What Comes with Time
I recently turned 30. Apparently, that’s a big milestone that redefines you. Perhaps oddly, I felt relatively relaxed about it. Bizarrely, more so than when I turned 29. Maybe I spent the last year coming into acceptance. Finding my groove, getting to know myself better, doing things that feel good. That’s the trick, I think.
Turning 30, I noticed especially in my friends a quiet dread, mixed with a little fear. A marker of things that haven’t happened yet. Of not quite being where they thought they would be by now.
As I grow, change, age… so does everything around me.
I find it strange sometimes, visiting my hometown. I routinely go back over my birthday, an annual pilgrimage of sorts. But the longer I’ve lived away, the more removed I feel from it. My last visit home hit differently.
I recently lost a friend. She was 28.
Loss and the Unexpected
We grew into adults together, the best bad influence a teen girl could have. She was hungry for life. She wanted to know everyone, be part of everything. I know deep in my bones we would have seen each other on my trip home this year. She had only recently moved back to the UK.
My last message to her exclaimed, “I hear you’re back?!”
A message never opened. Not ignored. She’d already gone.
And suddenly, 30 feels less like a milestone and more like a privilege.
Parts of me have struggled with the acceptance of her leaving. We already had distance between us, making the reality softer in some ways. In others, I feel like when I cry, I cry too hard. When I don’t, I feel bunged up and lacking feeling.
Most of my emotions are tied up in empathy for her family and partner. It was sudden. Unexpected.
But that is life and death – full of the unexpected, even alongside the certainties we are promised.
Let’s talk about it
We live in a culture where we’re somewhat stunted around death. We tend to deal with it directly only when it stares us in the face and says, ‘here I am’. The older I grow, the more I want to move away from that.
Not away from death itself, but from treating it as something separate from life. Life and death are an equal promise. I want to move away from only talking about it when we have no choice. Because perhaps talking about death can actually help us talk more openly about life.
What matters to us? Who do we want around us? What do we want to do with the time we have? What does a good life actually look like? What does a good death look like?
Where to start
I chose to share this with you now, perhaps while it’s still a little too raw, because the timing felt too aligned not to. As I prepared to write about The Dead Curious Cafe and its return in September, I found out about my friend.
Over the years that Tribe has worked with Loretta, I’ve supported and felt strongly about The Dead Curious Cafe, and yet I’d never been along myself. Let’s be honest, on the surface it’s a hard sell! But finding out about my friend made me think differently about my own experience, and about the conversations and thoughts we so often put off.
We wanted to take a moment to re-invite you along, and to highlight that the sessions aren’t solely about personal experiences of grief or loss. They’re deliberately broader, often drawing on philosophical thinking, societal constructs and the different ways we understand and talk about death, as well as our own personal experiences.
We’ve brought together some words from people who have attended The Dead Curious Cafe, to share with you here.
What Is the Dead Curious Cafe Like?
“The Dead Curious Cafe was a beautiful and welcoming mixture of people. Some of the participants had been in the group for a while, but there was no awkwardness around that. Loretta has such a gift for holding a warm and open space, setting everyone at ease, and letting the conversation flow while tending gently to its direction.
I went along because I was keen to explore and get closer to themes of life and death in a supportive space. In my early 30s, I am starting to sense time’s passing a bit more heavily, and I notice the same feeling among my friends. I guess I was motivated partly by seeing my parents ageing and holding a growing anxiety about that – both mine and theirs.
Dead Curious created room for everything: relating to each other, sharing perspectives, and supporting folks who were experiencing something hard. Some of the stories that people told were really moving, and I still hold on to a few insights that landed with me especially clearly. I look forward to joining again.”
“The name Dead Curious Cafe piqued my interest from the start. I went along with an open mind, not knowing I’d become a regular member and still be going along over a year later!
The group gives space to talk about death from all different angles, both philosophical and/or personal; helped by the fact that anyone is welcome to attend – both regulars and newcomers. I love the eclectic mix of people who come along and share their views and stories. And that some days you may want to just listen and not speak and that is okay too.”
“Loretta expertly keeps us all safe, accepts us as we are and makes sure we feel seen and heard. For me, it has been a really helpful way to integrate my own loss while enjoying learning, connecting with others and experiencing a sense of community, all within the safe boundaries of a group set up”
“I started attending some of the Dead Curious sessions after my mother passed alongside the awareness of my own vulnerability and aging, and how it all relates to my remaining family.
I have found the sessions helpful in reflecting on and considering a variety of death/loss related issues for myself, often through the understanding of others’ sense of how they have been affected, how it’s related to others in their lives, and what they believe. It’s been useful, if hard at times, to remain open to what everyone is saying. It has also been enlightening to understand the perceptions and insights different people can offer and what might work for others alongside what is useful for me.”
More about the Dead Curious Cafe
The Dead Curious Cafe began at Tribe Porty two years ago, hosted by Loretta Dunn. It explores death as a teacher for living a meaningful life. By opening up conversations about death, we can reflect on what matters most in life.
There’s also space to share personal experiences of loss in a safe, supportive environment. This isn’t therapy or counselling, but many people have found it valuable to talk and listen.
The cafe is open to everyone. Whether you’re curious, have questions, want to share a story, or simply want to sit with the subject for a while.
Monthly sessions: Thursdays, 6:30–8pm, booked through Eventbrite on a pay-what-you-can basis (suggested £5). You’re also welcome to simply turn up.
Upcoming dates: 10th September, 8th October and 10th December.
Next topic: The Future of Death in an AI Society. Click here for more details and to book your 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.
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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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European Coworking Day
European Coworking Day is a community-led celebration of coworking, a day dedicated to recognising the power of connection, collaboration, and shared spaces. Events take place in coworking hubs all over Europe, each one bringing people together in its own unique way.
Each year, we take this opportunity to celebrate our community while welcoming new faces to experience the benefits of coworking first-hand.
Coworking is about more than just shared desks, it’s about connection. At its best, it creates a space where like-minded people come together to collaborate, support one another, and spark new ideas. And when good people come together, good things follow.
But don’t just take our word for it:
“I couldn’t believe my luck when I discovered Tribe was near where I live. I’ve been to many co-working spaces, and many have emphasised their ‘community’, but Tribe really does have it. It feels like a home in many ways. I’m only just getting started there, but I already feel very connected and welcome.” – Tribe Member feedback
It takes time
In previous years, we’ve offered free day passes. A day to try out the space with no strings attached. Uptake was often surprisingly slow so this year we took a moment to question what we are brilliant at and what keeps people coming back.
Ironically, what keeps people coming back takes one thing – time. Time to settle, to feel confident and comfortable in our space. Time to get to know the team and your fellow coworkers. Time to get to know the ebbs and flows, the nuances of a space. Really… time to find your groove!
Tribe has been rooted in the Porty community for 10 years. We’ve had coworkers with us for the full decade, some who have dipped in and out, and others now reaching their five-year milestone. What’s truly special (and a real privilege) is being a steady anchor point. Watching friendships grow, seeing coworkers support one another, and noticing those quieter moments that remind us just how lovely people can be. And it’s often in the everyday moments that this shows up:
“I moved to Edinburgh at the beginning of March 2026 and started at Tribe Porty shortly after. They instantly made me feel at home. It was great to see people from different jobs and experiences chatting at the morning coffee breaks or jacket potato lunches. Also the dogs in the office were a great bonus! I love it.” – Tribe Member Feedback
To help nurture more of that, while opening the doors for more people to be part of it, we’ll be introducing a few new member perks over the coming months. Nothing flashy, nothing that reinvents the wheel, just more space to be, to breathe, and to be human. We know our community is made up of all kinds of people, with different working styles, different rhythms, and different needs. That’s not something we just accommodate, it’s something we genuinely value. These new offerings are designed with that in mind.
Member Perks
Meditation Mornings are every Friday – you’re warmly invited to join Sonny in reception for a 15-minute guided practice.
Open Work – An accountability group that offers a space to talk through work, projects, challenges, and ideas, a place for perspective, momentum, and support from fellow members.
Slow Lunch– Enjoy a proper lunch, and eat something delicious. In the UK 80% of workers take their lunch huddled at their desk. We’re saying no to this! During June we’ll share simple recipes from our cookbook Work Make Share Eat and take a proper pause together.
Triber’s, you’ll find more details in the next Inside Tribe newsletter.
Join Us
Community only works when it keeps evolving. Tribe is shaped by the people who are already here and those who choose to be part of it next. We know community doesn’t happen in a day. It takes time to recognise faces and find your rhythm. It takes more than one visit to start feeling like your place.
That’s why, for European Coworking Day, we’re doing things a little differently. We’re a space for all kinds of minds.
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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Gentle Growth
Gentle Growth
As we begin a new year, it’s a natural time to pause, reflect and gently welcome growth and positive change. And we really do mean gently. If you’ve been with us for a while, you’ll know we don’t buy into the whole “new year, new me” mindset. But, new year, new changes, new thinking, new rituals…that feels more like us. Meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight. It builds slowly, through small habits, intention and a solid foundation, often starting with a bit of inward reflection. At the heart of it all is the connection between body and mind. When you care for one, you’re caring for the other too.
“Plants and animals don’t fight the winter; they don’t pretend it’s not happening and attempt to carry on living the same lives that they lived in the summer. They prepare. They adapt. They perform extraordinary acts of metamorphosis to get them through. Winter is a time of withdrawing from the world, maximising scant resources, carrying out acts of brutal efficiency and vanishing from sight; but that’s where the transformation occurs. Winter is not the death of the life cycle, but its crucible.” – Katherine May, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times
Connecting Body & Mind
Body and mind are deeply connected. They are our homes, carrying our thoughts, emotions and lived experiences. They hold joy, sensation and creativity, but they can also carry stress and pain, past and present. How we move through the world, how we relate to others and how we show up at work or in our communities is often shaped by how these experiences live within us.
Developing awareness of how we look after our body and mind helps us build trust in ourselves and, in turn, in each other. Mindfulness invites us to take responsibility for our time, energy and attention. By becoming more present and intentional, we are better able to act with balance, regulate our emotions and care for ourselves in ways that are sustainable.
“It’s easier to fall into distraction but the rewards of self-knowledge, mindfulness and emotional literacy are vast.”― Emma Gannon, Sabotage
When we feel disconnected from our bodies or ignore our internal voice, it becomes harder to self-regulate. This disconnection can quietly seep into our home lives, workplaces and relationships. Rebuilding that connection supports emotional adaptability, clarity and a deeper sense of wellbeing.
Getting to know you
Recently, I’ve been finding ways to tune into my internal voice. I’ve tried to get to know myself better by revisiting loves and hobbies from childhood. Particularly those that once felt natural and were enjoyed without question or hesitation. For me, this has taken shape through swimming and sewing (not simultaneously.) Swimming helps me reconnect with my body through rhythm and breath, and I now make time before leaving the pool to simply float. It sounds daft, but it’s honestly the best part.
Sewing, on the other hand, is both creative and methodical. It draws my attention into deep focus, and I quickly find myself in a state of flow. Before I know it, two hours have passed and I haven’t picked up my phone once. A double win! Over the past few months, returning to these pastimes has brought a renewed sense of joy, playfulness and ease, reminding me how powerful it can be to listen to what once came instinctively.
“Self-knowledge doesn’t mean solving the mystery of who we are, but learning to sit beside it with curiosity, rather than confusion.”— The School of Life
Well-being and community
At Tribe Porty, we see firsthand how individual well-being shapes collective experience. When people feel grounded, supported and present in both body and mind, communities become more empathetic, collaborative and sincere. Mindfulness is not just a personal practice, but a communal one. How we show up for ourselves directly impacts how we show up for others.
This ethos sits at the heart of our 2026 season of Tribe Talks, which opens with the theme Body & Mind. The series explores how we nurture ourselves and one another through wellness, community and collaboration. Each session is designed to be practical, relatable and accessible, creating space to meet ourselves where we are and to honour how we feel in the moment.
Tribe Talks – Body & Mind
We begin with a session led by Gary Young from the Mindful Enterprise, who will lead an empowering session on self-managing wellbeing, offering tools to support balance, focus and resilience in everyday life.
To mark International Women’s Day, we’re excited to welcome Louise and Kelly, hosts of the podcast Have You Frozen Your Eggs Yet?, for an honest and engaging conversation about womanhood, the intrusive questions we are asked, and navigating the many expectations placed upon us. The evening will close with a poetry open mic, centred on themes of mind, body and womanhood.
In April, we will be joined by Kirsty from Soberbuzz Scotland for a relaxed and uplifting session that champions sobriety and mindful socialising. Together we’ll explore how joy and genuine connection can thrive without alcohol, and how a sober lifestyle can positively impact mental clarity, wellbeing, relationships and self-confidence.
The series concludes with Procrastination Station, experts in ADHD coaching and building thriving workplaces. This session offers valuable insights for both employees and employers, focusing on neurodiversity, productivity and wellbeing at work.
These conversations aim to support greater self-awareness, helping us feel less stressed, more focused and more connected to ourselves, our work and our wider community.
To find out more and book your spot, click 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.
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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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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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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Meet Sonny & Beverley
You may have noticed two new faces at Tribe Porty’s reception desk recently. Over the past month, we’ve welcomed two wonderful additions to your Tribe Porty Team: Sonny, our new Community Support Assistant, and Beverley, our Operations Assistant.
We’re thrilled to officially introduce them and let them share a bit about themselves in their own words.
Meet Sonny – Community Support Assistant
Hiya! I’m Sonny!
I first came across Tribe Porty when my partner came home raving about a brilliant wee place he’d visited while working with Porty Community Energy—he said it was very up my street. A quick Instagram search later, I realised it was the same place where my old yoga client and pal Ellie was working! From the moment I learned about Tribe Porty, I knew it was somewhere I wanted to be involved with—whether that meant applying to join the team (I checked for vacancies more often than I care to admit!) or eventually becoming a co-worker.
It doesn’t take much to make me smile—whether it’s a warm cup of coffee, the sunlight hitting the trees just right, a cuddle with a dog, or spotting someone reading my favourite book. Smiling is just part of who I am. What I love most about Tribe so far is the warmth and life that fills the space. I’m a firm believer that buildings have souls, and you can really feel the soul of Tribe the moment you walk in. And then there are the people (and furry friends)—everyone is incredibly welcoming, which only adds to the warmth of the place.
My Working Life (Alongside Tribe!)
My working life has been delightfully varied, mostly because I’ve been a student up until this past year. I’ve hosted birthday parties at a bowling alley, worked as an admin assistant in San Francisco, slung coffee and doughnuts at Kilted Donut in Leith, played the role of shop witch at Edinburgh’s Black Moon Botanica, and chatted all things contemporary art as a Front of House Assistant at the Talbot Rice Gallery.
For the last five years, I’ve been working on my PhD in History of Art at the University of Edinburgh. My thesis explored the visual culture of a second-wave feminist magazine called Spare Rib. While finishing my degree, I served as Chair of a Doctoral and Early Career Research Committee—organising events, symposiums, and workshops. This past year, I was an Associate Lecturer at Newcastle University, where I supervised 20 undergraduate Fine Art dissertations—an absolute joy! I’m now working on publishing parts of my thesis and figuring out where my research adventures will take me next.
In addition to academia, I’m also a freelance yoga teacher! I teach at Tribe Yoga (mostly in Leith), Yoga’s Got Hot in Stockbridge, and David Lloyd in Newhaven. I’m hoping to bring some meditation sessions to Tribe Porty in the near future—so keep your eyes (and ears) peeled!
Community is the BEST
Since moving to Scotland, one of the things that’s grounded me the most has been the sense of community I’ve found in different places and spaces. Community not only gives us a sense of belonging, but helps us feel connected to something bigger than ourselves. Through various communities I’ve been part of, I’ve met some of my best friends, role models—and even my partner! I’ve built lifelong relationships that are deeply real and meaningful.
What truly drew me to Tribe was its focus on and dedication to building community. As adults, it can be so hard to meet new people—and even harder in this digital age and WFH culture. Coworking spaces like Tribe go far beyond just meeting people as colleagues or deskmates. They offer opportunities for real connection that move past the surface-level nature of traditional office culture—helping to build friendships, foster collaboration, and nurture a thriving, welcoming community.
“The moment we choose to love we begin to move against domination, against oppression. The moment we choose to love we begin to move towards freedom, to act in ways that liberate ourselves and others.” -Bell Hooks
Meet Beverley – Operations Assistant
Hello, I’m Beverley!
I first came across Tribe Porty when I became a part-time home worker – about eight years ago. I wasn’t missing the commute towork (two hours stuck on the Edinburgh by-pass twice a day anyone?) but I also didn’t find sitting in the kitchen – with the leaning tower of ironing winking at me from the corner – all that inspiring. I spotted Tribe Porty and loved the creative space and community feel. However it was not to be. But I did keep an eye on the events and activities that popped up on my social feeds and always felt it ‘was my kind of place’.
Fast forward to April this year, and after over 30 years working flat out running fast-paced brand and communications teams and a stint as Operations Manager helping establish a new Trust, I had the chance to step back and think about what was next for me.
Home & Work Life
I’m officially what’s known as an empty nester – no more ‘what’s for dinner, can you pick me up at 2am I’ve missed the last bus or have you washed my favourite top I’m going out in five minutes’. Both children are now either working or at University and weirdly more than capable of working a washing machine (who knew it was that simple). I’d also had my fill of board meetings, all staff away days and strategy sprints. I wanted to spend some time re kindling my love of all things creative whilst finding my tribe – people who care about connections, creative thinking and doing things because they are the right thing to do not just because someone wrote it in a ten year business plan in a world before COVID threw everything up in the air.
I feel so lucky to finally make it through the doors at Windsor Place and join Dani, Alice and Sonny on the Tribe Porty Team. The role is a part time one – enough to get to know everyone and feel part of the team – but with plenty of free time to flex my creative muscles (they’re not very toned at the moment – a bit like my thighs!).
Something I LOVE
So I’ve recently bought myself a small printing press and turned the attic bedroom into my creative space. Which brings me on to what makes me smile… mixing relief inks, carving out lino for a new linocut print, visiting galleries and talking to experienced printmakers about their amazing work. I’m also happiest in the garden in spring watching the tulip bulbs coming through and sowing climbing beans into little pots loving how fast they break the soil and grow their winding stems.
Finally, my guilty pleasure at the moment is re-watching Mad Men on Netflix which first aired in the UK in 2007. (It feels so much easier to watch now I’m no longer working in advertising!) There’s a quote from Don Draper the main character; ‘ If you don’t like what’s being said, change the conversation.’ It feels so relevant to what’s happening in the world right now.
Say hello!
We’re so excited to have Sonny and Beverley as part of the Tribe Porty family. Be sure to say hello next time you’re in the space—they’re both keen to meet more of our wonderful community! We’ll soon be interviewing them both on our podcast Working For Progress, watch this space!
Thanks for reading,
Your Tribe Porty Team
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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