Tag: Scotmid

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.

Scotmid support for Community Connect projects

CHARITY CASH BOOST FOR DRYLAW NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

Three good causes across Edinburgh have been awarded a share of a £75,000 funding pot, thanks to Scotmid Co-operative’s Community Connect award scheme. The awards were decided by a vote of Scotmid Members.

The recipients secured the funding after being shortlisted by the community retailer to receive the lifeline financial support, helping them to continue delivering their vital work.

Upward Mobility (Upmo) received a £15,000 award, with Drylaw Telford Community Association and Beacon Club – Space & Broomhouse Hub each receiving £5,000.

Drylaw Telford Community Association, based in Northwest Edinburgh, Children, young people, adults, older people, and families are offered a varied programme of activities and The Centre is an integral asset to the local community.

One of their key projects is to provide safe and suitable activities for adults and older people suffering from loneliness and social isolation with over 150 members meeting weekly to enjoy a chat, warm refreshments, and activities.

They are supported by a dedicated worker and funding from Scotmid would be used to for activities, transport to the Centre and help with support worker costs.

Beacon Club – Space & Broomhouse Hub is based in Southwest of Edinburgh run The Beacon Club, which provide support for people suffering from Dementia. Due to an increase in demand for their services and despite opening a second facility they still have a waiting list for people to join.

Open 7 days a week, members take part in activities, enjoy a nutritious homecooked lunch and have a safe place to socialise whilst giving their carers some vital respite. Funding from Scotmid would be used for outings, events, reminiscence activities and cover volunteer costs allowing members to live life to the full.

Upward Mobility (Upmo) strive to create a more inclusive society across Edinburgh & The Lothians by supporting adults & young people who live with physical or learning disabilities, Autism or have complex healthcare needs.

They offer the students tailored support services and learning opportunities and their Outdoor Learning Project is based within Jock Tamson’s Gairden in Duddingston, where students learn to grow veg, fruit and flowers.

Funding from Scotmid will be used to build raised beds, wider accessible pathways, purchase suitable tools & equipment and help with the cost of staffing the outdoor project.

Each year, Scotmid Members vote to award a share of £150,000 Community Connect funding to six shortlisted Scottish good causes.

Left to right: Martin Hinds (Drylaw Telford Community Association), Faith Nicholson and Claire Farquhar (Upmo), Nancy Bryson and Lyn Glen (Space & Broomhouse Hub)]

When Harry met … Harry!

Scotmid celebrates International Guide Dog Day

In a nod to International Guide Dogs Day (26th April) – Scotmid has surprised its soon to be retired President with a gift he’ll never forget!

With four legs, a fluffy tail and skills that help change lives, A Guide Dog puppy has been ‘named’ Harry after Harry Cairney as a parting gift. Human and hairy Harry met to shake paws and celebrate Scotmid’s ongoing Charity partnership with Guide Dogs.

PICTURED (L to R) –  John Brodie (Scotmid Chief Executive), Harry, , Shelagh Davidson (Guide Dog Puppy Raiser), Kyla McVicar (Guide Dogs), Harry Cairney.

Police appeal following Scotmid robbery

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information following a robbery at shop premises in Morvenside.

Around 4.05pm on Saturday (8 April), a man entered Scotmid and threatened staff and demanded money. He left with a three-figure sum of money.

Staff were shocked but unhurt.

Detective Constable Peter Lyons of CID in Edinburgh said : “We are keen to trace a man described as 6’2” tall, of slim build, with a Scottish accent. He wore a black scarf or face mask, light blue hooded rain jacket, dark blue jogging bottoms and black trainers.

“He was seen to run off towards the Westburn area.

“Anyone who was in the area and witnessed the incident is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting 2383 of Saturday, 8 April, 2023.”

Charities invited to apply to become Scotmid’s annual Charity Partner

Applications close on 14th April 2023

Leading community retailer, Scotmid, is inviting charities across Edinburgh to become its charity partner of the year for 2023-24, working together on a programme of fundraising and support.

The convenience retailer is looking for an organisation that shares its values and passion for supporting local communities. Together, both will build a creative and fun partnership to encourage participation and fundraising from colleagues, members and customers alike.

Current charity partner, Guide Dogs, will use the donations from Scotmid to support guide dogs in training as well as recruiting and training Habilitation Specialists and Guide Dog Mobility Specialists.

These Specialists play a crucial role with hundreds of children and young people (0-25 years) who have a visual impairment to help them develop a broad range of skills and live a more independent life.

Kyla McVicar, Business Development Manager at Guide Dogs, said: “We’d encourage charities to apply for this exciting opportunity to be Scotmid’s next charity partner.

“You’ll be joining forces with an incredible organisation who really care about making a massive difference in local communities.”

Shirley MacGillivray, Head of Membership & Community at Scotmid, said: “The charity of the year partnership provides both a fantastic platform for us to support worthwhile causes and for our charity partner to have the extended support of our colleagues, members and customers.

“We are seeking an ambitious charity that will make the most of this incredible opportunity and can’t wait to begin working with the cause.”

Scotmid has raised over one million pounds during its last three partnerships with CHAS, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and Scottish SPCA.

Scotmid’s Charities Team will host a live Q&A at 11am on Wednesday 29th March. Joining information available from membership@scotmid.co.uk.

Charities can find more information on how to apply here.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 14th April 2023.

Scotmid donates pet aid boxes to support animals and owners in need

  • Scotmid has donated 100 Pet Aid boxes to the Scottish SPCA’s initiative to support people and pets who are struggling during the cost-of-living crisis.
  • The boxes include essential food and care supplies for animals in need and are provided through a network of 33 foodbanks across Scotland.
  • In 2022, calls to the Scottish SPCA more than trebled. Most people give up their pets as a very last resort, when they feel there is no other option, with the decision often linked to the cost of looking after them.
  • Scottish SPCA was Scotmid’s 2018/19 charity partner. The leading Scottish community retailer still describes the charity as “part of the Scotmid family” and has continued to support their initiatives.
  • Shirley MacGillivray, Scotmid Head of Membership & Community, said: “We recognise the importance of pets to our physical and mental wellbeing, so keeping them safe and connected with their owners is something we are proud to support. Our friends at Scottish SPCA continue do incredible work supporting the welfare of animals – and their owners – through the most difficult times. We are glad to be able to help them.”
  • Find out more and donate: https://www.scottishspca.org/shop/pet-aid-gift-box

PICTURED: Carrie Giannelli, Scottish SPCA Pet Aid Co-ordinator, Pixie the French Bulldog and Kirsty Connell, Scotmid Communities Manager