Tag: food and drink

Thousands granted to Edinburgh’s community food growing initiatives

More than £50k in funding has been awarded to food growing projects across Edinburgh.

The City of Edinburgh Council’s £52,500 Grow Your Own Fund has been shared between 13 community and voluntary groups whose work includes creating food growing spaces and providing food growing education. 

Applications for funding were individually assessed by a panel, with grants of up to £5000 awarded to a range of schemes. Amongst the initiatives are Tuk Tuk and Grow, which brings mobile growing and cooking sessions to families across Edinburgh using a tuk tuk bike, and Nuclear Growth, which plans to set up a food growing project on the site of a former nuclear bunker on Corstorphine Hill.

Funding is intended to be spent in areas such as: purchasing seeds, plants, and tools; equipment for community garden cooking areas; education and training activities; personal protective equipment; and staff time directly related to establishing the growing area.

Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “The standard of applications to the fund was extremely high, and the panel were really impressed – the successful projects demonstrate real creativity and ambition.

“Urban food growing is important for the health of both people and nature. These initiatives will really benefit local communities and the wider city by bringing people together, reducing food waste and supporting biodiversity.”

Full list of successful projects:

  • Nuclear Growth, Barnton Bunker Preservation Society (awarded £4640)
  • Get Blackhall Growing, Blackhall Parent Carer Council (awarded £2000)
  • Tuk Tuk Grow and Go, Edinburgh Community Food (awarded £5000)
  • Redhall Grows, Friends of Redhall School (awarded £5000)
  • Gate 55 Community Food Growers, Gate 55 Community Centre (awarded £4946)
  • Growing Together, Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre (awarded £5000)
  • Longstone Primary Farm and Garden, Parents at Longstone School (awarded £1400)
  • Community Garden at Pilton Equalities Project, Pilton Equalities Project (awarded £4000)
  • StJV Allotment: a growing space for the campus community, St John Vianney Primary School Charitable Trust (awarded £5000)
  • Community Garden and Foraging Trail, St Mary’s Episcopal cathedral (awarded £5000)
  • Flourishing Together at Gracemount Medical Practice, Transition Edinburgh South (awarded £5000)
  • Garden @ the Snake, Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust (awarded £2625 – partial funding)
  • Edible Garden at The Action Group, The Action Group (awarded £2889 – partial funding)

Patricia Lee from Gate 55 said: “We were really keen to support a new community food growing group here and this grant makes a huge difference to us.

” The funds will enable us to provide the group with resources for propagation space and for fruit bushes and compost, as well as supporting them with a project worker who will help with capacity-building and growing the membership of the group.”

Ryan Lytwyn, Mental Health Worker with the Pilton Equalities Project, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive this funding from the Grow Your Own grant scheme.

“It will make a huge difference to our community garden at the Pilton Equalities Project, allowing us to expand our growing space, install greenhouses, and involve more local people in growing fresh, sustainable food.

“This support means we can promote food security, improve wellbeing, and help our community take positive action for our climate.”

Jonathan Baxter from A+E at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral said: “We were delighted to hear about the Grow Your Own Fund and even more delighted when we heard that our application had been successful.

“Community food growing is a key part of that commitment and securing funding for a community gardener/development worker allows us to realise our aim of establishing a Community Garden in the West End of Edinburgh.

Alongside local residents and current users of Walpole Hall, the Community Garden aims to support the wider climate justice movement in Edinburgh. It does this by providing a welcoming space where horticulture and ecological design skills can be learnt in a hands-on way.

Eat Cake for a Good Cause … LifeCare’s Afternoon Tea is back!

THURSDAY 4th SEPTEMBER at 12.30pm

Following a sell-out success in March, local charity LifeCare Edinburgh is delighted to announce the return of its popular Afternoon Tea at the LifeCare Hub on Cheyne Street on Thursday 4th September.

Guests can look forward to a delicious spread of homemade cakes, savoury treats, and endless cups of tea and coffee, all served in the heart of one of Edinburgh’s most loved community spaces. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy a relaxed afternoon with friends, family, or neighbours – all while supporting a fantastic local cause.

But this event is more than just tea and treats – every ticket sold will directly support LifeCare’s urgent fundraising appeal to keep the Hub running. With rapidly rising costs, the charity is calling on the community to help protect the services so many people rely on.

Sarah Van Putten, CEO of LifeCare said: “The LifeCare Hub is a lifeline for thousands across the city. Whether it’s classes for isolated older adults, support for unpaid carers, or just a welcoming place to connect, the Hub brings people together. 

“This Afternoon Tea is a chance to enjoy a lovely afternoon whilst helping us secure the Hub’s future.”

The Hub, which first opened in 1975 as ‘Stockbridge House’, now welcomes over 47,000 visits a year, offering 80+ weekly activities for all ages. As a charity, LifeCare works hard to ensure that its services are affordable or free, so no one is left out.

Afternoon Tea Details:

  • LifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, Stockbridge EH4 1JB
  • 1230pm Thursday 4th September 2025
  • To book, call 0131 343 0940 or pop into the Hub
  • £15 per person including a small donation.

Spaces are limited and expected to sell out fast – so early booking is strongly advised.

Visit www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk for more information.

Edinburgh International Book Festival is OPEN!

The twinkle lights are up, the books are on the shelves, the food trucks have pulled up – oh yes, the Book Festival site at Edinburgh Futures Institute is ready for all the amazing authors, artists, costume characters, musicians, thinkers, dreamers, and, most importantly, YOU – our wonderful audience – to start arriving from Saturday. 9th August – i.e. TODAY!. 

If you still haven’t decided what to come along to yet, we’ve got you! This e-news will give you plenty of events to pick from:

Check out the full programme here

Don’t Look Back in Hanger!

ROLL WITH IT – OASIS REUNION CELEBRATED WITH SAUAGE ROLLS

In a delightful nod to Oasis’ triumphant return to the stage, Make it Scotch encouraged fans to ‘Roll with it’ with Specially Selected Pork sausage rolls yesterday afternoon (Friday, 8th August).

As fans queued up for the highly anticipated reunion gig, they were treated to free sausage rolls and Oasis-inspired bucket hats, ensuring they wouldn’t “Look Back in Hanger.”

The excitement was electric as fans held up their savoury treats and donned their new hats, all set against the backdrop of the iconic Murrayfield stadium. This fun and light-hearted activation brought smiles and satisfaction, making the wait for the concert even more memorable.

Be sure to catch more of these moments shared by @makeitscotch on their social media channels.

To find out more about Specially Selected Pork, Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb, visit: makeitscotch.com.

Empty Kitchens Full Hearts: Community Lunch TODAY

Menu for Friday the 8th of August 🥣

We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you tomorrow. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and often a delicious pudding. What’s on the menu tomorrow:

Carrot and lentil soup

Chorizo and sweetcorn pasta

Cauliflower and sweetcorn pasta (V)

Garden salad

Banana bread

Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens. And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out! Do come along and enjoy. Thank you!

Edinburgh food trucks come together to fight hunger and loneliness

Three local Edinburgh food trucks served up something special for customers last weekend – teaming up with Scotland’s number one cheddar brand, Galloway Cheddar, to raise money for FareShare and help tackle food poverty and social isolation across the country. 

Food trucks across Scotland are hitting the road to serve limited-edition cheesy creations for one-day-only fundraising events as part of the nationwide Galloway Gathering Project.

The campaign launched on Friday 25 July as Wanderers Kneaded Pizza, Wanderers Kneaded Street Food and Lazeezdished up a bespoke menu made with Galloway Cheddar at Innis & Gunn’s On The Mound site – proving that comfort food really can be a force for good. 

The fundraising day was part of the ‘Galloway Gathering Project’, a nationwide campaign that brings together Scottish cheese brand Galloway and FareShare – the UK’s leading food redistribution charity. Customers were encouraged to donate to FareShare via QR codes at the trucks. 

Mark Morris, Managing Director at Wanderers Kneaded said: “Since starting Wanderers Kneaded in 2018, it’s been amazing to see the way the people of Edinburgh gather around food and socialise.

“By doing something as simple as using Galloway Cheddar on our pizzas and burgers for the day, we’re able to turn that shared love of food into something meaningful – helping raise funds and awareness for those facing hunger and isolation in our communities.”

Following previous years of success, this year’s ‘Galloway Gathering Project’, will see the equivalent of 90,000 meals donated* to those in need. 

Heloise Le Norcy-Trott, Marketing Director at Lactalis UK & Ireland, said: “The food truck days have become a highlight of the Galloway Gathering Project, with local vendors across Scotland serving up delicious cheesy dishes to support FareShare.

“It’s a simple but powerful way to bring people together and raise awareness of food poverty and loneliness in Scotland’s communities.”

Kirsty Ford, Head of Fundraising at FareShare said: “We are so grateful to everyone at Galloway Cheddar for supporting this campaign. The donations made to FareShare from this initiative will help us get good-to-eat food, which might otherwise go to waste, to people who need it.

“Every day, food from FareShare is redistributed to a network of charities including homelessness shelters, after school clubs, refuges, and older people’s lunch clubs.

“By donating to FareShare via the food trucks, supporters help power the redistribution of surplus food, supporting essential services that strengthen communities and improve lives. Thank you.”  

As part of the campaign, 800kg of Galloway Cheddar is being donated to FareShare’s partner organisations, and Scottish National Chef and MasterChef: The Professionals winner Gary Maclean is hosting two cooking events in Dundee, preparing comforting Mac n’ Cheese dishes to be distributed to local charities. 

To donate to The Galloway Gathering Project, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/gallowaygatheringproject2025 

To find out more information on The Galloway Gathering Project, please visit

https://www.gallowaycheddar.co.uk/

Tomorrow’s Community Lunch Menu at Empty Kitchens Full Hearts

MENU for FRIDAY 1st AUGUST 🥣

We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you tomorrow.

We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and often a delicious pudding. What’s on the menu tomorrow:

Carrot and split pea soup

Turkey and mushroom pie

Quorn pie (V)

Mashed potato and green beans

Chocolate and cherry frozen yoghurt with strawberries

Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens.

And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out!

Do come along and enjoy. Thank you!

Oasis fans who missed out on tickets can ‘Roll With It’ to Fort Kinnaird

Fans who missed out on tickets to see Oasis at Murrayfield this summer can still enjoy the iconic anthems at Fort Kinnaird on Sunday 10th August, thanks to a free live performance by popular tribute band ‘Oasus’.

Oasus is set to bring the classic Wonderwall, Live Forever and Don’t Look Back in Anger anthems to the centre for the many fans who tried and failed to get tickets to the Scottish leg of the tour, coming to Murrayfield on Friday 8th August, Saturday 9th August and Tuesday 12th August.

This two-hour live gig will take over Fort Kinnaird’s Summer Stage near Pizza Hut, promising all the swagger, sound and 90s nostalgia of the real deal – minus the ticket fees and stadium crowds. Whether you’re a die-hard Gallagher fan or just fancy a fun Sunday with the family, it’s a brilliant way to soak up the buzz set to sweep the city. 

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “There’s so much excitement around the Oasis reunion gigs at Murrayfield, so it’s only right that we bring a bit of that buzz to Fort Kinnaird too.

“Oasus are a brilliant tribute act and their free show is the perfect chance for Oasis fans of all ages to get involved in the action. It’s a great way to spend a Sunday – grab a bite, enjoy the music and make a proper day of it with friends or family. Definitely Maybe also pick up an iconic bucket hat while you’re here too!”

The event is just one of the free events running at Fort Kinnaird this summer, designed to offer visitors of all ages memorable, free experiences.

This includes character visits between 11am – 4pm from Aloha Alien on Sunday 27th July, and a Wicked Duo on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd of August.

With more than 70 shops, a seven-screen ODEON cinema, and dining favourites including Wagamama, TGI Fridays and Nando’s, there’s something for everyone – whether you’re after a day of retail therapy, tasty food, or dancing to your favourite 90s bangers.

The centre is easy to reach too, just off the A1 with 2,600 free parking spaces and good public transport links.

For more details and to plan your day at Fort Kinnaird, please visit: 

https://www.fortkinnaird.com/event/lights-camera-summer

Dean Banks launches 1925 at Pompadour

Chef Dean Banks launches revamped restaurant at the iconic Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh

Copyright – Grant Anderson / www.grantanderson.me / @grantandersondotme

In response to changing consumer demands, Chef Dean Banks has relaunched his signature restaurant in the historic Caledonian Hotel on Princes Street, launching 1925 at Pompadour which opened its doors on Wednesday (23 July).

The new offering will provide diners with a delicious a la carte menu in the heart of the city that showcases the best of local produce, across land and sea. 1925 at Pompadour opens following a change in consumer desires away from multi-course tasting menus to a more accessible dining option that has flavour and creativity at its heart.

Located in the West End, diners can enjoy the new menu at 1925 at Pompadour while taking in stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and learning all about the local suppliers Chef Dean Banks works with to create his renowned dishes.

Copyright – Grant Anderson / www.grantanderson.me / @grantandersondotme

To celebrate the launch of 1925 at Pompadour, diners will receive 50% off food until Wednesday 30 July, providing an opportunity to sample the new dishes and explore the revamped restaurant.

Featuring fresh, local, produce, seafood lovers can sample Dean’s signature lobster thermidor, Orkney hand dived scallops with vadouvan carrot, or champagne baked market fish. Diners can also enjoy corn fed chicken with king oyster mushrooms, pomme mousseline and a madeira sauce, or smoked ricotta and egg yolk raviolo, served with leeks and lemon butter.

With starters from £15 and mains starting at £26, and a three-course lunch for just £39.50, 1925 at Pompadour aims to provide a premium food offering at an accessible price point in the heart of the city.

Copyright – Grant Anderson / www.grantanderson.me / @grantandersondotme

Commenting on the launch, Chef Dean Banks said: “Consumers are moving away from multi-course tasting menus, instead preferring restaurants where they can enjoy premium dishes at an accessible price point.

“When considering the future of Dean Banks at the Pompadour, it was important to reflect these changing consumer demands while ensuring the high quality offering we pride ourselves on remains.

“1925 at Pompadour perfectly brings this together, all under the iconic setting of Edinburgh Castle, and we look forward to welcoming diners to experience this next chapter in our restaurant’s history.”

The Pompadour restaurant first opened its doors at the Caledonian Hotel, Edinburgh, in 1925, with the new restaurant named as an homage to the venue’s rich history.

For more information on 1925 at Pompadour, or to book your table, visit:

www.restaurant1925.com.

Edinburgh shopper scoops over £300 for CHAS in Aldi Supermarket Sweep

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:

https://www.chas.org.uk/