supermarkets – Page 2 – The NEN

The £800 Postcode Penalty: Aldi reveals Scottish towns that are paying hundreds more for groceries

Families in towns across Scotland are paying up to £2,437 more per year on their grocery shopping simply because they lack access to a discount supermarket, new analysis from Aldi reveals.

The findings form part of Aldi’s national review of towns facing the steepest postcode penalty, with shoppers in places such as Cathcart in Glasgow missing out on the savings enjoyed by those with access to Aldi.

The analysis shows that households without access to Aldi – which has been named the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket by consumer champion Which? for the past five years – pay £826 more on average, rising to £2,437 in areas dominated by the highest-priced supermarkets.

These figures are based on the average monthly cost difference between Aldi and either the average major UK supermarkets, or the most expensive UK supermarket, using the prices of a typical 68-item shopping basket tracked by Which?*.

Across the UK, Aldi has mapped 220 locations where shoppers are disproportionately affected by this postcode penalty.

In Scotland, this includes towns such as Cathcart, Bonnyrigg, Clarkston, Barnton (? – Ed.) and Largs where residents are paying more for identical groceries because no discount supermarket is available locally.

Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, said: “No one should pay more for their weekly shop simply because of where they live. We believe every household should have access to high-quality, affordable food.

“With household budgets under intense pressure, local access to a discounter isn’t just convenient – it can save families hundreds of pounds a year. These findings show that expanding access to Aldi is one of the simplest ways to reduce the cost of living for many.”

Aldi has invested £650 million across Britain through its store opening and refurbishment programme in 2025, with each new site creating around 40 jobs.

The discounter also recently announced it would be doubling down on its investment in Britain with a £1.6 billion commitment over the next two years, opening 40 stores each year as it moves towards its ambition to have 1,500 UK stores.

Primary schools in Edinburgh given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi

Aldi’s first-ever Great Scottish Supper brings pipers, poetry and haggis to Scottish primary schools

Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils in Edinburgh the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.

The UK’s Cheapest Supermarket 2024 is set to host its first-ever Great Scottish Supper, with one primary school class winning an unforgettable Robert Burns celebration.

As one of the country’s biggest supporters of Scottish food and drink, Aldi Scotland is encouraging the next generation to sample some of the nation’s most-loved dishes while taking part in celebrations that honour Scotland’s national poet.

Schools across the country are invited to take part, with one primary school class set to receive everything they need to host a memorable Burns Day feast, including the traditional haggis, neeps and tatties, as well as more contemporary dishes such as haggis bon bons and vegetarian haggis. A bagpiper will also perform the ceremonial piping-in of the haggis.

To participate, primary school classes of any age are invited to submit original Scots poems, giving pupils the opportunity to engage creatively with Scottish heritage and literature in true Burns style.

Poems should capture the spirit and traditions of Robert Burns by telling his story in a modern and imaginative way.

The initiative is open to any primary school class in Scotland. To enter, schools should send their original poems to to scottishcompetition@aldi.co.uk by Friday 23rd January 2026. Schools can submit more than one poem per class.

Alan Leslie, Buying Director, at Aldi Scotland said: “As one of the most loyal supporters of Scottish food and drink, we believe we have a responsibility to ensure Scots of all ages can experience our most iconic culinary traditions. Burns Day is the perfect occasion for our youngest generation to enjoy some of the outstanding produce Scotland is famous for.

“Centuries after his lifetime, Robert Burns remains Scotland’s most celebrated poet, and what better way to honour his legacy than by encouraging young people to explore their own creativity?

“We’re really looking forward to reading the poems from primary classes across the country and are excited to bring our first-ever Great Scottish Supper to a deserving school.”

As Which?’s Cheapest Supermarket of 2024, Aldi continues to offer some of the best value deals on locally sourced Scottish food and drink.

For Burns Day, shoppers can pick up a selection of traditional and contemporary dishes, including:

Specially Selected Wagyu Chieftain Haggis, £5.99, 908g
Frasers Vegetarian Haggis, £2.09, 454g
Upper Dysart Ladder Haggis ‘N’ Mash, £1.99, 400g
Cosmos Haggis Pizza, £3.25, 420g
Simon Howie Chocolate Haggis, £4.99, 454g
Simon Howie Haggis Truffles, £3.49, 500g
Simon Howie Sweet Chilli Haggis Bon Bons, £2.45, 240g
Simon Howie Curried Haggis Bon Bons, £2.45, 240g
Punjab Pakora Square Sausage Bites with spicy chili dip, £1.89, 200g
Punjab Pakora Iron Brew infused chicken pakora, £1.99, 200g
Bells Burns Supper Pie, £2.49, pack of two

Aldi’s diverse range of locally produced products are available at all of Aldi’s 112 Scottish stores. Available while stocks last.

Entries for the Great Scottish Supper open on 6 January, and will be accepted until Friday 23 January. The winning class will be contacted by January 30.

The winner will receive a £100 Aldi voucher to cater for their celebrations, with the supermarket also arranging a bagpiper for the event.

scottishcompetition@aldi.co.uk.

New Tesco Express store opens in East Craigs

A highly anticipated new Tesco Express store opened its doors last week in East Craigs.

Located at 1 Bughtlin Market, the new Tesco Express Bughtlin Market will provide residents and visitors with a convenient, modern place to shop, supporting the continued growth of the surrounding area.

The store will be open seven days a week from 6am until 11pm, creating three new jobs for the local area while also retaining the existing team from the previous business that operated on the site.

Tesco Express Bughtlin Market will offer a wide range of products for everyday needs, whether customers are picking up breakfast on the go, buying lunch or collecting ingredients for dinner.

Store features include a Costa Coffee machine, National Lottery terminal, Payzone service, external InPost lockers and a 24-hour ATM.

Charlene Watson, Store Manager at Tesco Express Bughtlin Market, said: “We are pleased to open the doors to our new store and to join the East Craigs community.

“Our aim is to serve this large and diverse community with a friendly and dependable local store that people can rely on and we look forward to welcoming customers in the days and weeks ahead.”

Tesco Express Bughtlin Market is located at 1 Bughtlin Market, Edinburgh EH12 8XP.

Edinburgh shoppers offered 10p round-up to support dementia care

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 Pennies said: “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.

Edinburgh Shopper scoops over £600 for CHAS in festive edition of Aldi Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland’s much loved Supermarket Sweep challenge recently returned to Edinburgh with a festive twist, and one lucky local winner spread some Christmas cheer by raising £606.18 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) while bagging the same amount in Aldi favourites for himself.

Aldi’s popular Supermarket Sweep, inspired by the legendary gameshow, arrived in Edinburgh on Sunday 14 December. Lucky shopper Tom Garrat, who was chosen as the winner of the competition, donned a Santa costume for his five-minute trolley dash for CHAS at the retailer’s Portobello store – where CHAS representatives got into the festive spirit dressed as elves.

As well as taking home a trolley full of goodies, Aldi Scotland matched the cash value of Tom’s haul, donating all proceeds to CHAS to help support over 500 babies, children and young people across Scotland with life-shortening conditions and their families. In 2025, every penny raised through the initiative has gone directly to CHAS, with £10,000 pledged in support.

Aldi Supermarket Sweep winner, Tom Garratt, said: “It was a pleasure to raise over £600 for CHAS with the help of Aldi.

“A special thanks to Sarah from CHAS for being my eyes and ears as I dashed through the aisles filling the trolleys!”

Sarah Dannfald, Senior Community Fundraiser, CHAS, said: “Turning up to Aldi’s Portobello store dressed as Santa and an Elf isn’t something you do every day, but the team there welcomed us like absolute stars.

“Tom’s fantastic effort in the Supermarket Sweep, along with the brilliant support from all the staff, brought so much festive fun and raised a wonderful amount for CHAS.

“Their generosity will help bring comfort, care and Christmas magic to the children and families we support all year round. We can’t thank them enough for getting behind us with such spirit and good humour!”

Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Our first-ever festive edition of Supermarket Sweep has been such a good way to celebrate the season and spread some Christmas cheer, while also finishing a fantastic year of fundraising on a high. Congratulations to Tom, who raised an incredible £606.18 for CHAS while grabbing a bundle of Aldi favourites for himself.

“CHAS is an incredible organisation that does invaluable work for families across Scotland.

“We’re proud to support them and help raise as much as possible so they can continue to provide vital hospice care for children with life-shortening conditions, and unwavering support to families during the most difficult moments imaginable.”

Research reveals only one in four Edinburgh residents celebrate Saint Andrew’s Day

A national survey has revealed that just 25% of people in Edinburgh celebrate St Andrew’s Day, and at a national level almost four in ten (39%) Scots are unable to identify the date of St Andrew’s Day, highlighting a surprising gap in awareness surrounding the country’s patron saint.

The research by ScotPulse which was commissioned by Aldi Scotland, found that while most Scots recognise St Andrew’s Day as the country’s national day, many are unsure of the date, and even fewer mark the occasion.

Just one in four (26%) Scots say they celebrate St Andrew’s Day, held annually on 30 November, with confusion rife across the nation about what date it actually falls on. Some mistakenly believe it happens on 25 November (11%), 29 November (8%), with an additional 8% also believing it falls on 31 November – a date that doesn’t exist. Others mix it up with Burns Night in January.

The survey also found:

Women are more likely than men to know the correct date (64% vs 57%).
Younger Scots are the least likely to know what date it falls on, with just 43% of 16–34-year-olds answering correctly.

Aldi is a prominent champion of Scottish food and drink, and Scotland’s leading supermarket for locally sourced products. In October, it was named in the NFU Scotland’s ShelfWatch 2025 Mid-Year Report as the most prominent retailer to support Scottish produce, with 41% of its shelf stock now sourced locally.

In honour of its position as the nation’s most trusted supermarket of Scottish goods, the retailer is helping Scots to celebrate St Andrew’s Day this year with a feast including locally produced food and drink, which has all been approved by modern day Andrews.

After surveying hundreds of Andrews, Andys and Drews across Scotland on their favourite festive flavours, Aldi Scotland has revealed the results of its nationwide search for the “Andrew Approved Feast.”

Following a social media vote, it was revealed that the most popular meal selection for St Andrew’s Day is:

Starter: Haggis Bon Bons with 52% of the votes
Main Course: Steak Pie with 66% of the votes
Side: Crispy roast tatties with 44% of the votes
Dessert: Scottish apple crumble with 42% of the votes
Drink: IRN BRU with 53% of the votes

Shoppers can pick up Aldi’s Andrew Approved Feast for less than a tenner, with the total cost coming to just £9.75:

Haggis Bon Bons: Specially Selected Haggis Bon Bons, 240g £2.29
Steak Pie: Frasers Small Top Crust Steak Pie, 400g £2.99
Crispy Roast Tatties: Scottish Baking Potatoes 4 pack, £0.79
Dessert: The Dessert Menu Bramley Apple Pie, 550g £2.99
Drink: Vive Iron Brew 2L £0.69

Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland said: “St Andrews Day is a key moment in Scotland’s cultural calendar and gives Scots the chance to reflect on our history and traditions. We were surprised to see that so many Scots don’t know when St Andrew’s Day is, and that so few actually take the time to celebrate it.

“At Aldi Scotland, we truly believe we have some of the best food and drink in the world, and we are proud to be a champion of local producers.

“St Andrew’s Day on 30 November is the perfect opportunity for everyone to come together, enjoy fantastic local food, raise a glass, and celebrate everything that makes Scotland such a special place.”

Tesco customers can spread festive joy by gifting toys this Christmas

Tesco customers in Edinburgh have the opportunity to give new toys to local children who need it most this Christmas.

From today until the 15^th of December, Tesco’s Edinburgh Hermiston Gait Superstore is holding a collection for new and unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal, who will then distribute the toys to local children.

The Salvation Army has been fighting against social inequality and transforming lives for over 150 years and offer practical support and services to all who need them.

They hold food donation drive weekends within the Tesco Edinburgh Hermiston Gait Superstore, and as well as collecting and distributing food to those in need, they also support the local community at Christmas by donating gifts and toys to the children of families that struggle daily, especially at Christmas time.

Catherine Potter, Store Manager at Edinburgh Hermiston Gait Superstore, said: “We are absolutely delighted for this opportunity to support the Salvation Army with toy donations for the children in the local area.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone who is struggling and may need some extra assistance this festive season.”

Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco, said: “Our stores are committed to supporting local children and their communities year-round, and thanks to the generosity of our customers and colleagues, the annual toy donation campaign is a wonderful way to make a difference at Christmas.

“It’s great to see Tesco Edinburgh Hermiston Gait Superstore partnering with the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal this year to ensure that every child experiences the magic of Christmas.”

Over 800 large Tesco stores across the UK will have a dedicated toy donation point where customers can donate new, unwrapped toys purchased in store.

Last Christmas Tesco customers donated a total of 125,000 toys, with the retailer looking to beat that number this year.

Aldi deputy store manager celebrates 30 years of service

Aldi Livingston deputy store manager, Vikki Devlin, is marking an incredible milestone as she celebrates 30 years with the retailer.

Vikki, 53, from Livingston, first joined Aldi in 1995 at the original Bathgate store, before transferring to the Livingston store on Almondvale Road in 1998.

Since then, she has become a familiar face to generations of customers, working her way up from Store Assistant to Deputy Store Manager and helping to shape the store’s welcoming, community atmosphere.

Vikki joked: “I’ve spent my whole adult life at Aldi, my whole married life, my son’s whole life, I don’t really remember life before it!”

Reflecting on her early days, Vikki said: “When I started, there were only two Aldi stores in Scotland, and I’d barely heard of it until my auntie told me about the one in Wishaw.

“The recruitment process was tough – we had to memorise a full price list and sit a test at the end of the week. If you remembered correctly, you were offered a job. Thankfully, I passed!”

Over the years, Vikki has seen the Livingston store transform with two major extensions, new technology and countless memories made along the way.

“The changes have been incredible,” she said. “When I started, we were cash only and had to introduce a separate card area when they became the more common way to pay. Now we’ve got digital price cards, scanners and card tills, it’s a totally different world.”

Vikki’s three decades with Aldi have been marked by enduring friendships and a real sense of family.

“I’ve made some lifelong friends who started as colleagues,” she said. “I’ve worked with Debbie for 23 years and Kevin has been my manager for 22 years.

“We’ve watched all our kids grow up together – it’s more like a family than colleagues. Our store is unusual in that so many people here have celebrated years of long service, and that’s definitely down to Kevin.

“He’s completely transformed the shop and the atmosphere.”

Vikki’s warmth and care extend beyond her team to the customers she serves. “There’s one couple, Nan and Davie, who I’ve served my whole career, and now I serve their three daughters too. I always say they’re my adopted parents! I even get them Christmas presents,” she said.

“Some customers will queue just to come to my till, and I get birthday cards and pictures from their kids. It’s those moments that make the job so rewarding and special.”

Having been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis eight years ago, Vikki says the support from her colleagues has been “tremendous”. “They help me with day-to-day things like setting up the till and are always looking out for me. It’s that kind of support that makes Aldi such a special place to work.”

Over the years, Vikki has also played a big part in supporting and training younger team members. “I’ve helped to train lots of young apprentices who had 101 questions,” she laughed. “Now some of them are managing their own stores across the country.”

Kevin Regan, Store Manager, Aldi Livingston said: “Vikki is the heart of this store. Her warmth, humour and kindness shine through every day, whether she’s supporting a colleague or chatting with customers at the till.

“She’s been a fantastic role model to everyone who’s worked alongside her and has made a real difference to our store and our community. We’re so proud of her and delighted to celebrate this incredible 30-year milestone.”

Ian Murray hails South Edinburgh supermarkets’ firework sales ban

Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray has written to all the supermarkets in South Edinburgh – and they’ve agreed to stop selling fireworks for this bonfire night following last year’s disorder.

Ian Murray explained: “Last year, many got in touch with me after the shocking scenes of fireworks disorder in our community.

“Homes and businesses were attacked, people were left frightened in their own neighbourhoods, and our emergency services were put in danger. This is why I welcome the decision by supermarkets to refrain from selling fireworks this year.

“I’m pleased that following my letter to local supermarkets, all the major stores in Edinburgh South have confirmed they will not be selling fireworks this year.

“This is a big step that will help reduce local availability and make Halloween and Bonfire Night safer for everyone, and builds on wider work across the city by Dr Scott Arthur MP in reducing firework availability.

“This is on top of new Firework Control Zones in Gilmerton and Moredun, dispersal orders to tackle anti-social behaviour, and extra police resources. The Council will also be clearing away wood and materials that could be used for illegal bonfires.

“There’s still more to do, and I’ll keep pressing the Scottish Government to give our police the resources they need. But this is real progress.

“If you have any concerns in the coming weeks, please get in touch.”

Calling all Little Monsters: ALDI invites chldren in Edinburgh to get creative this Halloween

This Halloween, Aldi is calling on children in Edinburgh to get creative by sharing their best pumpkin designs.

Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket is inviting children aged 5–14 in Edinburgh to submit pictures of their spooktacular designs for the chance to win a Halloween-themed hamper filled with seasonal treats including frightfully fun crafts and deadly decorations.

Three winning designs from across the country will be chosen, including one in Scotland, England and Wales, with each receiving a hamper to share with friends and family in time for the spooky season.

Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: “This competition is a brilliant way to spark children’s imagination and keep them entertained this Halloween.

“At Aldi, we love helping families come together to celebrate seasonal festivities and we can’t wait to see the amazing designs that children come up with – the spookier the better!”

Entries opened Tuesday 14th October 2025 and close Thursday 23rd October 2025. Parents and guardians can submit a photo of their child’s pumpkin via email to pumpkincompetition@aldi.co.uk.

For more information and T&Cs, visit https://www.aldipresscentre.co.uk/terms-and-conditions-for-aldis-design-a-pumpkin-competition-the-competition/

Aldi has everything customers could need to celebrate this Halloween including a range of freakishly fun decorations and pumpkins from just 50p.