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.
Three good causes across the East of Scotland have secured a share of a £25,000 funding pot, thanks to Scotmid’s Community Connect initiative.
The funds were allocated to The Rosebery Centre, Leuchie House and Play Therapy Base following a vote by Scotmid Members.
The Rosebery Centre, based in Polbeth, West Lothian, has been awarded £15,000. The charity supports older people living with dementia in the community. This funding will be used to provide nutritious healthy lunches and snacks, offering members valuable time to socialise and helping to combat the isolation they face due to their condition.
Leuchie House, based in East Lothian, has been awarded £5,000. The charity provides people living with neurological conditions and their families with access to short respite breaks. The funding will go towards the tailored activities & entertainment provided with every break helping to improve health, enables independence and reduces loneliness.
The final good cause group in the East of Scotland to have been awarded £5,000 funding is Play Therapy Base. The Dalkeith based charity works with children aged 3-14 who are experiencing emotional distress.
Services include weekly 1-1 play & art sessions with experienced therapists, either in the community or within one of the dedicated playrooms. Funding will contribute to the running and resourcing of these playrooms which are used by around 60 children each week.
Anne Marson, Centre Manager at The Rosebery Centre, said:“We are overwhelmed with this generous donation from Scotmid.
“The support will enable us to continue providing healthy meals to members while they socialise together, significantly improving the quality of life for dementia patients.”
Claire Williams, Head of Fundraising at Leuchie House, said:“We are so grateful for this incredible contribution from Scotmid.
“This support will enable Leuchie to reimagine respite as a service that delivers more, beyond the break, to improve the health of our guests, enable their independence and reduce the loneliness experienced by many as a result of their condition.”
Linda Cuthbert, Service Manager at Play Therapy Base, said:“Thanks to Scotmid’s generous funding, we can keep providing life-changing play and art therapy sessions to children who need it most.
“This £5,000 will go directly toward maintaining our playrooms, where dozens of young people find comfort, support, and emotional healing every week.”
Keen to support local good causes? Pop into your local Scotmid and pay £1 to become a member.
Scotmid, one of Scotland’s leading community retailers, has announced a new, year-long charity partnership with Maggie’s, an organisation dedicated to providing comprehensive support to individuals and families living with cancer.
This partnership highlights the shared commitment of both Scotmid and Maggie’s to making a meaningful difference in their communities. Over the next 12 months, Scotmid and Maggie’s staff in Edinburgh will work hand-in-hand to raise awareness, fundraise, signpost and offer tangible support to those living with cancer.
As part of this collaboration, Maggie’s volunteers will be visiting Scotmid stores across the country, engaging directly with customers to raise awareness and funds. These in-store ‘pop-up’ events will offer customers the opportunity to learn more about the resources available to them and how they can contribute to the cause.
Scotmid stores have also introduced exclusive Maggie’s-branded merchandise, including limited edition pin badges and air fresheners, making it easier than ever for customers to show their support.
Additionally, Scotmid employees are being encouraged to get involved in local fundraising activities, bringing their own creative ideas to the table to enhance community engagement.
Beyond fundraising, a key focus of this partnership will be to educate communities about the diverse support services that Maggie’s offers to those living with cancer. From emotional support to practical advice, the Maggie’s centre in Edinburgh provides a lifeline to individuals and families during some of their most challenging times.
Anna Clarkson, Centre Co-Head, Maggie’s Edinburgh, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are delighted to be partnering with Scotmid, an organisation renowned for its dedication to Edinburgh community causes.
“Together, we aim to shine a light on the profound impact cancer has on lives and to remind those living with a diagnosis that they are not alone.
“It is wonderful to think that Scotmid stores will now help ensure people with cancer, as well as family and friends in Edinburgh, get the support they need at possibly the most difficult time of their lives.”
Karen Scott, Chief Executive at Scotmid, said: “Supporting our communities is at the heart of everything we do at Scotmid. We are excited to partner with Maggie’s to raise both awareness and vital funds for a cause that touches so many lives.
“The money we raise will help ensure that more people can access the care and support they need during such a critical time. We look forward to making a difference together.”
Scotmid has raised an impressive £3.25 million across its last ten charity partnerships, establishing itself as a leading retail fundraiser.
This significant contribution is made possible through the hard work and dedication of staff, members, and customers, who participate in numerous fundraising activities and campaigns.
Scotmid Co-operative, is bringing the “It’ll Cost You” campaign, which highlights that buying alcohol for children could result in a fine or jail time, to stores across Edinburgh.
Throughout the school holidays, radio adverts will be played over the in-store radio, ensuring that shoppers understand the legal implications of buying alcohol for under-18s. Scotmid is also displaying campaign graphics on digital screens, highlighting the consequences of proxy alcohol purchases.
“The campaign is a great example of working together with local law enforcement, to make the communities we serve safer.”
Superintendent Joanne McEwan, Police Scotland, said: “This campaign showcases the benefits of key partners working together to inform the public of dangers associated with underage drinking, as well as the criminal consequences for supplying those under 18 with alcohol.”
Luke McGarty, Chair of the SAIP Campaigns Group and Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Scottish Grocers Federation, said:“Proxy purchasing is not an easy crime to detect and retailers are the first line of defence in reducing underage drinking and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol.
“The ‘It’ll Cost You!’ campaign fits perfectly with SGF’s position of promoting responsible community retailing. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners on the campaign again this year.”
Grahame Clarke, Community Alcohol Partnership Coordinator, said:“The campaign gives us an opportunity to spread the ‘It’ll Cost You!’ message in local communities, highlighting the dangers of buying alcohol for young people.
“We look forward to working with Police Scotland and the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers to make sure that this messaging is carried through all our engagement activity this summer.”
Siobhian Brown MSP, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, said:“I welcome the return of a campaign that successfully illustrates the value of strong collaboration and regular engagement between partners, which help to deliver shared aims to help reduce underage drinking and anti-social behaviour in our communities.”
The campaign will run throughout summer 2024. For more information, visit:
St Andrews First Aid, Scotland’s only dedicated first aid charity, has been awarded a £28,000 lifeline from leading Scottish convenience retailer, Scotmid.
The funding has been used to purchase new uniforms for staff and volunteers across Scotland, including those located in Edinburgh, who provide life-saving training and emergency response services.
Stuart Callison, CEO at St Andrew’s First Aid, said: “Scotmid’s generous donation means we can purchase more uniforms that will help to enhance our visibility and identity when we cover events or provide public demonstrations.
We are extremely grateful to Scotmid for this support and continued partnership in helping us achieve our mission of making Scotland a safer place for all.”
Lynne Ogg, Scotmid Membership & Communities Manager, added: “The work that St Andrew’s First Aid delivers in communities across Scotland is invaluable and we are proud to continue supporting such a worthy charity.
“The funding will assist the organisation in ensuring its dedicated volunteers are easily identifiable and bring peace of mind to the general public when attending events.”
St Andrew’s First Aid provides vital first aid and mental first aid courses and actively promotes first aid education in schools and communities. Its mission is rooted in the belief that no one should suffer or lose their life due to a lack of first aid assistance.
LIFT @ Millenium Centre and the Living Memory Association are two of three good causes across the East of Scotland to have received a share of a £25,000 funding pot, thanks to Scotmid’s Community Connect initiative.
LIFT @ Millenium Centre offers support to families from the most disadvantaged areas of Edinburgh and those that are vulnerable either socially or financially. They have received £5,000 from Scotmid to deliver ‘Family Teatime’ sessions, an opportunity for families to play and learn together in a supported environment.
The Living Memory Association has secured £5,000 to continue their work connecting and supporting those isolated or living with dementia. The charity is based in Ocean Terminal, where it offers exhibitions, including The Wee Museum of Memory, as well as recording podcasts and videos.
Jayme Nisbet, Community Base and Family Support Worker, LIFT@ Millennium, said:“We are so thankful to receive £5,000 Scotmid Community Connect funding, which will help us expand our Family Teatime program.
“This is something that is so needed for the local communities in North Edinburgh.”
Russell Clegg, Project Worker Living Memory Association, said:“The Living Memory Association is delighted to have received a £5,000 Community Connect funding award from Scotmid.
“This will allow us to develop new projects for older people in areas of reminiscence, celebrating lived experience and combatting the loneliness and isolation our users can often face.”
The final charity to have secured funding in the East of Scotland is The 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.
The next round of funding has shortlisted three charities across the East, Wed and Mid Lothian. Leuchie House provides people living with neurological condition and their families with access to short respite breaks.
Play Therapy Base works with children aged 3 -14 who are experiencing emotional distress and provides a playroom that hosts 1-1 sessions with art therapists.
The Rosebery Centre supports older people living with dementia combat isolation with things like befriending, dance therapy and outings.
Winners will be announced in October.
Keen to support local good causes? Pop into your local Scotmid and pay £1 to become a member.
