News, Volunteer Stories
Greyfriars Tartan did Tartan Week!
GCP Greyfriars Tartan flew to New York
Yes, THE Tartan Week! In early April two members of the Greyfriars Tartan Team, with Bobby the Dog, flew to NYC to take part in Tartan Day Parade and other gatherings and events.
The trip was an important opportunity to build on the success of this much-loved brand, as Social Enterprise Volunteer Champion award-winner, Janie, explains,
‘Every week, we welcome US visitors to our wee tartan shop on Edinburgh’s Candlemaker Row. They are really interested in the stories behind our exclusive Greyfriars Tartan and enjoy buying something hand-crafted to take back home, knowing that every penny they spend is supporting GCP’s essential work. So, in April, we took these stories and our wonderful tartan to them!’
The trip was only possible thanks to a generous donor keen to help GCP’s flagship social enterprise develop a key target market for its award-winning Greyfriars Tartan range. The team were fantastic ambassadors for GCP’s Tartan Social Enterprise and the project itself. Here’s how they got on!
For Catherine Jones, GCP’s Director of Social Enterprise, NYC Tartan Week 2024 really was a business opportunity not to be missed,
‘We know from our shop customers and regular online orders that our beautiful Greyfriars Tartan and the GCP story really resonates with our friends and supporters in the US. This visit to Tartan Week has really helped us build on this, develop our profile and boost sales. For GCP, the Tartan Social Enterprise has so much more potential to develop as an important income stream to support our essential work with Edinburgh’s most marginalised.’
Greyfriars Tartan – tradition with an ethical thread
The Greyfriars Tartan is a quality, traditional tartan, made from 100% wool and woven in Scotland. It is inspired by legends and stories of the original 16th century Grey Friar monks, Mary Queen of Scots and Greyfriar’s Bobby dog. It is also inspired by the award-winning Grassmarket Community Project, with every penny made helping support GCP’s essential work.
In addition to shop and online orders for its range of gifts and accessories, the Tartan social enterprise takes regular commissions and larger orders from a wide range of customers including Edinburgh Castle, Visit Scotland and Scottish Government.
Choose Greyfriars Tartan, a truly exceptional tartan, available online today
Greyfriars Tartan is available as a traditional or weathered tartan. Our amazingly talented Grassmarket Social Enterprise team work tirelessly to create a beautiful range of hand-crafted products.
If you have an extra special commission in mind, or a bulk order, please contact our Tartan Team today. We’re here to help!.
Accessories
Accessories
Accessories
Accessories
Fabric Jewelry
Accessories
Accessories
Clothing
Tartan Shop
Next time you’re heading down Candlemaker Row, pop into our wee Tartan Shop at number 58. Or, make a special visit to buy something hand-crafted for a loved one.
Choose from our beautiful range of tartan textile products. From brooches, to tea cosies and from cushion covers to scarves, shawls and bow ties, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste.
And every penny you spend directly supports the essential work of the Grassmarket Community Project. Thank you.
Opening Hours
Tue-Thu 10.30am-4.30pm
Fri-Sat 2.30-4.30pm
Become a Volunteer
We would not be able to deliver the amazing support and services we provide to vulnerable people and social enterprise customers without our fantastic volunteers.
The volunteer commitment varies depending on the role but can be as little as two hours a month. All our volunteers receive ongoing support and have access to free training throughout the year.
There are lots of opportunities for individuals to participate and join in! Everyone is welcome.
A BIG THANK YOU
The Grassmarket Community Project relies on the time and commitment of our volunteers. The Volunteer Programme is possible thanks to the generosity of our customers, funders and donors. Our main funder for this area of our work is The Big Lottery Changing Lives programme and we thank them for their essential continued support.
