Tag: Leith Collective

More than 10,000 free coats to be redistributed to those in need this winter 

The Leith Collective launches Winter Coat Exchange to coincide with energy price cap rise

On Tuesday 1st October 2024, the energy price cap will rise by 10%, taking a typical annual household bill to £1,717. One Edinburgh Community Interest Company predicts this increase will push many struggling families over the edge.

To help in the fight against poverty, The Leith Collective is launching its Winter Coat Exchange on Tuesday 1st October to coincide with this energy price cap rise. Having redistributed almost 10,000 free coats last winter, founder Sara Thomson predicts even more will be needed this year to provide warmth and comfort to those in desperate need.

According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, more than one million people live in poverty in Scotland, with nearly half of those people (490,000) living in very deep poverty. The energy price cap rise will hit those trapped in poverty the hardest and will no doubt force many to sacrifice basic essentials such as a warm winter coat.

And so, The Leith Collective is calling on businesses, organisations, charities and community groups across Scotland to register as an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point. That way, they can redistribute good quality coats to those who need them – free of charge, no questions asked – and provide much-needed comfort this winter.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Sara said; “This is the fourth year of running the Winter Coat Exchange and sadly I think our help will be needed more than ever this year.

“So many people are already at breaking point because of the cost of living crisis, and now gas and electric bills are set to rise yet again. Last year we redistributed almost 10,000 coats to those in need and we’re bracing ourselves for even greater demand this winter.” 

One of the first organisations to sign up to the scheme this year was the Edinburgh CIC, Let the People Sing. Founder Vicky Scoular said; “Going without basic necessities such as a warm winter coat can have a hugely detrimental impact on a person’s dignity and on their mental wellbeing.

“So we’re proud to be playing our part in the fight against poverty by signing up to be an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point and we implore as many other local organisations to do the same so we can make a real difference.”

Organisations can sign up to become an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point at www.we-relove.com, the sustainable online marketplace from The Leith Collective.

The website also enables individuals in need to enter their postcode and find their nearest collection point, so they can get a quality coat without charge and without judgement.

The Leith Collective puts sustainability centre stage

Local CIC won’t stay quiet about climate change as they invite local musicians to help launch new pop-up eco store at Waverley Market


As the Scottish capital gears up for festival season, one local Community Interest Company is aiming to ensure sustainability takes centre stage this year as they launch their brand-new eco pop-up store in the heart of Edinburgh.

Not ones to stay quiet about the climate crisis, the award-winning Leith Collective is calling on local musicians to join them in their new Waverley Market store to make some noise and get their environmental message heard. 

The Leith Collective at Waverley Market showcases the work of some of the city’s most innovative makers, crafters, artists and designers.

It stocks everything from handmade homeware and upcycled furniture, to recycled clothing, repurposed jewellery and reimagined gifts.

Like its three sister stores in Ocean Terminal, Fort Kinnaird, and Dundee’s Overgate, The Leith Collective at Waverley Market is a completely single-use plastic-free shop, with all resident makers urged to consider their environmental impact at every stage of their creative process.

The new retail destination provides a valuable platform for established and emerging eco-friendly artists and will no doubt be a hit with shoppers looking for a sustainable alternative to the high street.

The Leith Collective is appealing to local musicians to join them in the store. Speaking ahead of the launch, founder Sara Thomson said: “Millions of people visit the Edinburgh Festival and we’ll be right in the heart of the action.

“So, what better way to get our message to the masses than by enlisting the help of some of the city’s amazing musical talent to help us make some noise about issues affecting the planet.

“From buskers to bands, we’re inviting them all to come and play. The result will be a full sensory retail experience that we hope will help to change consumer’s attitudes for the better.” 

Local eco artists interested in stocking their products at The Leith Collective or musicians interested in playing at the store should email Sara Thomson on info@theleithcollective.com.

Locals urged to help families this Christmas by donating decorations and treats

The Leith Collective launches Christmas tree and festive food exchange

As the temperature drops and heating bills rise, many families across Edinburgh are facing a crisis this Christmas.

The choice between heating and eating is an all too real dilemma for many, which means this Christmas will be one of sacrifices and shortages for those struggling to make ends meet. However, one local Community Interest Company is working hard to ensure those in need can still experience the spirit of Christmas. 

Friday 1st December will see The Leith Collective launch its Christmas tree and festive food exchange across its four Scottish stores. Locals are being urged to search their homes for any unwanted Christmas trees and decorations that may be languishing in cupboards and attics.

Non-perishable store cupboard essentials and festive treats are also being accepted. Because it’s the little things that can make all the difference and lift the spirits of families in need at this time of year. 

All items will be available for anyone to collect at Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird and Ocean Terminal, and Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre and Glasgow Fort completely free of charge. No stigma, no judgement, no questions asked. 

The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson, explains why the Christmas tree and festive food exchange is so necessary; “We’ve heard a lot of talk this year about people ‘feeling the pinch’ of rising costs, but from what I’ve seen, that’s a massive understatement.

“There are people genuinely struggling to survive. Christmas is a time for giving, and the gift of a Christmas tree, some decorations and a few treats to a family that has nothing is a lovely way to show them that they matter, that they are not forgotten, and that they too deserve to be included in the magic of Christmas”.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “The Leith Collective works hard all year round to support our local community. We saw first-hand just how needed the free school uniform exchange was in the summer and the impact it made to local families – and the festive season will be no different.

“Many of us have Christmas decorations we no longer use which could make another family’s festive season really special. I’d like to thank our visitors for their ongoing support towards these initiatives and ask that they donate what they can to The Leith Collective this Christmas.”

Christmas trees, decorations and non-perishable festive food can be dropped off or collected at The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird, Ocean Terminal, St Enoch Centre and Glasgow Fort during opening hours.

It is hoped that by hosting the Christmas tree and festive food exchange in these accessible locations, those that have can help those that don’t, which is after all what Christmas is all about.

Leith Collective looks to expand its winter coat exchange across the UK

Local CIC urges organisations to play their part in the fight against poverty

A warm winter coat is a basic necessity. But for individuals facing difficulties, families stretched by the cost of living crisis, people trapped in poverty, a coat is yet another essential item they have no choice but to sacrifice.

However, one Edinburgh Community Interest Company is hoping to change that. They are calling on businesses, organisations, charities and community groups across the UK to register as an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point. That way, they can redistribute good quality coats to those who need them – free of charge, no questions asked – and provide much-needed comfort this winter.

The impact of the cost of living crisis is being felt right across Scotland. Around 1 in 5 people are living in poverty. Having to sacrifice basic necessities such as a winter coat can have a hugely detrimental impact on a person’s dignity and on their mental wellbeing. So, The Leith Collective is taking proactive steps to help.

Since launching this year’s Winter Coat Exchange on 1st October, they have been completely inundated with requests. So, they are now looking to expand the initiative across the UK to help as many people as possible.

Speaking ahead of the UK launch, The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson said; “Last year we rehomed more than 7,000 coats. Within two weeks of launching our 2023 Winter Coat Exchange, we rehomed more than 1,000. The demand this year is unprecedented – no doubt because of the continued cost of living crisis. We, collectively as a nation, need to do more to help.

“So, we’re calling on all businesses, organisations, charities and community groups with space to store a rail of coats to sign up to become an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point. That way we can ensure coats are readily available to anyone who needs them. No one should have to go without a coat this winter.”

One of the first organisations to sign up to the scheme was the Edinburgh CIC, Let the People Sing. Founder Vicky Scoular said; “When we heard how high the demand was for coats, we felt compelled to help.

“Providing a small space to store coats is not a big ask, but it can make a huge difference to people in need. We hope more organisations across the UK step up and take part.”

Organisations can sign up to become an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point at www.re-relove.com, the brand new online marketplace from The Leith Collective.

The website also enables individuals in need to enter their postcode and find their nearest collection point, so they can get a quality coat without charge and without judgement.

The Leith Collective launches its winter coat exchange ahead of ‘Christmas crisis’ predictions

Locals urged to donate to those struggling with the cost of living

The soaring cost of living, continuing high inflation and mounting energy bills will culminate in a ‘Christmas crisis’, predicts The Leith Collective. The Edinburgh Community Interest Company has been helping locals via a range of free clothing exchange initiatives throughout 2023, but says the coming season will likely be their toughest challenge yet.

First launched in January 2022, The Leith Collective’s winter coat exchange proved instantly popular, with more than 7,000 good quality coats donated and rehomed over the course of the year. But whilst many had hoped spiralling everyday expenses would settle in 2023, sadly the cost of living has continued to climb. According to The Leith Collective, the result of this is an even bigger number of Edinburgh residents now facing breaking point.

In response, The Leith Collective is now on a mission to distribute more coats than ever before and is appealing to local residents as well as businesses with excess old stock to donate what they can.

Speaking ahead of the launch of the 2023 winter coat exchange, founder Sara Thomson said; “We’ve had countless people telling us that last winter was unbearable. We all hoped that things would change for the better in 2023, but sadly it’s been cut back after cut back, price rise after price rise this year.

“For those people that had hoped to ‘ride out the storm’ last winter, the realisation that things have not improved since then and their struggles are likely to continue into 2024 will hit them hard this Christmas. 

“A warm and comfortable winter coat is a basic necessity, especially now that we’re seeing more and more extreme weather as a result of climate change. But for families that have been continually stretched, a coat yet another essential item that they are having to sacrifice.

“From our experience, the culminative effect of all these ongoing sacrifices can have a hugely detrimental impact on a person’s dignity and on their mental wellbeing.”

The winter coat exchange launches in all three Leith Collective stores on Sunday 1st October. Locals and businesses are being urged to donate good quality winter coats and waterproof jackets suitable for all ages and sizes. The coats will be available for anyone to collect at Ocean Terminal, Fort Kinnaird and St Enoch Centre completely free of charge, no questions asked. 

The winter coat exchange is not only a practical response to the cost of living crisis, but also to the climate crisis – a cause which lies at the heart of The Leith Collective. The winter coat exchange is a sustainable solution that aims to keep quality clothes out of landfill and in use for longer, thus promoting a circular economy and helping to reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry.

As a Community Interest Company, all profits from The Leith Collective go towards supporting the community and promoting sustainability through the arts.

The Leith Collective actively supports individuals with mental health or support needs to grow in confidence and gain experience in the workplace, and offers business mentorship to any members of the Collective.

It is hoped that by hosting the winter coat exchange in accessible locations such as Ocean Terminal, Fort Kinnaird and St Enoch Centre, those currently experiencing difficulties will be able to receive a helping hand.

Coats can be dropped off or collected at The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal, The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird, and The Clydeside Collective at St Enoch Centre during opening hours.

Party like there’s no Planet B!

  • Don’t miss the birthday celebrations at The Leith Collective, Fort Kinnaird this Friday
  • The Leith Collective celebrates one year at Fort Kinnaird with music, drinks and a lot of love for the planet

Locals are being invited to party like there’s no Planet B this Friday as The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird celebrates its first birthday.

Now established as the go-to store for Edinburgh’s eco-conscious consumers, the multi award-winning Leith Collective is hosting a special evening of music, drinks, art and sustainable shopping to thank their customers for their support during their first year in business.

And what a year it has been! The store has been championing sustainable solutions at every opportunity, organising a range of initiatives such as the Winter Coat Exchange which saw locals donate 7,000 coats to those in need.

This was followed by the Free School Uniform Exchange, which aimed to keep quality clothes out of landfill and in use for longer, whilst simultaneously addressing the cost of living crisis.

The store has also played host to a range of inspiring art exhibitions, including The Printmakers Salon, featuring the work of artists from the Edinburgh Printmakers, which is currently on display at the store.

Earlier this year, founder Sara Thomson was invited to 10 Downing Street to celebrate Burns’ Night with PM Rishi Sunak in recognition for the continued positive impact the store is having.

And the store later scooped two SME UK Enterprise Awards – Most Unique Community Retail Space Scotland and the Sustainable Excellence Award.

The birthday party is open to all and free to attend, and revellers can enjoy music and drinks, view the current art exhibition, and browse one-off items from some of Edinburgh’s most talented artists and makers.

From clothing and jewellery to homeware and toiletries – all the items available to purchase in store have been created with the planet in mind.

Founder Sara Thomson and the team will be at the party to talk about the steps they are taking to make shopping a more sustainable experience for all.

Commenting ahead of the party, Sara explained; “Retail is changing. More and more consumers now want to know where their goods have come from, and what impact the manufacturing process has had on the planet.

“And that’s exactly why The Leith Collective’s first year at Fort Kinnaird has proved to be so successful. Our customers are choosing to support local artists and protect the planet, so we’re throwing this party to say thank you for shopping sustainably.”

The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird first birthday party will take place on Friday 8th September, 6pm – 8pm. The event is free to attend and the invitation is open to all.

Edinburgh parents more anxious than ever about the cost of school uniforms

The Leith Collective launches free school uniform exchange to help worried parents this summer  

School’s out for summer but far from signalling the start of a care-free holiday, many Edinburgh parents are already worrying about how they will afford new school uniforms when the holiday is over and the new academic year begins. 

That’s according to one local Community Interest Company, The Leith Collective, who are reporting a higher level of anxiety than ever amongst Edinburgh parents, many of whom have said they will be cutting back on summer holiday treats this year to meet the rising cost of essentials such as school uniforms.

And so, The Leith Collective is acting now to help alleviate some of that anxiety with the launch of their free school uniform exchange.

Taking place at The Leith Collective stores in Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal and Fort Kinnaird as well as the Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre, this initiative will see locals donate good quality uniforms, schoolbags, pencil cases and school essentials to those in need. Items will be available for anyone to collect completely free of charge, no questions asked. 

Speaking ahead of the launch, The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson said; “Demand for our free school uniform exchange last year was high. Sadly, due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, there is an increasing number of families from all walks of life who are genuinely anxious about how they will kit out their kids again this year.

“So, we felt it was essential that we launch our free school uniform exchange as soon as possible – so that parents have at least one less thing to worry about throughout the school holidays.”

This summer’s free school uniform exchange follows The Leith Collective’s winter coat exchange which received an overwhelming response, with over 7,000 coats donated and collected by locals.  

People can donate and collect items at The Leith Collective in Ocean Terminal, Fort Kinnaird, and the St Enoch Centre during opening hours. No tights or socks can be accepted but all other good quality school items are welcome.

  • The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal
    Ocean Drive, Edinburgh
    EH6 6JJ
    Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 11am – 6pm, and Sunday 11am – 5pm.
  • The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird
  • Newcraighall, Edinburgh
  • EH15 3RD
  • Opening hours: 10am – 8pm seven days a week
  • The Leith Collective at St Enoch Centre,
  • Glasgow G1 4BW
  • Opening hours: 10am – 5pm, seven days a week

Free school uniform exchange opens at Fort Kinnaird

The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird has launched a free school uniform exchange that will run throughout the summer holidays to give parents good quality, pre-loved options for back to school and encourage more sustainable shopping habits.

The independent store, located between Trespass and WHSmith, is inviting locals to donate good quality school uniform items in exchange for something they need.

Everything from polo shirts and jumpers to school bags and shoes will be accepted and available for collection to help get little ones ready for the new term.

Sara Thomson, founder of The Leith Collective, said: “Parents often have to buy a whole new uniform at the start of the school year only to find their child has already outgrown it by the Christmas break. The clothing is often still in perfectly good condition and could easily do another child a turn.

“The uniform exchange is not only a practical response to the cost-of-living crisis, but it also promotes sustainable choices – a cause which lies at the heart of The Leith Collective. Anyone can use the exchange service, whether your budget is squeezed this year or you want to be more sustainable – our only ask is that the uniform or other school items are still in a good quality condition.”

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “This is a fantastic initiative which we know will go a long way to support our local community, while also helping our visitors to choose more sustainable options where they can.

“We’re proud to support an independent store like The Leith Collective, and it’s brilliant to see the new and different shopping opportunities Sara and the team are bringing to the centre.”

The school uniform exchange follows The Leith Collective’s successful winter coat exchange which had an overwhelming response and saw 7,000 donations at its stores, including Fort Kinnaird.

The Leith Collective showcases the work of more than 300 artists and makers from all over Scotland, brought together by a common aim to reuse, recycle, and reclaim, and resells items that may otherwise have been destined for landfill.

It has three stores located across Edinburgh and Glasgow, including Fort Kinnaird. All of its stores also host a range of creative workshops focused on sustainability.

Throughout the summer, The Leith Collective is also inviting school holiday clubs and community groups to take part in free one-hour sessions with tips and advice on how to live more sustainably, alongside the opportunity to learn about the running of the stores. For more information on this, email: Info@theleithcollective.com.

For more information about Fort Kinnaird: https://www.fortkinnaird.com/

New eco exhibition set to inspire a host of homes and interiors ideas

The Leith Collective launches “Furniture Reimagined” eco exhibition

Creating a home is an art form – choosing furniture can be an act of creative self-expression, but upcycling furniture can take that creativity to a whole new level. This is especially evident in a brand-new eco exhibition, Furniture Reimagined, open now in Edinburgh.

Taking place at The Leith Collective, Furniture Reimagined features the work of environmentally-conscious artists from all over Scotland, brought together by a shared vision to breathe new life into old household items. 

All manner of furniture from a range of eras features in the exhibition – from re-upholstered vintage chairs to contemporary doors turned into mirrors.

Some items needed some simple TLC to bring them back to their former glory, whilst others have been recycled, repurposed and reworked into something completely original. 

The timing of the exhibition is no coincidence. It is around this time of year that UK householders spring clean and send a host of household items straight to landfill. The artists behind this exhibition hope their work will encourage people to think twice before doing so, and keep furniture in use for longer to reduce waste.

Speaking ahead of the exhibition launch, The Leith Collective founder Sara Thomson commented: “The furniture featured in this exhibition was built to last. These items have all had a life, they have maybe had a few knocks along the way (haven’t we all?!) but that’s no reason to discard them and replace them with a modern MDF flatpack item. 

“This exhibition shows that with a little imagination, many household items can be transformed – not just turned back into something functional, but into something truly beautiful.” 

Furniture Reimagined is open now until 31st May 2023 and is free to view at all three Leith Collective stores – Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal and Fort Kinnaird, as well as Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre.

Some exhibition items are available to purchase and delivery is available.

  • The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal
    Ocean Drive, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ
    Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 11am – 6pm, and Sunday 11am – 5pm
  • The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird

Newcraighall, Edinburgh, EH15 3RD

Opening hours: 10am – 8pm seven days a week

  • The Leith Collective at St Enoch Centre
    Glasgow, G1 4BW – Opening hours: 10am – 5pm, seven days a week
  • For more information about The Leith Collective head to www.theleithcollective.com, email info@theleithcollective.com, or call 07447 659 999.

Leith Collective to celebrate Burns Night with PM at Downing Street

Leith Collective invited to celebrate Burns Night with PM at 10 Downing Street ahead of sustainable marketplace launch

Whilst many of us in the Scottish capital will be raising a wee dram on Burns Night with friends and family, one Edinburgh Community Interest Company founder will be spending it south of the border with someone rather unexpected.

Sara Thomson, founder of The Leith Collective, has been invited to 10 Downing Street on Wednesday 25th January to celebrate Burns Night with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The exclusive event promises to be a celebration of Scottish culture, and Sara hopes the event will provide an opportunity to shine a light on the wealth of artistic talent here in Scotland. And it is this community of Scottish artists that Sara is hoping to support with the launch of her new sustainable online marketplace, We Relove. 

“The Leith Collective has three Scottish stores, each one stocked with beautifully crafted items made by local artists that have reclaimed, recycled, reimagined, and repurposed everyday items. Every day I’m amazed by the sheer skill, inventiveness, and creativity of our local artists”, Sara explained.

“But I want to do more to help artists who aren’t based in Edinburgh and Glasgow. I want to help raise the profile of eco artists from all over Scotland. And so, I’m launching We Relove – Scotland’s first sustainable online marketplace.”

By launching We Relove, Sara hopes to give Scottish artists a new online platform through which they can showcase their work, as well as give consumers greater choice when it comes to shopping sustainably. 

It is not the first time that Sara has caught the attention of a head of government. In 2021, Sara received word that she had been specially selected to become a UK ‘One Step Greener’ ambassador ahead of COP26. She was then chosen by the then PM, Boris Johnson, to become the UK’s 1772nd Point of Light. As a result, Sara met Boris Johnson at 10 Downing Street and enjoyed a video chat with HRH Queen Elizabeth II.

Since then, Sara has gone on to expand The Leith Collective, opening a store in Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre and Fort Kinnaird. She also organised a highly successful winter coat exchange which saw more than 5,000 coats rehomed to those in need, plus a Christmas tree and school uniform exchange to help locals cope with the cost of living crisis.

Artists, makers, and crafters from Scotland and beyond can register their interest in becoming a We Relove seller at www.we-relove.com.

Registration opens on Wednesday 25th January.