Volunteers needed in Edinburgh city centre this Armed Forces Day

Can you help?

Leading charity Poppyscotland is calling for volunteers to help man collection stations during Armed Forces Week in Edinburgh later this month.

Volunteers are being sought at both Waverley and Haymarket train stations in the city centre on Saturday, 27th June and Sunday 28th June, as well as at the Armed Forces Day parade at St Andrew Square on Saturday, 27th June. 

Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets. It marks the culmination of a week of celebrations, beginning on Monday 22nd June, when the public show their appreciation for the Armed Forces community. 

Poppyscotland requires volunteer collectors during Armed Forces Week to allow the charity to continue the valuable work they do in helping countless men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the Armed Forces.

There are roles that suit a range of interests and experiences, and no matter how much time you can spare, you will make a difference. 

Volunteers will be ably looked after, supported and trained by dedicated Poppyscotland staff. But, most importantly, the chance to make a real difference is there for the taking. 

Sean Walsh has been volunteering with Poppyscotland for six years. The 20 year old said: “I volunteer at various events throughout the year, including at Armed Forces Day. Sometimes I can manage full days and other times I sign up for a couple of hours at a time due to my busy shift patterns at work.

“I know that even a few hours can make a real difference.

“I really enjoy my volunteering with Poppyscotland, you definitely feel part of something bigger!

“It’s a very straightforward process too – I sign up online, where I get all the information I need.”

If you would be interested in volunteering at any point over the weekend of Saturday, 27th June or Sunday, 28th June, then please sign up now at www.poppyscotland.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering/armed-forces-day.

For more information on Poppyscotland and how we can help, please visit, www.poppyscotland.org.uk

CAN YOU HELP FLOAT OUR BOATS?

Seagull Trust Cruises Ratho branch is calling on members of the community to become volunteers and help support its mission of providing free canal cruising for people with additional needs including those with disabilities, long-term health conditions, older adults, or experiencing social isolation.

For decades, the charity has brought enjoyment, companionship, and unforgettable experiences to thousands of passengers from across central Scotland and as far north as Dundee to the Borders. To continue delivering these valuable services, the Trust is seeking enthusiastic new volunteers to join its dedicated Ratho team.

Volunteering opportunities are available both on board and ashore. Whether assisting passengers during cruises, helping with boat operations, supporting fundraising activities, or providing administrative assistance, every volunteer plays an important role in creating a welcoming and enjoyable experience for guests.

No previous boating experience is required, as full training and ongoing support are provided. The charity welcomes people from all backgrounds who are willing to give a little of their time to make a difference in the lives of others.

Volunteering with Seagull Trust Cruises Ratho branch offers many personal benefits. Volunteers can develop new skills, gain valuable experience, meet new people, and become part of a friendly and supportive team. Many volunteers also find the role highly rewarding, knowing that their contribution helps provide opportunities and experiences that many passengers would otherwise be unable to enjoy.

As demand for cruises continues to grow, the need for additional volunteers has never been greater. By joining Seagull Trust Cruises, volunteers can help ensure that vulnerable and isolated individuals continue to enjoy access to safe, inclusive, and memorable days on Scotland’s waterways.

Anyone interested in learning more about volunteering opportunities is encouraged to get in touch with Seagull Trust Cruises. A few hours of your time could make a lasting difference to someone else’s life while providing a rewarding and enjoyable experience for you.

Interested in being part of the team?

For more information email Diana at: rathovolunteers@seagulltrustcruises.org.uk.

Granton Goes Greener looking for Share ‘n’ Wear volunteers

🧥 Give Your Clothes a Second Story! 🧥

Share ‘n’ Wear at Granton Goes Greener is growing, and we need you to help us keep our community warm and styled!

Whether you have a knack for organising or just want to give back, we’d love to have you on the team.

​How You Can Help:

​We’re looking for friendly faces to assist with:

🙃​Behind the scenes

You would be part of a team responsible for receiving donations of clothing and sorting through them before clothing goes on display.

👋### On the shop floor

You would be part of a team working directly with customers to assist them to find suitable items. You’d also be keeping our “shop” floor looking tidy and welcoming.

🚗### Delivery drivers

Do you have your own car and some spare time? We’re looking for people to collect and deliver items for the project.

🎪### Event volunteers

You would be part of a team brought together to organise or support occasional events.

The Details:

📍 Location: Granton Goes Greener at Granton Parish Church halls, 55 Boswall Parkway, EH5 2DA

⏰ Time Commitment: Even 1 or 2 hours a week makes a huge difference!

☕ Perks: Great company, all the coffee/tea you can drink, improve your CV.

​”Small acts, when multiplied by many people, can transform a community.”

​Ready to join us? Drop a comment below, send us a DM, or sign up directly at https://grantongoesgreener.org.uk/volunteer/.

Let’s make sure no one in our community goes without!

St Columba’s: Volunteers need for Stockbridge charity store

Our Stockbridge shop is in seriouis need of some volunteers to fill a few gaps in their staffing schedule!

Since opening a few years ago, the shop has become a well established part of Stockbridge life, attracting fantastic donations and bargain hunters from all over!

If you’re interested in volunteering with our team, please contact:

volunteer@stcolumbashospice.org.uk

Edinburgh Leisure’s Festive Gymnastics Display Returns

A Sparkling Showcase of Talent

Edinburgh Leisure’s much-loved Festive Gymnastics Display is back for another year, bringing together over 800 gymnasts from across the city and beyond to perform in front of an expected audience of more than 2,000 spectators at Meadowbank Sports Centre on Sunday, 30 November 2025.

Now in its 19th year, the event will feature 46 teams from six Edinburgh Leisure gymnastics venues, including a special performance from some of the coaching staff. Joining them are guest clubs from across the Lothians and Fife, showcasing a dazzling array of talent and teamwork.

Dorothy McQueen, Gymnastics Development Officer at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “This event is a celebration of progress, participation and pure enjoyment.

“It’s a chance for our gymnasts to show their families and friends what they’ve been working on all year, and for guest clubs to experience the energy and community spirit of Edinburgh Leisure. The atmosphere is always electric, and it’s a wonderful way to round off the coaching year.”

The day is split into two sessions:

  • Morning session: 09:00 – 12:15
  • Afternoon session: 13:00 – 16:15

Tickets are priced at £5.80 per person, with under-5s free (no seat provided).

Tickets are on sale now via TicketSource, with participating gymnasts guaranteed one pre-sale ticket. Each customer can purchase up to six tickets.

To book tickets, visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/edinburgh-leisure-events

Edinburgh Leisure is also welcoming volunteers to help the day run smoothly.

From assisting with registration to guiding guests, it’s a great opportunity to get involved in a community event. No gymnastics experience is required.

To volunteer or for more information, contact Dorothy McQueen at:

Dorothymcqueen@edinburghleisure.co.uk

Edinburgh Leisure’s gymnastics programme caters to all ages and abilities, from toddlers in Baby Nippers to advanced gymnasts in disciplines such as trampolining, acro and display gymnastics.

Learn more at: www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/coaching

Friends of Corstorphine Hill: Volunteers Needed!

🍀Corstorphine Hill Tower – Volunteers needed! 🍀

We are looking to increase our pool of volunteers who kindly give a few hours as often as it suits them, to help us open the Corstorphine Hill Tower every Sunday, 2pm – 4pm, for visitors.

Unfortunately our volunteer numbers are running low, which means we may not be able to continue with this popular event on a weekly basis, unless we are able to recruit some additional volunteers.

This fun and interesting role would be to:

🌿 Meet at the tower on agreed dates (could be once a month, could be twice a season. Up to you!)

🌿 Meet the regular volunteers who will give you an overview of what happens and what you can do (it’s very relaxed, no prior knowledge of the tower or hill required!)

🌿 Chat to visitors to the tower! (If they ask any questions, our website has a lot of info and is an easy reference for answers!)

🌿 Enjoy yourself, and learn something about the hill!

If you might be interested in supporting FoCH, learning more about our wonderful Hill and the tower on it, and supporting the work we do in conservation of the Hill, then we would love to hear from you!

Please email fochcontact@gmail.com

Thanks,

Friends of Corstorphine Hill Committee

Sea Champions seek Volunteers for Cramond Beach Clean

WEDNESDAY 2nd APRIL at 10.30am

We are looking for volunteers to join our next public beach clean at Cramond Beach. Join us for a beach clean plus litter survey to collect vital data which can help us campaign for change.

We find a huge amount of wet wipes and sewage related debris at this beach, help us gather the information needed to see continued legislation change.

Wednesday 2nd April, 10.30am

Find out more and register for your space https://www.mcsuk.org/…/april-ospar-cramond-beach…/

Broughton High School Parent Council needs YOU!

We need you! In fact – YOU need you!

Parent Council works best with lots of people involved. So why not spare a few hours a month to join in and help on the committee?

You can get more involved in your child’s school, find out more about what they’re up to and contribute to how the school works.

You can decide how much time you want to spend on it.

We would love people to do anything, but in particular these jobs – which can all be shared:

  • Vice chair(s)
  • Minute taker
  • Communications – website and social media
  • ASN
  • Parent reps from specialists – football / dance / music

So when you’re writing your New Year’s Resolutions, remember to add Parent Council!

Our first meeting of 2025 is online in January.

You can message us here or by email at intouch@broughtonhighpc.org