Double Down on the Human Stuff
I can’t even type anymore without my computer trying to finish my sentences.
Before I’ve read an email, it’s drafted a reply. Before I’ve opened a blank page, it’s suggesting what I should write next.
Collective Conscious
Where do you even begin when it comes to AI and where it’s taking us individually and collectively? It’s in our search engines, our inboxes, our phones. It’s in the posters we look at, the adverts we see. Even when you think you’ve opted out, you’ve probably just stumbled into another version of it.
There hasn’t been a lunch at Tribe recently where AI hasn’t come up. The conversation is usually the same. We’re all a bit dubious. A bit nervous. We instinctively want to reject it, but most of us are already using it somewhere. Some of us love it and enjoy working alongside it.
I was hesitant to write about AI because it’s so vast I don’t know where to start. Are we all getting a bit sick of talking about it? And yet it feels impossible not to think about it.
There are things AI does remarkably well. Proofreading contracts. Summarising pages of notes. Turning spreadsheets into something that actually makes sense. Creating a power point in 3 minutes that would have taken a day. Realistically, that’s just the surface of it. I catch myself reaching for ChatGPT more often than I’d like to admit.
Of course there are the obvious concerns. People will lose work. Some already have. It takes enormous amounts of energy to run these systems at scale. It supercharges misinformation at a time where people already digest their news via social media and unchecked sources. It can imitate almost anyone, produce almost anything and do it convincingly. To top it all off, the power is in the hands of the powerful and greedy.
“AI will probably most likely lead to the end of the world, but in the meantime, there’ll be great companies.” — Sam Altman
The Human Stuff
I also worry about what it does to us.
If a machine is constantly suggesting the next sentence, writing the first draft, making the image, answering the question, what happens to the part of us that wrestles with ideas? The slow bit. The bit that can be difficult but can also be fun. The bit where the creativity, learning and little bit of human magic actually lives.
“The best agencies are about to figure out how to use AI to maximise, rather than replace the talent they have at their disposal.” –Ollie Scott
To pay AI some dues, I then think about the positive impacts it could have on the NHS. About admin. About all the repetitive, soul-destroying jobs that nobody actually wants to spend hours doing. The parts that can transform areas of life and society for good
Sometimes the tech isn’t the problem, it’s how we use it and manage it.
Finding Balance
Can we use it for genuinely useful stuff without letting it creep into every corner of our lives? Is there a version of this technology that supports our humanity rather than quietly replacing and destroying parts of it?
“Humanity is about to be handed almost unimaginable power, and it is deeply unclear whether our social, political, and technological systems possess the maturity to wield it.”— Dario Amodei
I don’t know. I also think for that to be reality the power is in the wrong hands and Pandora’s box is already open.
When my thoughts start spiralling, I always come back to the human hand.
No one does it quite like you.
A handmade card. A conversation that goes off on a tangent. A book that’s been underlined, folded and passed between friends. The magic of a live event that’s shared among hundreds but yet stays in the room. Someone making something simply because they wanted to.
If something is entirely created, automated and published by AI, I can’t help but question where its value comes from. It isn’t lived. It isn’t felt. It isn’t the product of someone’s curiosity or joy or sadness. It’s a mirror, reflecting back what it thinks we want and what already exists.
Maybe that’s useful sometimes.
But it isn’t life.
Be Intentional
So perhaps the answer isn’t trying to reject AI completely. Maybe that ship has sailed. Maybe the answer is to become more intentional about the things we choose to value.
Read more books.
Go to more events.
Support artists.
Make things badly before you make them well.
Let yourself sit with difficult thoughts instead of outsourcing them.
Spend more time in conversations that have questions left unanswered.
Double down on the good stuff. The human stuff.
Curious for more?
Tribers, what do you want to know about AI? Is it about the impact of Data Centres, the inner workings, how to use AI as a tool. Is it more of a hosted conversation where we can let it all out and see what others think? Let us know! Let’s talk about it together.
For those already curious and want to explore the world of AI, here are some places to start that we found insightful and digestible.
- TV – Grayson Perry has seen the future
- PODCAST – AI Confessions: A Chatbot ended my marriage
- SHORT VIDEO – Why do all AI flyers look like that?
- ARTICLE – The AI fork in the road
And if you’re craving a little more of the wonderfully human side of things, here’s an open invitation.
This September, Tribe Talks and Art Club are both returning. They’re an easy way to try something new, learn alongside others, spark fresh ideas, get creative, and spend time with a brilliant community. More details to come, make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter to be the first in the know.
If you’re looking for coworking in Edinburgh, a community to be part of, or simply a more connected way of working, Tribe Porty is here to help you connect, create and grow. Find out more about coworking here.
As always we’d love to connect and hear your thoughts, let us know what you think and what you want to see more of at Tribe Porty. You can read our latest Annual Report here.
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Cut, Paste, Resist
Community and Pride
This year marks the 5th Porty Pride celebration, a milestone that feels especially significant for a grassroots, community-led festival built on care, creativity, and collective joy. What began as a local celebration has grown into an important inclusive space for LGBTQ+ people, allies, families, friends, and neighbours to come together in Portobello.
At its heart, Porty Pride has always been about community: creating a space where people feel seen, safe, and connected across generations. Yet Porty Pride also exists within a much longer history of queer activism in Scotland, one shaped not only by celebration but by resistance, solidarity, and mutual support.
Queer Liberation in Scotland
For many people, Pride history in Scotland begins with Pride Scotia, the country’s first official Pride event held in Edinburgh in June 1995. However, queer liberation movements had already been active for decades. In 1970, activists Bob Mellors and Aubrey Walter founded the Gay Liberation Front (GLF), a movement radical in both its politics and imagination. Rather than simply asking for tolerance or legal reform, the GLF demanded liberation, aligning itself with feminist movements, anti racist struggles, workers’ rights campaigns, and broader fights against inequality.
This intersectional understanding that systems of oppression are deeply connected remains central to queer activism today. Queer liberation has never existed in isolation. It has always been tied to questions of class, race, gender, disability, housing, healthcare, and access to safe public spaces.
Community-led Pride events like Porty Pride continue this legacy by centering inclusion, accessibility, and collective care, rather than the corporate spectacle and ‘pink washing’, often seen from large brands and institutions.
As Porty Pride celebrates its fifth year, it feels important to recognise both how far queer communities in Scotland have come and the challenges that still remain. At a time when LGBTQ+ rights, particularly trans rights, continue to face political and social hostility, grassroots spaces of solidarity and care matter more than ever.
Creating Space
Pride began as both a protest and a community. Perhaps its greatest strength lies in its ability to bring people together across generations, identities, and experiences to celebrate queer lives while continuing the ongoing work of building a more inclusive and joy-filled future.
The 1980s marked one of the most difficult periods for LGBTQ+ communities in the UK. Against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis, fear and prejudice were amplified by politicians and the media. Margaret Thatcher’s government introduced the infamous Section 28, or Clause 28, in 1988, legislation that prohibited local authorities and schools from ‘promoting homosexuality’. The impact was devastating, particularly for young queer people growing up in silence and shame, often without access to information, support, or representation. Yet even in the face of hostility and institutional oppression, queer communities continued to create spaces of resistance and survival.
In Scotland, protests such as the ‘Lark in the Park’ demonstration at the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens in May 1988 became important public moments of visibility and solidarity. Alongside these demonstrations, quieter forms of community building were taking place every day in queer bookshops, cafés, bars, arts venues, and community centres.
These spaces mattered because they allowed people to find one another. They became places where friendships formed, activism was organised, knowledge was shared, and futures beyond isolation could be imagined. Volunteer-led organisations like Porty Pride and community-driven businesses like Tribe Porty support this ethos today, fostering environments where queer people can celebrate and live without fear.
Print Culture
Print culture also played a vital role in queer community organising. Long before social media, zines, flyers, newsletters, and independent journals allowed LGBTQ+ people to tell their own stories in their own words. Publications such as Gay Left (1975 to 1980) and Sappho (1972 to 1981) explored the intersections between sexuality, socialism, feminism, and anti-capitalist politics, while DIY zines created democratic spaces for personal reflection, creativity, and grassroots political discussion.
For many queer people, the alternative press became a way of documenting lives and experiences that mainstream media ignored or erased entirely. These publications were collaborative, personal, affordable, and accessible, passed hand to hand through communities and created networks of solidarity long before digital platforms existed.
That history feels especially important now. Originating as a bookshop in the 1980’s and now archive, Edinburgh’s own Lavender Menace continues the work of preserving queer stories and ensuring these histories are not forgotten. More importantly, they remind us that queer history is not only shaped by major political events or famous figures, but also by everyday acts of care, creativity, friendship, and collective organising.
An Invitation
To honour this history and recognise the importance of the alternative and informal press, our team here at Tribe Porty will host a queer zine-making workshop alongside a wine tasting session with Kirsty from Bludge Wine. The themes will centre on queer history, activism, and joy, and we will also be launching our co-worker Danielle Mustarde’s new magazine, Tell Me How You Really Feel.
Through these events, we hope to create and celebrate new work that follows in the footsteps of the queer people and allies who came before us.
Friday 5th June, 7-9PM. Book your spot here.
Special Note: Lavender Menace’s funding is at risk – help save them & protect queer history! To donate to their fundraiser, head here.
Thanks for reading,
Sonny
As always we’d love to connect and hear your thoughts, let us know what you think and what you want to see more of at Tribe Porty. You can read our latest Annual Report here.
Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with all things Tribe. To find out more about joining Tribe Porty click here.
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Finding belonging in a coworking community
Finding belonging in a coworking community, or any community is not always easy. Community is built into the way we do things at Tribe. At this point often feels so natural it goes unnoticed.
Our Tribe
As a team, we are often struck by and deeply grateful for our coworkers and their willingness to show up, contribute, and shape Tribe. It’s that shared energy, care, and creativity that makes Tribe what it is. We feel incredibly proud to be part of it. Our anniversary dinner, in particular, was a magnifying glass on how needed community is, and how a gathering place can become integral to our wellbeing.
Over the past ten years, Tribe Porty has taught us that real community is not something you purchase or perform. It is something you practice. It lives in small, often unseen moments: how we arrive in shared space, how we listen, and how we respond to difference, discomfort, or change.
This is why we want to write a book about community. Not to offer a formula, but to share what it feels like to belong to a place which in today’s climate is ever more important to individual wellbeing and community wealth.
Nurturing community
Community is never static. It evolves, expands, and reshapes itself over time, shaped in part by the events and experiences that we both share and hold as individuals.
As an established community, many things now happen naturally. Connections form with ease, conversations flow, and a sense of belonging often emerges without much effort.
Our team’s focus has increasingly shifted towards how we welcome and integrate newcomers. We want every person who walks through our doors to feel seen, valued, and included. Never like they’re standing on the edges looking in. But we can’t expect this to happen on its own.
There’s an interesting balance to navigate here. Over time, strong bonds form between people, and what might be perceived as “cliques” can actually be a sign of something positive. Friendships that have deepened and extended beyond the workspace, a gift only time gives. At the same time, we recognise that these close-knit dynamics can unintentionally make it harder for new members to find their sense of belonging. Our role is to gently bridge that gap, creating opportunities for connection that feel natural rather than forced.
Coworking and Community
We continue to nurture our community through shared spaces, intentional social time, and, most importantly, a genuinely warm invitation to belong. None of this would be possible without the care and dedication of our team. And it raises an important question: why does this matter in a coworking space?
Because we are more than just a building with desks, walls, and Wi-Fi. We believe that when community and wellbeing is prioritised, everything else follows: productivity, creativity, collaboration, and overall happiness. By creating the right environment and offering thoughtful tools and support, we empower individuals not only to do their best work, but to support one another along the way.
As we grow, we’re also thinking about how to make this sense of community accessible to everyone. This thinking includes those who are more introverted, or whose schedules don’t allow for regular social events like coffee mornings or social lunches. Community shouldn’t be limited to those who can attend at a certain time or feel comfortable in larger group settings.
A Culture Guide
We’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to create a space where people feel genuinely held. For many of us, life no longer happens surrounded by extended family or long-standing community. We live far from where we grew up, our lives are full, and sometimes fragmented.
What can be missing is something simple but essential: knowing there are people around you who notice, who care, and who have your back in small, everyday ways. We don’t think this comes from programmes or pressure. It comes from culture. And culture is shaped, quietly and powerfully, through language. The words we use, the tone we set, the way we name things.
These all signal what matters here, what’s welcome, and how we treat one another. We’re beginning to shape something we’re currently calling a Culture Guide, a small, thoughtful, handcrafted book that reflects how we care for ourselves, each other, and this shared space. It won’t be a rulebook. More of a living document. A way of making visible the quiet agreements that already exist; how we check in, how we look out for one another, how we create a space that feels safe, steady and human. At its heart, this is about something very simple: creating a place where you don’t have to do it all alone.
Alongside this, we’re considering a few more ways to deepen connection and wellbeing across the community:
- Gentle, low-pressure ways to connect
- Peer support groups like Tribe Men
- Quiet times and meditation mornings for those who need space to recharge during the day
- Short, accessible and off the cuff sessions that can fit into different schedules like stretching, walks
Most importantly, we want to hear from you. What do you want to see more of, or even less of to make your time with us foster the best version of you.
Tribe Talks
We already have this in practice with our ongoing Tribe Talks series around the Body & Mind. Our next free talk is with SoberBuzz Scotland on Thursday 2nd April.
All are welcome to join us for a talk with founder Kirsty Mulcahy, on exploring a different relationship with alcohol. Kirsty introduces the idea of sober curiosity and explores how experimenting with alcohol-free or alcohol-lighter living can support self-love, mental wellbeing, and a deeper connection with yourself and others.
This talk is for anyone who’s ever wondered whether alcohol is really adding what it promises, or if life might feel lighter, calmer, and more joyful without it at the centre.
Through warmth, humour, and real-life stories from the SoberBuzz community, Kirsty creates a space rooted in compassion rather than judgement. This is not about labels or quitting forever, it’s about tuning into your body, listening to what you truly need, and making choices that feel kind, empowering, and supportive.
A relaxed, inclusive conversation that welcomes everyone, whether you drink, don’t drink, or are simply curious about doing things differently. Click here to find out more and book your free spot.
As always we’d love to connect and hear your thoughts, let us know what you think and what you want to see more of at Tribe Porty. You can read our latest Annual Report here.
Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with all things Tribe. To find out more about joining Tribe Porty click here.
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Let’s talk about it
Celebrating International Women’s Day at Tribe Porty
Each year at Tribe Porty, International Women’s Day begins the same way: with the gathering of women. But no two years feel alike. Each brings its own energy, shaped by the voices in the room. Our hosts have been public speakers, authors, creatives and poets. All who openly invite us into deeper thought, shared understanding and genuine companionship.
I’ll admit, on the surface, I sometimes find the international marking of days like this overly constructed and lacking substance. But what I really mean is the big-business version of it. The empty policy statements, the strategic planning box-ticking, the performative nods toward equality.
That’s not what we do here.
At Tribe Porty, we craft our International Women’s Day event with curiosity and thoughtful intent. It is less about promotion and more about participation. Less about optics and more about collaboration. It is, fundamentally, about gathering.
As Gloria Steinem reminds us:
“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organisation but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”
The IWD 2026 Give To Gain Campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. When people, organisations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it’s intentional multiplication.
Nothing is off the table
We are hosting International Women’s Day in collaboration with ‘Have you frozen your eggs yet?‘ podcast hosts, Louise Mason and Kelly Crichton. We’re gathering and inviting women to bring the unspoken things. The awkward questions. The inherited shame. The impossible expectations. Nothing is off the table.
For many women, the journey of knowing ourselves involves reclaiming parts of our identity that were shamed, silenced, or sexualised too early. It means meeting the shadow. Those internalised voices that whisper: don’t be too much, don’t take up space, don’t be messy.
We’ve invited poets to close the evening, because poetry slips past our defences and reaches places policy and productivity never can. Our invitation was simple: send us a poem about womanhood.
“The greedier the Gods, the more of us they’ll send to the gallows. We can’t win with our estranged sisters. We can’t protect all our daughters from a darker tomorrow if we don’t light our torches today.
Our misguided betrayers are full of hate. They are in pain. They ate too many lies, each bloated belly waits to hatch and spread its poison, to silence lives. There is nothing worse than knowing it could be different.” – Naomi Head, excerpt from Daughters of Eve.
When selecting the poems, we were struck,and at times overwhelmed, by how many were riddled with sadness. They spoke of everyday injustices, quiet threats, inherited fear, and the sharp edges that can accompany simply existing as a woman.
And yet, running through them all was a golden thread: friendship. Gathering. Holding one another up.
Creating Space
As much as we want to create space for women to express their deepest fears and challenge the mechanics of the social systems forcefully built around us, we also want to celebrate the profound bond we share and the gentle beauty of womanhood.
Women do this instinctively for one another. We steady each other’s nervous systems, we widen each other’s worlds. We whisper, “You’re okay. You’re safe. You’re beautiful.” When thinking about self reclamation, Dani couldn’t have worded it better: “It often happens in the presence of other women. Because there is something alchemical that happens when women gather.”
An Invitation
You are warmly invited to join us at Tribe Porty on March 5th to come together in marking International Women’s Day. When you arrive, you’ll be invited to anonymously add something to our Rumination Box. Nothing is off the table. This can be anything: an awkward question you’ve been asked, an inappropriate comment, a thought on surviving womanhood. What are those thoughts in your head you are scared to say outloud?
Louise and Kelly will pull from the box throughout the evening to spark conversation, invite reflections, and open the floor to you, our audience. Expect a fun, relaxed, and welcoming atmosphere. Bring your own snacks and drinks, come as you are, and be ready to listen, share, laugh, and most importantly connect. Click here to book your ticket.
“We are lights upon the water; we are a different point of view, we go disembodied into night and arrive at the morning smiling. We are trying to, remembering our dreams, to remember our feelings, for next time, we are how it is to feel warm.” – Alice Keeling, excerpt from Women.
As always we’d love to connect and hear your thoughts, let us know what you think and what you want to see more of at Tribe Porty.
Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with all things Tribe. To find out more about joining Tribe Porty click here.
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Be Well & Connect
A Programme for Living Well
Can you feel it? The whisper of a chill upon the breeze, the soft crunch of leaves beneath your feet, the early dimming of the afternoon sky? Autumn is upon us, offering a quiet invitation to slow our pace, to soften into stillness, and to prepare for the ancient turning of the season. In this ever-rushing, hyper-digital world, many of us (myself included) have forgotten how to yield to the seasons. How to ease ourselves gently into the deepening days of autumn and the quiet hush of winter. But autumn is a threshold, a passage from the outward to the inward, from doing to being.
This October at Tribe Porty, we invite you to embrace a slower rhythm through Be Well & Connect. A programme for living well. Through gatherings crafted with care and woven with movement, mindfulness, and creativity, we’ll rekindle our connection to self, to community, and to the present moment. Be Well & Connect is a space to tend to both body and spirit, to root into shared experience, and to remember what it means to move through the seasons with cultivated softness.
Join us as we come together to build a healthier, more connected community.
Sauna Chats with Kirsty from Soul Water Sauna
Friday, October 10th, 6pm-7:30
We’re excited to collaborate with Kirsty, founder of Soul Water Sauna, Sauna Master, and a passionate advocate for sauna culture and community wellbeing.
Kirsty will be joined by our Community Support Assistant, Sonny, for an informal chat about all things sauna, community, connection, and the magic that happens when people gather with intention. Learn more about how Soul Water Sauna is creating spaces for healing and belonging. Plus, hear about the ‘Saunahood’ Pay-It-Forward initiative, making sauna experiences more accessible to all.
Come along, bring your questions, grab a cuppa, and settle in for a warm, welcoming session. This is a Pay What You Can event, with all proceeds supporting Saunahood.
Mindfulness & Visionboarding
Monday, 20th October, 6pm-7:30pm
As we move into the quieter months of autumn and winter, take some time to reflect and set your intentions for the rest of the year. Join us for a Mindfulness & Vision Boarding session, where we’ll begin with a guided meditation to help you explore what you truly want and where you’re heading as we enter this new season.
Through this calming practice, you’ll connect with your inner clarity and focus on the goals that matter most. Then, using the creative practice of vision boarding, we’ll bring those intentions to life in a creative and visual way, giving you a clear roadmap for the months ahead.
To make this session more accessible, you will have the option to either create your vision board with paper-based materials (all provided) or digitally on your own personal laptop using Canva.
Morning Cuppa & Meditation
Every Friday in October
Begin your day with stillness and presence. Every Friday morning in October, join us for a gentle guided meditation over a warm cup of tea or coffee. In just 10-15 minutes, we’ll create a space to quiet the mind, reconnect with the body, and set a calm tone for the day ahead. No rush, no pressure – just a moment of peace to start your morning.
No need to pre-book, just come along to reception at 9:30 AM.
**For Tribe Porty members.**
Tribe Porty Sea Dip
Wednesday, October 15th at 5:30pm
Release the tension of the day and recharge with the healing power of cold water therapy. Join us for an invigorating after-work sea dip at Porty Beach, where the cold waters will help boost circulation, reduce stress, and leave you feeling deeply refreshed. Whether you’re new to cold water therapy or a seasoned pro, this session is a great opportunity to experience the benefits of cold immersion in a supportive community setting.
No need to pre-book, meeting at Tribe Porty Reception where you are welcome to leave your belongings.
Moment of Stillness Massage with Jo Craven from Portobello Natural Health
Friday October 3rd & 31st
Come to stillness for a moment during your workday and soothe your nervous system. This treatment combines amma fusion compression massage of the whole body with head massage, foot massage or both (your choice). Lying down, fully clothed, no oil. Be aware head massage may result in funky hair!
£10 for 15 minute session. Limited spaces so book early to avoid disappointment.
Honoring Your Boundaries
Hello, Boundaries
The demands placed on us (by ourselves and others) can feel overwhelming. By not honoring your boundaries, you risk burnout, stress, and the downfall of our own identity.
Whether you’re working from home, juggling responsibilities, or navigating the blurred lines of hybrid work, setting intentional boundaries is essential for your emotional and physical wellbeing.
“Setting boundaries with others is key in having a strong relationship with yourself.”
– Philippa Perry, The Book You want everyone you love to read
Understanding Boundaries
The Cambridge Dictionary defines a boundary as “a real or imagined line that marks the edge or limit of something.” Boundaries can be physical, psychological, or emotional.
“If we don’t know where we begin (physically, psychologically and metaphorically), how can we possibly know how to protect our ‘space’ and avoid unwanted encroachment into our territory?” – Dr Jane Booth
But why do we struggle to verbalise our work and personal boundaries, especially when they’re crossed?
Questioning your boundaries
To honour your boundaries you must first understand what they are. Boundaries are multilayered and often shifting, making it important to regularly reflect on the different types and how well we honor each in our lives. Emotional boundaries involve respecting your own feelings and emotional energy. Such as expressing how you’d like to receive feedback, protecting your energy in emotionally draining situations, and resisting the urge to absorb others’ moods.
Physical boundaries relate to your personal space, comfort with touch, and physical needs. This might look like preferring a handshake over a hug, skipping social events to recharge, or taking a walk when you need a break.
Mental boundaries protect your thoughts and focus, and include actions like taking time off to recover, setting away messages during deep work, and avoiding the pressure to over-explain your decisions.
Finally, time boundaries help you value and protect how your time is spent. By declining unnecessary meetings, sticking to your work hours, and clearly communicating when your capacity has been reached. Understanding and maintaining these boundaries is key to safeguarding your well-being and sustaining healthy relationships.
Tuning In: A Boundary Check-In
When was the last time you checked in with how you honour your boundaries? 
Try this:
- Rate yourself on each boundary type: Emotional, physical, mental and time (1–5 scale)
- Identify where you feel the most tension or fatigue
- Notice what your body tells you
Boundaries are flexible. They will look different depending on the relationship, context, or stage of life. What’s non-negotiable today might shift next year, or even next week and that’s okay.
Fill in the wheel, which are ranked lowest? Why is this, it could be a specific situation or simply how your energy is presenting at this time. Question what actions you could take to bring the score up. This could be as simple as cancelling a plan to free up some mental space or opening up a conversation with someone you have had a miscommunication or disagreement with.
Boundaries as a Form of Care
By understanding and respecting our own boundaries, we create environments where we feel safe, seen and respected. It’s fundamental to check in with this every so often. Our boundaries will change for different people, and they may shift over time based on personal circumstances.
Through open communication with ourselves and identifying where we lack in our own boundaries we can in turn honour our limits. In doing so, you can take better care of the core of your wellbeing and infuse more meaning and authenticity into our work and relationships.
Boundaries aren’t walls. They’re bridges toward healthier and a stronger connection to yourself.
Tribe Talks
If you would like to learn more about holding space for yourself and your boundaries our next Tribe Talk is for you. We will be joined by Dr Jane Booth. Jane has a passion for people and a creatively curious mind. She loves learning, problem solving and supporting her clients with their own development and growth. Jane can aid in providing the space and time you need to explore solutions and work out the choices ahead of you. Our Tribe Talk will cover the art of creating effective boundaries.
“I fundamentally believe that great people make amazing things happen. We often lose sight of our potential, however, and this can hold us back from achieving what we really want. My role is to help you find your path so you can lead yourself, and others, on your chosen journey.”– Dr Jane Booth
Thanks for reading,
Alice
As always we’d love to connect and hear your thoughts. As we look ahead to the next 10 years, we’d love to know: What would you love to see more of in the future of Tribe Porty? Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with all things Tribe.
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Reflections & Changes
Celebrating 10 Years of Tribe Porty
We’re halfway through our tenth year at Tribe Porty which is a marker for reflections and changes, what a year it’s been so far! We’ve marked this milestone in true Tribe style, with gatherings full of connection, creativity, and joy.
Our anniversary dinner at Dovecot Studios was nothing short of magical. It was a pleasure to work with POP Conscious Catering who hold values so close to our own. They curated a beautiful meal, family style. The room sparkled with generosity and laughter as our Tribe came together in singing, reading poetry, and celebrating all we’ve built together. The energy was unforgettable, and our team, as always, made it all happen with heart and brilliance.
We also hosted our much-loved annual community summer party. Not even a heavy downpour could dampen the spirit! With the help of Team Oi Musica (and some very quick gazebo-building), we kept the party going. Workshops ran, sketch walks stepped boldly into the rain, and Peter & his trad jig crew quite literally brought out the sunshine. As always, Brass Blast closed the show with a bang. Huge thanks to everyone who joined and contributed, it was, once again, a highlight of the year.
A Time of Changes
Next month, we’ll welcome a new team as we say heartfelt goodbyes to two much-loved members of Tribe.
Debbie is retiring after six wonderful years. She first joined us as a volunteer before becoming Tribe’s first receptionist, a vital role as we expanded and evolved. Debbie has been a constant, a friendly face, and a huge part of our daily rhythm. Here’s what she had to say as she prepares for her next chapter:
“It’s hard to believe that Tribe is 10 years old and I have been part of it for 6 of those years. I am so grateful and blessed to be able to do such a great job with such amazing people.
I can only thank Dani for having faith in me and being so supportive and patient, that also goes for Alice, Ellie, and all the girls I’ve worked with. Thanks also to all the Tribers, past and present, who’ve given me good advice and so many laughs.
BUT mostly I must thank all the gorgeous pups who have made working at Tribe so memorable and made me feel so loved.” – Debbie
Ellie also moves on at the end of June, after a year of energising presence and contribution. Ellie brought a creative spark to our Tribe, most notably with the launch of The Story Sessions, which quickly became a staple of our events calendar. Here’s Ellie in her own words:
“I can’t quite believe we’re here already, but my time at Tribe Porty has come to an end. From my very first day, welcomed with such warmth and a genuine sense of belonging, I knew Tribe was more than just a workplace. It’s a vibrant, ever-evolving community.
What I’ve loved most is the people: the Tribers, the conversations over coffee, in the kitchen, and those one-on-one chats at reception. Sharing ideas, projects, stories, and life’s big and small moments made me feel truly connected.
One highlight has been launching The Story Sessions. A space to gather, listen, and be inspired by real stories from our community. It’s been amazing to see it grow into something that deepens our sense of connection.
Though I’m moving on from the team, I’ll still be around, hosting The Story Sessions bi-monthly, starting again in September after a summer break.
Thank you, Dani, Alice, Debbie, and all the Tribers, for making me feel at home and reminding me of the power of community.”
Reflections & Looking Ahead
At Tribe, it’s always been about the people. Without you, we’re just a building. That’s why we say: once a Triber, always a Triber.
As we say goodbye to Debbie and Ellie, we’re also excited to welcome two new team members, Sonny and Beverly, who will be joining us in July. Please say hello and make them feel right at home!
And there’s more to look forward to. As part of our 10-year celebrations, we’re excited to tease our next series of Tribe Talks, returning this autumn. This special edition will be centred around our core values: Work. Make. Share. Each month we’ll host a themed session to explore and celebrate these ideas in our community. This includes a collaboration with Edinburgh Tool Library. Stay tuned for more details soon!
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to ten years and the many stories, celebrations, and new beginnings still to come.
Thanks for reading,
Alice
As always we’d love to connect and hear your thoughts. As we look ahead to the next 10 years, we’d love to know: What would you love to see more of in the future of Tribe Porty?
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Beyond Pride: Spaces at Home and Away
Pride Month is upon us, and I’ve been reflecting. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I’ve been spending a lot of time recently thinking about the importance of inclusive, positive, and proactive community spaces.
Inclusive Spaces
A couple of weeks ago I went to the launch of Lonely Planet’s new LGBTQ+ Travel Guide. Until recently, if you wanted to know which parts of a city or country were safe, or where you could actually relax and be yourself, you had to rely on word of mouth – tips from friends, stories from the community, or scouring online forums. It always felt like you had to be part detective just to plan a trip.
So seeing such a major travel brand put out a guide that is packed with practical info and shaped by Queer voices from around the world is huge. What sets this guide apart is each destination is introduced by local LGBTQ+ residents who share personal insights, recommendations for queer-friendly businesses, cultural highlights and must visit spots. It’s not just about where to go, but how to feel safe, seen, and celebrated when you get there. Sitting down with my girlfriend, flipping through these pages and reading about places where our community thrives – it’s a whole new beautiful feeling.
Work & home
And it’s not just about feeling safe when we travel, it’s also about feeling safe on our doorsteps – and that includes at work, and in co-working spaces. When you walk into a workspace you want to know you can bring your whole self to the table without worrying about judgement, discrimination, or having to hide who you are. Safety isn’t just about physical security, it’s about emotional and psychological comfort too. There’s something powerful about being surrounded by people who get it, where you can chat over coffee, lunch, or just get on with work knowing you’re in a space that has your back.
Why does this matter? Because when you feel safe, you’re free to focus on work, be creative and build genuine connections. Studies show that LGBTQ+ safe environments foster a culture where people can embrace their true identities, leading to stronger community bonds, higher job satisfaction and more opportunities for collaboration and growth, unlocking potential. Places that empower LGBTQ+ professionals to thrive, innovate, prioritise inclusivity and safety are vital.
Inclusivity in coworking spaces
Coworking spaces, such as our very own Tribe Porty, have the opportunity to not just offer a desk and wifi, but to be real hubs of belonging for the LGBTQ+ community. It’s more than just having flags up in June (although that is lovely!), it’s making sure there are clear policies against discrimination, having gender neutral toilets, hosting LGBTQ+ events, and having staff who genuinely get what inclusion means. Another really important thing is listening to LGBTQ+ members, inviting us into the conversation and being open to change as needs evolve.
At Tribe Porty, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for the LGBTQ+ community starts with small but meaningful actions. Visible signs of support, like Pride flags, and collaborating with Porty Pride, using inclusive language across our platforms, and having gender-neutral facilities help signal that all identities are respected and celebrated here. We are committed to policies that protect against discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, and we’re intentional about using gender-inclusive language and inviting members to share pronouns if they feel comfortable.
Creating Inclusive Culture
Inclusion also means cultivating a community culture where LGBTQ+ members feel seen, valued, and supported. We aim to reflect diverse voices in our events and storytelling year-round, offering space for conversations, creativity, and connection. We’re always listening and learning, welcoming feedback from our community and making space for continuous reflection and growth. Because true inclusivity isn’t a checklist. It’s an ongoing, collective effort rooted in care.
When spaces do that, they become places where we can all show up as ourselves, connect, create and feel right at home. Which ultimately is what community is all about.
Soapbox: Story Sessions
Soapbox and Tribe Porty are delighted to welcome you to another evening of Story Sessions! Join us on June 6th from 6pm for an evening of storytelling—a space to gather, connect, and be inspired by true stories from our community. Story Sessions is all about sharing real experiences: a place where voices are heard and celebrated.
This month, as part of Porty Pride, we’re shining a light on Queer Joy; a celebration of living authentically, loving boldly, and finding happiness in both the everyday and extraordinary moments of queer life. It’s about the moments that make us feel safe, loved, and empowered, and about the community that surrounds us with acceptance and support.
Storytelling is one of the oldest ways we connect as humans. Stories have the power to make us laugh, cry, reflect, and feel less alone. Through sharing and listening, we make sense of the world and discover authentic connection with each other.
Whether you come to share your story or simply to listen, you’ll find a welcoming community ready to embrace and uplift you.
Click here to find out more and book your spot.
Summer Party 2025
Join us for a day of creativity, live music, and great food at Tribe Porty!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, 7th June, as Tribe Porty comes alive with a vibrant mix of workshops, live performances, and delicious food. This free, family-friendly event is open to all. This year, Edinburgh Tool Library will be opening the workshop up for a special pride workshop in support of Porty Pride.
During the hands-on workshop you’ll craft your very own pride noise makers. In this 45-minute session, you’ll be invited to create a wooden ratchet noise maker – before painting your creation in brilliant rainbow colours at our decorating station!
Whether you’re a seasoned maker or have never stepped foot in a workshop, this family-friendly activity welcomes everyone to express themselves and join in the Porty Pride celebrations.
Please note: Booking is only required to make a ratchet noise maker. We will be operating a free, drop-in simple bell-and-ribbon wand making session from 10am-2pm which is suitable for all ages, where booking is not required.
Find out more here.
Thanks for reading,
Ellie
Thanks for reading. As always we’d love to connect and hear your thoughts. As we look ahead to the next 10 years, we’d love to know: What would you love to see more of in the future of Tribe Porty?
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Celebrating Community
14th May marks the third European Coworking Day, a day to celebrate coworking and community, and our impact on individuals and society, through events organised by and taking place in coworking spaces all over Europe.
Celebrating 10 years of Tribe Porty
This year also marks a special milestone for us, 10 years of Tribe Porty. Home to over 145 members, we support a diverse community of social entrepreneurs, freelancers, charities, SMEs, and enterprises. From photographers and graphic designers to environmental consultants and translators. We also engage with our wider community through Tribe Talks, community events and workshops. Last year alone an estimated 1,275 folk came to Tribe for an event or workshop.
At Tribe, we believe a supportive environment that sparks creativity and collaboration benefits businesses, individuals, and the wider community. Alongside our coworking spaces, you’ll find like-minded organizations, including The Edinburgh Tool Library, Velow Bikeworks, Portobello Natural Health, Sodak, and The Pilates Studio Edinburgh.
More than coworking
For us, coworking is about more than a desk and a chair; it’s about connecting people. Personal and professional growth often go hand in hand in coworking spaces, where communities of like-minded individuals come together. When done right, coworking not only fosters collaboration but can also have a profound impact on health and wellbeing.
So, we’re asking our community: What do you get from coworking here that you don’t get working from home or elsewhere? How does being part of Tribe Porty influence your creativity, your sense of belonging, or even your daily motivation?
At Tribe Porty, we’re proud to create a space where community thrives and individuals flourish. One of the most beautiful aspects of coworking is the friendships that bloom along the way. These connections enrich our lives and our work, making every day a little brighter.
Finding your community
Studies show that 84% of people feel more motivated and engaged in a coworking environment. At Tribe Porty, community is central to everything we do, shaping a space where creativity and connection flourish. Dani reflects, “Tribe has become something far greater than I envisioned a decade ago. What started as a place to gather, create, support, and share resources has grown into a true community—a space filled with incredible people and genuine connection. Tribe is more than a coworking space; it reflects what collaboration, kindness, and shared purpose can achieve.”
Ten years of Tribe is about more than time passed, it’s about the friendships formed, ideas launched, and the meaningful work that has happened under this roof. Without the people, we are just a building. With that in mind, we wanted to connect with our community to see why they love being a part of Tribe Porty and what brings them back time and again. Here’s what they had to say:
“Since joining Tribe I have the chance to talk to friendly and interesting people during the work day, which is a welcome change! Working remotely, I value the push to get outside and interact with people, as well as the feeling of having greater boundaries between work space and home. Tribe has also been a great place to find encouragement and inspiration to try new things!”
“Tribe Porty has a positive affect on my wellbeing; it’s much easier to be here than in my workplace office. I enjoy having people around me and I can bring in my dog Freddie, which is hugely beneficial. People are friendly and coming to Tribe allows me to have a connection in my community that I wouldn’t otherwise have, I look forward to coming here!”
“Tribe Porty is so conducive to making new friends. Shared meals, dogs to snuggle, and coming in regularly have all been key for me in making new connections. Over time, I’ve gotten more and more comfortable in the space and familiar with the other ‘regulars’ and I’ve made a number of friends I see inside and outside of Tribe.”
“The team shows such genuine warmth and care for the co-workers, and also keeps the vibe lighthearted and fun at the same time. I’ve attended the seasonal parties, a couple of games nights, most of the coffee mornings and lots of social lunches. I’ve made it to a Soapbox night and a Tribe Talks, too! They’ve all provided the opportunity to connect with some new people or people I may not see that often at the hotdesk table.”
To find out more about joining Tribe Porty including our different coworking options, click here.
Thanks for reading. As always we’d love to connect and hear your thoughts. As we look ahead to the next 10 years, we’d love to know: What would you love to see more of in the future of Tribe Porty?
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Psst, as part of European Coworking Day we are offering one free day of hotdesking to new coworkers. Spaces are limited, book here.
Let’s make good things happen
It feels good to gather, connect, share, listen, breathe. Soaking up all the goodness and emotion in real time. We’ve had a wonderful month at Tribe Porty which has seen us gather in many beautiful ways.
Tribe is a connectivity hub which promotes a healthy and happy community. Tribe aims to provide a space for nurture and growth of human potential through supporting local people in work, art and quality of life. This is done through practical opportunities and support and encouraging connections. There is evidence that people-powered health not only brings transformational change, but also economic benefits.
Places for Everyone
June saw the completion of our newly revamped yard space with new seating custom built by Move On Wood, planting by Kerry-Anne Saouter and a wonderful mural from KMG. This project was supported by Sustrans and Artroots. The aim of Places for Everyone is to create safer, more attractive, healthier, and inclusive places which are enjoyed equitably by increasing and diversifying the number of trips made by walking, wheeling or cycling for everyday journeys. Please enjoy and use our new seating, it is through these collective efforts that we can foster a stronger, more connected neighborhood.
It was great to see our outdoor space come alive during our summer party. A heartfelt thank you to all those who came to support us and make donations to Re-Act Scotland. It was fantastic to see some new faces amongst our regular members. We have several bags full to the brim ready to be taken away to Re-Act Scotland. Whilst we are no longer taking donations, you can contribute and support Re-Act Scotland by clicking here.
June also had team member Ellie take on her first event in collaboration with Soapbox and Porty Pride. Her storytelling event brought together a group of humans ready to share with openness, kindness and honesty.
“On Friday evening – popcorn in hand – we gathered for the first Story Sessions event, and it was glorious. Sat together, we listened to three unique stories; celebrating queer love, self discovery and partnership. To be able to connect with others, to gather, and to learn made for a very special evening.”-Ellie
Let’s collaborate
In addition to providing flexible work and coworking spaces, Tribe Porty offers unique and affordable event space for all different kinds of activities which could be ongoing or one-offs. There is a strong community of makers and social shifters who bring brilliant variety to what is on offer here.
Community coworking will always be at the heart of Tribe Porty but in an ever changing and shifting landscape the need for third places grows. We are always seeking collaborations and events that can aid in the bringing together of our community and make good things happen. We have hosted many different kinds of table top workshops, seminars, meetings and markets in this space to date. Partnerships and collaboration are a key part of Tribe and by using our space, you are supporting our work. If you are interested in hiring Tribe, please click here.
Tribe Talks
Tribe Talks are free monthly talks hosted by a Tribe member or friend of Tribe. We’ve see a whole range of talks from astrophysics to coffee tastings and womens health. Whilst Tribe Talks are on a summer hiatus it gives our team time to challenge our perspectives and question the needs of our community. Tribe Talks will be back in September so watch this space! For now, we want to hear from you. Please take a moment to fill out a quick survey about Tribe Talks, we thank you for taking the time. Now let’s make good things happen.
Thanks for reading,
Alice
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