Scottish cooperative society celebrates anniversary
SCOTMID is officially celebrating its 160th birthday.
The cooperative society opened its first store on 4 November 1859 in Edinburgh’s Ponton Street, under the name St Cuthbert’s Co-operative Association.
To mark the occasion, Scotmid chief executive John Brodie and society president Harry Cairney paid a visit to the original St Cuthbert’s store for a cake cutting ceremony.
Scotmid also has various celebrations planned for its anniversary, including encouraging each of its stores to raise £160 for its charity of the year, Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland.
Over the last 160 years, Scotmid has claimed many significant milestones in Scottish retailing.
In 1959 the society opened what has been dubbed Scotland’s ‘first supermarket’ on Leven Street in Edinburgh, and in 1981 the society merged with the Dalziel Co-operative to become Scotmid.
Chief executive John Brodie said: “We’re incredibly proud of the fact we’ve been part of the local landscape for the past 160 years and the role that we’ve played in serving communities and improving people’s everyday lives.
“It is pleasing to think that we operate with the same values and principles as the pioneers agreed back in 1859.
“Thanks to all our members and customers for the support we’ve received over the past 160 years and we look forward to serving them in the future.”
