dickson.
On Saturday 21st February, the Braw Beard & Moustache Championships return, featuring 13 categories ranging from Best Fake Beard to Over 12-inch Styled and Best Ginger Beard. The night will include live music from In Charge, exclusive products and the trademark camaraderie that defines the global beard community.
“It’s incredible to see how far this community has grown,” says John Jackson, founder of Braw Beard.
“What started as a small gathering to celebrate creativity and confidence has become an international family with people from around the world sharing respect, humour and a sense of belonging.”
Jesse Leach adds: “I’m honored to be part of the Braw Beard Weekender. To me the culture Braw Beard has created is not just about beards and facial hair, its about support, unity and solidarity!
“I am excited to make the journey and I am sure a good time will be had by all who attend! Grateful to be there for this event!”
The 2026 Weekender comes in the same year that Braw Beard will celebrate its 14th anniversary in October. Founded in 2012, the East Lothian company has grown into Scotland’s first and most recognised beard-care brand, known worldwide for its hand-crafted beard care products.
Proceeds from the event’s charity raffle will once again support Chris’s House Suicide Awareness Charity, a cause central to both Braw Beard and Leach’s advocacy for mental-health awareness.
With its mix of competition, conversation and compassion, the Braw Beard Weekender stands as a fixture in Scotland’s cultural calendar – part beard festival, part family reunion.
Tickets: Limited to 150 on Friday and 300 on Saturday.
Available now at www.thebrawbmc.com
SMALL CHANGE, BIG DIFFERENCE: SCOTMID PARTNERS WITH PENNIES FOR DEMENTIA SUPPORT
Scotmid has introduced a quick and easy way for customers to support people living with dementia, through a new partnership with the charity Pennies, trusted leader in micro-donations. The digital micro-donation option is now available in all Scotmid and Semichem stores across Edinburgh.
Customers paying by card, contactless or digital wallet can now choose to add a 10p donation to their purchase, with donations supporting Scotmid’s annual charity partner, Alzheimer Scotland. These small contributions will help fund vital services for people and families affected by dementia, supporting care, advice and community initiatives across Scotland.
The initiative builds on Scotmid’s long-standing commitment to supporting local causes and offers a simple, sustainable way for shoppers to give back in a cashless world.
This year’s partnership with Alzheimer Scotland, announced in October, will be the first to benefit. The charity also aims to reach younger audiences with information on brain health through school and community engagement.
Karen Scott, Scotmid Chief Executive, said: “We know how much our members, colleagues and customers care about supporting local people.
“This partnership with Pennies gives everyone the chance to help in a way that feels easy and affordable. It’s community compassion in action, 10p at a time.”
Alison Hutchinson CBE, CEO of Pennies said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Scotmid to the Pennies family.
“As Scotland’s largest independent co-operative, Scotmid has deep roots in its communities – and this partnership will enable thousands of people to make a meaningful contribution every day.
“Together, we’re harnessing the power of digital giving to reach more people, in more places, for more causes. Just £10 in micro-donations could provide a whole class of 25 children with a brain-health handbook on how to look after their amazing brains. Thank you!”
Scotmid’s collaboration with Pennies reflects its ongoing commitment to finding innovative ways for customers and members to support the communities they live in. Pennies’ micro-donation solution will continue to be used across future charity partnerships, helping causes benefit from collective generosity.
Two Hibernian Women players have helped bring festive cheer to local families this Christmas, donating Santa Surprise Boxes to a Scottish charity on behalf of baby brand Nuby.
Lauren Doran-Barr and Tegan Bowie donated 15 Nuby ‘Santa Surprise Boxes’ to Circle, a charity that supports children and families across Scotland who are facing challenging circumstances.
The festive boxes were hand delivered to the Circle head offices, and are designed to bring joy to young children during the Christmas period, helping to ease pressure on families at what can be a particularly difficult time of year.
Circle works closely with families to improve outcomes for children, offering practical, emotional and relationship-based support to help build stronger, safer and more resilient family lives.
The donation forms part of Nuby’s commitment to supporting families beyond its products, using its partnerships to give back to local communities and make a positive difference where it is most needed.
James Watson, head of marketing at Nuby, said, “Christmas should be a joyful time for every child, but we know that isn’t always the reality for families facing difficult circumstances.
“These Santa Surprise Boxes are a small way for us to help spread some festive cheer, and we’re proud to support Circle and the vital work they do for families across Scotland. Working alongside Hibs players Lauren and Tegan to deliver this donation makes the initiative even more meaningful.”
The visit also reflects Nuby’s wider partnership with Hibernian Women, which focuses on supporting family-centred causes and creating positive community impact through women’s football.
Andrew Morrison, commercial partnerships executive at Hibernian Football Club, said: “We’re proud to see our players supporting initiatives that make a genuine difference in the local community.
“Partnerships like this with Nuby allow us to use the platform of women’s football to support families and charities doing vital work, and it’s fantastic to see Lauren and Tegan playing such an active role.”
Lauren Doran-Barr and Tegan Bowie said they were delighted to be involved in the donation and to help make Christmas a little brighter for children supported by Circle.
Aldi Scotland’s much loved Supermarket Sweep challenge recently returned to Edinburgh with a festive twist, and one lucky local winner spread some Christmas cheer by raising £606.18 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) while bagging the same amount in Aldi favourites for himself.
Aldi’s popular Supermarket Sweep, inspired by the legendary gameshow, arrived in Edinburgh on Sunday 14 December. Lucky shopper Tom Garrat, who was chosen as the winner of the competition, donned a Santa costume for his five-minute trolley dash for CHAS at the retailer’s Portobello store – where CHAS representatives got into the festive spirit dressed as elves.
As well as taking home a trolley full of goodies, Aldi Scotland matched the cash value of Tom’s haul, donating all proceeds to CHAS to help support over 500 babies, children and young people across Scotland with life-shortening conditions and their families. In 2025, every penny raised through the initiative has gone directly to CHAS, with £10,000 pledged in support.
Aldi Supermarket Sweep winner, Tom Garratt, said: “It was a pleasure to raise over £600 for CHAS with the help of Aldi.
“A special thanks to Sarah from CHAS for being my eyes and ears as I dashed through the aisles filling the trolleys!”
Sarah Dannfald, Senior Community Fundraiser, CHAS, said: “Turning up to Aldi’s Portobello store dressed as Santa and an Elf isn’t something you do every day, but the team there welcomed us like absolute stars.
“Tom’s fantastic effort in the Supermarket Sweep, along with the brilliant support from all the staff, brought so much festive fun and raised a wonderful amount for CHAS.
“Their generosity will help bring comfort, care and Christmas magic to the children and families we support all year round. We can’t thank them enough for getting behind us with such spirit and good humour!”
Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Our first-ever festive edition of Supermarket Sweep has been such a good way to celebrate the season and spread some Christmas cheer, while also finishing a fantastic year of fundraising on a high. Congratulations to Tom, who raised an incredible £606.18 for CHAS while grabbing a bundle of Aldi favourites for himself.
“CHAS is an incredible organisation that does invaluable work for families across Scotland.
“We’re proud to support them and help raise as much as possible so they can continue to provide vital hospice care for children with life-shortening conditions, and unwavering support to families during the most difficult moments imaginable.”
Miller Homes Scotland East is supporting two Midlothian community groups through its Community Fund initiative, donating £1,000 each to Lothian Children’s Deaf Club in Bonnyrigg and Whitecraig Christmas Lights in Dalkeith.
Since launching in 2022, the Community Fund has made a meaningful difference to local communities across Scotland, awarding £344,000 in grants to 538 organisations.
The initiative has helped a wide range of projects, from supporting foodbanks, sports teams, music groups and creative spaces. So far in 2025 Community Fund has supported seventeen groups across Scotland with a share of £20,000, including Lothian Children’s Deaf Club and Whitecraig Christmas Lights.
Miller Homes’ donation to Lothian Children’s Deaf Club will go towards purchasing BSL resources for schools. This includes posters for open parts of the school with BSL greetings, useful words/phrases and grammar, as well as flashcards for further learning.
Kirsten Abioye, co-founder at Lothian Children’s Deaf Club said: “Thanks to a generous £1,000 donation from Miller Homes, we can continue our mission at LCDC to support deaf children and their families.
A big part of that is providing opportunities to learn BSL so we hope these resources will encourage and support BSL learning in schools.
“This also fosters community learning, where hearing children have the opportunity to learn alongside deaf children and helping to create an inclusive school environment where everyone feels they belong.”
Funding awarded to Whitecraig Christmas Lights will support ongoing fundraising efforts to help light up the village during the festive season, bringing residents together and creating a strong sense of local pride.
Rebecka Melrose, representative of Whitecraig Christmas Lights, said: “Thanks to a generous £1,000 donation from Miller Homes, we can continue to light up the village and spread festive cheer for everyone to enjoy.
“A huge thank you to Miller Homes for supporting our community.”
Neil Gaffney, Regional Sales Director for Miller Homes Scotland East, said: “We are delighted to be able to continually support causes within the communities that we have developments.
“Supporting initiatives like Lothian Children’s Deaf Club and local projects such as Whitecraig Christmas Lights reflects our commitment to strengthening communities and bringing people together.
“The work of Lothian Children Deaf Club is vitally important in supporting families by creating a community centred around inclusivity and continuous learning.
“We are delighted that this funding will go towards continuing this amazing work.
“The village Christmas lights play a special role in creating a sense of pride and festive spirit for residents of all ages. We’re pleased that this funding will help ensure the lights continue to shine for the community.”
For more information on Miller Homes’ Community Fund and to find out when the next round of funding opens, visit www.millerhomes.co.uk/communityfund.
SUPPORT LOCAL CHARITY’s WORK in 2026
On Friday, we hosted our Christmas Community Lunch – complete with Christmas ham, honey roast veg and of course some Christmas crackers 
But a community lunch is not just for Christmas! We host a community lunch for 50 local people every Friday here in Granton, encouraging people to enjoy good food together.
Next week, our team will still be cooking, packing and delivering meal packs to people in need across Edinburgh 
We know Christmas can be a difficult time of year – with greater pressure on finances and many people feeling socially isolated. Each meal pack tells a person that someone is thinking of them this Christmas.
If you’d like to support our work in 2026, please donate to our Winter Appeal
Donate: https://tinyurl.com/mssm3xtu
Our community lunch returns for 2026 on the 2nd of January.
Please note that there is no community lunch on Friday the 26th of December.
