Time spent together
Feels like Christmas
Over the past couple of months I’ve hopped up and down the country for various family events, some sad, some happy, some both at the same time. Time was spent catching up, long walks and gathering over big tables of home made food. Something that struck me during this time was the repeated sentence, ‘Blimey, doesn’t it feel like Christmas.’ No presents, no pressure to perform, no decorations or elaborate table settings but still that sacred, lovely christmassy feeling.
The core of that feeling came from the gathering and shared experiences we had together. The slightly knackered feeling after a long walk in the countryside followed by a big cup of tea. Shared laughter over sea dipping and silly games. There was something grounding about being together so close to Christmas without the usual seasonal expectations, as though stripping everything back made the sentiment more obvious. It reminded me that so much of what we chase during the festive period is already there, tucked into the ordinary moments, if we take time to notice them.
Supporting our highstreet
During one of the trips we also spent some time along Totnes highstreet. I prefaced this trip by declaring ‘I hate shopping’, but was reassured that I would like this one…Whilst we’ve all gotten used to the same line up of empty shops, vape shops and chain cafes, Totnes is entirely different. It has an abundance of independent cafes, book shops, homeware, it was dreamy. The sort of place where you feel yourself slowing down, actually wanting to peer into windows, wander inside, speak to the people behind the counters.
Even the local market was full to the brim of local traders and makers. I couldn’t help but notice that even on a wet, rainy Friday afternoon the high street was bustling. I can’t imagine how busy the footfall is during tourist season. There’s an energy that comes from seeing a town that still feels genuinely lived in and loved, rather than hollowed out by sameness.
On top of this, some light research shows that the town is consistently praised not just for its drive for independence but for cultivating a community through collaboration, arts, sustainability, and community-led projects. I think it makes sense that a diverse high street that champions the local economy only keeps the high street alive and in turn looks after our local economy. When people feel a sense of ownership or belonging to their high street, it becomes more than somewhere to rush through. It becomes somewhere to spend time, to gather, to support each other’s livelihoods.
“I think it’s a place where people still really appreciate the little things, and I think that the more people support it, the more we can maintain that, and still feel that lovely community.”
Coming home
Whilst inspired, I couldn’t help but compare this to Portobello. Whilst we’re not at the same size of high street, as a community we too desire this way of thinking and living. The only way we can encourage these ideals further as consumers is of course by ditching the chains and shopping locally not just this Christmas season, but throughout the year. It’s easy to assume that buying one coffee or one gift locally doesn’t do much, but the ripple effect is enormous. These tiny choices keep doors open and in turn keep the character of a place intact.
During a recent conversation with Traade, I remarked on how inspiring I found their drive for events and community projects, and we both noted that to thrive shops need to be so much more than a shop in today’s economy. We need to give reasons for people to come into our spaces, whether it be a simple hello from a familiar face or to attend a creative workshop or if you’re a bit bonkers a neighbourhood ultra. The high street becomes a social space again when businesses treat it as a place for people, not just transactions.
Tribe Porty’s Gift Guide
This year, we’ve decided to curate our Gift Guide around experiences that not only fuel our local high street but bring us together with our nearest and dearest. Because at the end of the day, that’s what we remember. The time spent together and the shared moments, the feeling that we’re part of something slightly bigger than ourselves.
You can read the full guide by clicking here
And… something delicious is coming
All this talk of gathering, sharing and supporting our local community has perfect timing, because we’re about to launch something very close to our hearts: the very first Tribe Porty Cookbook.
This little book has grown out of years of shared lunches, potlucks, leftovers reinvented, and those conversations that happen when people sit around a table together. What started as a simple idea, turned into a true community project. Alice lovingly gathered recipes and shaped the book and Beverley filled the pages with beautiful illustrations. And of course, the Tribe community contributed the real heart of it: the meals they make, the stories behind them, and the generosity that has always been part of our culture here.
The cookbook celebrates exactly what this blog is about: the everyday ways we care for each other, the creativity found in good food, and the small choices that keep our community thriving. It’s full of simple, reliable recipes, especially the kind that make great leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch, and we can’t wait to share it with you.
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. To find out more about joining Tribe Porty click here.
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From Small Beginnings to a Thriving Community
Small Beginnings
Tribe Porty was bootstrapped into existence with just £10,000 from an Awards for All grant. That tiny seed allowed us to create rooms, hallways, secure entries, windows, and fireproofing, just enough to begin.
I was still working full-time, quietly piecing it together in every spare moment: applying for social enterprise grants, writing business plans, pitching, painting walls, and reaching out to local people and groups who might share the vision.
We launched Tribe alongside TEDxPortobello: Seeing Things Differently. After eleven months of hard work, pitching, borrowing, and asking for every kind of help imaginable, we sold out in under three minutes and streamed to 139 countries. It was epic, a genuine community effort in every sense.
“Not all things grow loud. Some grow steady, wide, deep, and full of meaning.”
Finding Our Ground
When Earthy tried to sell their business, and our lease with it, without telling us, we knew we needed more security. Thankfully, our landlord, a local who believes in good things happening in Portobello, gave us the chance to take over the whole building in 2018.
It needed everything: new doors, windows, central heating, kitchen, toilets. We took out a loan with Social Investment Scotland to make it possible. We’re proud to say we’ve finally paid it all off. We were also 3 years in and had a healthy and growing community so expanding was very welcome.
A Decade in the Making
Eleven years ago, Tribe was just an idea, born while setting up Trade School Edinburgh with Johanna Holtan and working with SENSCOT, the Social Entrepreneurs Network Scotland. Ten years ago, it was an empty, chaotic building needing skips and imagination. By 2018, we were still recovering from the aftermath of Earthy’s collapse.
With no funds to begin, we built Tribe piece by piece from donated and reclaimed materials. Every table, wall, and floorboard tells a story. Every inch of Tribe has been shaped, and reshaped by hand.
Built by Many Hands and Big Hearts
For a decade, I’ve had the joy of working with the same team of joiners, painters, electricians, plasterers, and plumbers. They’ve poured so much care into Tribe that it feels like theirs too, and I love that.
Every inch of Tribe has been shaped by community. Just as the building has been built by its people, so too has its spirit. Tribe has always been about belonging, a place where you can walk through the door and feel at home, whether it’s for a day, a week, or a decade.
This milestone marks ten years of something that’s never been flashy or headline-grabbing, but deeply meaningful. It also marks a personal one for me: I’ve now lived exactly half my life in America and half here in Scotland. Being an immigrant is complicated, but it’s also a gift.
I arrived in Scotland on a work permit to help establish a company delivering applied behaviour analysis, something new here but well known at UCLA. Later, I gained an HSMP visa and eventually indefinite leave to remain. Half my life has been lived here, and Tribe Porty has been a big part of why it feels like home.
Finding Home & Community
Growing up, I was quiet, one or two close friends, shy until my twenties. When I moved to Edinburgh, someone introduced me to her circle and suddenly I was surrounded by people. For the first time, I felt adopted into a community and it changed me.
That feeling of connection has been at the heart of Tribe since day one. When we launched TEDxPortobello in 2015, I was again surrounded by extraordinary volunteers and speakers. Tribe and TEDx have brought countless generous, kind, and creative people into my life.
“To know you matter to others, and that they matter to you, that’s everything.”
Standing on Its Own And Doing Small Things With Love
Today, Tribe is fully self-sustaining. We receive no government funding, we proudly pay corporation tax, and we employ a small, brilliant team. Tribe stands as proof of what can happen when people show up with purpose and care.
Members may come and go, but once you’ve been part of Tribe, you’re always part of its story. Old faces and new ones together weave the fabric of who we are. We often underestimate how powerful it is to feel part of something positive; to know you belong and that your presence matters.
Tribe has always been more than the sum of its parts. Every person adds something essential, and in doing so, becomes essential.
My very first Tribe business cards read: Do small things with love. I still believe in that. Tribe Porty isn’t a multimillion-pound enterprise, but it’s rich in meaning.
Tribe was never about me, it’s about everyone. Every person who has passed through our doors has left a mark. The one who recommended Tribe to a friend. The one who organised a dinner. The one who quietly invited others in. Together, we’ve built something lasting.
Looking Ahead
As we enter winter and the close of our tenth year, Tribe begins a new chapter. It’s an uncertain time for small businesses, and yet, the need for community and genuine, in-person connection has never been greater.
For ten years, Tribe has been a place to pull up a chair, share ideas, break bread, and build connections that last far beyond these walls. Around our tables, friendships have formed, collaborations have taken root, and a community has flourished.
Beyond One Person
It feels good, and deeply right, to know Tribe is strong without me. That’s always been the point: to create something that could stand, grow, and evolve on its own.
Tribe is now its own living thing. Each new person changes it, strengthens it, and carries it forward.
So, thank you. To everyone who has helped build Tribe into what it is today, and what it is still becoming. Not all things grow loud. Some grow steady, wide, deep, and full of meaning.
With love and gratitude,
Dani
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. To find out more about joining Tribe Porty click here.
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Be Well & Connect
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.
The curation of events for Be Well & Connect includes:
Sauna Chats with Kirsty from Soul Water Sauna
Friday, October 10th, 6pm-7:30
A relaxed conversation with Kirsty, founder of Soul Water Sauna, and me as we chat about all things sauna culture, community, and the healing power of intentional connection.
This session is open to all.
Mindfulness & Visionboarding
Monday, 20th October, 6pm-7:30 pm
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. Using the creative practice of vision boarding, we’ll bring those intentions to life in a visual way, giving you a clear roadmap for the months ahead.
This session is open to all.
Tribe Porty Sea Dip
Wednesday, October 15th at 5:30 pm
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.
This session is for Tribe Porty Members only.
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 – pure bliss.
This session is for Tribe Porty Members only.
Morning Cuppa & Meditation
Every Friday morning in October from 9:30am
Begin your day with stillness and presence. Each Friday morning our, 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.
This session is for Tribe Porty Members only.
A Gentle Breathing Practice to Soothe
Box Breathing is a simple and effective breathwork practice that can be done anywhere, at any time. It is used to soothe the nervous system, calm the mind, and ease your natural rhythm of breath.
Practice Box Breath with me:
Close your eyes or hold a heavy gaze towards the floor, and take a few slow, full, deep breaths.
Inhale through your nose for 4-3-2-1
Hold the breath at the top of your inhale for 4-3-2-1
Release the breath slowly through your nose for 4-3-2-1
Retain (hold the breath) empty at the bottom of your exhale for 4-3-2-1
Repeat 3 times or as many times as you would like.
Why cold water swimming?
Cold water swimming might sound a little wild at first, especially somewhere like Scotland, but it’s really a delightful combination of nature, resilience, and pure joy. The icy plunge sends a rush of endorphins and dopamine dancing through your body, leaving you fizzing with a natural high that can rival your morning coffee. Your circulation kicks into overdrive, your immune system gets a playful nudge, and that nagging stress you might be carrying seems to wash away with the ripples of the water.
Beyond the science, though, there’s something wonderfully human about braving the chill with others. From laughter echoing across the loch or sea, friendships and companionship are strengthened by shared squeals and shivers. And let’s not forget the poetry of it: the sting of water against skin, the breathless awe of open skies, the rhythm of waves flowing all around you. Cold water swimming is equal parts challenge and celebration, a chance to remind yourself that you’re alive, tough, and maybe just a little wild yourself.
Want to learn more about the joy of cold water swimming? Check out Edinburgh’s own Anna Deacon & Vicky Allan’s book Taking the Plunge: The Healing Power of Wild Swimming for the Mind, Body & Soul.
Podcast Recommendation
‘As the Season Turns’ was created by Ffern and narrated by nature writer Lia Leendertz
One of my absolute favourites that I listen to at the beginning of every month, but I find it even more special to listen to at the turn of the season. A new episode is released on the first of each month and is a guide of what to look out for for the month ahead. Whether it be sounds or sights of nature or important aspects of the lunar cycle, this podcast takes you on a sensorial journey you are bound to enjoy.
Check out the podcast by clicking here
Poem for Contemplation
How I go to the woods
Ordinarily, I go to the woods alone, with not a single
friend, for they are all smilers and talkers and therefore
unsuitable.I don’t really want to be witnessed talking to the catbirds
or hugging the old black oak tree. I have my way of
praying, as you no doubt have yours.Besides, when I am alone I can become invisible. I can sit
on the top of a dune as motionless as an uprise of weeds,
until the foxes run by unconcerned. I can hear the almost
unhearable sound of the roses singing.If you have ever gone to the woods with me, I must love
you very much.Mary Oliver
How to get involved
If you are a member of Tribe Porty check your inbox for our latest issue of Inside Tribe. This provides you with all of the booking links and details. Alternatively, nip by reception and ask our team. You can view our public events by clicking here.
You’re warmly welcome to take part in our members-only events by either booking a one-day pass or signing up for a monthly membership during October.
To book a one day pass, click here and complete the booking form. By registering for the relevant day you will be more than welcome to join in with the morning meditation sessions, massages with Portobello Natural Health or sea dip.
If you are only interested in the morning meditation sessions you are more than welcome to book our off peak pass which gives access 9AM-1PM on Friday’s. Click here to book. Spaces are limited so book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Planning to attend more than one Be-Well & Connect session? You may want to consider one of our membership options. You are more than welcome to join us for just the month of October. Click here for more details.
Thank you ever so much for reading,
Sonny
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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Compassionate Neighbours
We recently had the pleasure of connecting with Dariusz Wedge. Dariusz helps to coordinate the Compassionate Neighbours Service at St Columba’s Hospice Care in Edinburgh. As well as Compassionate Neighbours, they also run Compassionate Gardeners, where volunteers help with light gardening duties while offering companionship. Both are community-based services that support people living with a terminal diagnosis. This is done by offering them regular emotional and social support through in person connections with volunteers.
Compassionate Neighbours
Both Tribe and the work Dariusz contributes to at St Columba’s Hospice Care hold the value of community at its core. We both believe passionately that we are all stronger, more resilient and better connected when we come together. Compassionate Neighbours changes lives, yours and the people you connect with.
Becoming a Compassionate Neighbour can be hugely rewarding during which time you can build genuine friendships with local people. The service matches you with socially isolated, lonely and who may have a life limiting condition.
Meet Carol and Iain
Carol, a regular visitor to Iain through the Compassionate Neighbours programme, knew how much he missed attending live performances. Since mobility challenges had made concerts and theatre outings difficult, she decided to bring the music to him.
With her characteristic warmth and energy, Carol enlisted her friend, musician Madeleine Sjöstrand, to organise a private concert tailored to Iain’s tastes. The event took place at Portobello and Joppa Church, complete with a specially printed programme in German—reflecting Iain’s fluency in the language. The afternoon was rounded off with coffee and cake, making it a truly memorable experience.
Deeply moved, Iain later wrote about how much the gesture meant to him. He recalled early visits with Carol, where they often discussed their love of music and the arts. Recognising how much he missed live performance, Carol and Madeleine came together to make the impossible possible. You can read more here.
How does it work?
Once you have registered your interest, the team takes the time to match you based on common interests, lifestyles and experiences. Where possible they keep matches in local communities.
Once you’ve applied, they arrange a very informal interview where you can find out more about the service and they can get to know you better. The onboarding process is straightforward – they ask for two references (these don’t need to be professional/work ones) and they will carry out a PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Adults) Scotland check, the costs of which are covered.
They ask new volunteers to attend two “Shared Learning” sessions (it is called it this because they recognise that everyone brings their own valuable knowledge and life experience):
- First session: In-person, around 3 hours. The session covers the modern hospice movement, how and why Compassionate Neighbours started, who they support, safeguarding, boundaries, lone working, and their matching process.
- Second session: Online, 1.5 hours. Here they look at communication, self-care, and conversations around the concept of a good death.
After training and checks, volunteers are asked to be patient while the right match is found. Sometimes this happens quickly; other times it can take longer. They take into consideration shared interests, values, distance, and any specific requests (such as gender or faith). Sometimes, due to illness, people’s circumstances change before a match can happen, which can add to the wait.
Once matched, visits are usually around one hour a week, either at the person’s home or somewhere outside, depending on preference. Some pairs prefer to meet less often but for longer.
Matches are not time-limited – they last as long as they’re wanted and needed. The first ever match lasted 3 years and 8 months. Unlike many clinical settings where friendships are discouraged, it is actively encouraged if they happen naturally – and they often do, which is wonderful to see.
You can become a compassionate neighbour by committing just one hour of volunteering a week. Alongside the time you spend with your neighbour you will be guided by experts through mentorship and training. As well as connecting with someone in your community, you have the opportunity to meet other Compassionate Neighbours through our regular get-togethers and peer support. You’ll be invited to regular drop-in sessions, hospice training and information sessions and access to counselling and chaplaincy if needed.
Compassionate Gardeners
Compassionate Gardeners runs alongside the neighbours campaign and seeks folk that can offer both companionship and light gardening duties. The programme seeks folk who can offer a little TLC to the gardens of people living at home with an end-of-life diagnosis and help restore them to what they once were. Sharing the joy of the garden through the seasons, Compassionate gardeners add so much to the wellbeing of the garden owners in the most precious of times.
Here’s what some of our current volunteers have said about their experience:
“I thought the idea was that I would visit and offer some good cheer and conversation each week—but it’s me who leaves on a high every time. It’s a tonic for both of us.”
“As I was leaving, Neville said, ‘what a great morning this has been with you visiting’—and I knew he really meant it.”
How to get involved
The Compassionate Neighbours Team are committed to building strong and resilient communities, where local people feel confident to offer social and emotional support in their communities. This is never more important than during times of isolation, deteriorating health, grief, loss or bereavement.
You can apply by clicking this link: Compassionate Neighbours Volunteer – St Columba’s Hospice Palliative Care, Edinburgh or by emailing Dariusz Wedge at DWedge@stcolumbashospice.org.uk or Maggie Young at myoung@stcolumbashospice.org.uk.
Join us for Coffee Morning
On Tuesday 2nd September we will be hosting an extra special Coffee Morning to support St Columba’s work and the Compassionate Neighbours programme. Join us for a warm and meaningful coffee morning as we welcome Dariusz Wedge from St Columba’s Hospice Care to Tribe Porty.
Tribe Members can join us between 10-11AM for extra special croissants and sweet treats. We will have QR codes for you to make direct donations to St Columba’s and you will have the opportunity to connect with Dariusz and ask any questions you may have.
We will then open up to the general public between 11AM-12PM where you can drop in to meet Dariusz and find out more about the programme.
Whether someone has years, months, weeks, or even days left, knowing that someone cares enough to show up can be deeply comforting. And for volunteers, the friendships they form are just as meaningful.
Come along, enjoy a cuppa, meet your fellow Tribe members, and discover how small acts of kindness are helping people live more fully, right up to the end.
The Dead Curious Cafe
If reading the above has stirred unfamiliar emotions, fears, or grief, and you feel the need for open conversation, you’re warmly invited to join Loretta Dunn at The Dead Curious Café.
Open conversations around death and dying are often confined to the realms of bad news, frequently in a medical environment, when the conversation becomes unavoidable. There is merit in normalising the subject of death to open up a wider perspective on the important aspects of living our best life. Many people avoid thinking about death, which can create fear and discomfort. Open discussions help normalise death, making it less of a taboo and allowing people to approach it with more acceptance and peace.
This is a safe and nurturing environment, where participation is encouraged, and mutual respect is a given.
Your facilitator is Loretta Dunn, a Life Celebrant and retired nurse, with many years of experience working with bereaved families and people at the end of life.
- Thursday 4th September
- Thursday 2nd October
- Thursday 6th November
- Thursday 4th December
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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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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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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The fundamentals of failing
I’ve been thinking a lot about failing recently and actively seeking to do more of it. You could argue I’m trying to rewire my brain to appreciate the fundamentals of failing. Not to brag, but I have a plethora of things I am good at. I’d say, naturally good at… School was easy, university even easier (I mean it was an art degree.) And there it is, did you notice? Something I’ve also been very, very good at is downplaying my achievements.
Failure is emotional but necessary
For me, failure feels gut-wrenching, upsetting, and deeply emotional. I know I don’t take criticism well (sorry, Dani), but I also struggle to fully appreciate my successes. When I accomplish something, my mind often jumps to dismissive thoughts: “Anyone could do that,” or “So-and-so could do it better.” This persistent self-doubt is often called ‘arrival fallacy’, the illusion that reaching a goal will bring lasting satisfaction. Or, even more frustratingly, the dreaded and well known ‘imposter syndrome.’
The reason this has been on my mind recently all started with a 10K trail run. I have enjoyed running now for 4-5 years, it’s something that brings me calmness and joy. It helps me notice the seasons change, be around nature and my thoughts. Despite this, I’ve always had a fear around trail running and something I would blame my body for not being up to.
Letting go of external validation
Anyone who sat with me for lunch over the past couple of months at some point will have heard me tell a derisive story about my partner’s parents signing me up for a 10K trail run at Glentress. This particular run covered 300 meters of elevation in the first 5KM, and let me tell you, it was cold at the top. Despite being full of dread masked in my humor and sarcasm, I went along with my only goal being to cross the finish line.
Within the first ten minutes of running, I was quickly at the back of the pack. Clearly, I was surrounded by very serious runners. A man in his 70s jogged alongside me and jeered, “I think we will be seeing a lot of each other.” He wasn’t wrong. I stomped my way up the hill, taking in the views along the way, slowly slid my way across the top avoiding ice patches, and threw snowballs at my friend. On the descent, the sun came out, and it was magic. I looked up at the trees, took in some deep breaths, and quickly made my way to the finish line. I did it, and I came dead last.
“I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, “This is what it is to be happy.” Sylvia Plath
Finding joy in the process, not just the outcome
Would I do it again knowing I would come last? Yes! This could be the first time in my life where I was elated to fail. I did not give a rat’s arse about anyone else or their stats. All that mattered was the feelings I had along the way and the fact that I crossed the finish line!
Failure is misunderstood, and we avoid it at all costs. But to achieve and to grow, we must first fail. Our obsession with failure allows our failures to define us and keeps us from trying and from being open to experiences. On the other hand, when we do achieve, it is all too easy to downplay or minimize our accomplishments.
“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” Maya Angelou
To live well, we must remain open, curious, and most importantly, vulnerable.
Embracing discomfort and uncertainty
The truth is, failure is only failure if we allow it to be. What if we reframe it as learning, as progress, as proof that we are stretching ourselves beyond the confines of comfort? What if we measured our successes not by external validation but by our own growth, by how much we dared to show up even when we weren’t sure of the outcome?
That trail run wasn’t about time or placement, it was about pushing myself to go that bit further, about showing up even when I was certain I’d struggle. And in that struggle,I found joy in simply being in motion.
So maybe failure isn’t the thing to avoid, it’s the thing to chase. The more we appreciate the fundamentals of failing, the more we grow, the more we truly live. And that, to me, feels like the greatest success of all.
“Show me a man who has never made a mistake, and I will show you one who has never tried anything.” Albert Einstein
Thanks for reading,
Alice
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Christmas in Porty
It’s here, folks! Christmas season is upon us! If you’ve been around Tribe Porty or chatted with me for more than five minutes in December, you’ll know I love this time of year. Lights? Love them. Tinsel? The more, the merrier. Gift-giving? Bring it on. Wallace & Gromit reruns? Absolutely.
But (and isn’t there always a but?) there are parts of the festive season that make me a bit bah-humbuggy. The tsunami of plastic tatt we’re pressured into buying and giving, the expense of it all and the overbearing need to show off on social media.
For me, Christmas is about the little joys: shared laughter, thoughtful gifts, and seeing our community come together to celebrate and share. So, this year let’s focus on just that— Portobello and all the festive magic it has to offer.
I’ve put together a festive guide full of local events and gift ideas to help you shop sustainably, support small businesses, and soak up all the warm, fuzzy vibes Christmas in Portobello has to offer.
Gift ideas for every kind of friend
For the crafty pal
There are always lots of Wreath Making Workshops available, why not treat you and your pal for an evening out! Here are two of our recommendations:
Wreath Making with Holly Grows
Holly will be at Tribe Porty and other venues in Musselburgh for fun evenings of Wreath Making. The wreaths are made with all eco friendly, sustainable materials. A glass of fizz (or non alcoholic alternative) will be available along with festive treats. You are also welcome to byob.
Wreath Making at Company Bakery
Pyrus specialise in wild and natural foliage, which you will use to create a unique and personal wreath. You will learn how to navigate the design process and listen to your creative instinct, while picking up design tips to help your design stay on track. You will be creating your own wreath alongside a spread of festive sweet and savoury Company Bakery canapes, as well as any hot drink or a glass of bubble.
For the wild friend
A gift for a friend that is willing to give anything a go! Soul Water Sauna is Edinburgh’s first mobile sauna nestled on Portobello’s promenade. Offering a place of relaxation, where you can reconnect with your body, the elements and the coastline. Give your loved ones time to care for themselves, to get cosy and find utter relaxation.
For the friend who needs some TLC
Give the gift of relaxation. Pop into Dook to chat over their range of handmade soaps, cosmetics and bath salts. They also have a lovely selection of hand crafted soap dishes, bath accessories and the most beautiful towels.
Dook make salt soap in small batches using organic ingredients, essential oils and natural colours. Each batch is mixed and poured by hand resulting in distinctive, high-quality hand and body soap.
For the Book Worm
The Portobello Book Shop has a great range of books covering all ages. They also have a fabulous stationary section with other wee gifts. The Portobello Book Shop also has some fantastic events coming up including book launches and creative workshops. The Indigo dyeing winter workshop would make a great gift and evening out for you and your crafty pal.
The Portobello Book shop will also be taking part in the late night shopping evening featuring jazzy festive tunes, complimentary mulled wine and mince pies. They are also offering 10% off everything.
This year the shop will also have a Christmas Giving Tree. They have teamed up with charities, StreetReads, HomeStart, as well as with Ecole du Bon Berger, a school based in Rwanda, to provide books to those who need them the most thanks to our customers’ generous donations.
For the coffee date friend
I’ve got a few friends I haven’t spent nearly enough time with lately. We’re usually pretty good at sneaking in coffee dates, but somehow life has been running away with us recently. That’s what inspired this idea—a little way to reconnect and keep the caffeine-fueled catch-ups alive!
Start with some freshly roasted coffee from Tanifiki—they’ve got a brilliant selection of beans, accessories, and mugs. Build it into a thoughtful coffee nook hamper by adding a sweet treat from Gogo Beets or Babyfaced Baker. Top it all off with a handwritten invite to meet for coffee in the new year—an easy but heartfelt way to make plans that stick.
If you’re feeling extra generous, why not include a few extras like tea, chocolates, or artisanal condiments? You’ll find plenty of options at Gogo Beets which also makes for great stocking fillers – organic and vegan yogi teas, vegan chocolate coins, ocelot chocolates and Gift vouchers. Gogo Beets will also making their annual Christmas vegan treat boxes that have a selection of cookies, cakes and traybakes to be enjoyed on the run up to Christmas Day!
Thoughtful, delicious, and guaranteed to brew up some good vibes!
For the Foodie
I love this idea because it works beautifully as either a gift or an experience to share. Why not create a festive dinner hamper with Aemila’s delicious handmade pasta as the star? Their new festive menu is full of fresh, comforting flavors perfect for a cozy evening in.
If you’re up for hosting, invite your pall over, add some candlelight, festive tunes, and you’re all set. If hosting feels like too much, no worries! Pick up a gift bundle instead, complete with their signature pasta, sauces, and even dessert (yes, they have dessert!), all tucked into a stylish Aemila Tote Bag.
For the Dog lover
Put together a doggy hamper with goodies from The Dog Port and Harry’s Treats. Think toys, treats, and stylish accessories for their four-legged bestie. The Dog Port take pride in curating the finest ethically-sourced natural treats to delight your furry companion’s taste buds. As well as toys galore, at Harry’s Treats you’ll find a range of homemade treats lovingly handmade at their base in Edinburgh, Scotland.
For the Triber
This year for Art Walk Porty Tribe Member Peter Jones painted our wonderful building and would make a great gift for the Triber in your life. You can place an order by contacting Peter directly. We also have lots of gift ideas from our community, if you are still stuck check out:
- 20 Photos
- Bike Packing Scotland, Markus Stitz
- It’s A Race, James Robertson
- Edinburgh Tool Library Memberships
- Gift cards from Portobello Natural Health
- Capturing Dani Prints, email directly for 30×30 prints or postcards
Events and Markets
Origami wreath making
Sunday 1st December @ Portobello Town Hall
I absolutely adore some Christmas Crafts, particularly to spruce up a Christmas gift or to use as part of a Christmas window. Here’s a fab activity to do with a pal or your kids at Portobello Town Hall.
Get into the festive spirit with Makiko in a delightful and relaxing Origami Workshop. Learn to fold beautiful Christmas wreaths and snowflakes—perfect for festive decorations. Suitable for everyone, no experience needed. By the end, you’ll take home your handmade, sustainable, and everlasting decorations.
Makers Christmas Market organised by Support The Makers
Sunday 1st December @ Portobello Town Hall
There’s nothing I love more than a market to source Christmas gifts. Showcasing a selection of handmade products from local makers including art, accessories, jewellery, ceramics, homeware, textiles, houseplants, home-baking, coffee & creative workshops.
Porty Local Market
Saturday 7th December @ Brighton Park
Portobello Local Market is a much loved monthly event for truly local food, drink and crafts.
Porty’s Festive Light Switch On & Late Night Shopping
Thursday 5th December @ the Christmas Tree near the Town Hall
The big light switch on with entertainment from the Throwback Choir and Porty Pop Stars. Most of the shops along the high street will be trading late with festive treats and discounts on offer.
This year, let’s do Christmas differently—together. Shop local, gift thoughtfully, and soak up the community spirit that makes Porty so special. Because honestly, isn’t that what this season is all about?
Happy Holidays Porty!
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Nourishment
To know how to feel nourished is fundamental to our wellbeing. Nourishment comes in many forms, not only physically but mentally and emotionally. On the surface, nourishment can take the form of foods, from the way we eat to where we eat and who with. As well as sustenance, food is a great way to gather people and nurture in person connections.
Community
Beyond food, our sense of community can be one of the most profound sources of nourishment. When you find yourself surrounded by people who support, challenge, and uplift us creates a space for growth and belonging. Whether it’s spending time with family, working alongside colleagues, or participating in shared activities, these connections nourish our spirit. In a world that can often feel isolating or fast-paced, finding and being part of a community is more important than ever.
For others, nourishment comes in the form of quiet moments of solitude and reflection, a time to rest, recharge and refocus. You might find it in a quiet moment of meditation, reading a book that inspires us, or spending time in nature.
Finding nourishment
As we move into the darker months of winter, knowing how to nourish ourselves becomes even more essential. The cold, dark days can feel draining. Many people, especially in places like the UK, associate winter with a reduction in energy and happiness. The shorter days often bring a sense of anxiety or dread. This makes it easy to fall into the trap of doing less and feeling less nourished.
How to Winter: Harnessing Your Mindset to Thrive in Cold, Dark, or Difficult Times suggests that winter can be a season of opportunity if we shift our mindset. It encourages us to embrace winter as a time for restoration, inviting us to transform darkness into an asset. By finding activities to look forward to that align with the season, we can see winter as a season of restoration and opportunity.
“Do something that you can look forward to that takes advantage of the darkness and turns it into an asset”-Kari Leibowitz
Undoubtedly nourishment is about taking care of our minds and souls. What activities help you feel restored? When we prioritize these practices, we acknowledge that our well-being is not just about what we consume, but also how we nurture our inner beings. There’s no right or wrong way to find nourishment; what’s important is understanding your own needs and making the time to practice what brings us joy and fulfillment.
Each of us has different ways to nourish our body, mind, and soul, and this month offers a chance to explore what fills us up in all areas of life.
An invitation to gather
The Story Sessions is back! Tribe Porty is collaborating with Soapbox to bring an evening of storytelling, join us on November 8th from 6pm to gather, to be inspired, to be heard, to tell and to listen to stories.
The theme is Nourishment – How do you feel nourished? Is it through food? Being in community? With family and friends? How do we nourish our body, mind and soul?
This session we will be treated to a menu of canapés from Còmhla, a luxury dining company founded by friends Helena and Joanna in Edinburgh. Brought together over a passion for wild natural Scottish ingredients, Còmhla’s philosophy is to celebrate the seasonal. With a deep-felt desire to sustain both environment and community, all that Còmhla does is driven by creativity, consideration and social-consciousness.
Tickets for this event are pay-what-you-can to feed back in to our communities. Click here to find out more and book your space.
Thanks for reading,
Alice
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Discover the joy of coworking
Tribe Porty brings good people together and makes good things happen. This year for European Coworking day we want to shout about our Tribe, celebrate the joy of coworking and invite you to join our Tribe.
Why coworking?
Do you remember the first coworking space you entered? How many coworking spaces have you tried or been a part of? What makes you stay? A question we ask every year to our coworkers is why do you choose Tribe? A simple question, but it always proves that we are achieving our mission as a community coworking space.
Coworking spaces are fantastic at joining communities together. Personal and professional growth is closely linked to coworking. One thing that coworking spaces all have in common is the desire to bring people together and create a community of like-minded people. Furthermore, when spaces are great at doing this, it can have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing.
Surround yourself with good people
Don’t get us wrong, we can’t beat a day in your PJS in the comfort of your own home on a rainy, windy Scottish day. But at times working from home can feel lonely and isolating. Coworking statistics show that 89% of independently employed people feel happier after joining a coworking space and 83% of people feel less lonely.
Not to mention, you’ll be surrounded by the best and most interesting people that you’ve ever met. I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve said and thought “what, I had no idea that job existed!”. Studies found that 69% of coworkers say that they have acquired new skills or upgraded their current skills due to the people they have worked alongside in a coworking space. It also gives the opportunity to share and develop your work with a fresh set of eyes and ears.
Boost your productivity
As well as the extra social contact, coworking spaces offer a more productive and focused space to work. The same study found that 84% of people feel more motivated and engaged with their work whilst at a coworking space.
Community is important to the way we work. At the heart of our ethos lies a deep commitment to community values, shaping the environment of our coworking space. Tribe’s design is thoughtfully crafted to foster creativity, promoting the collision of diverse individuals and ideas that spur innovation, knowledge exchange, and meaningful connections.
All of this makes coworking spaces an indispensable environment that allows you to balance work, wellbeing, productivity and socialization. Did we miss anything? Not convinced yet? Here’s what our coworkers have to say about coming to Tribe:
“Tribe feels like such a community and it was a really easy environment to get to know people. The vibes were always good and the added social events (Thursday lunch, coffee mornings etc) actively encouraged people to get to know each other. I’ll be honest, a shared office I went to twice a week was the last place I thought I would make friends when I moved to Edinburgh. Upon leaving I can say that I’ve made some excellent pals! I don’t think there’s a single co-working space out there that could hold a candle to Tribe”
“I’ve worked remote for 7 years and coworking spaces keep me sane – and productive! When we moved to Porty, I ditched my place in town within the week and haven’t looked back. It’s just a lovely place to work. Everyone’s super nice and getting to see loads of different jobs, companies and perspectives is inspiring.”
“I moved up to Portobello from London and was looking for a place to work as my new role is fully remote. I followed Tribe’s instagram page before I moved and heard only great things about Tribe from everyone I met here. I love the people, the working space (especially the garden), the sense of community, the opportunity to chat to people with interesting work and lives while hanging out with the many cute dogs. It is a joy to work here!”
Choose Tribe
Beyond the workspace, we remain deeply connected with our community through various activities such as coffee mornings, social lunches and our monthly free Tribe Talks. At Tribe Porty, community is not just a concept; it’s a lived experience. We look forward to the continued growth and vibrancy of our community.
To our current coworkers, you guys rock and make this place what it is. Thank you for being a part of our Tribe. To those who are yet to visit us, hello! Pop in for a tour and meet our team. You can keep up to date with all of our social events and Tribe Talks by subscribing to our newsletter.
You can view our day pass options and membership packages by clicking here.
We can’t wait to meet you.
Thanks for reading,
Alice
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