Scotmid mark 160th birthday with series of celebrations

The doors at Scotmid’s first-ever store at Ponton Street,
Edinburgh opened on Friday 4 November 1859 and to mark the Society’s 160th
birthday there are a series of celebrations planned.

During the anniversary week, each store will be encouraged
to raise £160 for the Society’s Charity of the Year partner, Chest Heart and
Stroke Scotland which will generate a substantial sum – in excess of £20,000 –
towards the final fundraising target of £300,000.

Each of the Scotmid stores will also get the opportunity to
recognise and reward those in their local community, who deserve special
recognition. Each store will hand their Community Heroes a small gift just to
say thanks for playing a key role in the local area.

Formed as St Cuthbert’s Co-operative Association before
merging with Dalziel Co-operative in January 1981 to become Scotmid, the
Society has played an ever-present role in Edinburgh life and beyond over the
past 16 decades.

Scotmid can lay claim to opening Scotland’s first-ever
supermarket at Leven Street in Edinburgh in 1959 and then in 1965 the Society’s
transport department also received the prestigious Royal Warrant for Coach
Painting.

Chief Executive John Brodie, who has served in the post
since 2005, says he is extremely proud that Scotmid have reached the milestone
anniversary in what are challenging and uncertain times and that the Society
continues to stick to its core purpose.

He said: “We’re incredibly proud of the fact we’ve been part
of the local landscape for the past 160 years and the role that we’ve played in
serving communities and improving people’s everyday lives.

“It is pleasing to think that we operate with the same
values and principles as the pioneers agreed back in 1859.

“Thanks to all our members, and customers for the support
we’ve received over the past 160 years and we look forward to serving them in
the future.”

President Harry Cairney said: “It was with immense pride and
gratitude that I accepted the role of President of our Society five years ago
and it is a real honour to be able to lead Scotmid into our 160th anniversary
celebrations.

“Overall, there have been 43 Scotmid Presidents – from Mr
Borrowman in 1859 through to myself and we’ve all shared the same belief in the
merits of co-operation.

“My first ever job when I left school was with St
Cuthbert’s, so I never thought in my wildest dreams that one day I would be
President of the Society.

“I’ve been involved with Scotmid for 43 years and, although
plenty has changed in the world during that time, one factor has remained
constant – our values and principles.

“That provides me with a great sense of satisfaction that
our core purpose has been a constant for all that time.”

ends