Forever Edinburgh has unveiled a new charity drive today, which will see it collaborate with local tourism businesses to provide hundreds of free experiences to those most in need this festive season and beyond.

The Resident Rewards Edinburgh Gives Back scheme is being delivered via Forever Edinburgh’s Resident Rewards Edinburgh programme, local tourism businesses, and the independent charity One City Trust, which supports those living in poverty or facing social inequality in Edinburgh.  

Almost 500 leisure and cultural experiences will be available for One City Trust to distribute amongst its network of partners and community groups. Experiences include Camera Obscura & World Of Illusions, Department of Magic, Edinburgh Bus Tours, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Marine Academy, Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill, Go Ape Dalkeith Country Park, Gladstone’s Land, Johnnie Walker Princes Street and more. 

Charities dealing with areas such as homelessness, youth empowerment, mental health, older people, disability support, food poverty, refugees and migrants will be able to distribute the experiences. 

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, said, ‘These fantastic donations are hugely welcome and will help nearly 500 people in the city to create lasting memories. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience being a tourist in their home city, and to enjoy the incredible events and attractions we have on offer. 

‘Forever Edinburgh is on a drive to make sure the city’s tourism offering is truly inclusive and these contributions will be gifted to local people through our charity partners, adding to the 8,400 discounts and experiences exclusively for residents that have already been enjoyed. 

‘It gives a chance to people who otherwise would not be able to experience these great attractions, and I’d like to extend my gratitude to all organisations who have stepped up to make the new initiative possible and who have exceeded our expectations. Their generosity is supporting the One City Trust in its efforts to tackle inequality across our communities.’

Describing itself as the ‘city’s official destination marketing brand’, Forever Edinburgh launched the Resident Rewards Edinburgh programme to ‘reconnect residents with the city’s leisure, hospitality and cultural experiences, and give back to them by offering exclusive offers to enjoy the city for less.’ 

Find out more about the Resident Rewards Edinburgh Gives Back scheme.