Edinburgh-based charity, Care for Carers has received £5,000 in funding thanks to votes from Scotmid members.
Scotmid lets members vote for local causes with their membership cards. Care for Carers received the most support in the East.
The Community Listening Project, Pennypit Trust, Canongate Youth, Door in the Wall, and Croft Street Hub each received £1000.
Founded in 1989, Care for Carers is a voluntary organisation that supports unpaid carers of all ages and circumstances.
The charity provides emotional and practical help, from one-to-one guidance to information and signposting, as well as opportunities for carers to take time for themselves. These services enable carers to step away from their caring role, connect with others in similar situations, and recharge.
Ruth MacLennan, CEO, Care for Carers, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen by Scotmid Members for the Member Choice Award.
“This funding means we can do even more for the carers we support, including being able to offer vital respite opportunities – it will make such a difference to us to have this award.”
The Member Choice Awards complement Scotmid’s ongoing community grants and donations, which together benefit more than 1,000 organisations annually. These include youth clubs, mental health charities, food banks, and environmental programmes.
The next Member Choice Awards cycle, ending in November 2025, has shortlisted the following good causes from the east region: The Larder, Spark, Seagull Trust, Gorebridge Community Care, Forever Young Club, and Kirkliston Community Conservation Volunteers/Waste Not Want Not Community Fridge.
The seventh annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit has raised £15,203 adding to the previously raised amount of £700,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity.
9 acts performed for the Big Brain Tumour Benefit: Ivo Graham, David O’Doherty, Michelle Wolf, Abandoman, Celya AB, Emmanuel Sonubi, Garry Starr, Ahir Shah and Bella Hull.
Underbelly today announces the 7th Annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit has raised £15,203 for The Brain Tumour Charity, the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally.
A stand-out in Underbelly’s 25th Anniversary programme, the one-off show hosted by Ivo Graham featured performances from O’Doherty, Michelle Wolf, Celya AB, Emmanuel Sonubi, Garry Starr, Ahir Shah, Bella Hull and Abandoman in his only Fringe performance of 2025. 100% of profits (ticket income less box office commissions and other costs related to the event) from this promotional venture will be donated to The Brain Tumour Charity.
The Big Brain Tumour Benefit was created by Underbelly in 2017 following the diagnosis of an aggressive and rare form of brain cancer called Ependymoma in Alfie Bartlam, the son of Underbelly’s co-founder Ed Bartlam. At the end of August in 2019, Alfie sadly died, aged 7.
Ed Bartlam, Underbelly’s co-founder said: “I’d like to extend a massive thank you to everyone who performed in, and attended Underbelly’s 7th annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit last night.
“It makes me immensely proud that together we have raised more than £15,000 with donations going to a specific research project to find new treatments for some of the most aggressive forms of paediatric brain tumours.
“Our goal is to raise £1.5 million for this project through a series of special fundraising events such as Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit. Together we can continue to raise vital funds for research and awareness so that nobody’s life expectancy is dictated by their tumour.”
Sally King, Corporate Partnerships Manager at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We’re thrilled that this year’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit has raised over £15,000 and want to thank everyone for their incredible support and generosity.
“This event is a true highlight of Edinburgh Fringe 2025 – uniting us in comedy to raise awareness and vital funds – and we are hugely grateful to the team at Underbelly for their unwavering commitment to helping us defeat brain tumours.”
Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children and adults under 40. They shorten life expectancy by an average of 27 years, the most of any cancer. Despite this, brain tumour research is underfunded compared to many other cancers.
Research into brain tumours is severely underfunded in the UK and yet represents the biggest cancer killer for under 40s. Around 500 children and young people in the UK are diagnosed each year but diagnosis times of childhood brain tumours are longer in the UK than in many other countries.
The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to improving the lives of everyone affected by a brain tumour diagnosis.
To find out more about the vital work that they do and to get help from their support services, please visit www.thebraintumrcharity.org or call their Information and support line on 0808 800 0004.
Further donations to the fund are welcome by visiting the link here:
Ivo Graham, David O’Doherty, Michelle Wolf, Abandoman and More Announced For Underbelly’s 7th Annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit
Underbelly announces 7 acts for the Big Brain Tumour Benefit: Ivo Graham, David O’Doherty, Michelle Wolf, Abandoman, Celya AB, Emmanuel Sonubi and Garry Starr with more names still to be added to the line-up.
The only chance for Fringe audiences to see Abandoman in 2025.
Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit takes place on Wednesday 13 August, 7.20pm McEwan Hall, Underbelly Bristo Square.
Underbellyhasannounced a powerhouse line-up of comedy acts for the 7th annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit. A gem in crown Underbelly’s 25th Anniversary programme, the event will take place at 7:20pm in the McEwan Hall on Wednesday 13 August.
Starring in this year’s show is British comedy darling and Taskmaster alum Ivo Graham, Irish musical comedy genius David O’Doherty, Emmy nominated stand-up sensation Michelle Wolf, the Fringe favourite hip-hop improv Abandoman in his only Fringe appearance for 2025, French comedy star Celya AB, Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Show nominee Emmanuel Sonubi and Underbelly’s own gloriously chaotic (and nude) Garry Starr.
Underbelly is raising funds for The Brain Tumour Charity with all ticket income (after box office commissions and any other costs associated with the show) donated to The Brain Tumour Charity, the world’s leading brain tumour charity and largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Once again, all of the amazing comedians are giving their time and their jokes for free.
The show was created by Underbelly in 2017 following the diagnosis of an aggressive and rare form of brain cancer called Ependymoma in Alfie Bartlam, the son of Underbelly’s co-founder Ed Bartlam. In the end of August in 2019, Alfie sadly died, aged 7.
Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children and adults under 40. They shorten life expectancy by an average of 27 years, the most of any cancer. Despite this, brain tumour research is underfunded compared to many other cancers.
Ed Bartlam, Underbelly’s co-founder said:“It’s always such a special moment for us to announce the line-up to Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit, and even more so as part of our 25th Anniversary. I’m incredibly thankful to the utterly brilliant comedians and audiences for supporting this event that’s now in its 7th year.”
“We have so far raised over £700,000 for our Angel Child fund at the Brain Tumour Charity with all donations going to a specific research project to find new treatments for some of the most aggressive forms of paediatric brain tumours.
“This annual Fringe event is an integral part of a varied range of fundraising events, and an incredible opportunity for audiences to experience some of the best comedy available for the best cause. I look forward to seeing audiences there!”
Sally King, Corporate Partnerships Manager at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We are thrilled that the Big Brain Tumour Benefit comedy gig is returning this year, for its seventh show, and we are incredibly grateful for our amazing partners, Underbelly, for their ongoing support in raising crucial funds for research and awareness of the devastating impact of brain tumours.
“Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40, The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to fighting brain tumours on all fronts.
“We can only work towards our goal of helping people with a brain tumour live longer and better lives with the support from people like Ed, Charlie and the truly incredible Underbelly team.”
It’s time to paint the town pink once more as Gilded Balloon celebrates their 40th anniversary with another year of their legendary Pink Wednesday – a 24 hour charity day with £5 tickets for some of the Fringe’s most in-demand shows!
Join Gilded Balloon’s staff and performers as they bring out their most fabulously pink outfits to fundraise for this year’s charity partner Waverley Care, all whilst enjoying discounted tickets for Fringe shows, fancy dress, competition prizes and more.
With over 200 shows across three venues, fans can snap up £5 tickets for comedy, theatre, family, cabaret and more, with a percentage of ticket sales donated directly to Waverley Care, Scotland’s leading HIV and hepatitis C charity.
Fringe fans can enjoy some great entertainment and give back to a good cause, as shows participating in £5 tickets include Baxter vs the Bookies starring Andy Linden, last year’s So You Think You’re Funny winner Alana Jackson with her debut show Last Orders, local Edinburgh comic Michael Welch, Jack Docherty as The Chief with The Chief: Still No Apologies, Kim Blythe, Late’n’Live, Sophia Wren and many more!
Make a night of it with fun interactive shows like John Robertson’s The Dark Room, modern mentalist and hypnotist show PENMAN: The Imaginator – You, karaoke extravaganza Sink or SING!, and IKEA WARS, which challenges two comedians to build Ikea furniture on stage in a battle of wits (and home improvement skills).
For a full list of shows offering £5 tickets and to book, please visit:
or stop by one of the Box Offices across venues: Patter House, The Museum or our brand new Appleton Tower!
Ts&Cs: £5 plus handling fees. Tickets to participating shows only, whilst stocks last. Tickets cannot be purchased in advance and must be booked on the day via Gilded Balloon’s box offices and website.
Traditionally nicknamed ‘Black Wednesday’ and known as a day of slower ticket sales across the Fringe, Gilded Balloon introduced Pink Wednesday in 2018 to encourage locals and Fringe fans to take a chance on a new show and enjoy discounted tickets, all whilst raising vital funds for charity.
Each £5 ticket sold will see a percentage donated to Waverley Care, as well as charity staff fundraising throughout the day with bucket collections, QR codes and information points.
Waverley Care was founded in 1989 in response to the HIV epidemic in Edinburgh, the charity now focuses on ending new HIV transmission in Scotland by 2030, while continuing to support people and communities affected by HIV, hepatitis C and sexual health inequalities.
Katy and Karen Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon said, “We’re thrilled to offer £5 tickets all day for some of the biggest shows at the Fringe – from Late’n’Live to Jack Docherty, as well as some of the best rising talent like Alana Jackson, Michael Welch and Sophia Wren.
“Pink Wednesday is the perfect day to get out and see some new shows at a discounted price, all whilst supporting our fantastic charity partner Waverley Care.
“It’s wonderful to see so many of our acts opt in to support Waverley Care and donate a percentage of their £5 ticket sales today to a charity who are doing vitally important work across Scotland.”
Grant Sugden, Chief Executive, Waverley Care said,“We’re thrilled to be Gilded Balloon’s charity partner once again for this year’s Pink Wednesday event.
“As Scotland’s leading HIV and Hepatitis C charity, we’re committed to making sure no one feels isolated. We provide safe, inclusive spaces where people can access care and community with dignity, free from stigma.
“Thanks to medical advances, people living with HIV can now live long, healthy lives. But stigma remains a significant barrier that continues to harm many.
“Fundraising events like Pink Wednesday are vital. They enable us to deliver life-changing services, expand access to testing and prevention, and tackle the misconceptions that still surround blood borne viruses.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone taking part and supporting our mission to improve lives across Scotland.”
Waverley Care is Scotland’s leading HIV and hepatitis C charity, and everything they do is guided by the experiences of the people they work with – this ranges from shaping the services they deliver through to how they influence national policy around sexual health and blood-borne viruses (BBVs).
Waverley Care’s vision is a Scotland where anyone living with or at risk of HIV can expect to be treated with acceptance, support and respect.
Sustainable souvenir scheme tackles single-use cup waste
FRINGE-GOERS picking up a drink at one of the capital’s busiest venues are being asked to make a small change with a big impact – as part of a bold new drive to reduce waste and support charitable causes.
In a new initiative Surgeons Quarter, the commercial arm of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, has introduced a £2 reusable cup policy, replacing throwaway plastic with souvenir-style cups that support good causes.
Customers pay a one-time £2 charge for a reusable cup, which is theirs to keep. When returning for another drink, they’ll receive a fresh, clean replacement cup at no extra cost.
Surgeons Quarter has a longstanding reputation for leading with innovation through environmental initiatives and investing heavily in the wellbeing of its staff.
Ten Hill Place Hotel, part of the Surgeons Quarter portfolio, was first awarded a Green Tourism Gold Award in 2008 and has proudly retained this accolade for 17 consecutive years.
One of the hotel’s many sustainable efforts has been the removal of single-use plastic bottles from guest bedrooms. It’s a change which has saved over 100,000 bottles to date. In their place, guests are gifted Scottish wildflower seed packets to take home, encouraging biodiversity in their own gardens and extending memories of their stay at the hotel.
Other green initiatives have included a £20,000 investment for installation of EV charging stations at the hotel, as well as a £60,000 investment in new staff members uniforms made from
recycled plastic bottles with each uniform preventing 45 bottles from reaching landfills or oceans.
But sustainability is only part of the picture. Surgeons Quarter also goes above and beyond for its team.
Recognised by the Living Wage Foundation (LWF), it ensures all staff, regardless of age, are paid above the LWF Living Wage. In addition, all employees contribute at least 12% of their salary toward their pension, with 7.5% of that contributed by the employer, more than double the required minimum.
Scott Mitchell, Managing Director at Surgeons Quarter said: “We’re always looking at how we can help improve the planet, improve the guest experience and also improve the working environment for our team.
“That’s why we continually invest in initiatives prioritising long-term sustainability and staff wellbeing. We believe these aspects go hand in hand.”
The reusable cup policy reflects this commitment. Surgeons Quarter invested over £20,000 in the upfront cost of the cups, making the £2 charge fair and necessary, so it can continue running operations that pay staff fairly, reduce environmental impact and maintain the support for its local charity partners.
Scott added: “This step is a part of a wider commitment to doing what’s right, even when it costs more. That’s why we’re asking the public to support the reusable cup chaange as it helps us improve standards across the board.”
Some of the reusable and dishwasher safe cups feature the striking silhouette of the iconic Playfair Hall, while others are branded with the logos of theSpaceUK, which hosts the largest and most diverse programme at the Festival Fringe, and Surgeons Quarter itself.
The variety of designs provides visitors with eye-catching tangible reminders of their Festival experience as well as supporting the drive to reduce single-use waste.
Scott said: “After testing the concept in 2024, we’ve streamlined the system and are excited to launch the full initiative.
“We’re trying to shift the mindset. Rather than something disposable, we want people to see these as souvenirs that do good.
“We know some will be resistant to change but when it’s a minimal cost for an item that supports local and global causes, we hope people will get on board.’’
A portion of proceeds from cup sales will support three key causes: carbon offsetting initiatives through Ecologi; a special Supper Soirée hosted by Surgeons Quarter in support of Cyrenians, the homelessness charity tackling isolation and homelessness; and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh’s global efforts to improve patient outcomes around the world.
Under the new guidelines, festivalgoers are welcome to bring their own clean reusable cups for wine, spirits, bottled beer and soft drinks only — provided the cup is visibly clean.
However, if the cup is not SQ-branded, it is your responsibility to ensure it is hygienic, as staff are unable to wash or handle personal cups. Single-use plastic cups, including supermarket-style cups, will not be accepted.
Scott added: “This isn’t about jumping on a trend. It’s a long-term commitment to reducing our footprint and boosting our social impact.
“A single-use plastic cup has an impact of 0.07kg CO2e, and a reusable equivalent has an impact of 0.0084kg CO2e per use. Every cup that isn’t thrown away is a small win for the environment and every cup that helps someone in need makes that win even sweeter.”
Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells, and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd campus.
These include facilities for conferences, meetings, private events, parties, and weddings, as well as its own four-star hotel, Ten Hill Place, Café 1505, and SQ Travel.
Aldi Scotland’s popular Supermarket Sweep challenge recently returned to Edinburgh, and one lucky local winner has raised £310.64 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) while picking up the same amount in Aldi favourites for herself.
Aldi’s Supermarket Sweep is inspired by the legendary gameshow and arrived in Leith on Sunday 20 July. Lucky shopper Alea Ibrahim, who was chosen as the winner of a competition, took part in the five-minute trolley dash for CHAS.
As well as taking home a trolley full of goodies, Aldi Scotland matched the cash value of Alea’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 will go directly to CHAS, with £10,000 pledged in support.
Aldi Supermarket Sweep winner, Alea Ibrahim, said:“The Aldi Supermarket Sweep was such a brilliant experience! It’s actually a bit of a family tradition, I’m a second-generation sweeper- my dad won a sweep years ago, so he was ready with some advice (and high expectations!)
“It’s not every day that you get to sprint at full speed into the cheese aisle after closing time. Knowing the funds raised are going to CHAS to support children’s hospices in Scotland made the whole experience even more meaningful. A big thank you to the Aldi team as well who could not have been lovelier and made it such a memorable experience!”
Laura Hart, Senior Charge Nurse at CHAS said:“At CHAS, our priority is to ensure children with life-shortening conditions and their families receive the expert care and support they need, whether that’s in one of our hospices, in hospital or at home.
“We support a number of families in the Midlothian area, providing everything from palliative care and respite to family and bereavement support, helping them make the most of every precious moment together.
“Initiatives like Aldi’s Supermarket Sweep raise vital funds that allow us to continue this work, and we’re so grateful to Aldi and everyone who takes part for making a real difference to local families.”
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland said: “Our annual Supermarket Sweep holds a special place in the Aldi calendar, and we’re so pleased to bring it back for another year.
“Congratulations to Alea who managed to raise a fantastic £310 for CHAS, while snapping up a whole load of Aldi favourites for herself.
“CHAS is an incredible organisation which does invaluable work for families in Scotland. We are committed to raising as much money as possible so the charity can continue to provide vital hospice care to children with life-shortening conditions, and unwavering support to families during the most difficult moments imaginable.”
For more information about CHAS and how to support its work, visit:
Edinburgh Leisure is calling on the public to lace up their walking shoes, don their tartan and join them for a cause that truly matters – helping older adults in Edinburgh stay active, connected, and happy.
On Saturday, 14th September 2025, a team from Edinburgh Leisure will be taking part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk, walking to raise vital funds to support older adults across the city – and they want you to join them.
Every step taken and every pound raised will go directly towards improving the lives of older people – not just funding a project but making a real difference to real people.
The money raised will support participants of Ageing Well, one of Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programmes, which offers a lifeline of physical activity and social connection to older adults across the city.
Last year, almost 80 participants joined the Edinburgh Leisure Kiltwalk Team and raised £17,500, enabling the delivery of the 2024-25 project. This year they’re aiming for £15,000 to keep this life-changing work going. Every penny (plus gift aid) goes directly to Ageing Well.
All those signing up to the Kiltwalk to raise funds for Edinburgh Leisure will receive a 50% discount on the registration fee and an Edinburgh Leisure T-shirt and a tartan-themed snood.
Rachael McCrae, Head of Funding for Edinburgh Leisure explained: “Many people don’t realise we’re a charity. Ageing Well supports older adults in Edinburgh to stay active and stay connected.
“It’s led by a fantastic team which includes many older adult volunteers and offers walking, cycling, gardening, buddy swimming and more. Like many charities with reduced funding, we’re feeling the pinch! Every pound raised will help keep this going – and with your Kiltwalk steps, you’ll get active too!”
The Kiltwalk has three walk lengths, which can be signed up, with the 50% reduced registration for:
The Big Stroll (approx. 11 miles) – £20£10 registration fee
The Wee Wander (approx. 5 miles) – £13.00£6.50 for adults, £7.00£3.50 for children
Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme supports 14,700 people annually who face the greatest barriers to getting active– people affected by health conditions, inequalities, and poverty.
Your participation in the Kiltwalk will raise crucial funds to promote health, happiness, and connectedness among older adults in Edinburgh whilst contributing to a fantastic and enjoyable event.
To find out more about signing up with Edinburgh Leisure to walk the Kiltwalk, and to get your 50% discount,click here.
SCRAN ACADEMY and THE YARD to receive a share of over £1m to help put a stop to child poverty in Scotland
Three Edinburgh children’s charities have been named among 11 Scottish organisations as partners of STV Children’s Appeal’s new Ignite Fund.
Each charity will receive a share of £1 million this year through the funding programme created to deliver ongoing financial and non-financial support to children, young people and family charities in Scotland.
Since its inception in 2011, STV Children’s Appeal has invested in long-term projects with charitable organisations. The Ignite Fund, a key part of the Appeal, will continue to provide sustained, multi-year financial and development aid to charities across the country to help break the cycle of child poverty in Scotland.
The Edinburgh charities which will receive funding are:
Scran Academy which is a catering social enterprise empowering young people to realise their full potential through transformational education and employability programmes;
based in Edinburgh and operating Scotland wide is Place2Be & Youth Scotland which equips youth workers and Peer Leaders with the tools to provide vital support for young people’s mental health and wellbeing, and
The Yard which has a play and family support centre for disabled children in Edinburgh as well as other cities across Scotland.
These charities were chosen for their commitment to offering tangible, scalable solutions which tackle the root causes of poverty – an ethos shared by the Ignite Fund.
The STV Children’s Appeal will work closely with Ignite partners to identify goals, needs, and opportunities for growth, aiming to drive both immediate improvements and lasting systemic change.
The initiative will include the launch of the Ignite Academy which will offer charity partners access to STV’s in-house expertise (such as marketing, communications, and creative), while fostering a peer network for knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
Natalie Wright, Head of STV Children’s Appeal, said: “At STV Children’s Appeal, we have always focused on ensuring the funding we give is well thought through and with a purpose, which is exactly what we are doing with The Ignite Fund.
“Our experience shows that a sustained approach to our partnerships gives real results which make an immediate and lasting impact to those who need it most.
“We’re excited to welcome Place2Be back to continue our successful partnership, and to have The Yard and Scran Academy on board for the beginning of a fruitful relationship which will change lives.”
Scran Academyis in its first year of partnership with STV Children’s Appeal and provides meaningful youth-led education, employment and skills-building programmes through innovative catering social enterprises, helping young people realise their full potential.
The STV Children’s Appeal’s Ignite Fund will allow Scran Academy to reach younger age groups earlier, generate systemic change, and build capacity by opening new youth-led cafes, including one in the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, opening this summer.
Scran Academy Founder and Chair, John Loughton said: “This is the largest single investment in Scran, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. This funding will create hundreds of new employment and training opportunities for young people across Lothian.
“Our team will keep driving lifechanging impact across education, enterprise and community development, led by the communities we serve. As Founder, I know at Scran we trust and believe that folk facing poverty are the solutions to their own lives – we see what they can do, not what they don’t have.
“Thank you to the STV Children’s Appeal, one of Scotland’s most forward-looking funders. We’re ready to get to work and quite literally, Cater for the Future.”
The Yard, which has a play and family support centre in Edinburgh, is dedicated to improving the lives of disabled children, young people, and their families across Scotland. Their mission is to create thriving, supportive communities that enhance the well-being of families facing the challenges of disability.
The organisation will be supported by the Ignite Fund for the first time as it sets out on its five-year strategy to expand its impact, improve inclusion, and ensure sustainable growth.
Celine Sinclair, CEO at the Yard, said: “The Ignite Fund partnership couldn’t have come at a better time for us at The Yard.
“Our Edinburgh based play and education centre is a thriving community space which makes a huge difference to the families we work with, and this new funding and support will help us grow and develop our team which will ultimately let us continue expanding across Scotland and helping more families than ever.”
Place2Be, a children’s mental health charity providing counselling and support to UK schools. In partnership with Youth Scotland, the national charity for community-based youth work development, they are setting out to equip community-based youth workers with the essential knowledge and understanding of young people’s mental health, and the skills and confidence to better support their emotional needs.
Michele Meehan, Head of Youth Work Programmes at Youth Scotland said: “The Ignite fund has allowed Place2Be and Youth Scotland to work together to create a suite of programmes and resources for youth workers in the community which are needed to support young people with the issues they currently face.”
HSS Sewa Edinburgh is proud to announce the successful conclusion of the Arthur Seat Charity Walk, which was held on Saturday, 31st May, in support of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) (writes DIPIKA JAIN).
The event, which began at Holyrood Car Park at 10:30am, saw a tremendous outpouring of support from the community, helping to raise both moral and financial support for this vital cause.
For over 30 years, CHAS has been offering palliative care, family respite and support services for babies, children, and young people with life-shortening conditions. Their work, which spans hospices, homecare, and hospital support, has made a profound impact on families across Scotland.
The Arthur Seat Charity Walk was organized to help continue CHAS’s crucial mission, and thanks to the participation of many, the event raised an impressive total of £555 for the charity. Each step taken during the walk directly contributed to ensuring CHAS can continue providing care and comfort to those who need it most.
HSS Sewa’s Commitment to Service
The walk was part of HSS Sewa’s ongoing initiative to support small and medium-sized charities that are making a big difference in local communities.
The term “Sewa”, derived from Sanskrit, representsselfless service to humanity and nature.
HSS Sewa is committed to selfless service, whether supporting local charities or responding to national and international crises. HSS Sewa, through its dedicated volunteers across over 65 towns and cities, strives to uplift communities through compassionate, hands-on support.
The Arthur Seat Charity Walk saw volunteers of all ages – from young children supported by their parents to local residents and well-wishers – come together to raise funds and awareness for CHAS. Participants helped to bring attention to this important cause and show their solidarity.
A Thank You to Our Community
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated in the Arthur Seat Charity Walk and helped us raise £555 for CHAS,” said an HSS Sewa representative.
“The walk was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together as a community.
“Every step, every contribution, and every moment of support brings us closer to making a meaningful difference.”
Though the walk has concluded, HSS Sewa remains dedicated to supporting organizations like CHAS.
A community-owned woodland in East Lothian is undergoing a remarkable transformation thanks to a grassroots replanting project supported by Loganair’s GreenSkies Community Fund.
Gifford Community Woodland has received £3,180 to plant 420 native trees in a part of the woodland devastated by ash dieback, a crucial step in restoring the biodiversity and long-term health of the forest.
The woodland, situated just outside the village of Gifford, was purchased by the local community in 2017 after decades of commercial neglect. It was saved from sale to private interests thanks to a determined local campaign.
With support from the Scottish Land Fund, East Lothian Council, Fallago Environment Fund, and a village-wide fundraising effort, the woodland became one of Scotland’s newest community-owned assets, now managed by volunteers for conservation, education, and wellbeing.
“From the start, the message from the community was clear: we want to protect and restore the ancient woodland, and make it accessible for everyone,” said Neville Kilkenny, a fungal ecologist and Project Manager.
“This GreenSkies grant allows us to replant native species in an area badly affected by ash dieback, not just with trees, but with the entire plant communities they support. It’s about recreating a whole ecosystem. Planting the right trees supports the resilience of other diverse communities associated with an ancient woodland ecosystem.”
The pack of trees being planted – including silver birch, hazel, and varieties of oak – have been carefully selected to mirror the natural makeup of the site, creating resilient woodland habitats that can withstand future climate pressures.
The woods have been opened up to the public for the first time through a new path network, including accessible routes to ensure the entire community can enjoy the woodland.
Since taking ownership, Gifford Community Woodland has become a thriving hub for environmental learning and community connection.
Forest school programmes bring local children into the woods to learn about nature hands-on, while volunteer events and guided walks, covering everything from bat monitoring and moth traps to fungi, lichens and bryophytes surveys, help residents build a deeper relationship with the land.
The woodland is also supporting the next generation of conservationists, with young people and students gaining valuable experience in ecological surveying and woodland management.
The ash dieback outbreak, which could result in the loss of 90% of the UK’s ash trees, has had a visible impact on the site. But community resilience has emerged just as strongly.
“We’re not just replacing trees,” Neville Kilkenny said. “We’re restoring the woodland with the community involved at every step. People here are learning how ecosystems function; how fungi, trees, soil, insects and mammals all interact.
“It’s a slow process, but it’s creating something incredibly strong and long-lasting.”
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, established the GreenSkies Community Fund in 2021 to support local sustainability projects across Scotland and beyond. Through the fund, a portion of each ticket purchased contributes to environmental and community initiatives focused on climate resilience and decarbonisation.
Rebecca Borresen, director of safety and sustainability at Loganair, said: “Gifford Community Woodland is a brilliant example of local climate action in practice. Their approach is thoughtful, inclusive, and rooted in science and place. This isn’t just tree planting, it’s community-led ecosystem restoration with generational impact.
“Our GreenSkies programme is focused on creating real change on the ground as well as in the air. Gifford Community Woodland embodies the kind of project we’re proud to champion.”
