Tag: partnership

Forth Green Freeport open for business

The Forth Green Freeport (FGF) is officially “open for business” today, 12 June, following approval from the Scottish and UK Governments of its Outline Business Case.

This major step unlocks the investment incentives to deliver the green freeport vision.

Dame Susan Rice DBE, Chair of Forth Green Freeport, said: “This is it, Forth Green Freeport is officially open for business. It is an important time for the Green Freeport as we move through the business case development phase to delivery for Scotland.

“Through innovations in offshore wind manufacturing, assembly and commissioning, alongside innovative shipbuilding, modular assembly and hydrogen manufacture, the country’s net zero targets can be boosted by Forth Green Freeport.

“This is a long-term project and one which we know will deliver real benefits to the local communities through economic growth, skills re-training and training and access to high quality, green jobs.”

Responding to the news, Council Leader Cammy Day said: “The Forth Green Freeport is go – making North Edinburgh and the region open for significant investment and good, green, economic growth.

“The whole coastline has huge potential as we develop our city and address the climate emergency and, clearly, the Scottish and UK Governments agree. The news just this week of a global leader in sustainable energy potentially looking to invest in the Port of Leith is also testament to the opportunities Edinburgh has to offer.

“Our extension of Edinburgh’s tram line to Newhaven is already unlocking many areas in the North of the city for long-term investment and regeneration plus, our £1.3 billion green vision for Granton Waterfront is creating a brand new sustainable coastal community, with thousands of net zero homes.

“Through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal we’ve already achieved massive success working collaboratively with our neighbouring councils, with central government and with the private sector. I’m looking forward to similar success with all the partners on the Forth Green Freeport.

“I’ve said all along that fair work and fair opportunities – with employers paying the real Living Wage and real benefits to the community – should be central to the Green Freeport’s plans.

“Following positive conversations with our partners, I’m pleased this is now confirmed with a Fair Work Charter right at the heart of everyone’s ambitions.

“Around 11,000 direct jobs are expected to be created as a result of the Forth Green Freeport, and we expect around 4,000 of those to be here in Edinburgh, which is major. This is of course long-term but we have the opportunity to not only boost employment opportunities but the skills we need in green industries as we address the climate challenge and work towards net zero as a city and country.”

Pitch to Plate Community Meal

Hibernian Community Foundation is delighted to be hosting a multi-cultural meal on Tuesday 28th May! 🍲

In partnership with Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society – SABS – we will be opening the doors to the Hibernian Supporters Club for a warm and welcoming multi-cultural meal 🌍

You can contact info@hiberniancf.org for further details 💚

Displaced Ukrainian women land new careers in tech thanks to Royal Bank of Scotland partnership

A first-of-its-kind training programme helping displaced Ukrainian women to develop the skills needed to start a career in tech is celebrating its first anniversary with a host of permanent job offers.

Royal Bank of Scotland’s Women in Tech pilot – delivered in partnership with Code First Girls, Capital City Partnership, Equate and Data Lab – has enabled three displaced Ukrainian women to secure full-time positions at the bank’s Edinburgh headquarters.

One year since its official launch, the programme has delivered free technology skills training a total of 53 Ukrainians who settled in Scotland after being forced to flee the conflict.

Following an initial eight-week course, three of the cohort went on to complete a fully funded Code First Girls’ Masters qualification, landing permanent Trainee Engineer roles within Royal Bank of Scotland.

In celebration of the milestone, Royal Bank hosted an event at its Gogarburn HQ this week, allowing the Women in Tech graduates to familiarise themselves with their new office campus and meet with senior members of the bank’s Digital X team.

Kateryna Losyeva, who completed the course and is now preparing to start her new role, said: “I always wanted to move into a career in tech, even before the war.

“However, when the conflict began it obviously put a stop to any dreams of a new job – suddenly, my only priority became making sure my daughter was safe. We’d lie awake every night, unable to sleep because of the shelling going on around, and I knew we needed to leave.

“When we first arrived in Edinburgh, I was willing to take on any job. It was a friend who told me about the Women in Tech programme, and I decided to apply. The course completely transformed my new life in Scotland and when I read the email offering me a permanent job, I couldn’t believe it.

“After everything we’ve been through, it still feels too good to be true that I’ve ended up with a career I’ve always dreamed of.”

The training programme is an extension of Royal Bank’s commitment to helping displaced Ukrainians. In 2022, the bank partnered with Edinburgh City Council and the Scottish Government to open a Welcome Centre within their Gogarburn headquarters, which distributed over 10,000 welcome packs and handed our more than 2000 children’s toothbrushes, 4,000 books and 2,000 sanitary packs each month. 

Code First Girls is dedicated to reducing the gender diversity gap in tech by giving more women the opportunity to learn new skills and pursue careers in tech. To date, they have delivered £75 million worth of free technology education in the UK and have provided free education and employment opportunities for more than 110,000 women.

Victoria Cleverley, Chief Operating Officer, Digital X at Royal Bank of Scotland said: “We recognise that our team is in a privileged position where we our resources and expertise can be used to deliver real change which can improve lives.

“Working with Code First Girls and our wider partners, we have successfully delivered training and opportunities that champion the potential of people. As a relationship bank in a digital world, where 67%* of our customers exclusively use digital channels, we want to nurture a diverse technology workforce and build Scotland’s coding and software engineering sector. 

“After facing unimaginable hardship on their journey to Scotland, these permanent job offers are testament to the skills, dedication and passion our new team members. We’re excited to welcome them to the team and look forward to seeing them put their new skills into action for the benefit of our customers.”

Great Chemistry: Lumo and Edinburgh Science Festival partner for a greener planet

Lumo, the all-electric train operator, has announced its renewed partnership with Edinburgh Science Festival for this year’s theme: ‘Shaping the Future’.

Taking place over two weeks, from Saturday 30 March to Sunday 14 April 2024, thousands are expected to attend the series of interactive events, talks and workshops showcasing how science can create a more sustainable, accessible, and equal future.

This partnership with the UK’s largest science festival will see Lumo proudly sponsor one of six trails at the City Art Centre, focusing on Innovative Engineers. The trail will feature three distinct workshops – Little Sparks, Energy Makers, and Chain Reactor – tailored to inspire children to engage in problem-solving and explore technology and energy.

Lumo will also take on the role of Climate and Sustainability partner, sponsoring the festival’s year-long series ‘Climate Co-Labs’. This programme consists of round table meetings that bring together senior leaders across sectors to accelerate Scotland’s response to the climate emergency.

Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director of Lumo, said: “We’re proud of our reputation for innovation and sustainability as we strive to reduce emissions in the transport sector.

“It’s thanks to great engineers and scientists that we’re able to deliver our all-electric rail service and, in partnering with Edinburgh Science Festival, we hope to inspire the next generation of innovative engineers – and, of course, transport them into Edinburgh for the science festival in the most sustainable way possible!”

Hannah Schlesinger Brodie, Director of Development and Marketing at Edinburgh Science, said: “We’re thrilled to have Lumo support the Edinburgh Science Festival once again.

“The chemistry between Lumo and Edinburgh Science Festival is a perfect match and will help many people to experience the excitement of the festival in a sustainable way.”

This latest partnership by Lumo adds to the already strong local commitment made by the company. Lumo trains are maintained at Craigentinny on the outskirts of Edinburgh and offer a range of locally sourced products onboard including Edinburgh Gin and Walkers Shortbread as well as the iconic Irn Bru.

Lumo customers can travel comfortably between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh knowing they’ll save 96 per cent CO2 emissions compared to taking a domestic flight between the two cities. The average fare for a single journey from London to Edinburgh also proves a huge saving at just £46.70.

The Edinburgh Science Festival takes place over numerous venues and locations around Edinburgh, attracting thousands of visitors to the city.

Thanks to Lumo’s fast services connecting Edinburgh with Newcastle and London, it’s the ideal choice for those planning a fun-packed trip to the Scottish capital.

Five floors of hands-on science fun

City Art Centre tickets go on sale on Monday

Tickets for the Edinburgh Science Festival’s City Art Centre – the flagship family venue – are released on Monday

Edinburgh Science Festival celebrates 35th anniversary this year. City Art Centre is sponsored by Cirrus Logic.

City Art Centre (30 March – 14 April) – five floors of hands-on science extravaganza for children between 3 and 12 years old. From making your own scab or slime to becoming an animal conservationist, investigating a crime scene or programming your own robot, City Art Centre is the most fun a family can have this Easter break! Allow 4-5 hours for the visit. On sale from Monday 26 February.

Enterprise Mobility and National Literacy Trust donate over 800 books to children across Edinburgh as book ownership falls to five-year low

  • Children at ten Edinburgh schools will receive copies of Onkyeka and the Academy of the Sun
  • Young people from less advantaged backgrounds twice as likely to not have any books at home
  • Part of larger initiative distributing 25,000 books across the UK

Enterprise Mobility and the National Literacy Trust launch their third year of partnership by donating 820 books to children at 10 schools in Edinburgh. This donation is part of a larger initiative distributing 25,000 books across the UK.

This comes amid findings from the National Literacy Trust that book ownership is at a five-year low among children and young people, with those from less advantaged backgrounds twice as likely to not have any books at home.

Tolá Okogwu’s Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun was chosen for this book drive. This captivating tale featuring a Black protagonist aims to promote diverse representation in children’s literature, allowing young readers to see themselves reflected in the stories they read and providing a glimpse into the lives and experiences of those who may be from different backgrounds.

Accompanying the book donations are free classroom resources and videos hosted by Cbeebies presenter Gyasi Sheppy and actress Sarah Lewis Obuba.

Recipient primary schools in Edinburgh include: Balgreen, Canal View, Clovenstone, Niddrie Mill, Pirniehall, Castleview, Windygoul, Gracemount, Craigour Park and Gilmerton.

Jason Vit, Head of Local Areas at the National Literacy Trust, emphasised the importance of fostering a love for reading among children: “Engaging children in the joy and fun of reading is an essential part of building those key literacy skills that will help them thrive at school, and for the rest of their lives.

“At the National Literacy Trust, we work across the UK in places facing the biggest challenges, including literacy levels. Through our partnership with Enterprise Mobility, we can reach more children who need the most support and fire their imaginations and love of reading with thrilling books like Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun.”

Ryan Johnson, Managing Director for the UK and Ireland at Enterprise Mobility, said: “At Enterprise Mobility, we’re committed to supporting the communities where we operate, and we recognise the profound impact that access to books can have on a child’s development and future opportunities.

“Through our partnership with the National Literacy Trust, we are addressing the concerning decline in book ownership among children across the UK. Together, we are working to inspire young minds, promote diversity in literature, and empower children to unlock their full potential through reading.”

Through their partnership, Enterprise Mobility and the National Literacy Trust have now donated approximately 75,000 books to children across the UK, fostering a brighter future through the power of literature.

This project is made possible by Enterprise Mobility’s global ROAD Forward initiative, a £43 million commitment over five years aimed at advancing social and racial equity in communities worldwide, launched in 2020.

Underwater robot to reduce costs and environmental impact for ships

Heriot-Watt University announces startup cohort for deeptech accelerator programme

A marine sector startup is developing an underwater robot that can substantially reduce fuel costs, maintenance needs and environmental impact for ships, boats and submarines by autonomously removing built-up microorganisms, plants and algae from hulls.

ScrubMarine, founded by engineer Clyne Albertelli, has been accepted into the inaugural cohort of Heriot-Watt University’s DeepTech LaunchPad, a pilot programme which is helping entrepreneurs working in robotics, AI, and advanced engineering to commercialise their innovative ideas.

Buildup of organic growth on marine vessels, known as biofouling, is a significant challenge to the world’s shipping industry and can cause damage to hull structures and propulsion systems. The accumulation of biofouling can also result in significantly increased drag of up to 60%, reducing speeds and increasing fuel consumption by up to 40%.

As part of the 6-month pilot, ScrubMarine aims to further develop complex navigation and control systems required for the real-world application of its robotic solution, utilising Heriot-Watt’s array of experts from across its three global campuses and the cross-discipline research outputs of four global research institutes – including iNetZ+, the emerging Global Research Institute for Net Zero transition and beyond.

CO-LAB ENGINEERING — Staff photoshoot for Co-Lab Engineering, at Co-Lab’s Whitehaven office in The Bus Station. Monday 9th October 2022. PHOTOGRAPHY: HARRY ATKINSON

Clyne Albertelli, founder of ScrubMarine, said: “In the vast ocean of innovation, ScrubMarine is committed to charting a cleaner and more efficient course for the marine industry.

“Our underwater robot, powered by deep-learning and supported by Heriot-Watt’s DeepTech LaunchPad, aims to scrub away biofouling challenges, reducing fuel costs and environmental impact. Together, we’re diving into a brighter and cleaner future for marine transportation.”

The DeepTech LaunchPad, supported by Barclays Eagle Labs through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Digital Growth Grant, is providing six organisations with access to tailored services, facilities and equipment within Heriot-Watt and the National Robotarium, the world-leading centre for robotics and artificial intelligence based at the University’s Edinburgh campus.

ScrubMarine joins five other highly innovative companies from sectors including self-care, prosthetics, and food services. These include Borobo Ltd, founded by industrial designer Alexandre Colle, which aims to advance a new robotics platform targeting enhanced power management and electronic board design. 

GI Healthcare Industries, led by entrepreneur and engineer Aswath Ganesan Indra, is revolutionising food services with semi-autonomous cooking robots for institutional catering. Infinity DPM is creating advanced upper limb prosthetics through expert engineering and biomechanics by founder and mechanical engineer David Yeudall.

Janki Group, led by architect Aisha Janki Akinola, is building an AI-powered tattoo robot system for the personal self-care industry, whilst Wynter Robotics is building mobile robotic solutions for construction industry applications such as measuring, bricklaying, and wood frame assembly.

The six successful companies will receive training and support from the university’s commercialisation team, helping them to become investment-ready with proven prototype products, industry partners and a viable route to market.

Jamie Allan is Heriot-Watt University’s Deeptech Launchpad programme leader. He said: “The DeepTech LaunchPad marks an incredibly exciting step in strengthening Scotland’s innovation ecosystem and establishing Heriot-Watt as a global leader in commercialising deep technology research.

“As an international university with campuses and partnerships spanning the world, Heriot-Watt is uniquely positioned to help entrepreneurs translate their ideas into transformative and commercially viable solutions.

“Through this pilot programme, our six-strong cohort will gain access to world-leading facilities like the National Robotarium as well as our vast network of international industry connections, experts and alumni to accelerate their cutting-edge research toward commercial success on the global stage.

“By fostering this collaboration, we empower the translation of deep science into transformative solutions ready to make real-world impact.

“We eagerly anticipate the fruits of this hands-on commercialisation experience and look forward to continued engagement with these innovators as they bring remarkable technologies to market across critical sectors like medical devices, food technology, robotics, and sustainability.”

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

Grant Wheeler, Head of Commercialisation at Heriot-Watt University, said: “Having a deeptech accelerator is one of the missing pieces in Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and will allow our nation to create companies that can compete on an international scale.

“By giving external entrepreneurs access to the same expertise and facilities as our internal teams, the DeepTech Launchpad levels the playing field and fertilises high-growth businesses with world-changing potential.”

Applications for the next cohort open in mid-2024 following evaluation of the pilot. Heriot-Watt intends to scale up the programme and potentially expand to other Scottish universities if this first round proves successful.

‘Local Legends’ recognised by Specsavers

THREE regional football heroes have received the accolade of ‘Local Legend’ as part of Specsavers’ partnership with the Scottish FA. 

With thousands of people giving up their time each week across the country to ensure their community can enjoy football, the Local Legends campaign aims to shine a light on the unsung heroes dedicated to grassroots football.  

Mick McConville from Renfrew, Cameron Stirling from Linlithgow and Norrie Tate from Glasgow’s southside, were awarded for their selflessness and dedication within the game. 

Mick, 71 and a former panel beater, was recognised for his work with Erskine Youth Football Club, having been instrumental in its development for nearly 50 years as both a coach and, more recently, a custodian. 

While Mick’s current focus is improving the facilities at the Renfrewshire club, he had a long career as a development squad coach, seeing the likes of former Celtic star Brian O’Neil, current St Mirren CEO Keith Lasley and former Dumbarton manager Stevie Aitken come through the ranks. 

The second to receive the Local Legend status was Cameron, who, at just 20, is a category three referee, balancing officiating Lowland League games with his studies at Edinburgh Napier University. 

The business management and marketing student is also a Youth Referee Ambassador, starting out in refereeing at just 16, making the senior list at 17, and hopes to one day ref a game in the Scottish Premiership. 

Lastly, 90-year-old Pollok fan Norrie, from Battlefield, has been recognised as a Local Legend after his near-80-year commitment to his beloved team. 

Not only has Norrie followed The Lok up and down the country since 1946, but he also used to arrange supporters’ buses to help other fans do the same. Norrie remains a fixture in the Newlandsfield Park enclosure and cites their 1981 Scottish Junior Cup win as his favourite moment as a fan. 

As part of their recognition, the three Local Legends enjoyed a day out last November, courtesy of Specsavers and the Scottish Football Association, to enjoy Scotland’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Norway in a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match.   

The trio also received a signed Scotland top from Steve Clarke’s men’s national squad as a part of their accolade. 

Specsavers’ Arlene Stephenson, Scottish Divisional Chair, says: ‘Specsavers is proud of our long tradition in backing Scottish referees, but our current partnership sees us going further than ever, helping to raise awareness of grassroots football across the country.  

‘Our Local Legends campaign is all about shining a spotlight on those away from the glamour of the top divisions, but who work just as hard to ensure Scotland’s communities benefit from the beautiful game. 

‘From managing their local teams and making sure the pitch is in top shape for matchday, to referees making sure everyone’s game goes ahead or even just fervently following your club for decades – these unsung heroes embody what football is all about.  

‘We are delighted to celebrate Mick, Cameron and Norrie’s contribution to both football and their local communities, and in our eyes, they truly are Local Legends.’ 

Andy Gould, Chief Football Officer at the Scottish FA, said: ‘We’re delighted for Mick, Cameron and Norrie to be recognised by Specsavers for all of the hard work they do within their community and local clubs.

“Like these Local Legends, thousands of individuals give up their time to help promote the game within their area and without them the opportunity for people to play and enjoy our wonderful game would not be possible.’ 

Specsavers announced in 2021 that it renewed its’ sponsorship deal with football referees in Scotland, marking more than 20 years of support – one of the longest agreements of its kind in sport. 

The deal has seen the partnership continue into 2024, not only helping with the training and development of referees, but also helping to raise awareness of para football and grassroots football in Scotland. 

Scotland and City of London to collaborate and seize opportunities for business and investment

Showcasing Scotland’s world-class financial services

First Minister Humza Yousaf travelled to London yesterday (Monday, 29 January) to take part in a number of events in partnership with the City of London Corporation, including agreeing an enhanced framework to promote Scotland and London as centres of excellence for financial services.

The latest evolution of the partnership will ensure the benefits of a thriving financial services industry are shared across the UK. It is rooted in the ethos that financial sectors in Scotland and London have much to gain from cooperating and coordinating.

The framework complements ongoing activity to double assets under management in Scotland’s financial services sector to £1 trillion by 2030, thus supporting more jobs, as outlined in Scottish Financial Enterprise’s Growth Strategy.

It will ensure benefits are maximised for Scotland as the Corporation pushes for the UK to be a global centre for nature finance, and targets other shared priority areas including green and sustainable finance, financial inclusion and social mobility.

Long-standing annual engagements will continue – including the annual Burns Supper, hosted on rotation between Scotland and the City of London Corporation since 2020 – ensuring regular promotion of Scotland’s financial sector to UK-wide and international investors in London.

It is part of broader work between the Scottish Government, Scottish Development International, global investors and partnerships – including that with the City of London Corporation. It allows the Scottish Government and City of London Corporation to work together to support the aims of businesses in their respective financial sectors.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Scotland has much to gain from strengthening our relationship with the City of London – by providing access to global investors and collaborating on shared initiatives, we can reap the benefits of a thriving financial services industry for our centres of excellence.

“Outside of London, Scotland both has the UK’s largest financial services centre and is the most attractive location in the UK for foreign direct investment. By working with the City of London Corporation towards shared goals, we can continue to drive that investment, and grow our economy.

“This latest partnership agreement is enhanced in terms of the scope and focus of our ambition, and will ensure our priorities continue to align with those of businesses in the financial sector.” 

City of London Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward said: “The twin financial and professional services sectors of London and Scotland represent a critical part of the UK economy.

“We’ve been delighted to partner with the Scottish Government on a range of issues where we have alignment and shared challenges: in sustainable finance, technology, talent and growth.

“Today’s meetings and Burns Supper represent an opportunity to really explore these areas; to identify areas of complementarity; and determine how we can work together for the benefit of our shared sectors, economies and people.”

Edinburgh International Festival announces major opening event in partnership with The Macallan

Edinburgh International Festival has announced a new Principal Partner, single malt Scotch Whisky, The Macallan. Together, they will create a large-scale opening event to mark the start of August in Edinburgh.

Responding to this year’s International Festival theme, ‘Rituals That Unite Us’, the 2024 opening event is an outdoor event welcoming 10,000+ people to create a new ritual together for the International Festival and the city of Edinburgh.

The collaboration between The Macallan and the International Festival is a creative union between two iconic Scottish brands, which draws upon a combined heritage, a shared creativity and global reach, all firmly anchored in Scotland.

Ambitious in scope and storytelling, the opening event evokes the mythology, history and Scotland’s rich cultural heritage. It showcases a range of artforms and performers, inviting audiences to step into a transcendent world that explores our past, present and future, inspired by Edinburgh’s iconic landscape as a city built on layers. 

The opening event is devised by an extraordinary creative team led by creative producer Katy Fuller at Pinwheel, whose track record includes projection festival “North of the Tyne, Under the Stars” which celebrated the landscape and legends of the region, “Land of Green Ginger” for Hull UK City of Culture which transformed all corners of the city through a series of Acts of Wanton Wonder, and a portfolio of projects with artists ranging from dreamthinkspeak to Antony Gormley.

Blending myths and reality, the International Festival’s collaboration with The Macallan enlivens a shared history of Scottish creativity and craftsmanship, in what is set to be a visually stunning opening event to mark festival season in Edinburgh.

Nicola Benedetti, Festival Director, Edinburgh International Festival, said: “This year’s Edinburgh International Festival will be a momentous celebration of the collective experiences that bind us closer together.

“We share The Macallan’s commitment to artistic innovation and collaboration, and to true mastery. This flourishing partnership will enable audiences to experience Festival traditions in new and extraordinary ways; our unmissable opening event will allow us to see ourselves and our history on the grandest of stages, and inspire us to think differently.”

Jaume Ferràs, Global Creative Director, The Macallan, added: “2024 marks The Macallan’s 200th anniversary through a celebration of time.

“As part of this milestone, we are delighted to be working with the Edinburgh International Festival and draw upon our combined heritage, creativity and artistic power.

“Edinburgh International Festival is renowned as the world’s leading arts festival bringing a rich tapestry of Scottish stories to the global stage. We look forward to combining our creative talents and connecting local and global audiences with the highest quality of Scottish storytelling through this exciting new opening event for Edinburgh International Festival.”

The full Edinburgh International Festival programme will be announced on 7 March 2024.

Tickets will be on sale on 21 March 2024, with priority booking for members. Sign up to the Edinburgh International Festival newsletter for up-to-date information at www.eif.co.uk. 

Aldi launches partnership with Age Scotland to help combat loneliness this winter

Young Scots are being encouraged to send a poem or joke to an older person this festive season, through ‘Festive Friends’ post-boxes launching in Aldi Scotland stores this week

Young Scots are being encouraged to bring some much-needed joy to older people experiencing loneliness this winter, through a new campaign launched by Aldi and Age Scotland, the national charity for older people, this month.

The ‘Festive Friends’ campaign will ask shoppers with young children to share their favourite poem or joke on a Festive Friends postcard and submit it through post-boxes which will be in all Scottish Aldi stores from Tuesday, 7th November until Sunday, 19th November. 

Postcards will be distributed to 90 of Age Scotland’s community groups hosting a Christmas event throughout late November and December, funded by Age Scotland grants.

Age Scotland has member groups in communities around the country; for many older people, this will be one of the biggest social events, if not the only social event, they will attend this winter. 

Aldi Scotland will also be donating £1,000 to Age Scotland to support 200 calls on its Friendship Line, a free telephone service which older people can call to have a friendly chat during their day, to help combat feelings of isolation.  

One Friendship Line call to an older person costs £5, and shoppers who are able can also donate directly to the charity via QR codes found on every Festive Friends post-box.

The campaign has launched off the back of recent findings from Age Scotland’s Big Survey*, which indicated that almost two-thirds (66%) of older people don’t feel valued for their contribution to society. The campaign aims to remind them of the joy of shared friendships and people thinking of them, near and far.

Stacey Kitzinger, Head of Fundraising and Marketing at Age Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to team up with Aldi to help spread some festive cheer this winter and make a difference to the lives of older people in communities across Scotland.

“While many of us are looking forward to spending the festive season with family and friends, it is heartbreaking to think that the equivalent of one older person in every street in Scotland feels lonely all or most of the time.

“The festive period is an opportunity for communities and generations to come together. That’s why we’re encouraging younger shoppers and their families to add some sparkle to an older person’s day this winter and share their favourite poem or joke on Aldi’s Festive Friends postcard.

“Money is tight for many, but reaching out doesn’t have to cost anything and knowing someone is thinking of them could be the best gift an older person feeling lonely receives this winter.”

Richard Holloway, Regional Director at Aldi Scotland, added: “This is a fantastic partnership which should make a really positive difference to people living in communities right across Scotland. There is a wonderful opportunity here to light up someone’s day through the words of children and young people.

“Age Scotland does excellent work, and we hope the support of our shoppers will continue to help those most in need, especially those who are feeling particularly isolated this winter season.”

Festive Friends postcards will be available in all Scottish Aldi stores today – Tuesday 7th November. For full T&Cs, visit: age.scot/aldi.

* https://www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/bigsurvey.