Cottage cheese is making a comeback and Scotmid is at the forefront, offering two new products in stores nationwide now.
The humble dairy staple taking over social media feeds and shopping lists alike, has recently gained online traction amongst health-conscious consumers for being a high protein, versatile ingredient that can be used in a wealth of creations including whipped pancakes, flatbreads and even ice cream.
For one East Lothian dairy farm though, cottage cheese is nothing new. Yester Farm Dairies – a third-generation family business run by husband-and-wife team Simon and Jackie McCreery – has been perfecting recipes over the last decade.
The award-winning duo, who first began pasteurising their milk in 2003 to supply milk and cream locally before expanding by converting farm buildings into modern cheese and yoghurt making facilities in 2015, today offer one of the only on-farm dairy processors in Scotland.
The journey from cow to product is measured in metres, not miles, with milk from its herd of over 350 cows produced on-site and ready for shelves within just two days. This “field to fridge” approach helps maximise freshness, reduce food miles and ensure full traceability — helping the business stand out in Scotmid’s Scottish Favourites competition.
As a result, Yester Farm Dairies will now see its products stocked across Scotland, marking the biggest retail rollout in the family business’s history and reaching 120 Scotmid stores.
Simon McCreery, at Yester Farm Dairies, said:“We’re incredibly proud to have won a Scottish Favourites place and to now be launching into Scotmid stores across Scotland.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for us — and we’re excited to see more customers discovering our products.”
Scotmid’s Scottish Favourites initiative, delivered in partnership with Scotland Food & Drink, helps local producers grow by giving them access to retail shelves and new audiences.
Steve Addison, Local Sourcing Manager at Scotmid, said: “Scottish Favourites is all about backing great local producers, and Yester Farm Dairies stood out for both quality and freshness.
“At a time when demand for high-protein foods is growing, it’s fantastic to be able to offer customers a locally produced option that’s made with care and reaches shelves quickly.
“Supporting businesses like Yester Farm is a key part of what we do — strengthening local supply chains while giving customers access to great Scottish produce.”
Customers can purchase Yester Farm’s cottage cheese and soft cheese in Scotmid stores across Scotland from 15th April , priced at £1.79 for 300g and £2.19 for 300g respectively.
Six Scottish food and drink suppliers are celebrating after being named winners of Scotmid’s Scottish Favourites competition, securing the opportunity to have their products listed in Scotmid stores in 2026.
Launched as part of Scottish Food & Drink September 2025, the competition is designed to support local producers by raising their profile, opening routes into retail, and bringing innovative Scottish food and drink products to convenience shoppers in Edinburgh.
The recent competition, once again run in partnership with Scotland Food & Drink, attracted a strong field of entries from producers based across Scotland, reflecting the continued strength, diversity and quality of the nation’s food and drink sector.
With “Innovation” set as the theme, producers were challenged to submit products that offered something new, imaginative and distinctive. From retro-inspired favourites and globally influenced flavours to on-trend dairy and healthier snacking options, this year’s winning line-up highlights the breadth of ideas currently shaping the market.
Following a rigorous judging process, six suppliers were selected as winners. The successful suppliers, their locations and winning products are:
The Gin Bothy (Angus) – Scottish Chilli Jam and Scottish Strawberry Jam
Each winning supplier will receive a Scotmid listing, with products expected to launch across selected stores during 2026, subject to final ranging and rollout plans.
Steven Addison, Local Sourcing Manager at Scotmid, said: “Our Scottish Favourites competition has grown year on year and is now a recognised route to market for Scottish producers. As ever, selecting the winners was a real challenge, with a high standard of creativity and quality across the entries.
“We’re proud to support local suppliers and help innovative brands take the next step in their retail journey. This year’s winners demonstrate just how dynamic and forward-thinking the sector is, and we’re looking forward to working with them as their products launch in our stores in 2026.”
Angus Bell at Scotland Food & Drink, added: “Scottish Favourites continues to provide an important opportunity for ambitious producers to engage with retail and showcase their products to a wider audience.
“Scotmid’s commitment to local sourcing and to championing innovation plays a valuable role in supporting the growth of Scotland’s food and drink sector and Scotland Food and Drink are delighted to have partnered with Scotmid again.
“The winners combine creativity with commercial appeal. Whether reinventing familiar favourites or responding to emerging consumer demands, these businesses are helping to grow our brilliant food and drink sector in Scotland”
Scotmid and Scotland Food & Drink would like to thank all producers who entered the competition and congratulate the winning suppliers on their success.
SMALL CHANGE, BIG DIFFERENCE: SCOTMID PARTNERS WITH PENNIES FOR DEMENTIA SUPPORT
Scotmid has introduced a quick and easy way for customers to support people living with dementia, through a new partnership with the charity Pennies, trusted leader in micro-donations. The digital micro-donation option is now available in all Scotmid and Semichem stores across Edinburgh.
Customers paying by card, contactless or digital wallet can now choose to add a 10p donation to their purchase, with donations supporting Scotmid’s annual charity partner, Alzheimer Scotland. These small contributions will help fund vital services for people and families affected by dementia, supporting care, advice and community initiatives across Scotland.
The initiative builds on Scotmid’s long-standing commitment to supporting local causes and offers a simple, sustainable way for shoppers to give back in a cashless world.
This year’s partnership with Alzheimer Scotland, announced in October, will be the first to benefit. The charity also aims to reach younger audiences with information on brain health through school and community engagement.
Karen Scott, Scotmid Chief Executive, said: “We know how much our members, colleagues and customers care about supporting local people.
“This partnership with Pennies gives everyone the chance to help in a way that feels easy and affordable. It’s community compassion in action, 10p at a time.”
Alison Hutchinson CBE, CEO of Penniessaid: “We’re thrilled to welcome Scotmid to the Pennies family.
“As Scotland’s largest independent co-operative, Scotmid has deep roots in its communities – and this partnership will enable thousands of people to make a meaningful contribution every day.
“Together, we’re harnessing the power of digital giving to reach more people, in more places, for more causes. Just £10 in micro-donations could provide a whole class of 25 children with a brain-health handbook on how to look after their amazing brains. Thank you!”
Scotmid’s collaboration with Pennies reflects its ongoing commitment to finding innovative ways for customers and members to support the communities they live in. Pennies’ micro-donation solution will continue to be used across future charity partnerships, helping causes benefit from collective generosity.
An exciting new charity partnership will help take action against dementia across Scotland and beyond with a giant inflatable brain tour as part of an innovative brain health programme.
Alzheimer Scotland has been selected as the Charity Partner for 2025/26 by Scotmid, which is Scotland’s largest independent co-operative and includes Semichem, Lake & Dales Coop, Scotmid Funerals and Fosters Funeral Directors.
Studies indicate that up to 45% of dementia cases worldwide may be preventable, often through making simple lifestyle changes.
As part of its ambitious plans for the 12-month partnership, Alzheimer Scotland will spread this prevention message by investing in a giant, walk-through inflatable brain – named Babs the Brain in honour of the late Dame Barbara Windsor, who died in 2020 of Alzheimer’s disease.
”Babs” will embark on a Big Brain Tour of Scotland, visiting stores as well as community venues.
At each stop, people can step inside the inflatable to learn how different areas of the brain work, enjoy interactive activities, and make their own personal brain health pledge.
The partnership will raise vital funds for brain health initiatives across Scotland, while Alzheimer’s Society will provide support to reach communities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The partnership was officially launched at Scotmid’s HQ in Newbridge, Edinburgh, where colleagues and pupils from Hillwood Primary School were among the first to experience Babs the Brain.
Dame Barbara’s widower Scott Mitchell attended the event and has given the project his full support.
Henry Simmons, Alzheimer Scotland’s Chief Executive, said: “Alzheimer Scotland is delighted to be embarking on this charity partnership with Scotmid. We see this as the start of a shared mission to empower people of all ages to protect their brain health, reduce their risk of dementia, and help make sure that nobody faces dementia alone.
“This partnership gives us a unique opportunity to expand the work we do by finding creative ways to empower communities across Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland to look after their brain health.
“Not only will we raise vital funds, we will also leave a lasting legacy beyond this partnership of healthier habits, stronger connections, and better awareness of dementia prevention.”
Karen Scott, Scotmid’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re truly delighted to join forces with Alzheimer Scotland.This partnership isn’t just about fundraising – it’s about coming together with our communities to create real, positive change.
“By working hand in hand, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by dementia across Scotland.”
Scott Mitchell, who was appointed People’s Champion for the Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals programme, said: “Babs the Brain and the brain health prevention work Alzheimer Scotland will be doing alongside it is a wonderful legacy for Barbara and something she would be proud to put her name to.
“I have no doubt she would have treated us to one of her famous giggles for the name alone!”
Other initiatives planned for the coming year include in-store ‘brain healthy’ shopping experiences, from recipe cards to highlighting ‘brain-boosting choices’.
Funds raised will also support Alzheimer Scotland’s STARS: My Amazing Brain schools project, which brings brain health education to children and families nationwide.
Edinburgh-based charity, Care for Carers has received £5,000 in funding thanks to votes from Scotmid members.
Scotmid lets members vote for local causes with their membership cards. Care for Carers received the most support in the East.
The Community Listening Project, Pennypit Trust, Canongate Youth, Door in the Wall, and Croft Street Hub each received £1000.
Founded in 1989, Care for Carers is a voluntary organisation that supports unpaid carers of all ages and circumstances.
The charity provides emotional and practical help, from one-to-one guidance to information and signposting, as well as opportunities for carers to take time for themselves. These services enable carers to step away from their caring role, connect with others in similar situations, and recharge.
Ruth MacLennan, CEO, Care for Carers, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen by Scotmid Members for the Member Choice Award.
“This funding means we can do even more for the carers we support, including being able to offer vital respite opportunities – it will make such a difference to us to have this award.”
The Member Choice Awards complement Scotmid’s ongoing community grants and donations, which together benefit more than 1,000 organisations annually. These include youth clubs, mental health charities, food banks, and environmental programmes.
The next Member Choice Awards cycle, ending in November 2025, has shortlisted the following good causes from the east region: The Larder, Spark, Seagull Trust, Gorebridge Community Care, Forever Young Club, and Kirkliston Community Conservation Volunteers/Waste Not Want Not Community Fridge.
Located at 112 Dundee Street (EH11 1FQ), the 4,000 sq ft store marks a return to the heart of a community where Scotmid’s journey began more than 165 years ago.
The new store has created 26 new jobs for the local area and offers an enhanced customer experience with a wide range of fresh and frozen products, everyday essentials, and locally sourced Scottish produce, reinforcing Scotmid’s continued commitment to supporting Scotland’s food and drink industry.
Scotmid’s much-loved food-to-go offering has been expanded for this location:
Freshly prepared baguettes, hot breakfasts, salad bowls, Big Al’s burgers, pizzas, and hot chicken
Costa Coffee (served and self-serve)
Stephens the Bakers counter
Tanpopo sushi and rice boxes
Chopstix Express noodle bar
Saltire Patisserie artisan bakes
The opening forms part of Scotmid’s commitment to bringing high-quality convenience shopping and food-to-go options to local communities across Scotland.
Opening day festivities included goodie bags for the first 50 customers and three hidden golden tickets offering special prizes. Scotmid also hosted an event in partnership with Re-Union Canal Boats, a local social enterprise.
Guests enjoyed a relaxing canal cruise through Fountainbridge, celebrating Scotmid’s past and future in the area. Re-Union reinvests all profits into local community initiatives that improve the area for everyone.
Karen Scott, Scotmid Chief Executive, said: “This new store marks a milestone for Scotmid. Not only does it serve the needs of a vibrant community but also reconnects Scotmid with its roots as Fountainbridge was where we originated in 1859.
“We’re delighted to invest in Fountainbridge and offer fresh choice, value, and convenience.”
The store is open seven days a week, including extended evening hours for commuters and local shoppers.
Scotmid has partnered with leading cancer support charity Maggie’s and greeting card brand Hallmark to become the only retail store selling a unique and heartfelt collection of cancer support cards, helping customers show they care while supporting a vital cause.
Developed by Hallmark in collaboration with Maggie’s, the six-card range was created to provide honest, compassionate messages for those living with cancer and their loved ones.
Each card features thoughtful, emotionally resonant wording such as “I’m here for you”, “Treatment completed”, and “I loved you before cancer and love you now”, offering a powerful way to express support and solidarity during difficult times.
The collection is illustrated by Hallmark designer Lisa Ellson, who was inspired by her own cancer diagnosis and the loss of both parents. Her personal insight brings warmth and authenticity to each design, moving away from traditional ‘battle’ language and focusing instead on empathy and connection.
As part of Scotmid’s 2024–2025 charity partnership with Maggie’s, 10p from every card sold in Scotmid stores will be donated to Maggie’s, helping to fund expert, free cancer support services through their network of welcoming centres across Scotland and the UK.
Lynne Ogg, Head of Membership & Community at Scotmid, said: “We’re proud to be the exclusive retail partner bringing this beautiful and meaningful card range to our customers.
“These designs help say the things that are often hardest to express, and every card sold helps Maggie’s continue their extraordinary work supporting people through cancer.”
Hannah Harding, Partnerships Lead at Maggie’s, added: “This partnership with Scotmid and Hallmark brings together compassion, creativity, and community.
“These cards offer a way to connect and comfort – and by purchasing them in Scotmid, customers are also helping Maggie’s be there for more people when they need us most.”
The cards are available now, in Scotmid stores across Edinburgh, offering a way to support loved ones with sincerity, while raising vital funds for one of the UK’s most trusted cancer support charities
Edinburgh-based Children’s Holiday Venture (CHV) is one of three good causes across the East of Scotland that has been awarded a share of a £25,000 Scotmid funding pot. The funds were allocated following a vote by Scotmid members.
CHV is a student-led charity run by volunteers from the University of Edinburgh, supporting children aged 7–17 from some of the most deprived areas in and around the city.
The volunteers work with around 140 children who take part in free fortnightly activities designed to boost emotional wellbeing and build social skills.
The programme includes the provision of engaging experiences such as science nights, bowling, swimming, scavenger hunts and day trips, which the £5,000 will help support.
Fergal Francis, Treasurer at Children’s Holiday Venture, said:“We’re incredibly grateful to have been awarded this funding from Scotmid.
“It means we can continue to run fun, enriching activities that make a valuable difference to the children we work with. These sessions help build confidence, friendships, and memories that last well beyond the day itself.”
The other two good causes that have received a share of the £25,000 are Answer Day Care Centre based in Whitburn and Rio Community Centre based in Fife.
Scotmid is calling on creative young minds to showcase their design talents in a special competition celebrating the International Year of Co-operatives. This exciting challenge invites youth establishments to design a stunning garden that will become a permanent feature at Scotmid’s Head Office in Edinburgh.
Inspired by the way bees work together as a co-operative, entrants are encouraged to create a design that reflects the spirit of co-operation and community while supporting our essential pollinators.
“We’re thrilled to offer young people the chance to bring their garden designs to life,” said Lynne Peacock, Membership & Communities Manager at Scotmid.
“This competition not only highlights the importance of creativity but also fosters a sense of community and environmental responsibility. We look forward to seeing how young designers express the power of working together through their garden ideas.”
The competition is open to all young people, and the winning entry will see their garden design brought to life. The winner will also receive a framed print of their design, £200 of fundraising vouchers for their school or youth group, and a special goody bag featuring exclusive merchandise.
Budding designers can send their creations via email to:
Five co-operative independent society members (ISMs) – Scotmid Co-op, Lincolnshire Co-op, East of England Co-op, Southern Co-op and Central Co-op, who led on the deal – have signed a landmark 10-year corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA) with RWE, the UK’s largest power generator and a global leader in renewable energy, to supply electricity from renewable energy sources to over 400 locations across the UK.
Scotmid has committed to the agreement, which will see around 280 sites including Scotmid stores, Semichem retail outlets and Scotmid Funerals, including those in Edinburgh, supplied by the green energy source.
Starting the 1st of April 2025, the long-term contract will provide up to 53 gigawatt hours (GWh) of green electricity per year, enough to power over 400 retail stores, funeral homes, travel agents and more. Sourced from the London Array offshore wind farm in the outer Thames Estuary, this agreement will see significant savings for the five co-operatives throughout the lifetime of the CPPA. Scotmid has pledged that 50,000 Megawatts of its energy will come from the deal.
This pioneering agreement was made possible with the help of Inspired PLC, the UK’s leading energy and sustainability advisor, who negotiated the CPPA, and Shoosmiths LLP, who led the legal negotiations.Notably, this deal was executed in just three months, less than half the usual timeframe, demonstrating the expertise and efficiency of the partnerships involved.
This agreement is a significant milestone in the co-operative movement’s journey towards sustainability. By securing long-term renewable energy, these five independent co-operatives are not only reducing their carbon footprint but also reinforcing their commitment to ethical business practices and environmental responsibility.
Olaf Lubenow, Head of Commodity Solutions UK, North & South Europe of RWE Supply & Trading, said: “We are pleased to support these five independent co-ops in their ambitious climate protection targets.
“This agreement shows how our clean energy solutions contribute to climate protection in all areas of the economy and ensure cost control by securing a long-term power price.”
Craig Strachan, Chief Financial Officer at Scotmid Co-op, said:“At Scotmid, we are proud to join forces with other co-operatives through this innovative Corporate Power Purchase Agreement.
“This collaboration not only strengthens our commitment to sustainability but also ensures we are securing reliable, clean energy at predictable rates for the long-term benefit of our members and communities.
“By working together, we are not only taking meaningful steps towards reducing our carbon footprint but also contributing to the UK’s collective efforts to reach net-zero. This agreement exemplifies the power of co-operation and collective action in driving real change for a sustainable future.”
Karen Hosking, PPA Manager at Inspired, said of the project: “We have facilitated a unique collective Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA), bringing together multiple parties to achieve a common goal.
“Typically, such projects take 18 months, but we accelerated execution to just three months, seizing market opportunities—which is a real achievement within our industry.
“By investing in this existing renewable asset, the ISMs secure traceable renewable energy on a long-term basis, support their sustainability targets, and contribute towards the UK’s net-zero journey.”
London Array is operated by RWE and owned by a consortium of four partners: RWE (30%), Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Greencoat UK Wind PLC, and Masdar Energy UK Limited. It has 175 wind turbines and an installed capacity of 630 Megawatts. From the time of its fully commissioning in 2013 until September 2018, it was the largest offshore wind farm in the world.
Inspired PLC provides market-leading commercial energy and sustainability advisory services to help clients achieve net-zero and thrive in the future low-carbon global economy.
David Cockshott, Chief Commercial Officer at Inspired, added: “Inspired is proud to have built a long-standing partnership with ISM Co-operatives as their dedicated energy consultant.Together, we are committed to driving sustainability and transforming the lives of their members and local communities.
“Our comprehensive energy management services, including flexible energy buying, invoice validation and data management, alongside supporting with compliance, are helping various ISM Co-operatives work towards their ambitious net-zero goals.
“By working together swiftly and effectively, we’ve achieved something monumental that will help each Co-operative take a significant step forward in their carbon reduction journey.”
Shoosmiths LLP, a leading law firm with 1,500+ colleagues across fourteen locations, provided the legal counsel for thenegotiations.
Head of Shoosmiths’ E&I sector and PPA specialist, James Wood-Robertson said:“It has been a privilege to support this group of independent Co-ops as they take this significant step towards running clean, sustainable operations across hundreds of stores.
“Our firm is committed to helping our clients navigate the shift towards renewable energy and we are thrilled to able to use our expertise in CPPAs to move the dial forward for businesses like these cooperatives that shape our community.”
For over 180 years, co-operatives have championed ethical business, community ownership and sustainability, following the co-operative values and principles that guide their operations. This landmark renewable energy deal reinforces the co-operative movement’s long-standing commitment to fairness, environmental responsibility and collective action.
The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Co-operatives. This agreement highlights how co-operatives continue to lead by example in tackling global challenges like climate change. By working together, these co-op societies are securing sustainable energy solutions that will benefit their members, customers and communities for years to come.
As the world transitions towards a low-carbon economy, this collaboration sets a precedent for how businesses can work together to drive meaningful change.
