We’re all trying to come to terms with that’s happening in the world and now the Coronavirus has firmly landed on our doorstep. Obviously the most important goal is to keep everyone safe but thousands of businesses have been broken by the ever-expanding guidelines on events, social distancing and isolation. Our lives are changing. However, it’s incredibly inspiring to see the fast action being taken to adapt to the crisis and respond to communities’ needs.
It’s probably a sign that I’m spending far too much time online at the moment, sourcing information, chatting with fellow freelancers and tuning into webinars, but I have seen fantastic initiatives by business owners whose worlds are being turned upside down. Many of those updates are getting lost in a barrage of tweets and Insta stories, so I thought I’d highlight some of the changes being made by enterprising Scottish businesses. Please support them if you are able to do so.
Some are clients, some are friends, some are my favourite places, some are people I’d never heard of before. Nobody has asked to be included here, I just want to support their initiatives. I usually prefer to link to websites but in many cases here I’m linking directly to their social media pages as they’re more likely to have the latest information.
In no particular order:
Sunshine No. 1 is a gorgeous gift shop in Mount Florida, Glasgow, full of quality products made by Scottish makers. Owner Suzi was the first person I saw quickly adapt to the crisis and she is now offering a delivery service which is perfect for last minute Mother’s Day cards and presents. There’s an online shop too.
The Movement Therapist has moved her Paisley and Glasgow pilates classes online! I attended a virtual class on Tuesday and an unexpected side-effect was that I didn’t worry about what I looked like or what other people were doing cos nobody could see me. Clare is also offering a few free/reduced rate classes to people who can’t afford it… but if you can pay then please do. She’s worth it. Her dog, Barbara, made regular appearances too. She was much more helpful than my cat who rubbed against my legs while I was trying to balance.
With people unable to go on holiday and an inevitable lockdown on the cards, Glasgow’s cats are with their humans instead of being cared for by Candyfloss Cats. So services are expanding. The Candyfloss ladies are now available to pick up pet medicine from vets, do basic grocery shopping and fetch pet supplies, doorstep deliveries, cleaning and, as always, they can take your pet to the vet. Existing clients tend to leave keys with Candyfloss anyway so it means there doesn’t need to be any interaction in person. It’s certainly a relief for me to know that if I have to self-isolate then they can collect my pets for vet appointments. Disclaimer: I’m a very part-time Candyfloss cat whisperer but they have full-time staff to support so this promo is for them.
More animal news. With football cancelled, Nairn County FC are walking dogs and collecting shopping for their local community!
Ashley owns With Jack insurance and has loads of small business and freelance clients. She’s answered questions online (thank you, Ashley!) and has a podcast ‘Unsure? Insure!’ full of business advice. A Coronovirus special will be available from Monday 23 March.
Briony Cullin is a star. Always helping small businesses with marketing and SEO, she’s recording videos to teach us how to do our own SEO audits, as well as sharing invaluable resources on social media and via newsletters. My latest top tip from her is that Crowdfunder (with Enterprise Nation) are not charging for new fundraiser campaigns.
Rachael of Gillian Easdale Dance School in Paisley has moved her dance classes online so kids don’t miss out now that their normal classes have had to be cancelled. I’m hoping my niece’s dance school will be doing the same soon otherwise my sister is going to have to retrain as a ballet teacher.
This Edinburgh music teacher is now doing singing and guitar lessons online.
Meadowlark Yoga and Hot Yoga Edinburgh are now doing online classes.
The Bungo are considering a meal delivery service in Glasgow. This is yet to be decided but I wanted to mention them cos I love the place. It’s always my first choice for dinner with friends and family. They do amazing food in a great atmosphere, and there are always loads of dogs to cuddle. I really hope they get through this.
Cat Cripps of Wildcat Solutions helps businesses with the best tools to grow. She’s moved face-to-face courses online, is running free webinars and has a supportive Facebook group to share ideas and resources.
The Wee Retreat is a wellbeing and meditation space in Mount Florida. I love it. I have been coveting that building for years and now attend classes and do photoshoots there. More and more classes are being cancelled so Vicky is selling gift vouchers. Buy them and plan much-needed relaxation time post-apocalypse.
Goose’s Quizzes have taken their pub quizzes online!
Spin Pottery Glasgow have created activity kits for kids on a ‘pay as you feel’ basis and are doing online tutorials.
Sean Tierney has moved his outdoor counselling sessions to online platforms and is offering a few free online appointments each week.
Super Market Glasgow runs retail events for makers and small businesses. They’re launching Supermarket Sweep, an online version, on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March. This will support small businesses and help raise funds for Glasgow food banks.
Bross Bagels in Edinburgh is now doing deliveries of the finest bagels you can buy. I really wish they were in Glasgow too cos I need a ‘Hungry Vegan’ right now. The legendary Mama Bross has also started self-isolation videos on Instagram. Not for the faint-hearted.
Penny Black is offering to write and post Mother’s Day cards for you! They sell quirky cards and stationery, all available online. There’s 20% off everything too.
Jen Wilson is now running her yoga and pilates classes and guided meditation sessions online from her home studio in Glasgow.
Dandelion Cafe in Newlands, Glasgow, has launched a collection and home delivery food service.
The fantastic Astrid (a band I have loved since I worked with them at the BBC about 20 years ago) is playing a gig live from Willie’s kitchen in Stornoway! Friday 20 March at 7pm on Facebook. All donations are accepted to raise money for Eilean Siar Foodbank.
Make-up artist Cat Robertson is selling gift vouchers for make-up lessons or makeovers. They’re valid for 12 months.
Family-owned Big Bear Bakery are accepting pre-orders by email, which can be collected at their southside shop.
Social enterprise MILK have had to close their Glasgow cafe so they are running a crowdfunder with rewards that can be claimed when they reopen.
Rose and Grants in the Trongate are offering delivery and takeaways via Just Eat and Deliveroo. There aren’t many folk doing vegan food on those sites so this is good news!
Many taxi companies are now doing grocery collections, including City Cabs in Edinburgh and Perth Radio Taxis, which gives me peace of mind for my parents who I have banned from going shopping.
Did you know Glasgow had a musical instrument and equipment lending library? Me neither. Music Broth is offering a musical instrument delivery service through its membership scheme. I live in a tenement and have a pianist upstairs so I will be hoping my neighbours do not consider this offer during isolation.
Glasgow Science Centre has been forced to close and cancel all their events so they’re doing live science videos on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at 10am each day to “keep everyone inspired in these challenging times”.
Leith Gin are making high strength hand sanitiser for free for those in need in their community. So are Verdant Spirits in Dundee, Brewdog and Deeside Distillery. Incidentally, I have heard rumours of shops selling out of tonic water and wine warehouses suspending online orders because they’re so busy… so it’s clear Scotland has its priorities in place for isolation! It’s at times like this I wish I wasn’t teetotal.
A photographer I know is selling gift vouchers for future pet and portrait shoots because all of her events, weddings, productions and commercial work have been cancelled or postponed. You might know her too. She talks about animals a lot. You’ll find her at www.juliebee.co.uk. Email her for details. You’re welcome.
Some of these services will change so please check directly with the individual businesses before relying on them. I’ll try to update this when I can but can’t promise anything.
Stay safe, everyone.