Tag: Scotmid

Scotmid launches funding for first Scotland-wide community orchard

An environmental and wellbeing initiative that will benefit almost 200 communities across Scotland has been launched by Scotmid.

‘Scotmid Community Orchard’ funding will allow fruit trees and bushes to be planted across the communities Scotmid serves. The sites, of five or more plants, will then form part of a Scotland-wide orchard of thousands of trees and bushes. 

The retailer is seeking a group near each of its stores to plant five or more fruit trees or bushes within a community space. They will award £200 to each successful applicant, to fund the purchase of plants.

The initiative has been created to encourage people to work together, increasing physical activity and improving local environments.

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. 

John Brodie, Chief Executive of Scotmid, said: “We love the idea that lots of people doing something simple locally, like planting fruit trees or bushes, not only benefits those close to them but allows them to be part of something so much bigger – an orchard spanning hundreds of miles weaving through our Scottish communities.

“We all recognise the value that green spaces bring. Scotmid is thrilled to provide the funding for our communities to plant, grow, learn, and let nature thrive.”

Karen Davidson from Social Farms and Gardens, who are providing advice to budding growers, said: “We are so excited to see Scotmid leading the way, creating a network of micro-orchards across Scotland through this funding.

“Community orchards are part of a local food system. Promoting the health benefits of fresh produce and outdoor exercise to people of all age groups, orchards are excellent places for people to come together and enjoy the outdoors, whilst providing a focal point for community activities.”

Scotmid is seeking a group near each of its stores across Scotland to plant five or more fruit trees or bushes.

To apply, please visit: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/communityorchard/

Applications close on 20th January 2023.

Three good cause groups win share of £25,000 Scotmid funding

Three good causes across the East of Scotland have been awarded a share of a £25,000 funding pot, thanks to Scotmid’s Community Connect awards scheme. The awards were decided by a vote of Scotmid Members.

LoveOliver secured £15,000 in funding, with Edinburgh City Mission and The School Bank West Lothian both receiving a £5,000 award. The charities were shortlisted by the community retailer to receive the lifeline financial support helping them to continue carrying out vital work within the communities that they operate.

Each organisation delivers a range of different services, aimed at supporting and enhancing the lives of others.

  • LoveOliver is a charity dedicated to childhood cancer research and provides practical support for families affected by the disease. The funding awarded by Scotmid will be used to hire a staff member for its drop-in café, which provides aid and support for families at a local and accessible level.
  • Edinburgh City Mission is a charitable organisation involved in a number of projects that support the most vulnerable in the Edinburgh community. The charity works to aid several foodbanks, a clothes bank and a family-focused weekend club aimed at supporting asylum seekers. The funding granted by Scotmid will be used to help support these projects and the people who benefit the most from them.
  • The School Bank West Lothian was established in 2015 and is dedicated to delivering school uniforms and other school essentials to families experiencing financial hardship. The funding provided by Scotmid will assist The School Bank West Lothian in ensuring every school child is prepared for their studies this winter.

Jennifer Gill, Charity Founder and Co-ordinator at LoveOliver, said: “We are delighted to receive £15,000 from Scotmid and want to thank everyone involved in making this happen.  Our drop-in cafe at The Howat Hub has been running two days each week by our volunteers since opening in February this year.

“This funding will be used to employ a member of staff to allow the cafe to double its opening hours and be more available to families. We’re extremely grateful for this opportunity to extend our team, and to continue our work funding childhood cancer research and providing practical support to families affected by it.”

Catriona Thomas, Fundraising Manager for Edinburgh City Mission, (above) said: “Edinburgh City Mission aims to support as many vulnerable people in the city as possible, so we’re thrilled to be granted with this crucial funding from Scotmid.

“The funding will go towards hosting Soul Food, a weekly sit-down meal service for those most in need, helping us to meet our goal of ensuring that everyone in the local community has access to food.”

Abbie Stephenson, Project Worker with The School Bank West Lothian, said: “The School Bank West Lothian is thrilled to receive £5,000. Vulnerable children shouldn’t be without the basic necessities for school, so our mission is to help provide school children with the clothing and equipment they need to succeed. We look forward to helping reach more children in need.”  

Since Scotmid’s Community Connect launched in 2017, almost £600,000 has been awarded to 66 good cause groups across the north of England and Scotland, enabling key projects to continue operating in their local areas.

Harry Cairney, President of Scotmid, said: “Community Connect is one of the core ways in which we are able to support the communities we serve.

“We’re proud to support local charities and good cause groups and provide dedicated funding to support their goals. As we enter the winter months, it is important to look after one another – we’re grateful for our chosen three charities and good causes’ continued efforts to provide a lifeline to those in need within local communities.”

Guide Dogs to spread more pawsitivity thanks to partnership with Scotmid

Community retailer aiming to raise £250,000 for new charity partner  

A leading Scottish community retailer is hoping to get tongues – and tails – wagging today (Thursday 1st September) with the announcement of its ‘pawsome’ new charity partnership.

Scotmid has taken the lead and chosen Guide Dogs as its barkingly brilliant charity companion, with plans to raise £250,000 over the course of the year long partnership. 

The funding will enable Guide Dogs to train three new Habilitation Specialists, as well as two Guide Dog Mobility Specialists, who will help and support hundreds more people in Scotland who are living with sight loss.

Guide Dog’s Habilitation Specialists support children and young people with a vision impairment, providing them with the skills they need to live an independent and active life and helping them reach their full potential.

Habilitation involves mobility, orientation and independent living skills. From supporting physical development in the early years, to navigating streets safely, preparing food, handling money and using technology as they grow older.

Funds will also be allocated to training two Guide Dog Mobility Specialists who partner life-changing guide dogs to people with sight loss. When guide dogs are partnered with a person with sight loss, the partnership boosts general mobility as well as increasing confidence and independence to go out into the community; expanding opportunities to socialise and reducing isolation.

Kyla McVicar, Business Development Manager at Guide Dogs Scotland, said: “Guide Dogs offers a range of services for adults and children affected by a vision impairment, as well as their families. We have expanded our services in recent years so that we can help thousands of people with different needs lead confident, independent and fulfilling lives.

“We are really excited to be working with Scotmid and would like to say a huge thank you for their incredible support, which will enable us to train crucial new staff members and reach even more people affected by sight loss.

“The new roles include guide dog mobility specialists, who train our dogs and partner them with people with sight loss and habilitation specialists, who work with children and young people to help them develop vital life-long orientation and independence skills.

“This means that Scotmid will make a significant and lasting difference for families affected by sight loss across the local communities it has a presence in.”

John Brodie, Chief Executive at Scotmid, said: “Our core purpose is to serve our communities and to improve people’s everyday lives, so Guide Dogs is an excellent fit for us.

“Over the coming year, we are looking forward to raising much needed funds and awareness of this very worthy cause. We want to play our part in supporting those who are affected by sight loss, helping them to live more independent and fuller lives.”

Colleagues, customers and members across Scotmid’s stores will take part in various fundraising and engagement activities throughout the year, including ‘Name the Puppy’ competitions, Kiltwalks and in-store activities to support the partnership.

Local author launches new history book thanks to Scotmid donation

Three Scotmid East Committee Members attended a local book launch at The Crannie Community Hub in Edinburgh’s Old Town after the community-based Scottish retailer provided a £5,000 donation towards the funding of the book’s print, design and publishing costs.

Local author, Richard Rodger, has released his latest book, Happy Homes: Cooperation, Community and the Edinburgh Colonies, following publication this month. The book explores the building and management of 11 different sites of houses built for workers, to a distinctive design by the Edinburgh Cooperative Building Company (ECBC).

Scotmid provided the funding to help shed light on the history of co-operatives across Edinburgh and their importance during a time when Scotmid Co-operative (formerly St. Cuthbert’s Co-operative) was formed.

Harry Cairney said: “Richard’s book provides great insight into the local community, and we were more than happy to support his book launch. The Edinburgh ‘Colonies’ have been a distinctive housing phenomenon for more than 160 years and have a remarkable history, which I’m sure will be of great interest to readers.

“As a convenience retailer, based in the heart of those communities we serve, this donation is just one of the ways we look to provide support to individuals, charities and good cause groups.”

Richard Rodger said: “I am so grateful for the support from Scotmid which has helped me to bring this book from an initial idea through to publication. It’s great to see it in print and I was honoured that Harry, Eddie and Brian took the time to come along to our local community hub for the launch.”

Pictured from left to right: Eddie Thorn, Director and East Regional Committee Member, Harry Cairney, President of Scotmid, Brian Weddell, East Regional Committee Member, and author, Richard Rodger.

Men’s Sheds to pop up in Scotmid stores during Men’s Health Week!

The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has teamed up with Scotmid, for Men’s Health Week (13th – 19th June 2022).

The leading community retailer invited Shedders into their stores to help raise awareness of Men’s Sheds at a community level and to broaden awareness of the wealth of benefits Sheds bring to men’s overall health and wellbeing.

In the UK, men aged 40-49 have the highest rates of suicide*. The Men’s Shed aims to encourage men to have open and honest conversations around mental health, to help tackle loneliness and wider challenges they face and feel unable to talk about.

Carluke Men’s Shed popped up in Scotmid’s Law store and recruited three new members before lunch! Shedders were on hand to chat to customers and answer any questions they had about the charity and the products they produce.

Shirley MacGillivray, Head of Communities and Membership at Scotmid, said: “We are delighted to team up with the SMSA to raise awareness of Men’s Sheds during this important week.

“We recognise the part we can play to improve the health and wellbeing of our employees and the communities that we serve, and this is the perfect way to mark and support Men’s Health Week in our Scottish stores.”

Scotmid has previously been a SMSA award sponsor, supports many sheds across Scotland and welcomes Community Grant applications from individual Sheds.


Jason Schroeder, SMSA Chief Executive Officer, said: “The SMSA is working in partnership with Scotmid to offer this excellent opportunity for Sheds to showcase the services and facilities that they have to offer men aged 18 and over.

“It’s important that we encourage men to get together within their local community and connect with each other.  After all, conversation is hugely important for our health and wellbeing.”

The SMSA now has over 129 sheds open across Scotland, with 72 further sheds proposed or in development.

One of the charity’s core objectives is to put an emphasis on how important it is for men to connect with their local community.

Buffalo Milk ice cream now available at Scotmid stores

Scotmid is bringing a unique Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream, made from Buffalo milk, to stores across Edinburgh and Lothians, notching up another first for the Scottish convenience retailer.

The local community can now purchase the product in store which, until now, has only been available from The Buffalo Farm in Fife.

Founded in 2005, The Buffalo Farm is the third of five Scottish businesses to win the Scotmid Scottish Favourites competition, which is giving the ice cream prominent shelf space in selected Scotmid stores. The competition was launched by the retailer to champion local producers and further demonstrates its commitment to Scottish sourcing.

The promotional listing will run for three weeks and will be available in 13 stores in Edinburgh and Lothians.

Steven Mitchell, Founder of The Buffalo Farm, spoke about what winning the competition means to the business:

  • How does it feel to be a winner of the Scotmid Scottish Favourites competition?

We are so excited to be able to see our Buffalo ice cream featured in Scotmid stores across the country and it’s great to be recognised by such a prominent retailer in Scotland.

  • What does it mean for you as a business to have secured this listing?

We are first and foremost farmers and aim to produce the finest produce we can from our land here in Kirkcaldy – with our team, farmland, countryside and animals at the very heart of our business. This listing will provide us with the perfect opportunity to reach new customers who value incredible local produce just like we do.

  • What are you hoping will be the outcome of bringing your product to a new audience? What is special about buffalo milk?

With our Buffalo Ice Cream, produced from milk from our own herd, we believe customers will buy into the brand concept and then be amazed at just how good the product is. We know Scotmid will get a real sense of pride from championing an exciting new Scottish product that their customers will appreciate.

  • It’s not your average ice-cream. How and why did the product come about?

Milk has several unique properties, and we were looking for another way to add value to the product range.  With a slightly higher fat content than regular cow’s milk, it is the perfect core ingredient to make our luxuriously rich ice cream.  Raspberry Ripple was the obvious choice, as one of the nations’ favourite traditional ice cream flavours.

  • How and where do you make Raspberry Ripple Buffalo ice-cream? ‘

Our buffalo milk produces a richer, creamier flavour and texture over traditional ice cream.  Our Raspberry Ripple Buffalo ice-cream is made in our dairy factory in the heart of Fife.  We are growing our production on a weekly basis, which is driven by the volume our buffalo can produce. We offer a real field to fork (or spoon!) solution, with an incredibly short supply chain, from our farm in Fife to Scotmid stores.

  • Describe Raspberry Ripple Buffalo ice-cream in 3 words?

Scottish, smooth and flavourful

  • We know that Scotmid is committed to supporting the local community and local businesses, how do you support the local community?

We have an extremely loyal team of 80 employees who live in the local area, and we are very focused on supporting our local community. Over the years, we have supported numerous community initiatives with fundraising collaborations with schools, clubs and sports teams.

We have also tried innovative fundraisers, such as where groups would receive part of our profits when their supporters used a specific Coupon Code through our website. The more people they encouraged to buy, the more money they raised.

More recently, we are delighted to have chosen Hearts and Minds as our nominated charity for the next six months, a Scottish based charity that uses clowning to help children in hospital, people with dementia, and those with additional support needs. We are planning a number of fundraising initiatives to support their cause.

  • What is next for The Buffalo Farm?

We are very much at the start of our journey with The Buffalo Farm. However, it has the potential to become the next major brand in Scottish Food and Drink. We would love nothing more than to have Scotmid with us on our journey.

Jessica Van Tromp, local sourcing manager at Scotmid, said: “We’re so excited to be able to stock such an innovative and delicious product in our stores across Edinburgh and Lothians.

“It’s great to be able to support The Buffalo Farm, expanding its presence from Fife to key regions in Scotland.”

Thistly Cross becomes latest Scottish Supplier to arrive on Scotmid shelves

An East Lothian-based cider producer is celebrating after winning a competition to have its Scottish Fruits Cider made available for customers at 179 Scotmid stores across Scotland from Wednesday, 27th April.

Founded in 2008, Thistly Cross is the second of five Scottish businesses to win the Scotmid Scottish Favourites competition. The competition was launched by the convenience retailer to champion local producers and further demonstrates its commitment to Scottish sourcing.

This promotional listing, which will run for three weeks, will help Thistly Cross to extend its reach and brand awareness. The move reflects the retailer’s ongoing ambition to helping small businesses thrive and grow. 

Peter Stuart, Founder of Thistly Cross, said: “The promotional listing with Scotmid means a lot to us and our business. This partnership will open the door to new audiences and provide us with the opportunity to sell our product to customers directly in store.

“Our small and passionate team strive to be at the forefront of the growing craft cider movement and we’re grateful for this platform to shout about the great taste of Scottish craft cider. We value Scotmid’s commitment to supporting independent retailers like us and are proud to be offering our authentic Scottish Fruits Cider to their customers.”

Scotmid and Scotland Food & Drink received more than 50 entries from local businesses, which were each judged by a panel of experts.

Kirsty Carnegy, Head of Local Sourcing at Scotmid, said: “We are always looking for new ways to diversify and grow our Scottish product portfolio and were absolutely thrilled with the high quality of entries that we have received for the Scottish Favourites competition.

“Scotland truly has some of the best food and drink in the world and the calibre of local producers is continuing to grow year on year. Made with hand-picked strawberries, elderflowers and blackcurrants, this cider is Scottish to the core. We can’t wait to hear how much our customers love this delicious, locally produced product – massive congratulations to Thistly Cross!”

Thistly Cross is located on the east coast of Scotland and handcrafts its ciders in small batches using real fruit, slow fermented and long matured.

Scotmid launches search for new charity partner

Charities are being invited by Scotmid to become its new Charity Partner for 2022/23.

The community retailer is looking for an organisation that shares its values and passion for supporting local communities and would like to build a creative and fun partnership to encourage participation and fundraising from staff, members and customers alike.

With a presence in Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland, the partnership must be able to span a wide geography.

Over the last 20 years, Scotmid has raised millions of pounds for their Charity Partners, including the Scottish SPCA, Samaritans, ChildLine and Alzheimer Scotland.

John Brodie, Chief Executive of Scotmid, said: “Our Charity Partnerships are incredibly important to us. Partners benefit from both an exceptional level of fundraising and extended support in their cause from our colleagues and communities.

“We are excited to hear about projects that can benefit our communities from new potential charity partners.”

Scotmid’s current Charity Partner is Children’s Hospice Association Scotland, better known as CHAS. Funds raised through the partnership have supported the vital development and expansion of CHAS’s outreach service, CHAS at Home, helping the charity on its ambitious mission of reaching every child and family that needs their help in communities across Scotland.

Three other children’s hospices across Scotmid’s trading areas have also benefited from funds raised: Jigsaw, Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and St Oswald’s Hospice.

Staff working in Scotmid’s food stores, Semichem stores, Scotmid Funerals and Lakes & Dales stores across Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England enthusiastically take part in physical challenges, events and traditional in-store fundraising.

Community engagement is also a key element for Scotmid. At the end of last year, children throughout Scotland were invited to design a mascot to represent Scotmid’s charity partnership.

The winning designs, Cuthbert The Fox and Tildy Toadstool, were then brought to life, much to the delight of the talented designers and those who have met the colourful couple!

Angharad Low, Corporate Partnerships Manager at CHAS, said: “It’s been great working with Scotmid to raise awareness and funds for our outreach service, CHAS at Home.

“The passion of Scotmid colleagues, members and customers makes the partnership really special.

“We’re so thankful for the funds that have been raised, which will help families receive quality care in the comfort of their own homes. We would absolutely recommend other charities apply!”

Kirsteen Campbell, CEO Scottish SPCA, said: “Our 2018/19 partnership with the Scotmid Co-operative family was our most successful charity of the year partnership in Scottish SPCA’s history, raising an incredible £325,000.

“Support from Scotmid colleagues enabled us to deliver our ‘Prevention through Education’ programme delivering workshops to 1818 schools and 124 community groups, reaching over 60% of Scotland’s school children! With Scotmid’s support we were able to spread the joy of the human-animal bond further than ever before.

“We’d encourage all charities to apply for this exciting opportunity to be Scotmid’s next Charity Partner.

“You’ll be combining forces with an incredible organisation who really cares about making a massive difference in local communities What are you waiting for? Apply today!”

To apply to be Scotmid’s Charity of the Year 2022/23, please go to:

https://scotmid.coop/community-and-charity/charity-of-the-year-applications/

Applications are open until 5pm on Friday 6 May 2022.

Abduction and robbery: two men to appear in court

Police officers investigating a robbery at a shop in the Tollcross area have arrested and charged two men.

At around 10.45pm on Thursday, 6 January 2022, a 24-year-old man was walking on Spey Street when he was approached and taken back to the store where he worked on Leven Street. A four-figure sum of cash was then take from the store.

Two men, aged 26 and 28, have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

They are both due to appear in Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Thursday, 3 February, 2022). A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait from Edinburgh Division CID, said: “We would like to thank the public for their assistance following our appeal.”

Police investigating robbery at Scotmid store in Tollcross

Police are appealing for witnesses following a robbery at a shop in Tollcross.

At around 10.45pm on Thursday, 6 January 2022, a 24-year-old man was walking on Spey Street, having finished his shift at the Scotmid store in Leven Street at 10pm.

He was then approached by two men who forced him into a blue Volkswagen Tiguan car and drove him back to the store, where they threatened him and made him open the premises.

The suspects then stole a four-figure sum of cash from the store and drove off at around 11.25pm.

Officers investigating the incident found the Tiguan, which was bearing registration number SF08 WPU, alight within Lochend Park, next to the basketball court.

It has been established that the vehicle was stolen from a break-in at the Maybury Car Sales in Turnhouse Road on 12 December 2021.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait from Edinburgh Division CID, said: “We believe that this was a targeted attack and that those responsible had been following the victim prior to approaching him and forcing him to allow them entry to his place of work.

“While this was a very frightening experience for him, thankfully he was uninjured and we are now pursuing a number of lines of inquiry to trace the suspects.

“If you recognise their description, or believe you have seen the Volkswagen Tiguan, either in the hours surrounding this incident, or in the last few weeks, then please contact police immediately.

“Similarly, anyone with any other information is also asked to come forward.”

Those with information can contact Edinburgh CID via 101 and quote incident number 3131 of 6 January 2022. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.