Tag: Scotmid

‘SEAS’ THE OPPORTUNITY!

RNLI & SCOTMID LAUNCH ART COMPETITION TO CELEBRATE 200 YEARS OF THE RNLI

Scotmid and RNLI are inviting young artists across Edinburgh to let their imaginations set sail ahead of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary.

Scotmid, in partnership with RNLI, has launched a nationwide competition for U18s to design the front cover of its magazine, Jigsaw, and asking them to create an image which they feel encapsulates the RNLI’s legacy, as it celebrates two centuries of heroic rescues and dedicated volunteering.

The competition launch is celebrating Scotmid’s charity partnership with RNLI, which got underway last year and will run until August 2024.

Budding artists are invited to design a front cover that highlights the spirit of the RNLI’s work over the years within its communities, emphasising elements of inspiration, courage, and community spirit. The winning design will reach thousands of Scotmid members. In addition, the winner will receive an exclusive package of RNLI prizes.

Entry details are as follows:

  • Who Can Enter: Anyone aged 18 years and under.
  • The Theme: Artwork that embodies the spirit of the RNLI and its 200 years of brave, life-saving endeavours. The RNLI values are selflessness, courage, dependability and trustworthiness
  • Deadline for Entries: Make sure your masterpieces are submitted to Scotmid by 19 April 2024.
  • Submission Guidelines: Send your artwork to competition@scotmid.co.uk or by post to the Scotmid Membership Team, Hillwood House, Harvest Drive, Newbridge, EH28 8QJ. If you email a submission, keep the original in a safe place in case you win!
  • Find out more: https://scotmid.coop/design-jigsaw-magazine-cover/

Kirsty Connell, Membership and Community Manager at Scotmid, said: “This competition is a wonderful way to commemorate such a huge milestone for the RNLI and our shared commitment to our communities.

“Partnering with the RNLI has been a privilege, as their tireless efforts serve as a lifeline. We’re excited to provide young artists a platform to express their creativity and honour the invaluable work of RNLI volunteers.”

Paul McKeown, Fundraising and Partnership Lead for the RNLI in Scotland, said: “What a fantastic way for young people to showcase their creativity and join us in celebrating this significant milestone.

“We eagerly anticipate seeing the entries and appreciate Scotmid’s support and dedication to our cause.”

Funds raised over the course of the charity partnership will enable the RNLI to purchase a new Atlantic 85 lifeboat, which will form part of its relief fleet and will be used by stations to assist in critical rescues during times when vessels are undergoing repairs or maintenance. 

Local charities shortlisted to receive share of £25,000 Scotmid funding

LIFT @ Millenium Centre and the Living Memory Association are two of three good causes across the East of Scotland to have been shortlisted to receive a share of a £25,000 funding pot, thanks to Scotmid’s Community Connect initiative.

The funding will be announced next April, following a vote by Scotmid members.

LIFT @ Millenium Centre offers support to families living in the most deprived areas of Edinburgh or those that are socially or financially vulnerable. The funding from Scotmid will be used to deliver ‘Family Teatime’ sessions, which will provide families an opportunity to eat, play and learn together in a safe and welcoming environment.

The Living Memory Association brings together people that are socially isolated or living with dementia. From their base in Ocean Terminal, the charity offers exhibitions, including The Wee Museum of Memory, as well as recording podcasts and videos. The funding from Scotmid will be used to employ a part-time sessional worker and cover materials needed for their workshops.

Pauline Nicol-Bowie, CEO/Founder of LIFT, said: “We are incredibly thankful to be part of Scotmid’s Community Connect initiative, which will help us expand our ‘Family Teatime’ programme.

“This is a vital part of local communities in North Edinburgh and we look forward to being able to expand our services to support more people.”

Heather Robertson, Service Co-ordinator at Living Memory Association, said: “The Living Memory Association is delighted to be shortlisted for Scotmid’s Community Connect initiative.

“The funding will allow us to develop new projects for older people to celebrate lived experience and combat the loneliness and isolation the community can often face.”

The other charity shortlisted in the East of Scotland is Children’s Clothing Bank Dunfermline, which provides pre-loved good quality and new clothes in a dignified manner for children aged 0-18 years in the local community.

Keen to support local good causes? Pop into your local Scotmid and pay £1 to become a member.

Scotmid Community Connect cash for local charities

Two Leith-based charities – Edinburgh Young Carers and The Junction – have secured a share of a £25,000 funding pot, thanks to Scotmid’s Community Connect initiative.

The funds were allocated following a vote by Scotmid Members.

Edinburgh Young Carers has been awarded £15,000. The charity is a voluntary organisation that provides respite and support to young people between the ages of five and 25 who care for somebody at home.

It aims to improve the lives and wellbeing of young carers by raising awareness of the challenges they face and by offering emotional and practical support.

The Junction, which has secured £5,000, works with young people aged 12-21 across Leith and the North East of Edinburgh, offering access to a wide range of health-related services, education and information by providing a safe and welcoming environment.

The charity encourages social and economic inclusion and promotes long term health and wellbeing.

Margaret Murphy, Chief Executive at Edinburgh Young Carers, said: “We are over the moon to have been awarded £15,000.

“Young carers in Edinburgh face many challenges and responsibilities looking after their loved ones and this funding will provide new opportunities that they otherwise would not have.

“We are committed to offering young carers valuable respite and a place to grow their confidence and skills away from their caring responsibilities.”

The final good cause group in the East of Scotland to have been awarded £5,000 funding is Fairway Fife, a peer mentoring charity addressing the social isolation faced by most young adults with Learning Disabilities or Autism.

Keen to support local good causes? Pop into your local Scotmid and pay £1 to become a member.

Scotmid invites customers across Edinburgh to get on board with new charity partnership

Scotmid has announced the launch of an exciting new charity partnership with the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) and is rallying customers, members and colleagues to come together and ‘seas’ the opportunity to support their fundraising efforts.

Funds raised will enable the RNLI to purchase a new Atlantic 85 lifeboat, which will form part of the relief fleet and will be used by stations to assist in critical rescues during times when vessels are undergoing repairs or maintenance. 

Jill Hepburn, Head of Region for the RNLI in Scotland, said: “We are very excited to be working with Scotmid, which has an incredible reputation for both fundraising and raising awareness for their charity partners.

“This partnership will reach into the very hearts of our communities and help us to raise awareness of water safety and the incredible work carried out by our dedicated volunteers.

“Over 90% of our rescues take place less than one mile from shore, meaning the Atlantic 85 is credited with saving countless lives each year. As part of our relief fleet, the Scotmid lifeboat will have a lifesaving impact on numerous communities in Scotland – a tribute fitting to such an outstanding organisation.”

The Atlantic 85 is one of the fastest in the RNLI’s fleet. The boat has the capacity to carry four crew members as well as core medical and rescue equipment. Critically, it has the space to transport several additional people, making it ideal for a range of open water incidents.

John Brodie, Chief Executive at Scotmid, said: “The alignment of the RNLI’s values with our own, which centre around serving our communities and enhancing lives, makes us perfect partners. As we eagerly embark on the year ahead, our colleagues are already ‘on board’ and enthusiastically charting out fundraising plans!”

Volunteer lifeboat crews provide a 24-hour rescue service, and seasonal lifeguards look after people on busy beaches. RNLI crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives since the charity launched in 1824, with lifeboats launching 9,312 times in 2022, saving 389 lives.

The RNLI has 238 lifeboat stations around the coasts of the UK and Ireland.

Scotmid colleagues across Edinburgh help raise £295,000 for Guide Dogs

Scotmid colleagues across Edinburgh have helped raise an incredible total of £295,000 for Guide Dogs following the retailer’s year-long charity partnership.

The money raised will help support people across Edinburgh living with sight loss by training two Guide Dog Mobility Specialists and three Habilitation Specialists, as well as setting a whole litter of puppies off on their journey to become future life-changers for people affected by sight loss in our community.

[Pictured L-R: Shirley MacGillivray, Scotmid, Kyla McVicar & Bruce, Guide Dogs, John Brodie, Scotmid, Aileen Murphy & Breeze, Guide Dogs, Linda Jordan, Guide Dogs, Norrie Bainbridge & Kano, Guide Dogs, Jim Watson, Scotmid]

  • Scotmid and Guide Dogs are celebrating their paw-sitively perfect charity partnership, which has raised £295,000 to support people across Edinburgh living with sight loss
  • Scotmid colleagues, customers and members in Edinburgh have taken the lead in fundraising for the community retailer’s barkingly brilliant charity companion. Funds have been raised through a range of activities, including in-store raffles, physical challenges, bingo nights, and community events
  • The funds raised will make a significant difference by training two Guide Dog Mobility Specialists and three Habilitation Specialists, as well as setting a whole litter of puppies off on their journey to become future life-changers for people affected by sight loss in local communities
  • The success of the charity partnership is testament to the impact that collective efforts can achieve. Through the generosity and dedication of Scotmid and its supporters, countless lives will be positively transformed.

Edinburgh locals urged to branch out as Scotmid offers fruity funding

A community focused, environmental and wellbeing initiative led by Scotmid, is giving Edinburgh locals the chance to nurture and grow their own fresh fruit for free. 

Scotmid is encouraging groups in Edinburgh to apply for £200 to purchase fruit trees or bushes to plant in a publicly accessible area, as part of its already highly successful, Scotland-wide Community Orchard campaign.

The campaign, created to encourage people to work together, increase physical activity and benefit the local environment, has spread its roots far and wide since launching earlier this year, with more than 70 orchards having been planted in sites up and down the country.

The retailer is now urging those in Edinburgh to apply, in a bid to complete Scotmid’s ambition to have a community orchard close to every Scotmid store.

Lynne Ogg, Communities Manager at Scotmid, said: “It has been so encouraging watching communities come together to plant a whole host of fruit trees and bushes.  Some of our groups have already spotted their first fruit and we can’t wait to hear how good they taste!

“Not only is this a fun way to get together with your local community but it’s also a really easy way to get outside and enjoy your local environment – we would love for more communities to benefit from this initiative.”

Seeding success: Scotmid’s Winchburgh Community Orchard – Case Study

Orchards offer volunteering opportunities throughout the year, as well as the chance to learn new skills, create habitats for wildlife and produce an array of edible produce.

Since securing the Scotmid Community Orchard grant, the Winchburgh Community Growing Group has extended its community growing space.

The West Lothian based group started in 2018, with 50 planters across the village. By 2022, it had grown and moved to a 1.5acre site in Auldcathie Park which includes trees, planters, a community cabin and a kids zone.

The community growing space used Scotmid’s Community Orchard funding to purchase and plant eight Braeburn apple trees. Community volunteers will grow fruit to eat, cook and turn into juices.

Students from SRUC Oatridge college and local volunteers have been responsible for the planting and maintenance of the orchard, which is an open community space that hosts regular free growing and community events.

The orchard trees were planted close to Winchburgh’s Scotmid store, in a zone designed for wildlife and growing. Over 80 people in the community have benefitted from the additional trees from the Community Orchard initiative, with volunteers grafting, pruning and taking care of them for the benefit of the wider community.

John West from Winchburgh Community Growing Group, said: “The funding from Scotmid has helped us to purchase and plant eight apple trees which will provide Winchburgh locals with apples for years to come.

“As much as we are all excited to see the apples grow, it’s also been really rewarding to see members of the community work together to care for the orchard – now we can’t wait to try our first apple crumble!”

Edinburgh groups close to the following Scotmid stores are encouraged to apply by visiting: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/communityorchard/

  • Scotmid Polwarth (116 Polwarth Gardens, Edinburgh, EH11 1LH)
  • Scotmid Gorgie (236 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh, EH11 2PL)
  • Scotmid Carrick Knowe (87 Saughton Road North, Edinburgh, EH12 7JB)
  • Scotmid Drumbrae (1 Drumbrae Avenue, Edinburgh, EH12 8TE)
  • Scotmid Colinton (230 Oxgangs Road North, Colinton Mains, Edinburgh, EH13 9BQ)
  • Scotmid Balerno 1 (6 Main Street, Balerno, Midlothian, EH14 7EH)
  • Scotmid Balerno 2 (49-53 Bavelaw Road, Balerno, Edinburgh, EH14 7AA)
  • Scotmid Portobello (6 Bath Street, Portobello, Edinburgh, EH15 1EY)
  • Scotmid The Inch (94-98 Walter Scott Avenue, The Inch, Edinburgh, EH16 5RL)
  • Scotmid Gracemount (21 Gracemount Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 6RP)
  • Scotmid Moredun (80-88 Moredun Park Road, Edinburgh, EH17 7HG)
  • Scotmid Hamilton Place (56-60 Hamilton Place, Edinburgh, EH3 5AZ)
  • Scotmid Leven Street (5-19 Leven Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9LH)
  • Scotmid Stockbridge (6-8 Comly Bank Road, Edinburgh, EH4 1HG)
  • Scotmid Rannoch (1 Rannoch Terrace, Edinburgh, EH4 7ER)
  • Scotmid Crewe Road (236-240 Crewe Road North, Edinburgh, EH5 1LW)
  • Scotmid Boswall (37-41 Boswall Parkway, Edinbugh, EH5 2BR)
  • Scotmid Granton Road (137 Granton Road, Edinburgh, EH5 3NJ)
  • Scotmid Leith Walk (207 Leith Walk, Edinburgh, EH6 8NX)
  • Scotmid Pilrig (370 Leith Walk, Pilrig, Edinburgh, EH7 4PE)
  • Scotmid Easter Road (112-120 Easter Road, Edinburgh, EH7 5RH)
  • Scotmid Marchmont (126 Marchmont Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1AQ)
  • Scotmid Warrender (34 Warrender Park, Edinburgh, EH9 1HH)
  • Scotmid Barnton (187 Whitehouse Road, Barnton, EH4 6BU)

Edinburgh Scotmid stores add chippy-style products as a permanent listing following triumphantly tasty trial

Scotmid is giving customers across Edinburgh the chance to make the perfect Chippy Tea at home all year round, after making new supplier We hae meat’s, chippy style battered pork sausage and battered black pudding products a permanent listing in 125 of its stores across Scotland.

These sought after Scottish delicacies, produced by the Ayrshire-based business, are now available from Scotmid’s stores across the city.

The listing’s long-term success follows the family run business’s recent accolade of being named a ‘Scotmid Scottish Favourites’ winner – a competition run in partnership with Scotland Food and Drink launched during Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight in 2022.  After a triumphant three-week promotional listing back in February, which proved a triumph with customers, the products are back by popular demand on a permanent basis. 

Jessica van Tromp, Local Sourcing Manager at Scotmid said: “Our customers love these products! We hae meat’s commitment to excellence has paid off and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this exciting Scottish business.”

Founded in 2007, We hae meat is run by Carlyn Paton and her husband Alex, on the family farm in Ayrshire’s beautiful Girvan Valley. With a commitment to developing products that are made from traditional recipes, while minimising their impact on the environment,  the business implemented a comprehensive carbon management plan aimed at reducing on-site emissions in 2016.

On securing the permanent listing, Carlyn Paton said: “Knowing our products are available in over 100 Scotmid stores is a huge achievement for us.

“We are so proud that our family-run, sustainable-focused business can provide tasty products to more customers than we’ve ever reached before across the country.”

Since then, prioritising sustainability and showcasing dedication to operating in an environmentally responsible manner has been We hae meat’s focus. A notable achievement in its sustainability efforts is the on-site renewables plant, which plays a pivotal role in reducing its carbon footprint.

This plant generates 100% of We hae meat’s hot water requirements and 80% of its electricity demands. By harnessing renewable energy sources, the company not only contributes to a greener future but also showcases their innovation and forward-thinking approach, ultimately providing stores and customers with convenient, tasty and sustainable products. 

We hae meat recommends that their chippy-style products are eaten with oven chips and peas – but the question stands on if they should be mushy or not!

The Edinburgh stores are:

  • Crewe Road
  • Pilrig
  • Sighthill
  • Rannoch
  • Balerno
  • Barnton
  • Leith Walk
  • Leven Street
  • Moredun
  • Colinton Mains
  • Westburn
  • Easter Road
  • Newhaven
  • Newtongrange
  • Warrender Park
  • South Queensferry

Celebrating Co-operation: Scottish Brands Scotmid and Capital Credit Union

Co-op Fortnight is an annual celebration of the cooperative movement, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of cooperatives, their impact on local communities, and their potential for fostering economic and social development.

It is the perfect time to celebrate the connection and shared values between two co-operatives that both proudly hail from Edinburgh,  Scotmid and Capital Credit Union. Scotmid, an independent cooperative serving Scottish communities for over 160 years, focuses on sustainable practices and local sourcing.

Capital Credit Union, established in 1989, prioritises fair and affordable financial services, empowering individuals and communities in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

For over 20 years, Scotmid has been a proud member of Capital Credit Union. This longstanding partnership highlights the deep-rooted connection between these two Scottish organisations and the shared values that have fostered their successful cooperation.

Trudi Fisher is Scotmid’s Community Team Administrator – making a connection between the two organisations Trudi epitomises the positive outcomes resulting from their collaboration.

Trudi is a member of Capital Credit Union and uses their payroll saving scheme to build her own savings. She joined Capital Credit Union earlier this year to set aside funds for special occasions like Christmas and in case of emergency car repairs.

By saving directly from her salary, Trudi feels she is effortlessly contributing to her savings goals. She also appreciates that her savings are supporting another member organisation, reinforcing the cooperative values of mutual support and solidarity.

Trudi shares her experience: “I use the monthly payroll savings scheme from Capital Credit Union. It was really easy to set up. I downloaded their app, went through the instructions, and they did all the rest.

“Their Customer Service is great, and they get back to you straight away if you have any queries.”

Through this partnership, Scotmid colleagues gain access to a wide range of financial products and financial education resources. It strengthens their financial well-being, enables them to achieve personal financial goals, and builds a more secure future.

Abigail Ramage, Business Development Executive at Capital Credit Union, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: “The collaboration between Scotmid and Capital Credit Union is a testament to the power of cooperative values and shared goals.

“We are proud to have Scotmid as a longstanding member of our credit union, and, together, we have been able to make a significant impact in empowering individuals and building strong, resilient communities.”

Rizza’s scoops second helping in Scotmid competition bringing tablet ice-cream to Edinburgh

Rizza’s of Huntly is proud to announce its victory in the Scotmid Scottish Favourites competition for the second year in a row, earning them the opportunity to showcase their latest creation, Scottish Tablet Ice Cream, in Scotmid stores across Edinburgh.

Beginning this week, Rizza’s iconic ice cream will grace the shelves of local Scotmid stores for a limited three-week run, delighting customers with their award-winning innovation. Last year, the renowned ice creamery triumphed with its Double Dairy Gold Ice Cream, inspiring them to once again enter the highly sought-after competition.

As one of the five Scottish businesses chosen to win the Scotmid Scottish Favourites competition, Rizza’s exemplifies Scotmid’s commitment to supporting local producers and promoting Scottish sourcing. Rizza’s prides itself on using Scottish ingredients whenever possible, bolstering the Scottish supply chain. The tablet used in their ice cream is sourced from Aldomak, a Glasgow-based supplier and fellow Scotmid partner.

Aldomak, a family business with 80 years of expertise, crafts their ‘Totally Tempting Tablet’ in small batches using traditional family recipes dating back to the 1900s. The collaboration between Rizza’s and Aldomak share a dedication to quality and authenticity.

Donald Morrison, Director at Rizza’s, said: “Winning last year’s competition allowed us to sell our ice cream throughout Scotland reaching new customers who hadn’t heard of us before – we even had some get in touch afterwards asking when we would be in store again!

“We are obviously delighted that we have secured a second listing, this time for our Scottish Tablet Ice Cream. We look forward to hearing what Scotmid customers think of it!”

Jessica van Tromp, Local Sourcing Manager at Scotmid, praised the winners, saying: “Our competition celebrates local Scottish producers, and we are always impressed by the quality of products available in our country.

“Rizza’s Scottish Tablet Ice Cream is an exceptional product that we think will excite customers across the country. We can’t wait to see it in Scotmid stores!”

The other Scotmid Scottish Favourites competition winners from this year are:

The Edinburgh stores selling Rizza’s Scottish Tablet Ice Cream are:

  • Leven Street
  • Warrender Park
  • Marchmont Road
  • Pilrig
  • Leith Walk
  • Easter Road
  • Saughtonhall
  • Sighthill
  • Westburn
  • Kingsknowe Road
  • Duddingston
  • Colinton Mains
  • Hamilton Place
  • Elizabeth Drive
  • Moredun
  • Balerno
  • Currie
  • Drumbrae
  • Roseburn
  • Rannoch
  • Ratho Station
  • Kirkliston
  • South Queensferry
  • Scotstoun
  • Barnton
  • Mayfield
  • Uphall Station
  • Prestonpans
  • Gorgie Road
  • Portobello
  • Granton
  • Ferry Road
  • Crewe Road North

Two Edinburgh charities are in the running to win share of £25,000

Two Edinburgh based charities – along with a third good cause group in Fife – have been shortlisted to receive a share of a £25,000 funding pot, thanks to Scotmid’s Community Connect award scheme.

The awards will be announced this October, following a vote by Scotmid Members.

Edinburgh Young Carers is a voluntary organisation that provides respite and support to young people between the ages of five and 25 who care for somebody at home. It aims to improve the lives and wellbeing of young carers by raising awareness of the challenges they face and by offering emotional and practical support.

The Junction works with young people aged 12-21 across Leith and the North East of Edinburgh, offering access to a wide range of health-related services, education and information by providing a safe and welcoming environment. The charity encourages social and economic inclusion and promotes long term health and wellbeing.

Margaret Murphy, Chief Executive at Edinburgh Young Carers, said: “We are thrilled to be shortlisted for a Scotmid Community Connect Award.

“Young carers in Edinburgh face several challenges looking after loved ones and this funding will offer new opportunities they wouldn’t have otherwise. We are pleased to provide young carers in Edinburgh with a much-needed break from their caring responsibilities as well as a chance to build their confidence and learn new skills.”

The other good cause shortlisted in the East of Scotland is Fairway Fife.

Keen to support local good causes? Pop into your local Scotmid and pay £1 to become a member.