Cost of living crisis means many will endure a sparse festive season

Edinburgh charity the Leith Collective launches its Christmas tree and festive food exchange across its four Scottish stores today (Friday, 1 December).

People are being urged to search their homes for any unwanted Christmas trees and decorations that may be languishing in cupboards and attics to help others with non-perishable store cupboard essentials and festive treats also being accepted.

All items will be available for anyone to collect at Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird and Ocean Terminal, and Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre and Glasgow Fort completely free of charge.

Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson, said rising costs is a massive understatement with people genuinely struggling to survive.

She added: “Christmas is a time for giving, and the gift of a Christmas tree, some decorations and a few treats to a family that has nothing is a lovely way to show them that they matter, that they are not forgotten, and that they too deserve to be included in the magic of Christmas.”

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “The Leith Collective works hard all year round to support our local community. We saw first-hand just how needed the free school uniform exchange was in the summer and the impact it made to local families - and the festive season will be no different.

“Many of us have Christmas decorations we no longer use which could make another family’s festive season really special. I’d like to thank our visitors for their ongoing support towards these initiatives and ask that they donate what they can to The Leith Collective this Christmas.”

Christmas trees, decorations and non-perishable festive food can be dropped off or collected at The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird, Ocean Terminal, St Enoch Centre and Glasgow Fort during opening hours.