Tag: Waverley Market

Spread joy this season by donating decorations and messages of hope

The Leith Collective launches annual Christmas tree exchange
with an extra personal touch this year

A shocking 14% of people said they would throw away their artificial Christmas tree rather than reuse it next year*. With the planet facing an environmental emergency and people facing a continuing cost of living crisis, one local Community Interest Company is determined to put an end to this mindless waste and send a message of hope to those in need in the process.

Sunday 1st December will see The Leith Collective launch its annual Christmas tree exchange across its four Scottish stores, and this year it’s adding an extra personal touch. Locals are being urged to search their homes for any unwanted Christmas trees and decorations that may be languishing in cupboards and attics. Instead of sending them to landfill, they can drop them off at The Leith Collective stores where they will be passed on to those in need.

The Leith Collective is also calling on Christmas shoppers to take time out of their present hunting to stop and think of others by writing messages of hope on decorations which will be hung on these pre-loved Christmas trees to lift spirits and spread joy this season. 

Last year, The Leith Collective re-homed almost 500 Christmas trees and demand is expected to be just as high this year.

Speaking ahead of the Christmas tree exchange launch, The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson, said; “We want people to stop and think of others this Christmas. Passing on trees and Christmas decorations is not only good for the planet, but it’s also a lovely way of adding a little festive joy to the lives of those less fortunate.

!And by taking the time to write a thoughtful message to accompany each tree, we hope it will help people to connect with others. To those receiving these trees and personalised decorations, we hope it offers them comfort to know people are thinking of them this Christmas.” 

Christmas trees and decorations will be available for anyone to collect at Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird, Ocean Terminal and Waverley Market stores, as well as Dundee’s Overgate store, during opening hours completely free of charge. No stigma, no judgement, no questions asked. 

*2017 survey, quoted by PHS Wastekit

The Leith Collective puts sustainability centre stage

Local CIC won’t stay quiet about climate change as they invite local musicians to help launch new pop-up eco store at Waverley Market


As the Scottish capital gears up for festival season, one local Community Interest Company is aiming to ensure sustainability takes centre stage this year as they launch their brand-new eco pop-up store in the heart of Edinburgh.

Not ones to stay quiet about the climate crisis, the award-winning Leith Collective is calling on local musicians to join them in their new Waverley Market store to make some noise and get their environmental message heard. 

The Leith Collective at Waverley Market showcases the work of some of the city’s most innovative makers, crafters, artists and designers.

It stocks everything from handmade homeware and upcycled furniture, to recycled clothing, repurposed jewellery and reimagined gifts.

Like its three sister stores in Ocean Terminal, Fort Kinnaird, and Dundee’s Overgate, The Leith Collective at Waverley Market is a completely single-use plastic-free shop, with all resident makers urged to consider their environmental impact at every stage of their creative process.

The new retail destination provides a valuable platform for established and emerging eco-friendly artists and will no doubt be a hit with shoppers looking for a sustainable alternative to the high street.

The Leith Collective is appealing to local musicians to join them in the store. Speaking ahead of the launch, founder Sara Thomson said: “Millions of people visit the Edinburgh Festival and we’ll be right in the heart of the action.

“So, what better way to get our message to the masses than by enlisting the help of some of the city’s amazing musical talent to help us make some noise about issues affecting the planet.

“From buskers to bands, we’re inviting them all to come and play. The result will be a full sensory retail experience that we hope will help to change consumer’s attitudes for the better.” 

Local eco artists interested in stocking their products at The Leith Collective or musicians interested in playing at the store should email Sara Thomson on info@theleithcollective.com.